“The last attempt to resume the system from its previous location failed. Attempt
to resume again?
(Use arrow keys to highlight your choice.)

1. Continue with system resume
2. Delete restoration data and proceed to system boot menu”

It happens during the unexpected PC shut down due to a sudden power failure, especially when the machine is in a hibernation mode. During the next boot up the system uses the resume loader to return from hibernation and attempts to load a hibernation file (hiberfil.sys) that could be corrupted. That’s when a black screen appears with the strange resume loader message.

There are two options:

1.    Press “continue with system resume”. If the hibernation file is still intact, the system will resume and load up. If that doesn’t help, proceed to step 2…

2.    Select the second option to “Delete restoration data…” The damaged hiberfil.sys file will be deleted and your computer will boot up, but any data that was stored in a hibernation file during the hibernation process will be lost. However, you will be able to start up your Windows system.

There is one more thing some of us could be dealing with – unresponsive keyboard. You may be seeing the resume loader options, but your keyboard may not be active, so you really can’t change anything at this point. If your keyboard and motherboard connections are fine (check them anyway), follow the advice below.

There is one pretty simple trick: restart your computer and enter your BIOS settings. (Press Del, F2, F1, F5, F12 or any other key assigned for that purpose by your computer manufacturer).
Once you access BIOS go to Peripherals section, scroll down to “USB keyboard” section and make sure that it is enabled, not disabled. I had the same problem twice (both times power failure) and fixed it by enabling the keyboard. I don’t really know why it’s set to disabled every time the power goes out.

If that doesn’t help there is one more remedy: open PC case and unplug the CMOS battery for a few minutes. Put it back, close the case and start the PC. Reset your date, floppy drive settings in BIOS and start the operational system. That should do.

Anyway, I would like to lay down the main points how to increase your notebook battery charge and keep it in a healthy and functioning condition for as long as possible. It would be great to have a truly portable computer that won’t bother you with the power issues at least for half an hour.

1.    Keep your battery plugged in a laptop and take it out only if you really need it. Taking it out too frequently causes it to discharge slowly.

2.    You can take the battery out and use your laptop without it for a longer period, but then make sure it is charged atleast 40 – 50 %. Do not take it out completely drained. Store your notebook battery in a cool and dry place.

3.    Use your battery at least once in a week (just don’t discharge it completely) and let it discharge completely every 2 – 3 weeks. If your battery is always plugged in and constantly overcharged, it’ll quickly lose its full effectiveness and potential.

4.    Do not leave your completely discharged battery for more than a day. This may result in a considerable laptop battery life reduction.

5.    Save your battery and turn of the devices and services you don’t really need.
If you have a choice to use CD Rom and Hard drive – use your hard drive. Unplug unnecessary external devices such as USB sticks, printers, external hard drives, mouse, keyboard, etc…

6.    Increase your battery power by dimming your screen. Bright screens drain batteries too quickly. Just don’t dim it too much or you will have to spend your money on your eye sight.

7.    Disable the unnecessary services and programs running in the background. I would recommend reading the post about speeding up a computer and disabling windows services you don’t really need.

8.    Set your battery power saver settings when working on a battery.

9.    Try using hibernation mode instead of standby mode. Hibernation completely turns off your computer, while stand by mode would still slowly discharge the battery.

10.    Make sure your laptop battery contacts are clean and rub them with alcohol occasionally.

Finally remember, Li – Ion batteries won’t last forever, they will get eventually drained out. Average battery life of a laptop varies between 500 – 800 charge cycles. After 3 – 4 years you may consider buying a new one. Then all you have to do is rinse and repeat what I have mentioned.

The location of MS Windows log files

Log files in Windows XP are stored in system disk (C:) and the path most probably looks like this: C:\WINDOWS\system32\config\. In the last “config” folder you may find event viewer files with “evt” extension, such as antivirus.evt, application.evt, security.evt, etc.

Windows 7 log files are stored in a different location. They are in Windows system root catalogue (or your system disk, usually C:) and the path is: system drive:\Windows\System32\Winevt\Logs.
The event viewer files are named almost the same as in Windows XP with a slight difference in extension: application.evtx, security.evtx and so on and so forth.

How to access and read Windows Event Viewer?

