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Windows XP reset loop reboots after installing Service Pack 3

I had another big frustration today. Unfortunately I reformated one computer before I found the fix, but it saved me a lot of time on the next computer that had the same problem.

Some Windows XP machines with AMD processors get caught in a reset loop after installing Service Pack 3. After running this little command, the problem goes away.

There are also a few other tips that resolve this problem caused by other issues, surprisingly Norton products can also cause reset loops after installing Service Pack 3.

Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network…

I looked all over the Internet for a long time to find this answer. Once I discovered it, I decided to post it here on HMR so that everyone can have it.

The problem arises in Windows XP while trying to connect to a secured network, often on a D-link router.

While trying to connect a new computer wirelessly, an error comes up stating that “Windows was unable to find a certificate to log you onto the network (Network name here).

Here’s how to fix it if it is WEP encryption…

What kind of computer do 3 teenagers use?

An extremely slow and sick computer!

Today, again, I ran across a family who has multiple teenagers (3 in this case) who use a computer that has become polluted with spy and adware. I see this situation again and again, week after week. This computer was less than 2 months old!

Give the typical teenager a Windows based computer (doesn’t matter if it is XP or Vista) and within weeks (sometimes hours) the computer is almost useless. Parents always ask me the next logical question, “Why did it happen?”

Does this give you any confidence in Microsoft’s direction?

You may have heard that Microsoft teamed up with Jerry Seinfeld (reportedly to the tune of $10 million dollars) to come out with an ad or two to counter Apple’s popular TV spots dissing Windows Vista. Overall, they are spending $300 MILLION dollars on the campaign.

Watch the video to see what Microsoft’s ad agency came up with for the opening salvo. After you watch, let me know what you thought of the ad by leaving a comment below.

New Dell Mini laptops


Introducing the Inspiron Mini 9. Starting at $349.

Dell has joined Everex, Acer, HP, Sony, and the ground breaking Asus Eee PC in the arena of the netbook. Netbooks are small laptops with a screen of 9″ or smaller and a weight of less than 2.5 pounds. They all run on either a form of Linux or Windows XP. The Dell Inspiron Mini (click the picture above to buy or read more about them) is Dell’s entry into this increasingly crowded and popular market. Remember that these netbooks are not for everyone, but they fill a niche for frequent travelers, train or bus commuters, and computer users who want an inexpensive yet capable second computer.

Vista can run faster if you…

I just finished my normal Sunday morning routine of breakfast with the Sunday paper. I always peruse the Sunday high tech ads to keep tabs on prices. Computer prices continue to drop (and I still think manufacturers are getting a kick back from Microsoft) to help spur sluggish sales.

However, the past few weeks, I picked up on another trend; increased RAM.

In this week’s big 4 ads (Office Depot, Office Max, Circuit City, and Best Buy), there were 43 desktop and laptop ads. Out of these 43 systems, only one of them had

AVG stumbles again

Admittedly, Grisoft has not had a great summer with the roll out of their newest product, AVG 8. They tried to force the upgrade on users a little too quickly with quick deadlines. However, almost five months after the release of the new version, I still find users who haven’t upgraded yet, but Grisoft is still updating the older version.

The installation of the new version included some new features that are designed to scan links for bad web sites in your searches. This feature caused some problems for Windows Vista users and even caused some problems for email users.

Earlier this summer, AVG’s upgrade servers downloaded a bad update to many computers that caused an error that confused and dazed many users.

AVG .bin error

Sunday morning update 8/17/08:  Grisosft has already corrected the .bin problem and the panic is over. You can RIGHT click your AVG icon by your clock and click Check for Updates, then update on the screen that appears and all will be well again. This was a perfect example demonstrating that when something goes awry with your computer, the best thing to do is to remain calm and patient. The problem will get resolved automatically much of the time. If you start monkeying around with settings and changing and reinstalling programs, the problem will only get worse.

 

Dell goes deeper into Linux

Dell announced that they will release a line of laptop computers this fall with an instant on technology called Latitude On. Early indications are that it will closely mimic the Splashtop technology I wrote about last year and during CES 2008. And like Splashtop, the Dell technology involves using a light version of Linux to produce an extremely fast boot up (30 seconds or less) time and can access the Internet through Firefox and a wireless signal.

Asus started a whole new trend

I just returned from visiting my brother and his new baby and traveled, again, with only my phone and my Asus Eee PC. As usual, the little laptop did not disappoint. I was able to keep up with email, work with my spreadsheets and word processing documents and do other web research as well. All from a little marvel that cost less than $400 and weighs less than 2 pounds.