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Microsoft Fix it Solution Center

About Fix it

Find and fix common problems

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Thank you for your interest in Microsoft Fix it. We're working hard to automate solutions to common software problems in an easy, intuitive way that is available when and where you need it. So whether you are looking for a solution in help or support content, or an error report, Fix it provides a way to apply automated fixes, workarounds, or configuration changes so you don’t have to perform a long list of manual steps yourself.

Featured Diagnose and Repair Solutions for Windows

Your CD/DVD drive cannot read or write media in Windows Vista
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with your CD or DVD drive when trying to read or burn media in Windows.

Printing problems and printing errors
Automatically diagnose and repair when you cannot print, or for problems installing a printer, connecting to a network printer and related errors.

Problems with sound and audio or no sound
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with sound and audio on your computer or when your computer does not play sound.

Common system maintenance tasks
Automatically detect and fix common maintenance problems such as broken desktop shortcuts, unused icons, disk volume errors, and incorrect system time display.

Problems with overall system speed and performance
Automatically diagnose and fix causes of poor system performance, such as the power saver setting, multiple anti-virus programs running, multiple startup programs running, and too many users logged on to the computer.

For quick access to specific solutions and information, view the Fix it Solutions Page or try our Vista Sidebar gadget.

Windows

Find and fix common problems

Browse our solution categories

Appearance and Personalization

Windows Vista Aero Glass visual effects are not working
Automatically diagnose and repair problems when the visual Aero Glass effects, themes, and transparencies are not working on your computer.

Hardware, CD/DVD, Sound and Print

Hardware devices not detected or not working
Automatically diagnose and repair problems when the Device Manager does not detect your hardware, audio, USB and other devices, or when your devices are disabled or not working.

Your CD/DVD drive cannot read or write media in Windows.
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with your CD or DVD drive when trying to read or burn media in Windows.

Diagnose and fix problems with sound and audio in Windows Vista
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with sound and audio on your computer or when your computer does not play a sound.

Printing problems and printing errors
Automatically diagnose and repair when you cannot print, or for problems installing a printer, connecting to a network printer and related errors.

System and Security

Video freezes or crashes in Internet Explorer or Windows programs
Automatically diagnose and identify codecs that may cause Windows to become unstable or to stop responding. Windows uses codecs to allow users to view digital audio and video streams in Windows, Internet Explorer, and media players.

Common system maintenance tasks
Automatically detect and fix common maintenance problems such as broken desktop shortcuts, unused icons, disk volume errors, and incorrect system time display.

Problems with power usage and battery life
Automatically detect system settings that can affect power usage, such as timeout and sleep settings, display settings, and screensavers, and restore them to their default settings.

Windows Search is not working or searches are slower
Automatically diagnose and repair problems with Windows Search when searches are slower, search is not finding all items, or the Windows Search service failed, is not running or shut down unexpectedly.

Windows Update

Error message when you use the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web site to install updates: "0x8007000B"
Describes a problem in which you receive a "0x8007000B" error message when you try to install updates from the Windows Update or Microsoft Update Web sites. A resolution is provided.
Error message when you try to update a Windows XP-based computer: "0x80072EE4"
Describes a problem where Windows Update and Microsoft Update stall at the "Checking for latest version of Windows Update software" page and produce an error code of 0x80072EE4.
MBSA 2 and other programs do not offer Windows Server 2003 SP2 as an update on a Windows Server 2003-based computer that has the Windows Server 2003 SP2 Blocker Toolkit installed
Discusses an issue that occurs when you install Windows Server 2003 SP2 Blocker Toolkit. You may find that MBSA 2 and other programs do not offer Windows Server 2003 SP2 as an update. Workaround is provided.
Error message when you try to perform a backup on a Windows Vista-based computer: "0x80071A91"
Describes a problem that occurs when you try to perform a backup in Windows Vista. Specifically, you receive a "0x80071A91" error message. A resolution is provided.
How do I reset Windows Update components?
Describes how to reset the Windows Update components
You are not offered the option to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 when you use Windows Update or Automatic Updates
Describes situations in which Windows XP Service Pack 3 is not offered as an installation option by Windows Update or by Automatic Updates. Provides methods to troubleshoot the issue.
Why doesn't my computer detect my new USB device when I'm running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003?
This article helps you resolve an issue that occurs when you connect a new USB device to a computer that has no USB devices, and Windows XP does not detect the new device.
The Meiryo UI font is available for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008
Describes a new "Meiryo UI" Japanese font has been added to the "Meiryo" font family for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. This new font lets applications display Japanese text more clearly in the new "Ribbon UI" component.
Error message when you check for updates on the Windows Update site: "0X800A138F: There are no updates available at this time"
Provides troubleshooting methods that you can try when you receive the "0X800A138F" error message after you scan for updates on the Windows Update site.
Description of the Receive Window Auto-Tuning feature for HTTP traffic on Windows Vista-based computers
Describes how Auto-Tuning improves data transfer, how to enable Auto-Tuning for HTTP traffic on Windows Vista-based computers, and issues that may occur after you enable Auto-Tuning for HTTP traffic.
How to troubleshoot common problems that occur when a Windows XP-based computer cannot read a CD or a DVD
Describes how to troubleshoot a problem that occurs when you receive an error message such as "A device attached to the system is not functioning" or "Cannot find the file(s) needed to start this application."
I cannot open Help files that require the Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) program
Starting with Windows Vista, the Windows Help program is no longer included with Windows operating systems.

