Microsoft Messenger error: 81000306

You may encounter an error while trying to sign on to MSN Messenger: Error 81000306. There are various possible reasons for this error message. Some of them are listed below:

1. Your internet connectivity may be lost or could be intermittent
2. The messenger service may be temporarily unavailable
3. There may be some entries in the Proxy settings which may be blocing the messenger accesss
4. The “Auto Tuning” feature for networking in Windows Vista may be interrupting the messenger access
5. The wireless/wired router may be blocing the connectivity

To resolve this issue, follow the steps below

1. Check if you have internet connectivity. For this you can try accessing some websites and if they show up, the internet is working properly. If the internet is not working, please speak to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to restore connectivity.

2. To check availability of the messenger service, go to http://windowslive.com/desktop/messenger to check if there is any notification on non-availability of the service. Though this is highly unlikely, but still wortch checking before you continue any further to resolve the situation at hand.

3. Check for “Proxy Settings” in your Microsoft Windows Live Messenger settings. Ideally, there should be none. To check this, perform the following steps:
 
 a. On the Windows Live Messenger sign-on window, click on “Tools” and then on the pop-up menu, click on “Options”. If this option is not available on your messenger     screen, click on the blue question mark to get a drop down menu. On this menu, click on “Show the Menu Bar”. This will make the options visible on the top of the     messenger window.
 b. On the screen, click on “Connection” on the left panel of the active window and then click on “Advanced Settings” button in the “Connection Settings” segment
 c. This will open a new “Settings” window. On this window, the “SOCKS” text box should be blank. If it isn’t, delete the string in the box. If there were some entries in the box, click on “OK” button twice and then try to sign in again. If the box was empty, continue to the next step.

**Please note that the next step applies only if you are using Windows Vista**

4. Click on the “Start” button and go to “All Programs”. Click on “Accessories” folder and Right click on “Command Prompt”. On the pop up menu, click on “Run As Administrator”. Click on “Yes” on the subsequent window to allow launch of Command Prompt in Administrator mode. Now type in the following command:

netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=disabled

Now press “Enter” on the keyboard.

Now try to sign in to messenger again. If it does not work, go back to the  Command Prompt window and enable Network Auto Tuning feature by typing the command below:

netsh interface tcp set global autotuninglevel=enabled

Now close the Command Prompt window.

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Windows Defender error 0×80070003

Your Microsoft Windows Defender protection tool may report error 0×80070003. This is primarily due to Windows Installer issues, where the updates and patches are not getting installed properly. To resolve this issue, you should follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your computer as an “Administrator”

2. Run Windows Update and install all updates

3. Verify that all the updates are installed properly

4. Download and then install the latest version of Windows Installer (4.5) from the following link:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5a58b56f-60b6-4412-95b9-54d056d6f9f4&displaylang=en

5.  Download the Windows Installer cleanup utility from the link below. This will clean up any entries for failed installations on your computer and will allow troublefree installation of updates and patches.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Secure-cleaning/Windows-Installer-CleanUp-Utility.shtml

6. Now reinstall Windows Defender and run the Windows update again

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Apple unveils the all new “Mac Mini”

Apple has brought fresh lease of life into its Mac Mini range of computers. It was already in a small form factor which has now been enhanced for better user experience. The features of the new product are as below:

1. New Enclosure

The new Mac Mini has been repackaged into an anuminum enclosure, called Unibody. This has apparently been carved from a single block of aluminum. This ensures a perfect fit and finish which looks truely stunning on any desk.

2. Built in Power Supply

Unline the older Mac Mini, the new one has a built in Powe supply. You now don’t need any special adapters, just plug in the power chord and the Mac will roar up to power.

3. New Ports

The new machine has HDMI ports to seamlessly connect to High Definition TV. You can also transfer images and videos directly from your SD card using the SD Card slot. It carries the slot-loading drive from the older machine to play/burn CDs and DVDs.

4. Upgraded Graphics

The new Mac Mini sports NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics onboard adaptor. This delivers phenominal performance compared to the old mini. Despite the pixel crunching power of this processor, Mini continues to be one of the most green machines around.

5. Faster Processing and more RAM

Mac Mini now supports up to 8 GB of memory. This is twice the amount that older mini could support. It is powered by Intel Dual Core 2.4Ghz/2.66Ghz processors which makes this a mighty fast computer.

6. Easy to add memory

The new Mini comes with a removable bottom panel, which provides easy access to memory slots. Just twist the panel, open the box and add another memory stick.

