May 17 2013

How to Remove Sality.AK from Your Computer

Sality.AK is a resource hog virus/worm designed to infect computers by proliferating from one computer to another. The virus or worm copies its programming code to the files and programs installed on a computer, and makes it slow like anything by eating up memory resources. If the infected computer is attached to a computer network, Sality.AK can infect all the computers connected to it (the network). Sality.AK cannot self-execute and needs a carrier like FTP programs, file sharing networks, IRC channels, or emails, or other sources mentioned in the post.

Affected Systems:

  • All Windows versions except Windows 8/7

Source of Infection:

  • Malicious emails with interesting links, images, and other questionable attachments
  • Existing computer vulnerabilities
  • P2P networks
  • FTP programs
  • IRC channels
  • CD-ROMs
  • Disks
  • Internet downloads like movies, songs, images, wallpapers etc.

Sality.AK’s Symptoms:

  • Slow computer
  • Blue Screen of Death errors
  • Low or insufficient memory error messages
  • Existence of “richvideo32.txt” and “windrfrd_32.txt” files in the Temp folder

Instructions to Remove Sality.AK:

1. Take your computer in to safe mode with network connectivity

2. Run a robust malware / virus removal tool

3. Clean the registry (back up registry before a cleanup)

4. Empty Temp folder and Recycle Bin

5. Install and update your anti-virus / anti-malware software

6. Run a virus scan

7. Disable System Restore

8. Restart your computer

9. Put up a firewall on your computer to monitor incoming & outgoing traffic

10. Re-enable System Restore
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If you face any problems and are unable to remove Sality.AK, or lose data during the removal procedure, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.

May 17 2013

How to Fix Firefox Fonts Problems in Windows 7

You may have experienced fonts disappearing, color shifts, or crippling in your Firefox browser after Microsoft’s buggy Automatic updates made way to your Windows 7 computer. The fonts problems in Firefox came to the notice after Microsoft pushed the KB 2670838 automatic update (back in March) for Windows 7. After the installation of the KB 2670838 automatic update, fonts experienced color shifts and disappearing (see the image below). Some Windows 7 users even experienced the dreadful Blue Screen of Death error which was sufficient to give them goose bumps.

Now Microsoft has cleaned up the buggy patch and has also rolled it out again to help Windows 7 users not experience any problems. However if the problem with Firefox fonts continues to appear, here are some workarounds for you have a peek through them to apply and fix them.

Step 1

Open the Firefox browser, type “about:config” in its address bar and hit the “Enter” key on keyboard to proceed to the page. If prompted, click the “I’ll be careful, I promise!” button to get away from the warning.
firefox font problem in windows 7
On this page, you will see a list of the fonts installed on your Firefox browser. Now search for a font namely “gfx.content.azure.enabled” (see image). The value of this font will be set to “true” under the “Value” column. Double click the “gfx.content.azure.enabled” font and its value will be changed to “false”. That’s all! Now close the Firefox browser and restart it.

P.S. If you are unable to search through the long list of fonts, use the “Search” bar at the top of the page (see image).

about:config

Step 2

If the above mentioned problem did not cure the fonts problem in your Firefox browser, then uninstall the Microsoft KB 2670838 automatic update and then reinstall it. To do so, go to “Programs and Features” (click the “Start” button and type “programs and features”), click “View installed updates” in the left hand pane of the window. Look for “KB 2670838”, select it and then click the “Uninstall” button. When prompted, confirm the deletion and then follow rest of the on-screen instructions. The uninstallation may require a reboot so do as instructed.

Programs and features option in firefox

When done, click the “Start” button and go to “All Programs”, “Windows Update”. Look for the update and then reinstall it. The Firefox font problem should be fixed then.

Step 3

If you recently installed Internet Explorer 10, you may uninstall it and restore the previous version (IE9) to fix the Firefox fonts problems. Though restoring IE9 won’t be easy but once it is done you will no longer face the same problems.
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Should you continue to face problems with fonts in your Firefox browser in Windows 7, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.