Windows

How do I enable User Account Control in Windows Vista?
Describes how to enable User Account Control in Windows Vista.
You receive the following error message when you activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips 2009, or MapPoint 2009: "An internal error has occurred (error code: 0xC004E01E)"
Describes that you receive an error message when you try to activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips, or MapPoint on a computer that has Windows XP SP3 installed. A Windows XP update is available that resolves this problem.
The contact linking information is missing in a meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007
Discusses a problem in which the contact linking information is missing in the meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007.
The Recycle Bin icon does not refresh automatically in Windows Vista or in Windows XP
Describes how to fix the Recycle Bin if the Recycle Bin icon does not refresh automatically in Windows Vista or in Windows XP.
The Bluetooth item in Control Panel on a Windows Vista SP2-based computer does not work as expected when you click the item
Describes an issue in which the Bluetooth item in Control Panel on a Windows Vista SP2-based computer does not work as expected. A Fix it solution is provided.
How can I disable wireless configuration services and enable the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration services
Consider this scenario. Several wireless configuration utilities are installed on a Windows XP-based computer. You want to use only the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration service. This article helps you stop the Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray Service,...
How do I enable the NUM LOCK key for the logon screen?
Automatically enable the use of NUM LOCK during logon.
How do I open the firewall port for SQL Server on Windows Server 2008?
Describes how to open the firewall port for SQL Server on Windows Server 2008.
When I used the Online Media feature of Media Center Extender, I received an error message: "Video Error" or returns to the Gallery
Describes a problem in which you receive a "Video Error" error message or Media Center returns to the Gallery when you try to use the Online Media or Internet TV features of Media Center Extender.
Error message when you start Microsoft FRx: “Provider Error: The Microsoft Jet database engine cannot find the input table or query ‘Active Users’. Make sure it exists and that its name is spelled correctly.”
Describes a problem that occurs when you start Microsoft FRx.
You may receive error messages when you install the .msp files that are contained in hotfix 950009
Describes an issue that you may receive error messages when you install the .msp files that are contained in hotfix 950009.
"Buffer Overrun Detected" error after you install Office 2003 Service Pack 3 for Hebrew
Describes the Word 2003 hotfix package that is dated March 20, 2008.
Internet Explorer security zones registry entries for advanced users
Describes how and where Internet Explorer security zones and privacy settings are stored and managed in the registry.
10060 Connection timed out error with proxy server or ISA Server on slow link
Describes the 10060 Connection timed out error with proxy server or ISA Server on slow link.
On a Windows XP-based computer, icons are displayed as a red X
On a Windows XP-based computer, when you open Control Panel, and then click User Accounts, all links under the Learn About menu appear as question mark [?] icons, or they appear as red X icons instead of the default icons.
Error message when you perform various System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 operations after you install DPM 2007 Service Pack 1: "An Unexpected error occurred during a VSS operation"
Explains that you receive an error message when you perform various System Center Data Protection Manager (DPM) 2007 operations after you install DPM 2007 Service Pack 1: "An Unexpected error occurred during a VSS operation." A resolution is provided.
How do I reset Windows Update components?
Describes how to reset the Windows Update components
Information about the discontinuation of Encarta Encyclopedia Research Service in Microsoft Office
Provides information about the discontinuation of Encarta Encyclopedia Research Service in Microsoft Office.
How can I recover items that I have "hard deleted" in Outlook?
Describes how to recover items that are permanently deleted instead of being moved to the Deleted Items folder in Outlook (“hard deleted” items). You can recover hard deleted items from the Exchange computer if it is configured to retain deleted items.
Error message when you start Outlook: "Unable to open the Outlook window," "No profile has been created," or "The list of Profiles cannot be loaded"
Explains that you may receive an "Unable to open the Outlook window" error message and that Outlook does to start.
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow could allow remote code execution
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (971778): Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow could allow remote code.
How to fix MSI software update registration corruption issues
Describes how to fix MSI software update registration corruption issues. A "Fix it" solution is provided.
How to move the Windows Taskbar from its default position or reset it to its default position
This article describes how to move the taskbar from the default position. This article also describes how to restore the taskbar back to the default position. If you want to reset the taskbar back to the default position in Windows XP or Windows Vista...
How to enable additional Exchange information store logging
You may need to enable additional Microsoft Windows NT Performance Monitor information store logging for troubleshooting purposes.
XADM: Security tab not available on all objects in System Manager
In Exchange System Manager, the Security tab is displayed in an object's properties. However by default, the Security tab is displayed only on the following objects: Address Lists Global Address Lists Databases (Mailbox stores and Public Folder stores)...

