My wireless connection is not connected when my computer resumes from sleep or hibernation.

When coming out of sleep or hibernation, your wireless network connection might not reconnect if the power options on your wireless adapter are set to a power-saving mode. To check or change your current power options, follow the steps below for your operating system:

Windows 7

1. Open Power Options by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, and then clicking Power Options.

2. Next to your currently selected power plan, click Change plan settings, and then click Change advanced power settings.

3. Click to expand the Wireless Adapter Settings section, and then click to expand the Power Saving Mode section.

4. If the setting is currently anything other than "Maximum Performance," click it and then select Maximum Performance.

Note

You can also set the On battery setting to "Maximum Performance." For more information on power management, see the Power management feature page on the Microsoft website (Microsoft.com).

Windows Vista

1. Open Power Options by clicking the Start button ,
2. Next to your currently selected power plan, click Change plan settings, and then click Change advanced power settings.
3. 3. Click to expand the Wireless Adapter Settings section, and then click to expand the Power Saving Mode section.
4. 4. If the setting is currently anything other than "Maximum Performance," click it and then select Maximum Performance.
5. Note
6. You can also set the On battery setting to "Maximum Performance." For more information on power management, see What's new in managing power settings (windows.microsoft.com).

Windows XP

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.

2. Right-click the wireless network connection that has lost connectivity, and then click Properties.

3. On the General tab, click Configure.

4. Click the Advanced tab, click Power Save Mode. If the setting in the Value list is currently anything other than "Off," change it to Off.

My wireless network in the list of available networks?

Your wireless router might not be set to broadcast its network ID (SSID). If this is the case you won’t see the network when viewing available networks. Enabling the router to broadcast its network ID makes the network visible to any user within range of the network.

To check your wireless router and enable the option to broadcast the network ID (SSID), refer to the documentation that came with the wireless router or follow these basic steps:

1. Connect your computer to the network using a network cable, start Internet Explorer, and type the IP address for your wireless router (for example, 192.168.1.1 or 172.16.0.0).

2. Enter the user name and password to access the router settings. The documentation will contain the default user name and password.

3. On the wireless router page, look for a Wireless Settings option. Depending on the router manufacturer, this might be a tab, an icon or just an option in a task pane.

4. On the Wireless Settings page, look for an option to Enable SSID Broadcast or Wireless SSID Broadcast. Click the radio button or place a check in the box to enable this option, then save your router settings.

Note

If you can't find the option to enable broadcasting, check the documentation that came with the router or contact the router manufacturer.

How do I connect to a hidden wireless network?

A hidden wireless network is a wireless network that isn't broadcasting its network ID (SSID). For more information about the risks of connecting to hidden networks, see What are the risks of connecting to a hidden network?

If you still want to connect to a hidden wireless network despite the risks, you'll need to gather some information from the wireless router first. Use the following basic steps to gather that information. You can also check the documentation that came with the wireless router or contact the router manufacturer.

1. Gather the following information:

Ø      Network ID (SSID), the name that would normally appear in the list of available networks.

Ø      Security type (WPA, WPA2, WEP, or 802.1X).

Ø      Encryption type.

Ø      Security key

2. Then follow the steps below for the operating system you are using.

Windows 7

To connect to a hidden network in Windows® 7, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Network and Internet, click Network and Sharing Center, and then click Set up a new connection or network.

2. Click Manually connect to a wireless network, and then click Next.

3. Type the network name (network ID, or SSID).

4. Choose the security type, or, if your wireless network doesn't have security enabled, select No authentication (Open).

5. Choose the encryption type. If your security type is WPA2-PSK(AES), select AES. Otherwise, leave the default value selected by Windows 7.

6. Type the security key. For WEP security, use the WEP key. For WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK (AES), use the preshared key.

7. To automatically connect to the network each time you start Windows, select the Start this connection automatically and Connect even if the network is not broadcasting check boxes.

8. Click Next, and then click to close the connection verification window.

Windows Vista

To connect to a hidden network in Windows Vista®, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, and then click View network status and tasks.

2. In the task pane, click Manage wireless networks.

3. Click Add, and then click Manually create network profile.

4. Type the network name (network ID, or SSID).

5. Choose the security type (WEP, WPA, WPA2).

6. Choose the encryption type (AES or PSK).

7. Type the security key or passphrase.

8. To connect automatically to this network, select the Start this connection automatically check box.

9. To connect to a network that doesn’t broadcast, select the Connect if the network is not broadcasting check box.

Windows XP

To connect to a hidden network in Windows® XP, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.