May 16 2013

How to Import Contacts to Outlook 2013 from Excel 2013

Microsoft Outlook 2013 has been introduced with new and improved features and file format support is one of them. The latest Outlook version (2013) now only supports CSV (comma separated value) and PST (Personal Storage Table) file formats and no other type like its predecessors. So if you have an Excel contacts file whose contacts you want to save to your Outlook 2013, you can do so by using any of these file formats. For now we’ll stick to the CSV format as the PST format is used only when you want to back your entire Outlook data. So here you go with those instructions to import your Excel 2013 contacts to your Outlook 2013. Before you go ahead, let me remind you that you cannot import workbooks having multiple worksheets but an individual sheet can.

Step 1

You will need to save your Excel 2013 workbook, which has contacts, in the CSV file format in order to let Outlook 2013 import it. To do so, open your Excel sheet and then from the “File” menu, select “Save As”.
import contacts to outlook
On the “Save As” window, select “CSV (Comma delimited)” from the drop-down menu beside “Save as type”. Select a desired location viz. “Documents” or “Desktop” etc. to save your Excel contacts sheet. Click the “Save” button and move on to the next step.

documents library in outlook

Step 2

Now that your Excel file is saved in the CSV format you can begin to import the contacts from it to your Outlook. Open Outlook 2013 and click the “File” sub-menu under the “Menus” tab and then select “Import & Export” from the list of options.

import export in outlook

Step 3

Now you will see the usual “Import and Export Wizard” screen. Select the “Import from another program or file” and click the “Next” button.

import and export wizard

On this screen, select “Comma Separated Values (DOS)” and click the “Next” button

expert file in outlook

On the next screen, click the “Browse” button and locate your Excel 2013 contacts file. Double click the file to open up and then click the “Next” button. Before you click “Next”, you can select under “Options” whether to replace duplicates or not or import or not.

import file in outlook

Step 4

Now select in which Outlook folder you want to save these Excel contacts to. Select the “Contacts” folder if it’s not already selected. Click the “Next” button.

import contact in outlook

On the next screen, make sure that the “Import “My Contacts.csv”” checkbox is selected. Now check the button beside “Map Custom Fields”. Outlook 2013 will need to map your contacts so that it can import them. Make sure that the contacts from the CSV file appears under the “To” field of Microsoft Office Outlook Contacts. If there are contacts under a column which don’t appear in Microsoft Outlook or vice-versa you may have to manually map them. When you are done mapping the contacts, click the “Finish” button.
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Should you face any errors or problems while or after importing contacts from Excel 2013 to your Outlook 2013, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.

May 16 2013

How to Change the Size of Desktop Items in Windows 8

So apt Windows 8 is that you can do whatever you want even changing the size of those large or small Desktop items is just a matter of hovering here and there. As it looks like you aren’t happy with the existing size of your Windows 8 Desktop items (though there are fewer on Desktop as it is very spacious and neat) you can change it to make them (the Desktop items) look like whatever you want to. Most of the old shortcuts and methods which Windows 7 users use also work in Windows 8 to help you do miscellaneous things. You can resize your Desktop icons (and not the live tiles on Home screen) in Windows 8 in apparently the same way you would resize them in Windows 7. Here is how what you can do to do so.

Step 1

If you are on Windows 8 Home screen, click the “Desktop” tile to switch over to Windows 8 Desktop. Alternatively you can press the “Windows” key to switch over to Windows 8 Desktop. On the Desktop, hold down the “Ctrl” key on your keyboard and simultaneously roll over the mouse wheel to resize Desktop items. If you move the mouse wheel forward, the Desktop icons size will become larger. If you move the mouse wheel backward, the Desktop items will appear smaller. You can continue to roll the mouse wheel unless you are satisfied with the size of your Desktop icons. When done, release the mouse wheel and the “Ctrl” key. That’s it!

P.S. If you are unable to resize your Windows 8 Desktop items’ size with this method, press and hold down the “Windows” key along with “Ctrl” key and then roll over the mouse wheel.