Internet Explorer

Find and fix common problems

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Internet Explorer Performance

Internet Explorer freezes or crashes
Automatically diagnose and identify browser add-ons that may cause Internet Explorer to become unstable, to crash, or to stop responding. Browser add-ons may include tools, toolbars, assistants, and toys.

Internet Explorer Security

Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow information disclosure
Internet Explorer can be configured to lock down HTML content from particular network protocols in additional zones besides the Local Machine zone. This feature allows administrators to extend the same restrictions of the Local Machine Zone Lockdown to be applied to any content on any arbitrary protocol in any security zone.

Enterprise Products

Find and fix common problems

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Configuration Manager

Distribution Manager in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 may require several hours after startup before it begins to process packages
Fixes a problem in which Distribution Manager in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 Service Pack 1 takes a long time before it processes packages after it starts.
Stop error message when a Windows Server 2008-based computer randomly restarts: "0x000000BE ATTEMPTED_WRITE_TO_READONLY_MEMORY"
Fixes a problem in which a Windows Server 2008-based computer may randomly restart, and a Stop error message occurs: 0x000000BE ATTEMPTED_WRITE_TO_READONLY_MEMORY.

Exchange

PowerShell commands for the Exchange 2007 Edge server role do not work as expected after you uninstall an update rollup or an interim update on the Edge server
Provides a workaround for the problem where PowerShell commands do not work as expected after you uninstall an update rollup or an interim update on an Exchange 2007 Edge server.
XADM: Security tab not available on all objects in System Manager
In Exchange System Manager, the Security tab is displayed in an object's properties. However by default, the Security tab is displayed only on the following objects: Address Lists Global Address Lists Databases (Mailbox stores and Public Folder stores)...
XCON: Connector Delivery Restrictions May Not Work Correctly
After you configure the delivery restrictions on a connector by using Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server or Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, the restriction settings may not be applied. In Exchange 2000, the following event ID will also be generated: Type:...
How to enable additional Exchange information store logging
You may need to enable additional Microsoft Windows NT Performance Monitor information store logging for troubleshooting purposes.
Update to permit the caching of incoming SMTP messages as IPM.Note in Exchange Server 2003
Provides a registry key to change the default behavior in Exchange Server 2003 to that of Exchange Server 5.5.
A meeting update message or a meeting cancellation message from an Exchange 2003 user is not delivered to an Exchange 2007 user
Describes a problem in which you receive a "Unable to open for delivery" error in ESM, and event ID 327 is logged in the Application log in Exchange Server 2003 after an Exchange 2003 user updates or cancels a meeting request.
XCCC: "Server Error in '/OMA' Application" Error Message When You View the Outlook Mobile Access Web Site
When you try to view the Microsoft Outlook Mobile Access Web site on a server after you install Exchange Server 2003 on that server, you receive an error message that is similar to the following:
CPU usage by the Exchange System Attendant service on offline address list servers in a hosting environment increases to 50 percent
In a hosting environment where Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 computers are configured as offline address list servers, you may find that CPU usage by the Microsoft Exchange System Attendant service (Mad.exe) on each of the servers increases to 50...
Mail flow to certain domains does not work when you run Exchange Server 2007 on a Windows Server 2008-based computer
Describes a problem in which Telnet does not work to reach certain domains from Windows Server 2008. Therefore, the mail flow to those domains does not work.
SMTP / Routing Group connector state changes cause needless connector state toggling in Exchange 2000 Server
A Simple Mail Transport Protocol/Routing Group (SMTP/RG) connector may go into a "down" state temporarily, and then change within a minute to an "up" state after Advanced Queuing (AQ) retries the connector and determines that the SMTP/RG service on the...
"Access Denied" Error Message When You Try to Use Outlook Web Access
When users try to log on the Microsoft Outlook Web Access (OWA), they may receive one of the following error messages: -or- -or-
Services for Exchange Server 2007 or Exchange Server 2010 cannot start automatically after you install Exchange Server 2007 and Exchange Server 2010 on a global catalog server
Describes a problem in which Exchange 2007 services cannot start automatically after you install Exchange 2007 on a global catalog server. Provides several methods that you can use to work around this problem.
Messages remain in an outbound queue until a non-delivery report is generated when you send e-mail to a remote domain
When you send e-mail messages to certain external domains, they may remain in an outbound queue on the Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 or Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server computer until a non-delivery report (NDR) is generated. Additionally, the following...
How can I recover items that I have "hard deleted" in Outlook?
Describes how to recover items that are permanently deleted instead of being moved to the Deleted Items folder in Outlook (“hard deleted” items). You can recover hard deleted items from the Exchange computer if it is configured to retain deleted items.
Error messages when you try to connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server: "The action cannot be completed" or "Your Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable" or "Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook"
Resolves a problem in which you cannot connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server. This problem occurs if the Outlook 2007 client computer does not have a gateway configured.
An update to turn off default SNP features is available for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers
Describes an update that turns off default SNP features for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers.
Application errors occur after you run Xmlinst.exe on production servers
After you run Xmlinst.exe, applications (such as Microsoft SQL Server 2000) may no longer run correctly. To have us fix this problem for you, go to the “ ” section. If you would rather fix this problem yourself, go to the “ ” section.
When users access their Free/Busy information, the Outlook Web Access service stops on the computer that is running Exchange 2007
Describes a problem in which Free/Busy information seems to be corrupted after you migrate mailboxes to Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1. We provide information about a hotfix to resolve the problem.
How to force Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2003 to resolve proxy addresses and custom properties in Cached Exchange Mode
Explains how to force Outlook to use the online Global Address List to resolve email alias or names in Cached Exchange Mode. This requires you add a registry key named "ANR Include Online GAL".
How to set a limit on the number of SMTP messages in queues
Describes how to set a limit on the number of SMTP messages in queues.
You cannot prevent Office Communicator 2007 from controlling the call forwarding settings
Describes that you cannot prevent Office Communicator 2007 to control call forwarding settings.
The contact linking information is missing in a meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007
Discusses a problem in which the contact linking information is missing in the meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007.
Error message when you send a report from Report Manager in Microsoft FRx as an e-mail attachment: "Send Message error: -2147467259 -[Collaboration Data Objects-[E Fail(800004005)]] occurs"
Describes how to resolve an issue in Report Manager when you send a report through e-mail. Administrative access to the server may be required.
How to configure Outlook to a specific global catalog server or to the closest global catalog server
Describes a problem where there is too much network traffic when Outlook tries to contact the global catalog server. Describes how to configure Outlook to a specific global catalog server or to the closest global catalog server.
Outlook 2003 users may not be able to use Outlook in offline mode
Describes an issue that may occur when you configure a size limit for personal folder (.pst) files.