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Backup and Restore – Windows 7

Backup and Restore in Windows 7 is a very powerful and easy to use. As explored later in this article, this utility is very comprehensive and can be customised as per your preferences.

Backup and Restore in Windows 7 provides following options:

  • Take a Simple Backup
  • Create a System Image
  • Create System Repair Disc
  • Simple Restore

Apart from these, you can customise Backups and Restores on your computer using following preferences:

  • Manage HDD Space used by your Backups
  • Schedule regular backups
  • Restore selective or all user specific data
  • Recover System Settings

Below is the Main Page for Backup and Restore in Windows 7, where you will get all the above mentioned options.

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 Let us now look at these options individually.

 

1. Simple Backup:

This is the easiest of the  backup options. It is very simple to use and you can backup your data in no time for future use. What’s more, you can set your preferences and save them. After that, it is going to be a Single Click backup.

Following is how you can save Backup Settings: 

Click on Change Settings option in the Backup section. This will open the Settings Wizard.

  • Choose the location for Backup files

          You can choose a location on your HDD, on a Network or on a External HDD. Choose the desired location and click on next.

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  • Choose the files you want to backup regularly

          Next the Wizard will prompt you to choose the files you intend to backup. You have option to let Windows choose the files or you can select them yourself. If you know what all files you intend

          to backup go for the second option (Let me Choose).

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  • Wizard will now prompt you for files and folders you want to include in backup list. From the computer directory, put a tick next to all the items you want to backup.

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  • The next page will prompt you to review and check your settings. If the settings are OK, click on Save settings and exit.

    

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You have now saved the settings which Backup is going to use every time you click on Back up Now.

In order to backup you data now, all you have to do is click on Back up Now. It will automatically backup your data based on settings you have chosen. Below is how Backup screen will look like once you start the backup.

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MSN Messenger does not minimize to TaskBar in Windows 7

If you have just installed MSN Messenger and wondering why it won’t minimize to Notification area (The area on the taskbar next to system clock), don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with your computer. This behaviour is by design. Unfortunately, for users, its intrusive and painful.
Luckily there is a workaround for this. Follow the steps below to fix this issue:

1. Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger folder

2. Right click on msnmsgr file and on the pop up menu, click on Properties

3. On the next window, click on Compatibility tab

4. Check the box for “Run this program in Compatibility mode for:

5. On the drop down box below this checkbox, select “Windows Vista

6. Click on “Apply” and then click on “Ok

Now launch MSN Messenger and it should minimize to taskbar. Enjoy connecting to the world with MSN.

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Tags: Messenger, Microsoft, MSN, Windows 7

Hassle free upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7


While the Windows XP users were left wandering by Microsoft through their product upgrade path for Windows 7, luckily there are others outside who understand the plight of end users. Microsoft has clearly stated that Windows XP users will not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 and will have to reinstall all their existing applications to work on Windows 7.

Laplink has a multi-purpose data and application movement tool that can make your transition to Windows 7 extremely easy. It’s simple steps do not require technical assistance and an average home pc user can follow the on screen prompts to backup and transition all applications to Windows 7. The tool basically allows you to select the applications that you wish to migrate and creates a small backup for these. After upgrading to Windows 7, you need to run the utility again and boom you are done. This tool supports all major application that a home/office user may have on their machines. This tool can also be used if you are planning to buy a new PC and were wondering how data and applications will be migrated. PC Mover can move data/applications across a network, Laplink USB cable, WET (Windows Easy Transfer) cable or any other removable media that can be used on both the PCs. What’s more, it also maintains user information and access control information. You can find detailed information on this tool on Laplink website.

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Tags: 7, application, backup, data, Microsoft, transfer, Upgrade, windows, XP

Microsoft Unveils its Thinnest Bluetooth Keyboard

Microsoft has unveiled its thinnest keyboard ever, the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, made exclusively for Laptops and Desktops. It’s a stylish, clean and refined product, offering comfort with Microsoft’s Curve layout. The keyboard also features a portable Bluetooth number pad.

Microsoft 6000This keyboard is just a few millimeters thicker than a AAA sized battery and tapers down towards the front making it light and easier to pick up. It provides comfortable and ergonomic typing experience through Microsoft Curve layout, unlike flat laptop keyboards. It also addresses the biggest pain points of notebook customers, a missing number pad. This keyboard features a stand-alone number pad, which can be used a feature with notebook machines. This number pad comes with a carrying case for enhanced portability and will be sold separately also. 

Microsoft has unveiled its thinnest keyboard ever, the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000, made exclusively for Laptops and Desktops. It’s a stylish, clean and refined product, offering comfort with Microsoft’s Curve layout. The keyboard also features a portable Bluetooth number pad.