Step 2

Alternatively you can right click anywhere on the blank space of your Windows Desktop and select “View”, and then click any option from “Large icons”, “Medium icons”, or “Small icons”. Select one and that’s it. Your Desktop items will appear in the desired size of yours.

changed desktop icon in windows 8

Should you face any problems while or after resizing your Windows 8 Desktop items, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.
troubleshoot windows laptop

May 15 2013

How to Update Drivers in Windows 7?

Updating a driver is essential because without a driver your computer will not be able to communicate with any other external devices like mouse, wireless adapter, sound card, or graphics card etc. You need to update your drivers when the device doesn’t update automatically, or if you are facing some kind of issues with your device like it is malfunctioning or causing other applications to freeze or malfunction. Updating drivers in windows 7 is easy.  Here are few quick steps which will guide you through to update driver in your Windows 7 computer.

Method1:                                                                                                                   

You can download the latest drivers from the hardware manufacturer website. Updating drivers manually is much more effective.

Step1:

Open your web browser and visit the hardware manufacturer’s website.

Step2:

Locate the driver with the “Driver name” or the “Model number” in the search panel.

Step3:

Make sure that you select the drivers designed for your Windows 7 operating system.

Step4:

Download the drivers on your computer and save it on your desktop. Take a look at the Realtek High Definition Audio device (in the image) whose drivers are being updated.

update driver in windows7

Method2

You can also update drivers through Windows Update but make sure that before updating the drivers you must be logged on to your computer with admin rights or else you will not be allowed to install those on your system.

Step1:

Click on “Start” button at the bottom of your computer screen

Step2:

Go to “All programs”

Step3:

Click on “Windows Update”

Step4:

Once you click on “Windows Update” you will automatically get redirected to the Windows Update website.

Step5:

Choose the preferred driver from the list of updates which you want to download and click on “Download”

Step6:

Once the downloading has finished, locate the drivers and install them.

driver update windows 7

Method 3

You can also update your drivers through Device manager which is much easy and yet simple. Updating through device manager may take few minutes. You can go through with these simple steps.

Step1:

Click on “Start” button and select “Control Panel”

Step2:

Click on “System and Security” link. If you do not find this link click on “Device Manager” then follow Step 4 else go to Step 3

Step3:

Click on “Device Manager” under “System heading”

Step4:

Once done you can proceed to “Update device driver”. When prompted, either let Windows 7 automatically search for the required drivers and update them accordingly or update manually by clicking “Browse my comptuer for driver software” provided that the driver software exists on your computer.
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Should you face any issue while or after updating your drivers in Windows7, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get help from our certified technicians.

May 15 2013

How to Fix Windows 7 Explorer Error

If your Windows Explorer crashes following an error message “Windows Explorer has stopped working” or “Windows Explorer has encountered an error and needs to close”, it indicates a problem with drivers which need to updated, a malicious virus or spyware which needs to be removed, system files which are corrupt and needs to be repaired, or certain applications or programs which are malfunctioning and need attention among other things. You can repair Windows Explorer in your Windows 7 computer by applying any one or all of the below mentioned tested and proven workarounds. Check them out.

windows explorer error

Step 1: Disable Error Reporting

Error reporting when enabled causes a lot of issues, especially with Windows Explorer. It keeps annoying you with trivial error reports. Thus you can disable it and get Windows Explorer problem fixed. Click the “Start” button, right click “Computer”, and select “Properties”. If prompted, provide your admin password and click “Continue”. On the “System Properties” window, click the “Advanced” tab and click “Error Reporting”. Select the “Disable error reporting” button, click “OK” and then click “OK” again to save changes and exit the “System Properties” window.

Step 2: Update Drivers

You should update driver software of all your devices viz. graphics/video card, sound card, wireless adapter, wireless router, printer, and TV etc. Outdated drivers for any of these devices connected to your Windows 7 computer may result in problem with Windows Explorer, causing it to crash. Visit the manufacturer’s website to update your sound card, graphics card or router’s drivers etc. and download all the latest driver updates. You must always install the driver updates with admin rights to avoid continuation errors. You can also check driver updates through “Windows Update”. Click the “Start” button, click “All Programs”, right click “Windows Update” and select “Run as administrator”. You will be redirected to the Windows (update) home page. Make sure that you are connected to the Internet, otherwise Windows Update won’t be able to check for latest updates.

virus scan

P.S. If updates are a zip file, extract its contents and then run it with admin permissions.

