q+a I have downloaded the Google pack. But when I try to install it, a message says that the file is not a valid Win32 application. Moreover, I am not able to install any of the Google applications (Google Desktop, Picassa and the others). Please advise.

Ritwick Mukherjee

This problem could occur due to many reasons. First, verify if the file will indeed run in your version of Windows. Next, check that the downloaded file has not become corrupt. Delete the file and download it again. Make sure that the file size of the Google Pack is 723 kb. Finally, scan the file with an anti-virus program to ensure it has not become infected. Also, try downloading the file with another browser. It might just solve your problem.

Can’t find program

q+a I had installed Style XP in my PC, but later uninstalled it. Now I can’t access Outlook Express or Internet Explorer. Whenever I click on the icons, it says it cannot find the program and asks me to browse the respective folder. Please advise.

Suvajit Dutta

Restore your PC to the state it was before you uninstalled Style XP or, better still, to the state it was before you installed the desktop enhancement program. Go to Start—Programs—Accessories—System Tools and click on System Restore. Check the radio button on ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’. Select a date from the calendar. This should solve your problem. If it doesn’t, you will have to reinstall Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. For this, you need your original Windows XP CD.

Spyware/adware problem

q+a My Compaq Pentium 4 with 256 MB RAM keeps restarting every half an hour. What should I do to stop this? I have installed Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Srisagar

Your problem is either spyware/adware related or due to some driver conflict. What you need to do is get your machine checked by a quality anti-spyware scanner like Adaware from www.lavasoft.de. Once you complete the scan, just follow the instructions on the screen and delete or quarantine the bad files. Secondly, try and replace the drivers for your video card, sound card and the modem. Please do it in that order. Right click on My Computer and click on Properties. Go to Device Manager which you will find under the Hardware tab. Click on the plus sign next to the devices to see what is in there. Next, right click on the relevant driver and search for an update. You must be connected to the Internet for this. Finally, you may want to make sure that you are up-to-date as far as Windows Update is concerned and that you have all the latest definitions for your anti-virus software.

Check Internet usage

q+a I have BSNL broadband with ADSL modem UT 300R. I am not able to check my usage through the BSNL portal. Please help; I don’t want to be landed with a huge bill.

B.K.D. Agarwal

When you try to access the site, you probably get the error message that says your cookies are not enabled and that you should enable your cookies and try again. To solve this problem, delete “nocookie.jsp” from the address bar and press Enter. Also, in Internet Explorer you should go to Tools—Internet Options and click on the Advanced tab. Scroll down to where it says “Microsoft VM”. Here, make sure that only the “JIT complier for Virtual Machine” is enabled. The other two should not have any tick mark beside it.

New user account

q+a I have a Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2. Whenever I turn on my computer, I get a message saying: “Windows cannot load the locally stored profile. Possible causes of this error include insufficient security rights or a corrupt local profile. If this problem persists, contact your network administrator.”

Debojyoti Hazra

This happens because the directory that is associated with your user account has been deleted from the Documents and Settings folder. You need to create a new user account for yourself to get rid of this problem. This is how you do it. Start your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key right after you turn on your computer. Log in with Administrator privileges. Go to Control panel and then User Accounts. Create a new user account for yourself. At this stage, Windows will make a new folder for you under Documents and Settings. Quit User Accounts and restart your computer.

Program not responding

q+a I am using XP Professional. I think it is legit, but local geeks have advised me not to get it auto-updated. I have a shutdown/restart irritation in the shape of a dialog box that always comes on to say a program is not responding. My problem is that I cannot even find the program. Since I am close to 70 and have impaired vision, I have configured the machine to show the text in fairly large fonts, so the dialog box can only display the name of the program in part. And this goes “TRd ww c pro not responding”. I hope you can help me.

Vyôm Akhil

The “TRD ww” error is related to the Total Recorder Program that is used for sound recording and MP3. Any version prior to 3.3 is not compatible with Windows XP. You can go to Add/Remove Programs to uninstall it and solve your problem. Or you can go to the site www.highcriteria.com/productfr.htm and buy the current version that works fine with Windows XP.

A word of advice: Since your Windows is legitimate please update it through Windows Update. It will save you a lot of sleepless nights.