You can access Windows XP event viewer in two ways.

First:
1. Right click on “My computer” icon on a desktop, select “Manage”. The Computer management windows will open where you will notice event viewer folder icon.
2. Click on it and the contents will expand.
3. Double click the necessary event log file (Application, Security, System…)
Second:
1. Click on “Start menu”, then “Control Panel”.
2. In a new window find and double click “Administrative tools”.
3. Double click “Event viewer“ shortcut.

To access Windows 7 event viewer log files, you must do the same as in the first Windows XP option. You can also do it another way, but I prefer the first, because it’s easier.

Reading Event viewer warning and alerts

You should specifically pay attention to warning and error signs. In order to read them just click on the event you’re interested in and read the displayed date, source, and event ID information with a description below. You will notice two arrows on a message window – they will take you to the next log file entry.

Cleaning up log files in event viewer

If you need to delete event viewer log files just right click the necessary log file and select “clear all events”. You will be prompted to save the log file before cleaning it, just press no and the file will be cleaned. You may also save the files in any location, just right click on them, select “save log file as”, enter file name and file type (evt, csv or txt).

Spyware removers are designed to remove various adware, Trojans, dialers, worms, rootkits, and many other types of online threats, paying less attention to virus threats that are thoroughly eliminated by antivirus apps. With time the former progressed to the state – of – the – art a must – have free of charge protection applications which made it even more attractive.

Let’s head onto the best antispyware application I have been fairly successfully using in my daily computer administration work.

1. Super – Antispyware.
I have been using it for almost 3 years now and should say that it gets the work done. It’s light, easy to use and navigate and the effectiveness can be measured by the number of adware and parasites found on my system.
The Avast antivirus that currently runs on my system basically eliminates the major online threats, skipping the little ones that won’t be identified and deleted so easily. Super – Antispyware catches the nagging pests, cleans up the system and making it lighter and speedier. It’s still the best program for me and here you’ll find the more detailed Super Antispyware review.

2. Spybot Search and destroy.
It is yet another free spyware detection and removal tool which principally performs all the mentioned tasks that number one does. Removal of worms, rootkits, adware and Trojans is out of the question, and yet the makers take the extra mile to achieve much more than that.

With the new updated versions (the fifth Beta release at the moment), the Spybot S&D features:
• Removal of adware and spyware.
• Threat shredding.
• User – extendable database.
• Realtime protection against spyware.
• Teatimer function – protection against unauthorized registry changes.
• Tracking cookie and Axtive X blocking ability.
• Constant program and spyware signature updates.
• Refreshed GUI.
• Upgraded ability to work with other antivirus products.
• File scan on a network.
• Updated rootkit scanner.
• Reduced memory load.
• Fixed problems and issues with Windows security center.
• Extended heuristic malware scope.
• Optimized uninstall procedure.
• The new start center.
Spybot Search and destroy free download

Besides the usual Spybot S&D you can also download additional computer maintenance tools for free: Runalyzer, Filealyzer and Regalyzer. Their prime task is tweaking and optimizing system, file and registry settings, making you PC run faster. For example, I restored my sys file using only Spybot software from the Hiren’s Boot CD.
Finally, I would also mention the Spybot Search and Destroy bootable CD for cleaning a damaged OS system from the outside. The product is not free though, the cost is 39.90 USD.

3. Malware bytes.
One can choose between two product versions of this tool – free and pro. As you may have already realized the free is for free and the pro is charged. Let’s touch upon the free Malware bytes tool.
It basically detects the same kind and number of threats that the first two deal with, but there are some differences I would like to note.
• Chameleon feature makes the product active on infected systems.
• Precise and in-depth malware cleanup.
• No real time protection in free software.
• Real time protection Pro software version costs 24.95 $.
• Fastest scan compared with other free advanced antispyware removers.
Malware bytes free download

I would also add the ability to run it from Hiren’s boot CD, therefore even if you’re out of luck launching it from within the system, outside source is always an option.