Internet Application Gateway

Endpoint detection fails when a client computer connects to IAG
Describes a problem in which endpoint detection fails when a client computer connects to Intelligent Application Gateway. Provides a resolution.

Microsoft Message Queuing

How to avoid routing queries with no routing servers in the site
When a client determines that the client site has no Microsoft Message Queuing (also known as MSMQ) routing servers, the client queries for site links and site gates to learn the enterprise topology. This occurs so that the client can make all the...

SharePoint

An update to turn off default SNP features is available for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers
Describes an update that turns off default SNP features for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers.
How to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate a 2007 Office product
Describes how to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate a 2007 Office suite and program.
Problems occur when you try to open an Office document from a Web site hyperlink in a 2007 Office application on a Windows Vista-based client computer
Describes a problem that occurs because 2007 Office applications use the Windows WebDAV Mini-Redirector Client to open URL-based files. Provides a resolution.
Error message when you try to open multiple instances of an InfoPath 2007 form at the same time by using different input parameters
Discusses a problem in which you may receive an error message when you try to open multiple instances at the same time of an InfoPath form that has different input parameters.
You receive error 401.1 when you browse a Web site that uses Integrated Authentication and is hosted on IIS 5.1 or a later version
Describes an issue where you receive an error message when you use the fully qualified domain name to browse to a Web site that is hosted on Internet Information Services 5.1 or 6.0. Provides two workarounds for this issue.
Description of the Receive Window Auto-Tuning feature for HTTP traffic on Windows Vista-based computers
Describes how Auto-Tuning improves data transfer, how to enable Auto-Tuning for HTTP traffic on Windows Vista-based computers, and issues that may occur after you enable Auto-Tuning for HTTP traffic.
Description of the Microsoft Office Isolated Conversion Environment update for the Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
Describes MOICE. MOICE uses the 2007 Microsoft Office system converters to convert Office binary documents to the Office Open XML format. This process helps remove the potential threat that may exist if the document is opened in the binary format
After you upload encrypted files from a computer that is running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 to a WebDAV share, the files remain encrypted
Fixes a problem in which encrypted the files remain encrypted after you upload the files from a computer that is running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 to a WebDAV share.
MS09-054: Cumulative security update for Internet Explorer
Resolves vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer that could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page by using Internet Explorer.
MS10-002: Cumulative security update for Internet Explorer
Resolves vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer that could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted Web page using Internet Explorer.