Step 3: Run a Virus Scan

Chances are high that your Windows 7 computer has a virus or spyware infection which is causing Windows Explorer to crash or become disabled so as to hide file extensions, applications, and prevent your antivirus from detecting it (the infection). Launch your antivirus, update it first with the latest security definitions and then run a full virus scan. It’s mandatory to run a virus scan to make sure that all the files, folders and programs have been thoroughly scanned for any traces of infections. A full virus scan will take good deal of time depending on the amount of data your Windows 7 computer has. When the scan is completed, prompt your antivirus to delete all the infections. If you don’t have an antivirus installed on your computer, try McAfee.

P.S. To be double sure about your Windows 7 computer’s safety and ensure that it’s not carrying any trace of infection, you can run a free online virus scanner.

Step 4: Repair Damaged System Files

Broken/damaged system files by running the System File Checker utility. Click the “Start” button, type “cmd” in the Search bar, right click “CMD” and select “Run as administrator”. If prompted, enter your admin password to continue. On the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and hit the “Enter” key on the keyboard. Let the scan and repair utility run. Keep your Windows 7 installation media handy as you may be prompted to insert it to scan and repair some critical areas and files etc. When done, restart your computer and the Windows Explorer error should be fixed.

repair damaged file

Step 5: Do a System Restore

If nothing seems to be working and fixing the Windows Explorer problem, roll your Windows 7 computer back to a date and time when it was working fine. To do so, click the “Start” button and type “System Restore” in the Search bar. Click “Restore your computer to an earlier time” and then restore your previous settings. Make sure that you choose a time when your Windows 7 was just working fine without any problems.

system restore point

Should you continue facing the Windows Explorer problem, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.
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May 14 2013

How to Fix Microsoft Automatic Update Error 0×80070424 in Windows 7

While installing already downloaded Microsoft/Windows updates or starting the Windows Firewall service on your Windows 7 computer you may encounter the error 0×80070424, which indicates a problematic Microsoft/Windows Update service. This is a nasty error which when occurs, prevents Microsoft or Windows updates from being installed or Windows Firewall from being started. To fix this error and continue installing Microsoft/Windows updates to keep your Windows 7 computer functional, secured, and high performance deliverer, apply the tested and proven fixes given under here.

windows firewall

Step 1

You know that Microsoft has designed an automatic fix for the error 0×80070424. You can download the “Microsoft Fix it 50687.msi” tool from this Microsoft website:-  “http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968002”. Click the link and then scroll down to the section where it says “Run the Fix-it to restart necessary services….” and then click the Microsoft Fix it button. When the file is downloaded, you can run it with admin permissions. If your browser is chrome, you can run it directly from the lower bottom corner of its window where it shows the file is downloaded. If you are using any other browser then go to the “Downloads” folder and search for the “MicrosoftFixit50687.msi” file and run it.

security warning in windows 7

Wait for the file to run and scan for the disabled services and re-enable them. When done and prompted, restart your computer. Afterwards, you can resume Microsoft/Windows updates or restart the Windows Firewall service.

P.S. Disconnect any USB key, thumb drive or any additional device connected to your Windows 7 computer before you download and run the automated tool.

Step 2

If the problem is related to Windows Firewall service, then download the Microsoft Fix it tool 9810866 from the same link given above from under the section “Run the Windows Firefox Fix-It”. Download the file and then run it with admin privileges. If you are not logged on with admin permissions on to your Windows 7 computer, you will not be able to run the file. When the file runs, it’ll scan for the problems Windows Firewall is facing and fix them.

Step 3

If you continue to face the same error, power cycle all devices viz. computer, modem, router or whichever device which is connected. When done, resume Windows/Microsoft updates or the Windows Firewall service.