4. Lavasoft Adaware.
The free Lavasoft ansispyware software has been in the market for quite a bit of time (more than 10 years) and it seems to stay that way. In fact, this year Lavasoft has introduced even more advanced free malware scan and removal software versions. I have used it in the past mainly to remove small nagging toolbar parasites, cookies and other obscure pests, however right now it delivers a higher level of protection, as well as better usability.
The product comes in three versions: Adaware personal security, Adaware Pro security and Adaware Free. During the installation Adaware Pro trial version will run for 30 days and if no action is taken, the product will change to Lavasoft Adaware Free version. That’s a smart marketing decision, if you ask me.

Basic Adaware free features:
• Free malware and adware removal.
• Real time protection.
• One time activation required for the free version.
• User friendly interface and easy installation.
• No opt in for Adaware toolbar on Firefox or IE.
• Automatic download of new spyware definition files.
• Reboot required after each scan.
• Silent gaming mode.
• Heuristics and rootkit protection.
For Lavasoft Adaware free download, press here.

Adaware Personal Security product costs 12 $ for a year.
Additional features:
• Ensures safety for online shop and banking.
• Safety for visiting social networks.
• Ability to avoid online scam.

Adaware Pro Security costs 36 $ for a yearly subscription.
Additional features:
• Two-way firewall.
• Advanced protection against elaborate attacks.
• Real-time email protection.

Step 1.
Insert your Windows XP installation CD into the CD – ROM and restart the computer.
Boot from CD – Rom. If your primary boot device is set to hard drive, change it to CD – ROM via BIOS. (Press delete, F5, F2 or any other key assigned by your computer manufacturer).

Step 2.
Follow the on screen commands to boot from CD. When the blue Windows setup screen appears, wait for the message “Press F2 to run automated system recovery (ASR)…”, and press F2 as soon as you see it.

Step3.
When the message “please insert the disk labeled: Windows Automated System Recovery Disk into the floppy drive” pops up, insert the floppy drive that you had made during the XP system backup process.

Step 4.
The setup will start formatting your system partition without any prompt. Make sure, you have the Windows XP backup file in another media or partition. The XP installation – like process will start, but don’t worry, it won’t last long – at one step the Windows ASR wizard will appear.

Step 5.
Press “Next” on the ASR Wizard screen and browse for the backup file that you had saved. You will see the message “Completing the system recovery wizard”. Press “finish”.

Step 6.
The XP ASR progress window will appear and your XP system recovery will be finished in a few minutes, depending on the computer speed and the size of backup file.

As a network administrator, I have dealt with numerous PC problems and while most would simply require fixing minor operational system faults, sometimes the clean Windows XP install would save much time and trouble. And if you have recently made a complete PC backup using Windows system tools, then recovery would be just a piece of cake. There are many other Windows XP and Windows 7 programs designed for this, but using what you already have is just another way of dealing with a system trouble.

There are a few things you must have in mind though, if you are going to backup and restore Windows XP.

1. Windows XP backup software is installed by default only in XP professional version. If you’re using XP home, you won’t find it in your Windows system tools. You can still download or install it from the original XP home edition CD.

2. In case your Windows goes nuts and you want to use the automated system recovery (ASR) as a last resort (after all the other options have been exhausted), you must have a previously made hard drive files and settings back up saved in your hard drive or anywhere else. Besides, you should also have a floppy disk that you must have used at a particular backup step, and which will be used at a particular Windows ASR (automated system recovery) step.

Now let’s get on to a step by step instructions...

1. In your Windows XP press: “Start” then “Accessories”, “System tools” and “Backup”.
The Windows back-up and restore wizard will appear. Press next.

2. Choose the option “back up files and settings”. You don’t need to restore what you don’t have yet. Press next.

3. In the question “what do you want to back up” choose all information on this computer. All your files, documents and settings will be saved in to a newly made system recovery disk. It will be used to restore Windows in case of a major malfunction.

4. New window will pop up asking to choose a place to save a Windows backup information. Obviously it won’t fit into 1.44 Mb. floppy disk, so choose a place in your other logical drive (usually named by letters D, E, etc…), o anywhere else that can be accessed in case of a non recoverable Windows. Write a file name. It will be saved as a backup file type.

5. Press finish and the process will begin.

6. At some point you will be asked to insert a blank 1.44 formatted floppy disk into your floppy drive. It will be used as recovery information in the automated Windows recovery process.