Windows Server

How do I open the firewall port for SQL Server on Windows Server 2008?
Describes how to open the firewall port for SQL Server on Windows Server 2008.
How to remove administrative shares in Windows Server 2008
Describes how to remove administrative shares in Windows Server 2008. Also describes how to prevent Windows Server 2008 from automatically creating administrative shares.
PS/2 mouse is not connected to a Windows Server 2008-based computer or a Windows Server 2003-based computer when the computer starts
Discusses that an event ID 7026 message is logged if a PS/2 keyboard or a PS/2 mouse is not connected to a Windows Server 2008-based computer or to a Windows Server 2003-based computer when it starts.
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Windows Kernel could allow elevation of privilege
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (979682): Vulnerability in Windows Kernel could allow elevation of privilege.
MBSA 2 and other programs do not offer Windows Server 2003 SP2 as an update on a Windows Server 2003-based computer that has the Windows Server 2003 SP2 Blocker Toolkit installed
Discusses an issue that occurs when you install Windows Server 2003 SP2 Blocker Toolkit. You may find that MBSA 2 and other programs do not offer Windows Server 2003 SP2 as an update. Workaround is provided.
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow information disclosure
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (980088): Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow information disclosure.
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow remote code execution
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (981374): Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow information disclosure.
How to determine whether a computer is compatible with security update 977165
Provides a Fix it solution that users can run to determine whether a computer is compatible with security update 977165.
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow remote code execution
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (979352): Vulnerability in Internet Explorer could allow remote code execution.
Terminal Services event messages 1100 or 1114 in Windows 2000 Server or Windows Server 2003
An event ID 1100 message is logged in the Event Viewer on a Microsoft Windows 2000 Server-based computer, or an event ID 1114 message is logged in the Event Viewer on a Microsoft Windows Server 2003-based computer. The event ID messages may resemble the...
Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow could allow remote code execution
Provides a link to Microsoft Security Advisory (971778): Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow could allow remote code.
How do I restore security settings to the default settings?
Use this Microsoft Fix it automated solution to restore your computer's security settings to their default configurations. Applies to computers that are running Windows XP and Windows Vista.
How do I make the Recycle Bin appear on my desktop in Windows Vista or in Windows XP?
Describes how to restore the Recycle Bin in Windows Vista or in Windows XP.
How do I disable balloon tips in the notification area in Windows XP or Vista?
You want to prevent balloon tips from being displayed in the notification area. This article helps you do this. Note The steps in this article disable all balloon tips in the notification area for this computer. You cannot disable balloon tips only for...
An update to turn off default SNP features is available for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers
Describes an update that turns off default SNP features for Windows Server 2003-based and Small Business Server 2003-based computers.
CPU usage by the Exchange System Attendant service on offline address list servers in a hosting environment increases to 50 percent
In a hosting environment where Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 computers are configured as offline address list servers, you may find that CPU usage by the Microsoft Exchange System Attendant service (Mad.exe) on each of the servers increases to 50...
10060 Connection timed out error with proxy server or ISA Server on slow link
Describes the 10060 Connection timed out error with proxy server or ISA Server on slow link.
How can I disable wireless configuration services and enable the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration services
Consider this scenario. Several wireless configuration utilities are installed on a Windows XP-based computer. You want to use only the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration service. This article helps you stop the Broadcom Wireless LAN Tray Service,...
The Bluetooth item in Control Panel on a Windows Vista SP2-based computer does not work as expected when you click the item
Describes an issue in which the Bluetooth item in Control Panel on a Windows Vista SP2-based computer does not work as expected. A Fix it solution is provided.
When I used the Online Media feature of Media Center Extender, I received an error message: "Video Error" or returns to the Gallery
Describes a problem in which you receive a "Video Error" error message or Media Center returns to the Gallery when you try to use the Online Media or Internet TV features of Media Center Extender.
How do I enable the NUM LOCK key for the logon screen?
Automatically enable the use of NUM LOCK during logon.
You receive the following error message when you activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips 2009, or MapPoint 2009: "An internal error has occurred (error code: 0xC004E01E)"
Describes that you receive an error message when you try to activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips, or MapPoint on a computer that has Windows XP SP3 installed. A Windows XP update is available that resolves this problem.
How do I enable User Account Control in Windows Vista?
Describes how to enable User Account Control in Windows Vista.
The Recycle Bin icon does not refresh automatically in Windows Vista or in Windows XP
Describes how to fix the Recycle Bin if the Recycle Bin icon does not refresh automatically in Windows Vista or in Windows XP.
The contact linking information is missing in a meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007
Discusses a problem in which the contact linking information is missing in the meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007.

