October 2006

Monthly Archive

Thu 5 Oct 2006

Windows File Protection: Corrupt/Missing System Files

Posted under Microsoft, Software, Web Design
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I am pulling in old messages from my prior blog because I thought some of them had good insight.

Windows XP has the ability to protect itself from system instability caused by 3rd party software overwriting important system files, this built in functionality is called “Windows File Protection.”

By default, Windows File Protection is enabled and allows Windows digitally signed files to replace existing files safely. Currently, signed files are distributed through:

  • Windows Service Packs
  • Hotfix distributions
  • Operating system upgrades
  • Windows Update
  • Windows Device Manager

If you or a program installer introduces a file replacement in any other way, Windows File protection will warn you of such changes and ask you to insert the proper CD to fix the issue at hand.

An important part of Windows File Protection is the command line utility:
System File Checker (sfc.exe)

The main reason for using this utility is when you suspect there may be a problem with a Windows XP system file. (See quote below for situations)

Perhaps you get a dialog box appear informing you of a problem with a .DLL file, or your computer may also be getting a dialogue box from SYSTEM\NTAUTHORITY and that it will shutdown in a minute. (To abort the shutdown, navigate to Start > Run… and type “cmd” -without quotes-. Within the new Command Prompt Window, type “shutdown -a” -without quotes- This should then abort the shutdown at hand.)

To run the System File Checker, simply navigate to Start > Run… and type in:
sfc /scannow

This command will immediately initiate the Windows File Protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity. If any erroneous files are found they will be replaced with the correct versions from the CD and Microsoft Update Cache.

 

Sun 1 Oct 2006

Remote Support for IT Consultants

Posted under Business, Software
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I am pulling in old messages from my prior blog because I thought some of them had good insight.

Remote support is now has been in high demand in the IT industry for quite a while and the accessibility of remote support software is even higher than that. I have done some research on various programs (and companies) to find which gives the best price and services. I will highlight 2 of the companies that were researched.

  • GoToAssist (a division of Citrix Systems, Inc.) offers a per-seat licensing scheme that runs about $425/mo. The technician-end software is fairly straight-forward and their end-user software is a small download (<1MB). The end-user software is actively configured from a web based form which will communicate with the technician’s running software via a relay server hosted by the GoToAssist team. Upon successful connection the technician will have shared control of the clients screen.
  • NetworkStreaming uses concurrent user licensing but they not only have a monthly plan, but give you the option to purchase an appliance to host the software yourself. The concurrent user licensing runs just under $100/mo (if paid annually, if paid monthly it runs about $150/mo) and offers the same exact functionality that the GoToAssist team offers you. An additional functionality of NetworkStreaming’s SupportDesk is the ability for the technician to generate session keys and email them to the client. In order to host the appliance yourself it will cost just under $4500 (one time) with a $750/y maintenance fee.

Both options are pricy, but if you use the solution enough, it will pay for itself. I suggest doing your own research before choosing the right company, but these are my opinions.