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BOOT CAMP 073
BLUE SCREEN BLUES
Will it or won't it? Every time you switch on your PC or start
an application there's a heart-stopping moment as you wait for the opening
screen to appear. Most of the time everything goes smoothly but every now and
then your PC throws a wobbly and up pops one of those dreaded error message.
The trouble with Windows 95 and 98 error messages is that there's
so many of them and they never say anything even vaguely reassuring, like 'don't
worry, just do this or that and it'll be alright'. Error messages are either
totally incomprehensible or littered with scary words like fatal, invalid, illegal,
corrupt, failure and missing…
This week we're going to look at what some of the most
common ones mean, what to do to next and how to avoid seeing them again. In spite of what you may think relatively few
PC errors are random or spontaneous and most can be prevented by taking a few
simple precautions.
Error messages tend to fall into one of four basic categories:
missing or damaged files, programs or Windows freezing, Windows or other
programs doing something they shouldn't and hardware faults.
The majority of error messages can usually be traced back to
a deleted file or new software and hardware installations. The fault may not
show up at the time but the next time you start up Windows, it looks for a file
or application that isn't there any longer.
Missing Shortcut message boxes (the ones with a waving torch),
appear when Windows is loading and they are fairly easy to deal with. They
indicate that a program has been improperly deleted and is still listed somewhere,
usually in the StartUp folder or one of the Windows system files. Go to the
Start button then Programs and locate the StartUp folder, right-click the
folder icon, select Open then highlight and delete the offending item. If that
doesn't work try re-installing the missing program then delete it again, this
time using the program's own uninstaller, Windows Add/Remove program utility in
Control Panel or a proprietary uninstaller program (more about those in a
moment).
Incorrect or missing Dynamic Link Library files (DLLs) is
another frequent source of trouble. DLL error messages often appear after
installing or removing programs and the solution is to re-install the offending
software, but this time look for dialogue boxes saying that the files being
loaded are newer or older than the ones currently in use. Check to see if any
of those mentioned are the same as that which appeared in the original error
message and choose the option to load it or replace it, as appropriate. You can
use a similar technique to troubleshoot error messages concerning missing or
corrupt device drivers.
General Protection Fault (GPF) error messages can occur when
a program has a problem with memory resources. The only thing you can do is
close it down by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select End Task on the Close Program
dialogue box. If you can save any open files and re-start the computer. If
Windows stopped as well you'll have to re-boot by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete
a second time or if that doesn't work, press the Reset button.
The blue screen 'Fatal Exception' error message (aka the 'blue
screen of death') is a sign that a program has attempted to carry out an
illegal operation. It may help to know what led up to the crash. It could be a
combination of keystrokes, opening a particular file, or maybe it only happens
when another program is running. Try re-installing the program and if it keeps
happening contact the software company to see if there's a known bug or fix
available.
Following a Fatal Exception error and GPF Windows 98 and later
versions of Windows 95 will usually run the Scandisk utility to check for
errors on the hard disk. Occasionally, if the fault is deep seated Windows will
restart in the Safe Mode. This involves loading only the bare minimum of
drivers and system files; consequently the screen will usually be in a much
lower resolution. Don't worry if this happens, just wait for it to finish
loading then shut down, hopefully Windows should restart as normal, though you
may have to reset your desktop display options (Start > Settings Taskbar
& Start Menu).
Hardware faults are relatively rare and usually the culprit
is fairly obvious, it's the device or component you are installing. Very occasionally
faults can have a cascade effect and damage the motherboard or processor but in
any event there's little you can do, other than replace the part concerned or
have the PC looked at by an expert.
The root cause of most error messages is a cluttered hard
disc. Every time you install a program dozens of files will be created, some of
them ending up inside critical areas of your PCs operating system. Even if you delete
the program lots of those files can be left behind. Most lay dormant but it
only takes one minor conflict to bring the whole system down. You should
install at least one and preferably two PC housekeeping programs. Applications
like First Aid 98, Norton CrashGuard and Nuts & Bolts intercept crashes and
conflicts before they can do any real damage, allow you to save open files,
help you to pinpoint the cause and suggest remedies. The second type of program
is a disc cleaner utility such Clean Sweep and Uninstaller. In addition to
getting rid of file fragments they monitor new installations, to make sure they
can be completely removed.
TEN TOP TIPS TO AVOID SEEING ERROR MESSAGES
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Write down error messages, it could help you to track
down errant files or assist with calls to technical support helplines
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Never remove programs by deleting folders in Windows Explorer
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When you delete a program or file wait a few days
before emptying the Recycle Bin
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Always keep original program and hardware driver discs
in a safe place
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Install crash monitor and uninstaller utility programs
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Avoid installing unnecessary programs, especially game
demos and PC magazine freebies
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Regularly run ScanDisk and Defrag programs
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Only install one new item of hardware or software at a
time
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Make frequent backups of files you are working on –
every few minutes if they're really important!
JARGON FILTER
DLL
Dynamic link library – data files used by one or more
programs
FILE FRAGMENTS
Files or bits of files left behind on the hard disc when a program is
deleted
GPF
General Protection Fault – conflict over 'protected' memory allocated
by Windows to running programs
TOP TIP
On Internet Explorer 4 it is possible to open a second smaller
browser window by clicking on a link, so you can still see, and quickly return
to the original page without reloading it. Just hold down the shift button
before left-clicking on the link. Here are some more IE4 keyboard shortcuts.
Ctrl + D adds the current web page to your Favourite list. Ctrl + H opens the
History folder, Ctrl + N opens a new browser window, Ctrl + W closes the active
browser window and Ctrl + R reloads the page you are viewing.
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