Step 4

If the error continues then restart certain Windows services and you will be good to go. Click the “Start” button and type “services.msc” in the “Search” field. Right click “services.msc” and then select “Run as administrator”. If prompted, enter your admin password to continue. When in the Services window, look for “Background Intelligent Transfer Service” and check whether its status is stopped or started. If it says started, then leave it as is. If its status shows “Stopped”, then right click it and then click “Start” or “Restart” whichever you see as an option on the screen. Now look for “Windows Update” service also and check its status. If its status is “Stopped”, start it by right clicking. Do the same for the “Workstation” service. When done restarting these three services, exit the “Services” window. If prompted, restart your computer.
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Should you continue facing the error 0×80070424 or face any other error after fix it, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.

May 14 2013

How to Install Skype on Windows 8

As Microsoft says “Wherever you are, wherever they are – Skype keeps you together”, Skype is always at your service to help you connect to your friends, family members or colleagues etc. sitting across another room, county or a country. Users can make free video calls, low-cost voice calls (local and international), video messages, IM, chat or share files etc. using their Internet connection (wired or wirelessly) or their cellular data connection. Skype for Windows 8 desktop is the latest version to help users make most of this service and stay in touch always with their family members, relatives, or friends etc. To being using Skype on your Windows 8 computer, you can download and install it. Check the instructions given below and get going.

skype in windows 8

Step 1

Open your web browser and visit this link to download “http://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-computer/” the latest desktop version of Skype for your Windows 8 computer. Click the “Get Skype for Windows desktop” click and your file will begin to download.
install skype in windows 8
Step 2

When prompted, click the “Save” button to save the “SkypeSetup.exe” file. If your browser is Google Chrome, then you may not get this prompt to save the file as it automatically downloads and saves the file without your permission. When the file is downloaded and/or saved, exit the browser window. Now locate the “SkypeSetup.exe” file and double click to run it. Click the “Run” button when prompted.
skype setup

skype setup download

Step 3

On the next screen, when prompted click the “I Agree – Install” button. Follow rest of the on-screen instructions and complete the installation. When done and if prompted, restart your computer. Once the installation is completed you will see a Skype icon in your system tray or desktop. Click the “skype” icon and create a new account or sign into it using your Hotmail or Windows LIVE ID account. Pin Skype to Windows 8 Home screen to have handy access to it to be able to make video calls, messages, chat, and do a lot more.
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Should you face any problems while or after installing Skype on your Windows 8 computer, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.

May 14 2013

How to Fix Corrupt Image Problems in Windows 7

If you are unable to view any images (be whatever format like JPEG or bitmap etc. these are in) on your Windows 7 computer, it is probably because these are corrupt and need a fix. The corrupt image files can also cause your Windows Explorer to crash or give some kind of error messages. You can repair those corrupt images easily and view them after applying the given workaround. Besides you can fix the problems arising with other Windows 7 applications due to corrupt images.

Step 1

Open “Folder Options” from the “Start” menu, and type “Folder Options” in the “Search” field. Right click “Folder Options” and click “Run as administrator”. Alternatively you can click the “Start” button, click “Control Panel”, and click “All Control Panel Items” in the left hand pane. Look for “Folder Options” and click to open it.

Step 2

On the “Folder Options” window, click the “View” tab and then check the box beside (see image) “Always show icons, never thumbnails”. Now remove the checkmark from the “Display file icon on thumbnails” box. Click the “Apply” button and then “OK” to save changes and exit the “Folder Options” window. Exit all the windows and then open the file or folder which contains all the pictures etc. Open any picture and check if it opens up or not.

image problem in windows7

Step 3

If the problem persists, run the System File Checker utility and repair the damaged files. Click the “Start” button, type “cmd” in the “Search” bar, right click “CMD” and select “Run as administrator”. In the “Command Prompt” window, type “sfc /scannow” and hit the “Enter” key on the keyboard. Wait while the System File Checker tool scans for the broken files and fixes them. When done, restart your computer. When done, open the file or folder which contains images and then open them. The images should open up fine.
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Should you continue facing problems with images in your Windows 7 computer, call us at +1-877-907-4935 and get an expert to help you.