[southie]

There have been issues surrounding Windows Vista
Home Premium and higher - where the installation
of SVC PK 2 (short for Service Pack 2) has created
problems where one is experiencing BSoD (Blue
Screen of Death) aka "Crashes" and/or Programs
failing to function or compatibility issues.

Contacting Microsoft directly is the first step to do,
follow them directly as they will work with you one
on one (for every Windows OS (Operating System)
is differing).

Please HEED THIS: They will "interact" with you on
your system, they are not intruding you or invasion
of privacy; sometimes they can fix it from their end
and if not, they will then email you with step-by-step
of what to do; and will send you a CD/DVD of Service
Pack 2 (both 32 bit aka x86 or 64 bit) in the mail.
This will give you time to back up your files, documents,
etc - on flash drive / card, rip on CD/DVD, etc - backing
up everything you can as much as you can.

If you have the original CD's / DVD's of the program(s),
skip that area, don't back those up - but keep the file(s)
folder and where you had them at - for example

Program File: Paint Shop Pro X: My Files (for example)

So you can put it back in there once you do a clean
wipe out of your computer.

You may also want to ask them how to keep and export
your Windows Live / Outlook Mail (aka Hotmail) email
addresses - if you use it, and they will provide info
on that specifically as well (depending on how corrupt
your system is - you might end up having to take a
snippet or screen shot if it is corrupted).

While this may sound "Scary" - but hitting that F-11
key to do a clean reboot of Windows Vista and higher
does sound frightening, but be sure to print out all
instructions (if your printer is corrupted, then email
it to someone who has a printer and have them print
out the email - because you are going to need it).

FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS TO THE CORE!

Read it and read it and read it again.

While this will sound rather strange, to unplug your
computer from the internet while in process, however,
it is a good idea to download the latest version of any
programs you have (updated versions - such as
CCleaner, Adobe, etc - whether from CNet.com,
ZDnet.com, filehippo.com - are the best).

If you have FireFox - and save passwords because
your memory is bad, it is a good idea to go to the tools,
options, passwords and show passwords - and make
a screen shot of this.

Same applies with your Security System, if you can
notify them (many are working with their customers
due to the Vista - Service Pack 2 issues - will be glad
to provide you the latest file via providing you the FTP
link for you to download and save, and your key or
passcode as well ... Store these in a safe place.

I have undergone the same situation however, I had
a split drive (Win 7 RC / RTM) and Vista Home Premium
but my case was different. However, I've had individuals
whom have emailed me with HELP! And it ranged from
keyboard to USB to CD/DVD/Lightscribe/Blu-Ray Rom
to you-name-it, like Prego - it was an issue. Every one
was unique. Some could be resolved via Registry Editor
others, had to be completely restored.

WHY?

It is because of critical flaws and security issues which
have risen up - once you've obtained the new CD, which
ever OS you have 32 bit (aka x86) or 64 bit; after the
wipe out, do not freak out after having proceeded with
the "brand new computer" process - and only to insert
the Service Pack 2 disc and all of a sudden you are
going through the same thing AGAIN???



You did not do anything wrong. After that has been
installed; NOW you can install your programs and put
your computer back together again and then plug it
back to the internet (don't forget to set up your router
and put yourself back to "PRIVATE" and going back to
Windows Firewall to enable programs and if your
Security requires it - to enable programs as well).

I am fully aware this is more than one can swallow and
sounds like time consuming, but it is actually faster this
way than it is the other way around. And if you checked
your update history you will also find less "junk and
garbage" as well. (Major difference)

Now you will experience the Windows Update and
the frequent reboots - it is well worth it.

I strongly recommend individuals on Windows Vista
in Security to obtain Steady State 2.5 (latest version),
it's free and well worth it. Many people do not even
know it exists. You do not need to use everything that
is there, but it acts as a "barricade" (think of it as a
200 feet barb wire) surrounding your computer.



====================

As of note - if you have Microsoft Office 2007 - Share-
point Designer 2007 is FREE now - help yourself! I
do not know how long Microsoft is going to let this
be "free" - there are no strings attached at all, but
there are a lot of downloads involved, so it does pay
to have a folder and download first the main file to
install it, and everything else into a download folder
called Sharepoint Designer 2007 (I've got it all into
a CD). It really comes in handy!

But of course you didn't hear this one from me ...

*grins*


(MODS or Doc? May I be permitted to post direct
links so that people can click to download the Security
and Sharepoint and other things of importance?
If so - I will post back on the board and of each
one ... so folks can help themselves and be more
secured. THANKS!)