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(Insert Software Here) does not work or crashes. Can you help? Does a patch exist?

 FAQ, Technical FAQ, Windows 2000 FAQ, Windows 7 FAQ, Windows Vista FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jan 052002
 

Can I help? Usually, no. The publisher and/or developer of the particular game or program that you are having problems with is much better equipped at solving your problem and offering updates to your software. Every software program has a contact list of technical support numbers. Please check your manual for that information as I do not have it. I do not work for any software publisher, nor have the resources to offer E-Mail technical support on software that, more than likely, I do not even have.

If the software makers cannot help you, there is little that I can do to “magically” make it work for you.

If you are requesting patch or update information: I would normally just go to the publishers or developers web site and look, then, E-Mail you the answer. You can cut the 24 hour lag time by just looking on your own. The contact information is in your manual that came with your purchased product.

Part of the money for your software package is used to offer you tech support services.

If you did not purchase your software, I will not give you technical support, assist in “guiding” you to the proper site, nor help you in any other way.

I am having a problem with my computer, can you help me?

 FAQ, General FAQ, Technical FAQ, Windows 2000 FAQ, Windows 7 FAQ, Windows Vista FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jan 052002
 

The major problem is that every system is different and the number of causes of system failure
are numerous.

The first thing you should do is ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your equipment. Drivers are such a common
cause of problems that there is no need to troubleshoot any further until that step is complete.

Second, contact your PC maker/software vendor for technical support.

The final thing you should understand is that I am not sitting in front of your system. Troubleshooting from a remote location,
let alone by E-Mail, is difficult if not impossible to accomplish.

What is the bare minimum services I need to connect Windows XP to the internet?

 FAQ, Services FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jul 282001
 

Depends. A network connected computer going through another computer and then on to the internet needs the following services:

DHCP Client ~ Unless you are using a static IP address.
Plug and Play ~ No real need to have it disabled.
RPC ~ Required for the next service.
Workstation ~ Needed to connect to a “server.” Also needed for connecting to another computer for File and Print Sharing.

For an analog (modem) connection, you will also need Telephony and anything that service needs to run and your particular connection method. (Auto Connection Manager, etc.)

Do I need these tips even though I am running WinXP Home? Are they the same services?

 FAQ, Services FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jul 282001
 

Yes. The core of all Windows XP products are the same. Some services are not available in Windows XP Home, but the ability to enable and disable the ones that are still exists. If you do not have some of the services listed, don’t panic! If your computer manufacture “pre-installed” your XP, they choose not to have certain services installed for you.

My internet no longer works with Windows XP after I used your tweaking tips, what do I do?

 FAQ, Services FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jul 282001
 

How did you E-Mail me? Place each service that you disabled back to manual, or even better, Automatic, to see which one you need for your particular configuration. Everyone’s is slightly different (56k ~ ISDN ~ DSL/Cable ~ T1 ~ 10/100) so I cannot have a “guaranteed” internet setup. Actually, the default (as long as it worked before) should do fine. :) You can also try out the “Safe” configuration.

Needless to say, using the “default” is not the point, but if you place each service, one at a time, that deals directly with networking or the internet back to automatic, you can narrow down which is actually required for your configuration. Do look at the dependencies and decide if you may need it! Your internet connection will not be effected if you do not use “Windows Time” for example, nor will “Help and Support” effect auto play on a CD Drive. Tweaking your system always comes with risk.

Take note: The very bare minimum you will need for internet connectivity is the following:

DHCP Client ~ Unless you are using a static IP address.
Plug and Play ~ No real need to have it disabled.
RPC ~ Required for the next Service.
Workstation ~ Needed to connect to a “server” or another computer for File and Print Sharing.

I would like to optimize my Windows XP system but I do not “share” an internet connection, nor do I do any sort of gaming… What do I do?

 FAQ, Services FAQ, Windows XP FAQ  No Responses »
Jul 282001
 

If you do not need ICS, be sure to disable all of the services associated with it. The “Gaming” configuration is a catch all that could be labeled “Power User” or “Slim and Trim” or “Minimum Memory.” I just choose to call it “Gaming” because that is what I do best. :) You should try out my “Safe” configuration if you are scared about breaking something. Also, view my Services 411 Page for more information on what services you may need or not need if you use your computer for other purposes, like work?!? View all of the Service Configurations.

You can also check out my Windows XP Super Tweaks Page.

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