Windows could not start the Network Location Awareness service on Local computer

Problem:

Cannot connect to the internet either wireless or hard-wired with a pop-up balloon on the system tray stating that "connection status: unknown" and "the dependency service or group failed to start".

When you check the Network Location Awareness service, it is stopped. Starting it will fail with error message ""Windows could not start the Network List Service service on Local Computer. The dependency service or group failed to start".

Solution:

You will need to run a command prompt as administrator

Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (Right-Click and Run as Administrator)

At the command Prompt type : netsh winsock reset

Press enter and then restart the computer.

Unable to install SQL Server 2005 SP3 Update KB970842 in 32-bit OS

Solutions:

Open the Registry Editor:

1. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\Setup
2. Find an entry for Resume and change the DWORD value from 1 to 0.
3. Try to install the Update.

Or you can try to execute this command using the command prompt:

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Microsoft SQL Server\MSSQL.1\Setup" /V Resume /T REG_DWORD /D 0 /F

DST will end

Daylight Saving time ends in the United States and Canada on the 1st Sunday in November 2009. On November 1, 2009 clocks are set back 1 hr at 2:00am, Central Daylight Time, which falls back to 1:00am Central Standard Time. The previous 13 hour difference is now up to a 14 hour difference where Central Time and Manila Time are concerned. This means 02:00:00 a.m. Sunday November 1, 2009 in US/Central converts to 04:00:00 p.m. Sunday November 1, 2009 in Asia/Manila.

Solution to install the latest .net framework update

I know that we are all facing the same problem and that is having trouble installing the latest update. The most common update that don't install is the Security Update for Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1

To install the update, you need to remove all versions of .net framework using a tool:
http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/attachment/8904493.ashx

Restart the computer

Go to http://update.microsoft.com/

Choose Custom install and choose all .net framework and install them.
You need to reboot multiple times and check for updates online until all the .net framework are installed.

Latest Windows Updates

Grrrr!! I sooo hate the latest updates that MS released. Why they all fails?

-Windows users

Advertisement signatures on Hotmail emails

Problem:
This solution article provides information on how to delete a signature that automatically appears in all outgoing e-mail messages.


STEPS:

1. Sign in to the Windows Live Hotmail website with your Windows Live Hotmail account.
2. In the upper-right corner of the page, click Options, and then click More options.
3. Under Customize your mail, click Personal e-mail signature.
4. Remove everything that is written there, and then click Save.

Free Online Scanners

Here is the list of free online scanners that users could use in case they are experiencing any malware symptoms.

• Computer Associates
• ESET
• F-secure
• Fortinet
• Kaspersky
• McAfee
• Norman ASA
• Sophos
• Symantec
• Trend Micro
• MS Safety Scanner

XBOX Project Natal

I'm not really an XBOX fan or a gamer but I was amazed and a bit excited for their newest baby. I kinda like "wowed" by the videos I saw on their site and in Youtube:

No Strings (or Controllers) Attached.
Introducing Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak you and your friends can jump into the fun -- the only experience needed is life experience.

To know more about this newest gaming technology, please check:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/projectnatal/

Malware alert: Green AV

Symptoms:

This malware will constantly show fake virus scan and false alert messages and will ask you to purchase that fake software.

Manual Removal Steps:

1. Open the task manager, go to Processes tab and end all unwanted processes:
GreenAV.exe, GAV.exe or anything that looks like that

2. Go to Program Files and delete Green AV folder (or GAV folder)

3. If there's no Green AV folder found in Program Files, go to Application Data folder
(C:\Documents and Settings\All User\Application data)
Then delete Green AV, or GAV folder.

4. Restart your computer to check the result. If there are no pop-ups or malware symptoms, I recommend to run a full system scan.

Windows Firewall options are grayed out in XP SP2

Problem:

When you open the Windows Firewall in the Control Panel or you launch the applet thru RUN box (firewall.cpl), a message at the top reads "For your security, some settings are controlled by Group Policy".
You can't change your firewall settings at this point.

Solution:

You have to reset the firewall settings by deleting the Windows Firewall registry.

1. Open Registry Editor by typing Regedit in the RUN box.

2. Navigate to this location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ WindowsFirewall

3. Backup WindowsFirewall key:
a. Right-click on it, choose Export.
b. Export Registry File box will appear.
c. Enter any label for this registry in the File name bar.
d. Then click Save.

4. Delete WindowsFirewall key.

5. Restart your computer.

What went wrong?

A virus might disable the Windows Firewall settings so you have to run a full system scan immediately.

Unable to watch online clips or videos that uses Adobe Macromedia Flash Player

Problem:

When you try to watch online videos in Youtube/MySpace/Facebook/Friendster and other online sites that uses Macromedia Flash Player, you are being prompted to install the latest version of Flash Player. You installed the latest version but still facing the same problem.

Solution:

Download and run the Adobe Macromedia Flash Player uninstaller.
http://download.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/current/uninstall_flash_player.exe

Run the file to uninstall the flash player.
(Note: You may have to reboot to clear all uninstalled Flash Player ActiveX control files)

Download and install the latest version:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/?promoid=BUIGP

What went wrong?

Flash player components were corrupted.

*To download other version of uninstaller, please go to this site:
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/141/tn_14157.html

Unable to start Windows Defender with error code 0X800106ba

Problem:

When you start the computer, Windows Defender pop-up an error message:

"Error Code 0x800106ba Application failed to initialize"

The same error appears when you try to launch the Windows Defender

Solution:

1. Launch Services.msc through RUN box (XP) or Start search bar (Vista)
Or you may go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

2. Double-click Windows Defender to open the properties.

3. Change start up type from manual or disable to Automatic.

4. Click Start button under Service Status

5. Click OK and close the Services window.

6. Now you can try to open the Windows Defender or try to restart the computer to check if the issue is resolved.


What went wrong?

This issue happens when the service settings are incorrect due to the previous update or possible 3rd party program that changed Windows Defender settings.

First post

This blog was created to serve as my online source of troubleshooting steps. The TS here are not officially released by any computer or software manufacturer, however, they've been a tested solution. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please feel free to send me an email or drop a note in the comment section. Thanks!