Articles in Category: Windows Components
Windows components include the various and sundry applications that make up Windows itself, as well as many of the design and implementation characteristics of Windows.
Why should I Turn Windows AutoPlay Off?
Autorun is an increasingly used attack vector for malware. Common techniques to turn it off are incomplete. I’ll show you how to turn it off, and recommend you do so.
Why Can’t I Rely on System Restore for Backups?
There’s much confusion about what System Restore actually is and is not. In a nutshell, it’s safest not to rely on it to restore your system.
How Do I Keep CHKDSK from Running on every Start Up?
There are times when the disk checking utility needs to run before you boot into Windows. Sometimes it seems to get stuck and does so every time.
What Windows Services Can I Turn Off?
People are concerned about how much software is running on their machines, and when they look at the list of services, there’s a long list of things they don’t understand.
How do I resolve my problem with appcompat.txt?
Here’s what to do when you see appcompat.txt.
Can I delete lsass.exe? svchost.exe?
Lsass.exe and svchost.exe are required system files for Windows. If you delete them without care, your system may become unbootable.
What are "LSASS", "LSASS.EXE" and "Sasser" and how do I know if I'm infected? What do I do if I am?
LSASS is a Windows component shown in error messages, often due to a virus infection such as Sasser. Learn about LSASS, LSASS.EXE and how to stay safe.
Svchost and Svchost.exe – Crashs, CPU maximization, viruses, exploits and more.
Svchost (and Svchost.exe) is a required Windows component that often shows up in errors caused by viruses. Review Svchost, Svchost.exe, and how to stay safe.
How Can I Find Out Who Is Using a “File in Use”?
Windows often reports that a file is in use without telling you what program is using it. Process Explorer can tell you.
Can the Same File Have Two Different Names?
It’s possible to have two different names for the exact same file on disk. The tools, like the concept, are a little obscure but can be very useful.
How can I disable my “Windows” key? Or for that matter, remap my entire keyboard?
Outside of a few standard layouts, truly customizing the layout of your keyboard is typically harder than you might expect.
