elf

It is amazing how many requests for support we get which lack the necessary information to come to a proper analysis of the problem and a fitting solution. This results in posts with requests for more information, and information, going back and forth, possibly loosing valuable time. In order to be able to provide you with the appropriate support we would like you to provide the following information:


If you are seeking help for spyware/antivirus issues, or wish to have your Hijack This log checked, please do not post here!

The Security Center has several sections specifically set up for antivirus and antispyware issues. Please read this post before you submit your question.

The Security Center is staffed with TSF's best analysts - they're the ones who can help you the most with malware related issues.



If you need assistance with IE, please provide us with what version you are using in your thread. (IE6 or IE7)


SOFTWARE:

- Brand; program; version and build. If Service Packs are installed, mention these too.
- If the program produces an error, either upload a screenshot of the error message (ALT+PrtScrn), or literally quote
the error in your post at the forum (Preferred).

DRIVERS PROBLEMS:

- Brand and model of the hardware the driver is supposed to work with.
- Version of the driver.
- If the driver produces an error, either upload a screenshot of the error message (ALT+PrtScrn), or literally quote
the error in your post at the forum (Preferred).

OPERATING SYSTEM (OS):

- Version of the OS. If Service Packs are installed, mention these too.
- If the OS produces an error, either upload a screenshot of the error message (ALT+PrtScrn), or literally quote
the error in your post at the forum (Preferred).
- Were there recent crashes that could have caused this problem?
- Did you install new software recently? If this is the case: Which software? (Brand, version, build)
- Did you do any of the following:
- Run a scan with an updated anti-virus program?
- Run a scan with an updated anti-Trojan program?
- Run a scan with an updated root kit detection program? (This only for Windows NT, W2K and newer!)
- Run anti-spyware scans with at least two freshly updated anti-spyware programs? (If so, which ones?)
If any of these program found something, provide us with the information on what it/they found.

HARDWARE:

- Brand (if any), model and configuration of the system (including which OS, Service Packs etc.)
- Type of hardware you're having the problem with.
- Provide a description of the problem you encountered which is as exact as possible.
- If you don't know your hardware specifications use Belarc Advisor
it creates a detailed profile of the installed soft~ and hardware on your system, including Microsoft
Hotfixes, and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on
your own PC and is not sent to any web server. NOTE: When providing this information please remove any
licenses, listed in the results.

INCLUDING IMAGES IN YOUR POSTS:

If you want to know how to include images in your posts; all necessary information can be found in this excellent article by Zazula at: http://www.techsupportforum.com/862360-post15.html

IN ALL OF THE ABOVE:

- Provide us with information about the steps you have taken to solve the problem yourself, this is important!


Thanks for your cooperation - it really helps to keep TSF organized, which speeds up the resolution process.



Chevy, Geekgirl, elf Manager(s), Microsoft Computing Forums

elf

Below is a grouping of articles and general tips that have been written by members here at the Tech Support Forum, and have been grouped together by our Articles team (Zazula, Chauffeur2, JohnthePilot and Carsey). Feel free to use this information, just remember to give credit where credit is due...

Windows Vista Articles and Tips

p.s. Sorry if you have already read these, they are constantly updating so check back frequently!