2. Right-click Wireless Network Connection, and then click Properties.

3. Click the Wireless Networks tab, make sure the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box is selected, and then click Add.

4. Type the network name (SSID), and then select the Connect even if this network is not broadcasting check box.

5. Select your network authentication type. Select Open for no security or for WEP encryption, or select WPA or WPA2 if applicable.

6. Select your data encryption type.

7. Clear the The key is provided for me automatically check box.

8. Type and confirm your network key (security key or passkey), and then click OK.

9. Your network should now be listed in Preferred networks list.

10. Click OK to save the settings.

What are the different types of wireless network technologies

<< Applies to all editions of Windows 7 >>

Currently, there are four options: 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n. The tables below compare these technologies.

802.11b

Speed : Up to 11 megabits per second (Mbps)

Pros : Has good signal range

Cons :

Ø      Has the slowest transmission speed.

Ø      Allows for fewer simultaneous users.

Ø      Uses the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) frequency (the same as many microwave ovens, cordless phones, and other appliances), which can cause interference

802.11a

Speed Up to 54 Mbps

Pros

Ø      Allows for more simultaneous users

Ø      Uses the 5 GHz frequency, which limits interference from other devices

Cons

Ø      Has a shorter signal range, which is more easily obstructed by walls and other obstacles.

Ø      Is not compatible with 802.11b network adapters, routers, and access points

802.11g

Speed Up to 54 Mbps

Pros

Ø      Has a transmission speed comparable to 802.11a under optimal conditions.

Ø      Allows for more simultaneous users.

Ø      Has good signal range and isn't easily obstructed.

Ø      Is compatible with 802.11b network adapters, routers, and access points

Cons

Uses the 2.4 GHz frequency so it has the same interference problems as 802.11b

802.11n

Speed Depending upon the number of data streams the hardware supports, 802.11n can transmit data at up to 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 450 Mbps, or 600 Mbps

Pros

Ø      Has the fastest speed.

Ø      Uses multiple signals and antennas for better speed.

Ø      Allows for more simultaneous users.

Ø      Has the best signal range and isn't easily obstructed.

Ø      Is resistant to interference from other devices.

Ø      Can use either the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz frequency.

Ø      If using 2.4 GHz frequency, it's compatible with 802.11g network adapters, routers, and access points

Cons

Ø      If using the 2.4 GHz frequency, it can have the same interference problems as 802.11b.

Ø      This protocol is still being finalized, and some requirements could change.

NOTE:- If you have more than one wireless network adapter in your computer or if your adapter uses more than one standard, you can specify which adapter or standard to use for each network connection. For example, if you have a computer that you use for streaming media to other computers on your network, you should set it up to use an 802.11a or 802.11n connection, if available, because you'll get a faster data transfer rate when you watch videos or listen to music.

How to enable Windows 7 administrator account

Method 1: Use Command Prompt

The easiest way to enable Windows 7 built-in administrator account is to use Command Prompt.

1. Click Start and type cmd in the search box. Right-click cmd and select Run as Administrator.

2. Click Yes when prompted to allow the Command Processor to run. And then the command prompt will appear.

3. Type net user in the command prompt window, and then hit Enter. All the Windows account user names will be listed. You'll also see the Administrator account, but now it is not enabled.

4. Type net user administrator /active:yes and hit Enter to enable Windows 7 admin account.

Method 2: Use Local Users and Groups

1. Click Start and type lusrmgr.msc in the search box, and then hit Enter. The Local Users and Groups screen will come up.

2. Double-click the Users folder. And all the Windows 7 account will be displayed for you.

3. Right-click the Administrator account and select Properties.

4. Uncheck the "Account is disabled" check-box and click OK on the Administrator Properties screen.

Access Denied Error Messages

[On Your Computer / On a Shared Network / On the Internet]

Please Refer to (support.microsoft.com)

"The User Profile Service failed the logon. User profile cannot be loaded”, when logging on to Windows 7 or Windows Vista

Note:- You must be able to log on to an administrator account to fix your user profile or copy your data to a new account. Before starting fix the issue, log on to Windows by using another account that has administrative permissions

Method 1: Fix the User Account Profile

1) Click Start

2) In Start Search (Windows Vista) or Search programs and files (Windows 7) area, type in regedit, and press Enter.

3) If prompted by UAC, click Continue (Windows Vista) or Yes (Windows 7).