7. The “backup is complete” message will appear once the process is finished. Just be sure to place your backup file anywhere else, but your system disk, because it could be deleted in the automated system recovery process.

Choice 1

If you have recovery console installed in your PC read on. If not – skip to choice 2

1. Restart your Windows XP system.

2. Upon booting up, choose “Recovery Console” option from the menu.

3. When prompted – type your Windows administrator password. You may try pressing enter at once, if you don’t know it or there is no password at all.

4. Type Windows Xp recovery console commands at the command prompt. If you are not familiar with them, type “help” (without quotes) and press enter. You will be given a list of all available commands in recovery console.

5. Type “Help” “Command name” (for instance: help fixboot) for more detailed explanation of each recovery console command.

In case of blue screen of death issue, I would type (without commas) chkdsk /R, fixboot, fixmbr.

Choice 2

Use Windows XP Recovery Console from XP installation CD

1. Insert your Windows XP installation CD into your CD drive and restart the computer. If your PC does not boot right on from your installation disk, it means that you have to change boot options in your BIOS settings. You can do that by pressing F8 or F11 and choosing the CD-ROM drive or going directly into BIOS settings (press “Delete” key or F5 or any other that takes you to BIOS menu) and changing boot device priority there.

2. After the Windows XP setup begins, follow the on screen prompts.
You will see “welcome to setup” screen. After the files load up, select the repair or recover option by pressing “R” key on your keyboard.

3. Select the installed system you want to repair. Usually you just type “1” on your keyboard. It means you have only one operational system installed in your hard drive.

4. Repeat the steps 4 and 5 in Choice 1.

First of all, don’t panic if you’re looking at the dreaded BSOD. It’s just a temporary PC hardware or software problem, which can be resolved quite easily in more than one way. Well, it really depends upon your problem, but if there is no smoke coming from under the PC cover and you don’t smell anything suspicious – relax. I have dealt with the issue on XP as well as Windows 7 and never did I have to replace my motherboard, PS unit or anything else hardware like.

Blue screen errors are a common cause of hardware errors, which in turn are due to OS system errors. Here is the list of the most popular reasons and steps on how to fix the BSOD on Windows XP (some even work with Windows 7).

What causes blue screen of death:

1. Corrupted or missing system files.

2. Virus or any kind of malware infection that damages system files.

3. Accidental hardware malfunction or system error. It may occur during the accidental computer shutdown caused by a power failure. The reason could be anything from a minor glitch to a major OS system malfunction. Improperly removed hardware can also cause issues.

4. Newly installed hardware that is not supported by MS Windows. Graphics cards and RAM are the most common cause for this kind of fault.

5. Hard disk errors. It could be caused by bad sectors on your hard drive or minor software errors.

6. Removable devices. Anything from a floppy disk, SSD card to USB drives can cause the blue screen of death error.

7. Bad BIOS parameters. If you decided to “tweak” your BIOS, try to write down what you have changed, in case the BIOS tweaking scenario goes bust.

How to fix the blue screen of death on Windows XP; (Some will work even on Windows 7);

Fix no. 1

Restart your PC. If that doesn’t help, shut it down; take out the power cable along with all the keyboard, mouse, network, monitor and any other cables. Then press your power button for 10 seconds and put all the cables back in. If you have a laptop or netbook, try removing the battery, pressing the power button for 10 – 15 seconds and putting back the battery. Restart your PC – that should fix the problem.

Fix no. 2

During the boot up process try to switch to a safe mode by pressing F8 or F5 or whatever key is assigned by the manufacturer. Then choose “last known good configuration” and press enter.

If that won’t do, start your Windows XP in safe mode following the same steps with F8 or F5 or any other function key for the particular PC model.

After Windows XP loads up press “Start” – “All Programs” – “Accessories” – “”System tools” – “System restore”. Then check the option “restore my computer to an earlier time” and click next.

Select the second latest restore point date. If you’re not sure about the date the blue screen of death happened, you may choose earlier dates. Follow the onscreen commands and restart your computer.

Fix no. 3

If the second fix option doesn’t help, try using the windows XP recovery console. If you have it installed, then the option to use recovery console will be given each time the system boots up. Otherwise, you should use your windows XP installation disk.

Here are the detailed step by step instructions for recovery console usage.