This keyboard is just a few millimeters thicker than a AAA sized battery and tapers down towards the front making it light and easier to pick up. It provides comfortable and ergonomic typing experience through Microsoft Curve layout, unlike flat laptop keyboards. It also addresses the biggest pain points of notebook customers, a missing number pad. This keyboard features a stand-alone number pad, which can be used a feature with notebook machines. This number pad comes with a carrying case for enhanced portability and will be sold separately also.

Source: Microsoft

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Tags: 6000, bluetooth, Keyboard, Microsoft, thin, thinnest

ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER(0×80070057) on upgrading Vista to Service Pack 2


Security is a key concern in today’s computing environment. With multiple vulnerabilities identified in Microsoft Vista and XP Operating Systems in past few months, it is impreative for users to ensure that all updates and Service Packs are installed on their machines.

The Error_Invalid_Parameter (0×80070057),  primarily happens due to a conflict with old Application Compatibility Update for Windows Vista & Windows 2008. You can resolve this by following either of the 2 steps mentioned below. Please note that you may also get another error “One or more drivers may be incompatible. The driver listed below might be incompatible with Vista Service Pack 2. Check to see if a solution is available, and then restart the installation after the problem is resolved

STEP 1: Install the latest update for Application Compatibility for Windows Vista and Windows 2008 and then install Service Pack 2.

STEP 2: Uninstall the Application Compatibility Update for Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 2008, install Service Pack 2 and then install the latest update for Application Compatibility. To uninstall the update, follow the steps below:

  1. Click on “Start” and then click on “Control Panel”
  2. Under “Programs” section, click “Uninstall a Program”
  3. In the Task List in the navigation pane, click on “View installed Updates”
  4. Now click on “Update for Microsoft Windows (KB 972036)” and then click on “Uninstall”
  5. Click on “Yes” when prompted for confirmation
  6. Restart the computer when you are prompted for it.
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Tags: 0x80070057, 2, Driver, Error_Invalid_Parameter, incompatible, Microsoft, Pack, Service, Vista, windows

Windows XP Error: STOP 0×000000024 or NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM


You may encounter a blue screen stop error while starting your Windows Vista Operating System. This usually happens when the computer is unable to access booting files or the File System. If you encounter this message, follow the steps below:

  1. Restart the Computer
  2. Tap the “F8” key while the computer is restarting to get to the Startup Options screen
  3. From this options screen, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight “Safe Mode” and then press “Enter” key
  4. Once you reach the desktop of your Windows XP computer, click on “Start”à “Run” and type “chkdsk c:/f” and press the “enter” key.

This will launch the disk checking wizard which will look at the Hard Drive on your computer for any bad sectors. If there are many bad sectors, you should take back-up of your data and replace the hard drive.

 

If above steps do not work, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the “Safe Mode” as described above
  2. Double Click on “MY Computer” or click on “Start” and then click on “My Computer”.
  3. On the next screen, right click on the primary hard drive partition and on the pop-up menu, click on “Properties”.
  4. On the next screen, click on the “Tools” tab
  5. Click on “Check Now” button in the “Error Checking” box

Make sure that you check the option for “Scan and attempt recovery of bad sectors” on the Check Disk options screen. You can also select “Automatically Fix” file systems check box.

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Tags: 0x000000024, Error, Microsoft, NTFS_File_System, Stop, windows, XP

Windows 7 Hibernation Error: STOP 0x000000A0 Internal_Power_Error


If you are using Windows 7, you may encounter a STOP error when you attempt to put your computer in Hibernate mode. This mode allows users to save battery / power on their laptop/desktop machine. This allows users to store the open programs and files status on the hard drive which is recovered instantly once you resume from the Hibernate mode.

This issue has been confirmed by Microsoft and happens if the current Hibernate file is not large enough to accommodate current memory contents.

If you encounter this issue, follow the simple steps below:

  1. Click on “Start” and click on “All Programs”. Now Click on “Accessories” on the Start Menu
  2. Right Click on “Command Prompt” and on the pop-up menu, click on “Run as Administrator

If you are prompted to enter an administrator password, please type the password and/or confirmation for the same.

  1. You will now reach a command prompt window with a blinking cursor. On this screen type “powercfg /hibernate/size 100
  2. It will take you back to a blinking cursor without any message. Now type “exit” to get out of command prompt.

 

These steps will resolve the issue by increasing the size of Hibernate file on your computer.

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Tags: Hibernate, Microsoft, STOP error, Windows 7