4) In Registry Editor, go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

5) In the left pane, look for the folder name starting with S-1-5 (SID key) followed by a long number. then click each folder and locate ProfileImagePath from the right pane, double click to verify that this is the user account profile that has the error.

If you have two folders starting with S-1-5 followed by same long nubmers and one of them ended with .bak. Change the .bak folder to normal one. To do this, follow the steps below:

a) Right click the folder without .bak and choose Rename. Then add .ba at the end of the folder name.

b) Right click the folder with .bak and choose Rename. Then remove .bak at the end of the folder name.

c) Right click the folder with .ba and choose Rename. Then change the .ba to .bak at the end of the folder name.

If you have only one folder starting with S-1-5 followed by a long numbers and ended with .bak. Right click the folder and choose Rename. Then remove .bak at the end of the folder name.

6) Choose the folder without .bak, in the right pane, double click RefCount and type 0 and then click OK.

7) Choose the folder without .bak, in the right pane, double click State and type 0 and then click OK.

8) Close Registry Editor.

9) Restart the computer.

10) Log on again with your account.

Method 2: Log on to Windows and copy your data to a new account

Method 3: Delete the error SID and create a new profile

To resolve this problem yourself, follow these steps:

1) Delete the profile by using the Computer Properties dialog box. To do this, follow these steps:

a) Click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.

b) Click Change settings.

c) In the System Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab.

d) Under User Profiles, click Settings.

e) In the User Profiles dialog box, select the profile that you want to delete, click Delete, and then click OK.

2) Click Start, type regedit in the Start search box, and then press ENTER.

3) Locate and then expand the following registry subkey:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList

4) Right-click the SID that you want to remove, and then click Delete.

Log on to the computer and create a new profile.

For Detailed Information Please Visit (support.micordoft.com)

TEN BASIC STEPS TO MAKE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK SAFE

Today's Wi-Fi networking products don't always help the situation as configuring their security features can be time-consuming and non-intuitive. The recommendations below summarize the steps you should take to improve the security of your home wireless network.

1. Change Default Administrator Passwords (and Usernames)

At the core of most Wi-Fi home networks is an access point or router. To set up these pieces of equipment, manufacturers provide Web pages that allow owners to enter their network address and account information. These Web tools are protected with a login screen (username and password) so that only the rightful owner can do this. However, for any given piece of equipment, the logins provided are simple and very well-known to hackers on the Internet. Change these settings immediately.

2. Turn on (Compatible) WPA / WEP Encryption

All Wi-Fi equipment supports some form of encryption. Encryption technology scrambles messages sent over wireless networks so that they cannot be easily read by humans. Several encryption technologies exist for Wi-Fi today. Naturally you will want to pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network. However, the way these technologies work, all Wi-Fi devices on your network must share the identical encryption settings. Therefore you may need to find a "lowest common denominator" setting.

3. Change the Default SSID

Access points and routers all use a network name called the SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set. For example, the SSID for Linksys devices is normally "linksys." True, knowing the SSID does not by itself allow your neighbors to break into your network, but it is a start. More importantly, when someone finds a default SSID, they see it is a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it. Change the default SSID immediately when configuring wireless security on your network.

4. Enable MAC Address Filtering

Each piece of Wi-Fi gear possesses a unique identifier called the physical address or MAC address. Access points and routers keep track of the MAC addresses of all devices that connect to them. Many such products offer the owner an option to key in the MAC addresses of their home equipment, that restricts the network to only allow connections from those devices. Do this, but also know that the feature is not so powerful as it may seem. Hackers and their software programs can fake MAC addresses easily.

5. Disable SSID Broadcast

In Wi-Fi networking, the wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the network name (SSID) over the air at regular intervals. This feature was designed for businesses and mobile hotspots where Wi-Fi clients may roam in and out of range. In the home, this roaming feature is unnecessary, and it increases the likelihood someone will try to log in to your home network. Fortunately, most Wi-Fi access points allow the SSID broadcast feature to be disabled by the network administrator.

6. Do Not Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Networks

Connecting to an open Wi-Fi network such as a free wireless hotspot or your neighbor's router exposes your computer to security risks. Although not normally enabled, most computers have a setting available allowing these connections to happen automatically without notifying you (the user). This setting should not be enabled except in temporary situations.

7. Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices

Most home networkers gravitate toward using dynamic IP addresses. DHCP technology is indeed easy to set up. Unfortunately, this convenience also works to the advantage of network attackers, who can easily obtain valid IP addresses from your network's DHCP pool. Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address range instead, then configure each connected device to match. Use a private IP address range (like 10.0.0.x) to prevent computers from being directly reached from the Internet.

8. Enable Firewalls On Each Computer and the Router

Modern network routers contain built-in firewall capability, but the option also exists to disable them. Ensure that your router's firewall is turned on. For extra protection, consider installing and running personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.

9. Position the Router or Access Point Safely

Wi-Fi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount of signal leakage outdoors is not a problem, but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit. Wi-Fi signals often reach through neighboring homes and into streets, for example. When installing a wireless home network, the position of the access point or router determines its reach. Try to position these devices near the center of the home rather than near windows to minimize leakage.

10. Turn Off the Network During Extended Periods of Non-Use

The ultimate in wireless security measures, shutting down your network will most certainly prevent outside hackers from breaking in! While impractical to turn off and on the devices frequently, at least consider doing so during travel or extended periods offline. Computer disk drives have been known to suffer from power cycle wear-and-tear, but this is a secondary concern for broadband modems and routers.

If you own a wireless router but are only using it wired (Ethernet) connections, you can also sometimes turn off Wi-Fi on a broadband router without powering down the entire network.

While installing System Mechanic I receive the message, "You must first uninstall any other antivirus software before you can install System Mechanic."

This article applies to:

System Mechanic 10 PC TotalCare

System Mechanic 10 Professional

System Mechanic 9 PC TotalCare

System Mechanic 9 Professional

While installing System Mechanic you may encounter the following message:

Solution:-

Windows Vista Users
Click Start and enter the command below, including quotes, into the Start Search text field. This quoted portion of the command includes the full default download path and folder location to the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file.

"C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\iolowupd\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck

If you saved the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file to a different location, please ensure you correct the file path location. If you are unsure where the file was saved, perform a file search for SystemMechanicPro.exe and use that file path.

Example: "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck would run the System Mechanic Professional setup file from your desktop if you had saved it there.

All Other Windows Users
Click Start>Run and enter the command below, including quotes, into the Open: text field. This quoted portion of the command includes the full default download path and folder location to the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file.

"C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp\iolowupd\SystemMechanicPro.exe” /skipavfwcheck

If you saved the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file to a different location, please ensure you correct the file path location. If you are unsure where the file was saved, perform a file search for SystemMechanicPro.exe and use that file path.

Example: "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck would run the System Mechanic Professional setup file from your desktop if you had saved it there.

Dell Studio XPS Laptop 1340 Windows 7 Freezing Problem - Chipset Driver Problem

XPS 1340 systems with windows 7 64 bit may randomly freeze during normal use and or report an nvstor64error in event viewer stating the device was reset

Solution:-

This issue is caused due to an interoperability issue between NvidiaChipset & Western Digital Hard Drives. A patch has been created by Nvidia to correct the

problem. Download & install R23957 from support.dell.com to implement the patch & resolve the issue.

Note that this package must be installed after installing the Nvidia Chipset driver if performing a operating system reinstallation

While installing System Mechanic I receive the message, "You must first uninstall any other antivirus software before you can install System Mechanic."

This article applies to:

· System Mechanic 10 PC TotalCare

· System Mechanic 10 Professional

· System Mechanic 9 PC TotalCare

· System Mechanic 9 Professional

While installing System Mechanic you may encounter the following message:

Solution:-

Windows Vista Users
Click Start and enter the command below, including quotes, into the Start Search text field. This quoted portion of the command includes the full default download path and folder location to the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file.

"C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Temp\iolowupd\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck

If you saved the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file to a different location, please ensure you correct the file path location. If you are unsure where the file was saved, perform a file search for SystemMechanicPro.exe and use that file path.

Example: "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck would run the System Mechanic Professional setup file from your desktop if you had saved it there.

All Other Windows Users
Click Start>Run and enter the command below, including quotes, into the Open: text field. This quoted portion of the command includes the full default download path and folder location to the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file.

"C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp\iolowupd\SystemMechanicPro.exe” /skipavfwcheck

If you saved the SystemMechanicPro.exe installation file to a different location, please ensure you correct the file path location. If you are unsure where the file was saved, perform a file search for SystemMechanicPro.exe and use that file path.

Example: "C:\Documents and Settings\User\Desktop\SystemMechanicPro.exe" /skipavfwcheck would run the System Mechanic Professional setup file from your desktop if you had saved it there.