Office

Find and fix common problems

Browse our solution categories

Office

Information about the discontinuation of Encarta Encyclopedia Research Service in Microsoft Office
Provides information about the discontinuation of Encarta Encyclopedia Research Service in Microsoft Office.
When you try to open an Office file that contains a damaged AutoShape object in Office 2003 Service Pack 3, you receive an error message: "<Office application> experienced an error trying to open the file"
Discusses a problem in which you may receive an error message when you open an Office file that contains a damaged AutoShape object in Office 2003 with Service Pack 3.
The Templates dialog box does not appear for three or four seconds when you try to create new documents by using the templates in Office 2003
Describes a problem in which the Templates dialog box does not appear for three or four seconds when you try to create new documents by using templates that are located on a network share in Office 2003.
Problems occur when you try to open an Office document from a Web site hyperlink in a 2007 Office application on a Windows Vista-based client computer
Describes a problem that occurs because 2007 Office applications use the Windows WebDAV Mini-Redirector Client to open URL-based files. Provides a resolution.
How do I uninstall the 2007 Office suites if I cannot uninstall it by using the "Add or Remove Programs" feature?
Describes how to uninstall the 2007 Office suites if you cannot uninstall it by using the "Add or Remove Programs" feature.
Description of the 2007 Office system hotfix package: June 10, 2008
Describes a 2007 Office system issue that is fixed in the hotfix package that is dated June 10, 2008.
How to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate an Office product
Describes steps that you can take to determine why you cannot activate an Office product.
You receive an error message when you install an Office program or open an Office program or document
Describes an issue that occurs when the Everyone group of the Microsoft Office registry subkey is not set to full control when you install an Office program. Provides a resolution.
In the Research pane in an Office application, a service is listed two times, or a service returns no result
Resolves the following issues in an Office application: A service is listed two times when you view the list of available services, and a service returns no result when you query that service in the Research pane.
Description of the Microsoft Office Isolated Conversion Environment update for the Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats
Describes MOICE. MOICE uses the 2007 Microsoft Office system converters to convert Office binary documents to the Office Open XML format. This process helps remove the potential threat that may exist if the document is opened in the binary format
How to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate a 2007 Office product
Describes how to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate a 2007 Office suite and program.
You receive an "Error 1606" error message when you try to install or remove a Microsoft program
Discusses an issue where you receive an "Error 1606" error message when you try to install or remove a program such as Streets and Trips, MapPoint, Picture It!, Digital Image Pro, or Money.
You cannot prevent Office Communicator 2007 from controlling the call forwarding settings
Describes that you cannot prevent Office Communicator 2007 to control call forwarding settings.
A graphic image changes unexpectedly when you copy it from Excel 2003 to another Office 2003 program in a spanned RDP session
Describes an issue that occurs in a spanned RDP session. Specifically, a graphic image is altered when you copy it from Excel 2003 to another Office 2003 application. A resolution is provided.
The text in a Graph object in an Office 2003 application seems to overlap or seems to be squeezed together when you use Excel 2003 on a Terminal Services client that is running in Monitor Spanning mode
Describes an issue in which the text in a Graph object may overlap or be squeezed together in an Office 2003 application. This problem may occur when you use Excel 2003 on a Terminal Services client that is running in Monitor Spanning mode.
A new window opens when you try to view a 2007 Microsoft Office program document in Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8
Describes a behavior that occurs because the 2007 Office system intentionally does not set a BrowserFlags registry key for its file types.
Error messages when you try to connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server: "The action cannot be completed" or "Your Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable" or "Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook"
Resolves a problem in which you cannot connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server. This problem occurs if the Outlook 2007 client computer does not have a gateway configured.
Project 2003 crashes when you expand many subprojects in a master project
Describes a problem in which Project 2003 crashes when you expand many subprojects in a master project. A resolution is provided.
Some text is unexpectedly inserted into a new e-mail message from OneNote 2007
Discusses a problem in which some text is unexpectedly inserted into an e-mail message from Office OneNote 2007.
Error message when you click a hyperlink in an Office 2003 document: "The address of this site is not valid""
Describes a problem that occurs in Office 2003 documents when you click a hyperlink that opens another document.
How do I enable or disable DEP for Office applications?
Describes how do I enable or disable DEP for Office applications?
Pictures that have certain shadow settings display incorrectly in PowerPoint 2003
Discusses a problem in which pictures that have certain shadow settings display incorrectly in PowerPoint 2003. Provides a resolution.
The changes in the TOC and PageRef fields do not appear when you compare Word 2007 documents
Describes an issue in which the changes in the TOC and PageRef fields do not appear when you compare Word 2007 documents. A resolution is provided.
Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook disables Outlook to search the Outlook data
Fixes an issue that Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook disables Outlook to search the Outlook data.
How to turn on the Enable Mail Logging option for troubleshooting in Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007
Explains how to turn on the Enable Mail Logging option in Office Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007. This option helps you troubleshoot your e-mail accounts.