Fix no. 4

Corrupted and infected files could as well be the cause of your PC not loading up. My recommendation is scanning your system with “Malwarebytes”, “Super antispyware” and “Spybot search and destroy”. All of them are free antivirus and antispyware programs which are pretty effective at what they do. As you won’t be able to start up your Windows XP from a hard drive, try using either a burned bootable CD for each of these antivirus programs or Hirens Boot CD. If you don’t have it, I recommend downloading it from here.

After the download:

1. Burn it with Nero burner or whatever program you have and boot it from your CD-ROM at the PC start up. You should also make the CD-ROM the first boot device – just change the boot device priority in BIOS or by pressing F8, F11 or F5.
2. When the Hiren’s boot CD loads up, select “Mini Windows XP” bar. Press enter.
3. After the Mini Windows XP loads up, choose between the three mentioned antispyware and antivirus programs and run them to scan the system for possible infections and damaged files. You might want to update them, so make sure you have internet connection. Even if you don’t have it, run the scan anyway. There are dozens of other recovery and repair programs in Mini XP; you just have to use them smart. So far it’s been the no. 1 system repair tool for me.

Fix no. 5

Use the famous Hirens Boot CD and enter a DOS programs menu. This time choose the hard disk tools to perform a simple hard drive diagnostics. Most of the Hdd tools will also automatically repair your hard drive. You can use both the tools in DOS environment or in Mini Windows XP. A few repaired bad sectors may as well fix the blue screen error.

Fix no. 6

Shut down your PC, take out the power cable, open the side cover (if you’re using a desktop PC) and pull out the IDE or SATA cable from your hard disk. I would also suggest checking your RAM, video card, network and audio card slots. Take them out, clean the connectors with spirit and put them back in. Make sure you use proper RAM cards that are compatible with your motherboard. If your PC crashed during the new hardware installation, take it out and power your PC once again. Very often the problem is related to bad RAM cards, improper graphics or audio card installation.

Fix no. 7

I have been noticing not once that the malfunction would almost always happen with a newly bought computer hard drive or motherboard. I have managed to fix the problem just by changing BIOS hard drive controller settings to IDE/SATA compatible. It worked for me not once.

Fix no. 8

Check your existing drivers through device manager. If there are question and exclamation marks – maybe you just need to uninstall, reinstall or update your drivers. If the BSOD error ocured during the new driver installation – you got yourself the culprit. Uninstall the driver or try reinstalling it and powering up your PC once again. This may do the trick. Finally make sure that you are installing the proper drivers compatible with your operating system.

Fix no. 9

Perform a Windows XP repair install. The detailed instructions on that you may find in my later posts.

There may be other issues that I haven’t mentioned in my post, and if the problem still prevails after you’ve tried all 9 steps,, I suggest calling a computer technician and getting ready to dig in your pockets.

Here’s what I have found useful when working with the Driver Max software and backup utility (that’s right, you can back up your drivers and make an update with the same tool).

Driver Max – the cool part:
•    Ability to back up and restore PC drivers;
•    Ability to update and install drivers;
•    Daily driver update check;
•    System restore points creation;
•    Ability to roll back to a previous driver installation;
•    Short driver download and installation time – approximately 5 minutes;
•    Unknown device identification and driver download and installation;
•    Hardware recommendations;
•    Online driver information;

The not so cool part:

•    The fully functional version is not free;
•    Drivers are downloaded from a Driver Max website for freeware users – not from within the program;
•    Freeware users are allowed only two free driver updates per day? What the…!?
•    Compulsory online account creation and email verification;
•    Waiting time before drive update download for freeware users;
•    Program adds for freeware users;

All I can say is that I have used it to download and install my network driver update, because it worked in slow motion, putting it mildly. I sure didn’t expect to see such surprising results – after the driver software update, the card works like a clock, no more freeze ups while browsing the network. Another thing was my newly installed ATI Radeon Express 200 series graphics card driver. Funny thing is that I used double driver (driver backup utility) which I wrote about in a previous post. I made the XP driver backup on one of my computers and tried to restore them after a fresh Windows install with double driver. The program performed nicely, but somehow 3 drivers could not be restored – my graphics card, PCI Device and SM bus Controller. Driver Max, on the other hand, found everything I needed and successfully installed the video card driver update. If you ask me – it’s the best driver update freeware of 2012 I have used so far.
Only one thing…Driver Max guys, could you let us download at least 3 or 4 updates per day? Two drivers per day download for a freeware users? Come on!

Free download link from Innovative Solutions

There is one thing that drives me crazy, when I’m reinstalling my Windows XP (or Vista) – looking for my drivers backup CD. It’s gone when you need it most, and what follows is disassembling the PC and checking your motherboard, graphics card, audio card etc… Besides you get the “pleasure” of Googling for the driver utilities and software, hoping you will quickly find what you need in one place.

Bad news is that manufacturers find it convenient to clean up their relic driver database every once in a while, leaving you with no other options, except browsing once more through hundred’s of results and hoping that some computer geek left a link in a tech forum to an existing driver files. You may get lucky, but more often than not you may just waste a lot of time, when the solution is quite simple – use what you have right now, utilizing one of 4 smart driver backup tools. Even more – update your drivers with best software that I have stumbled upon and then back them up. I have been successfully using a few XP driver utilities that might make your digital life much more comfortable.

1. Driver Max

This one, created by innovative solutions software company, deserves a separate post without any doubt. It comes in a freeware and charged version. In a freeware program version apart from being able to back up and restore my PC drivers, I could also perform an update, install and even identify unknown devices, – which is rare. Here is the Driver Max in-depth review.

2. Double driver

Double driver is a user friendly driver program and has one unique attribute that singles it out from other free driver utilities. It is portable and no install is needed. You may use it from flash or any other means of storage device. Download it, extract the archive and run the program – that’s it. The manufacturer’s website is, however, not working, so don’t expect any support there. The user interface is minimalistic, but there’s one drawback (at least for me) – the driver selection window is a bit complex. There is no explanation on what needs to be installed and what is just optional. Some drivers were ticked and most were not, so I figured the ticked ones were the most necessary ones. The backup was done in minutes without any hang up. It’s neat, easy and small program. Click for Double Driver software free download.

• Portable – no install needed;
• Drivers back up is done in a clear manner, each located in a separate folder;
• Ability to back up driver files in a structured folder (default), a compressed folder (zipped), or a single file self extract (executable);
• Driver restoration is done in the same manner – locating backup and following the installation wizard commands;
• Ability make a back up from non bootable MS Windows;

• Complex setup of essential drivers’ selection;
• Manufacturer’s website is closed, no support is available;
• After drivers are restored from backup, some of them are still missing – no idea why…

3. Driver magician Lite 3.91

After I have tested and used a number of driver tools, this one really caught my attention. Not because it’s freeware – yeah, it is though, – but also because it’s supported by a driver software company that sells the full driver magician version. It means that it will be updated and supported as long as the full version is sold on the market. Besides, the program was pretty easy to use – cudos for the freeware manufacturers. So far I am officially naming it the second best driver backup software I have used. There were some drawbacks though – it would freeze sometimes and take too much time for backup, but nobody’ perfect, right? Download it here.

Features:

• Driver back up, restoration and removal abilities;
• Detection of unknown devices;
• User friendly;
• Detailed info on the hardware drivers, with necessary to backup items marked in red;
• Clones all drivers to auto – setup;
• Free of charge;

• No driver updates available;
• Backup process takes about 20 minutes;
• Freezes a PC occasionally;

4. Uniblue Driver scanner

I would like to also point out this particular driver scanner, though it lacks backup function.

Uniblue scanner is not free – the subscription costs 25 $ for one year. You may pay 50 $ for the subscription package, which includes driver scanner, registry booster and speed up my pc utilities. Three useful pc tune up utilities for the double price is quite a bargain, compared to just one driver scanner. Here is a download link.

Features:

• Driver scanning engine and fast detection of possible updates;
• Quick and secure driver downloads;
• Automatic restore points to return to a previous state, in case of any driver issues;
• Easy, one click driver installations;
• Super user friendly interface;
• You may download the utility and check your PC drives for free;

• The update, installation and restore functions are disabled, unless you buy the full version;

Once you get a hang of just one of the mentioned driver backup applications – you no longer need to play detective in search of your PC driver files.