E-mail and Messaging

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Outlook and Outlook Express

Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook disables Outlook to search the Outlook data
Fixes an issue that Google Apps Sync for Microsoft Outlook disables Outlook to search the Outlook data.
Error messages when you create a new MAPI form or you try to open custom forms in Outlook 2003
Describes an error message that you receive when you try to create a new MAPI form in Outlook 2003. Provides a resolution.
Error messages when you try to connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server: "The action cannot be completed" or "Your Microsoft Exchange Server is unavailable" or "Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook"
Resolves a problem in which you cannot connect Outlook 2007 to Exchange Server. This problem occurs if the Outlook 2007 client computer does not have a gateway configured.
After you upgrade Outlook 2003 to Outlook 2007, Outlook 2007 crashes when you start the program
Provides a resolution if Outlook 2007 crashes after you have upgraded from Outlook 2003.
Error message when you start Outlook: "Unable to open the Outlook window," "No profile has been created," or "The list of Profiles cannot be loaded"
Explains that you may receive an "Unable to open the Outlook window" error message and that Outlook does to start.
If you change the Appointments font setting for the calendar in Outlook 2007, the new font setting is not used when you print the calendar
Describes a problem in which the calendar is printed but does not use the Appointments font settings that you specify in Outlook 2007. Information about a hotfix to resolve this problem is provided.
An Outlook 2003 user cannot open a network share from a hyperlink in an RTF e-mail message if the e-mail message is sent from an Outlook 2007 user
Describes an issue in which an Outlook 2003 user cannot open a network share from a hyperlink if the hyperlink points to a network drive. Provides a resolution.
Outlook 2007 may stop responding when you select an e-mail message that is restricted by Information Rights Management
Describes a scenario in which Outlook 2007 may stop responding when you select an IRM e-mail message. Provides a resolution.
Outlook 2007 does not honor the folder structure that was created in Internet Explorer 7 for the RSS Feeds folder
Describes a problem where Outlook 2007 does not honor the folder structure that was created in Internet Explorer 7 for the RSS Feeds folder. Includes a resolution.
The contact linking information is missing in a meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007
Discusses a problem in which the contact linking information is missing in the meeting request that is sent from Outlook 2007.
When you use Outlook 2007 to send an e-mail message, the recipient of the message sees an attachment that is called Winmail.dat
Describes a hotfix that prevents Outlook 2007 from sending a Winmail.dat attachment in an e-mail message.
A hotfix is available to enable Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) messages to use INTERNALDATE as the delivery date of a message in Outlook 2007
Describes that a hotfix is available to enable IMAP messages to use INTERNALDATE as the delivery date of a message in Outlook 2007.
How to turn on the Enable Mail Logging option for troubleshooting in Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007
Explains how to turn on the Enable Mail Logging option in Office Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007. This option helps you troubleshoot your e-mail accounts.
You cannot disable the "No end date" option for appointments, meeting requests, tasks, or task requests in Outlook 2007
Describes a problem where you cannot disable the "No end date" option for appointments, meeting requests, tasks, or task requests in Outlook 2007. We provide information about a hotfix to resolve this problem.
A Color Category that uses a dark color may print lighter than other Color Categories in Outlook 2007
Describes a problem in which a Color Category that uses a dark color may print lighter than other Color Categories in Outlook 2007. Provides a hotfix to resolve this problem.
How can I configure Outlook to read non-digitally-signed e-mail messages or nonencrypted e-mail messages as plain text in Office XP SP1?
Describes a new feature that lets users configure Outlook to read all non-digitally-signed e-mail or nonencrypted e-mail messages as plain text format in Office XP Service Pack 1 (SP-1).
It takes much longer than expected to download an e-mail message from a POP3 server in Outlook 2007
Describes an issue that occurs in Outlook 2007 if a network hardware device, such as a router, does not support TCP Window Scaling. Provides a resolution.
How can I recover items that I have "hard deleted" in Outlook?
Describes how to recover items that are permanently deleted instead of being moved to the Deleted Items folder in Outlook (“hard deleted” items). You can recover hard deleted items from the Exchange computer if it is configured to retain deleted items.
Outlook 2003 users may not be able to use Outlook in offline mode
Describes an issue that may occur when you configure a size limit for personal folder (.pst) files.
How to force Outlook 2007 or Outlook 2003 to resolve proxy addresses and custom properties in Cached Exchange Mode
Explains how to force Outlook to use the online Global Address List to resolve email alias or names in Cached Exchange Mode. This requires you add a registry key named "ANR Include Online GAL".
How to configure Outlook to a specific global catalog server or to the closest global catalog server
Describes a problem where there is too much network traffic when Outlook tries to contact the global catalog server. Describes how to configure Outlook to a specific global catalog server or to the closest global catalog server.
When users access their Free/Busy information, the Outlook Web Access service stops on the computer that is running Exchange 2007
Describes a problem in which Free/Busy information seems to be corrupted after you migrate mailboxes to Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1. We provide information about a hotfix to resolve the problem.
When you send and receive e-mail messages by using a POP3 e-mail account, you receive one of the following error messages: “0x8004210A” “0x800CCC0B” or “0x8004210B”
Discusses a problem in which you receive an error message when you send and receive e-mail messages by using a POP3 e-mail account.
Network connectivity fails when you try to use Windows Vista behind a firewall device
Describes how to work around the issue that may occur if the firewall device has a problem with its implementation of IETF RFC 1323.
How to troubleshoot problems that you may experience when you try to activate an Office product
Describes steps that you can take to determine why you cannot activate an Office product.

Windows Media Player

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Windows Media Player Performance

Xbox and Zune

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Xbox

You tried to set up your Xbox 360 console as a Media Center Extender, but the Setup program did not start
You downloaded the XboxXPSP2-ENU.exe application from the following Web site: Then, you tried to set up your Xbox 360 console as a Media Center Extender. However, the Setup program did not start, so you cannot install the Media Center Extender for Xbox...
Error message when you try to install a program for the Xbox 360 Media Center Extender in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 with Service Pack 3: "There is a problem with the installation of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005"
Describes why you receive an error message when you try to install a program for the Xbox 360 Media Center Extender in Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP3. To resolve this issue, you must install update 895961.

Zune

When you try to play music that you downloaded from the Zune Marketplace, you receive an error message: “C00D11B1”
When you try to play music that you downloaded from the Zune Marketplace, you receive the following error message:
Your CD drive or DVD drive is missing or is not recognized by Windows or other programs
This article describes a problem with CD or DVD drives not work, or is missing, or not recognized after installing or uninstalling programs.

Games and Consumer Products

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Games and Consumer Products

When you try to start MapPoint or Streets & Trips, you receive an error message: "A removable device or network share cannot be found"
Discusses that you receive an error message when you try to start MapPoint or Streets & Trips on a Windows-based computer or on a Windows Terminal Server client computer.
You receive the following error message when you activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips 2009, or MapPoint 2009: "An internal error has occurred (error code: 0xC004E01E)"
Describes that you receive an error message when you try to activate Flight Simulator X, Streets & Trips, or MapPoint on a computer that has Windows XP SP3 installed. A Windows XP update is available that resolves this problem.
Error message when you try to use Street & Trips or MapPoint: "Construction information for routes could not be downloaded"
Describes an error you may receive if the construction file was not properly recorded in the registry.
MapPoint or Streets & Trips does not respond or gives an error message about the license when you try to start the program
Describes a problem in which the program does not start or returns a license-related error message if the Activation Licensing database is corrupted or if there is a conflict between MapPoint 2009 and a Microsoft Office template.
Troubleshoot activation issues for Microsoft games and mapping programs
Explains how to troubleshoot activation issues or error messages when you try to activate Games for Windows, Streets and Trips, or MapPoint.
You receive an "Error 1606" error message when you try to install or remove a Microsoft program
Discusses an issue where you receive an "Error 1606" error message when you try to install or remove a program such as Streets and Trips, MapPoint, Picture It!, Digital Image Pro, or Money.

Press and Events

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Fix it Webcast

Laura Foy of Channel 10 interviewed PQO General Manager Lori Brownell about Fix it.
Watch Laura Foy's interview with Lori Brownell on Channel 10.

Fix it Press

The WinVista Club
Microsoft Technets Fix-it Blog
by Anand Khanse
January 2, 2009

Computerworld
Microsoft revs up 'Fix it' support tool
by Gregg Keizer
February 3, 2009

Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite
Fix It: Microsoft begins automating help and support
by Paul Thorrott
February 3, 2009

Slashdot
Microsoft Ramps Up "Fix it" Support Tool
Posted by kdawson
February 3, 2009

TechRepublic
Microsoft wants to help you fix Windows
by Mark Kaelin
February 4, 2009

InformationWeek
Microsoft Working On Automatic Error Correction Tool
by J. Nicholas Hoover
February 5, 2009

The Seattle Times
Microsoft's new "Fix It" buttons simplify Windows fixes
by Brier Dudley
February 5, 2009

PC Magazine
Microsoft's 'Fix It' Support Button Just Fixes It
by Neil J. Rubenking
February 5, 2009

CNET
CNET News Daily Podcast: A single button to fix your PC woes
by Leslie Katz
February 5, 2009

Microsoft offers to just 'Fix it'
by Ina Fried
February 5, 2009

Dallas News
Microsoft rolling out new "Fix It" option to automatically repair common Windows problems
by Victor Godinez
February 5, 2009

BBC
Microsoft debuts quick fix clicks
February 6, 2009

Microsoft Fix it Solution Center

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