My home network consists of five Windows XP computers, and all but one talk to each other. How can I make them all talk? The network properties on all the computers are the same, with the following components enabled: File and Print Sharing, TCP/IP, and Client for Microsoft Networks. (more…)

After logging into Windows the following message appears: ‘ANIWZCS2. Service launcher has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you were in the middle of something the information you were working on might be lost’. I don’t know whether the above is a virus or adware, but clicking the ‘Don’t Send’ button in the error report message causes the error to disappear and Windows to continue operating as normal. The computer is running Windows XP Media Center Edition. (more…)

I have been attempting to establish a wireless network at home. The setup consists of two laptops (Dell Inspiron 9300 and Sony VAIO, both running Windows XP), a Linksys WRT54G Wireless G broadband, and a SpeedStream 4200 ADSL modem which provides internet connectivity. Using the Linksys routers supplied installation CD all works well, and the various codes and configurations are accepted. The router indicates lights for power, WLAN, the appropriate Ethernet port and internet link. The last step in the setup is the router checking the internet connection, and after about 20 seconds the following message appears: ‘The Router is not able to connect to the internet’. In frustration, I have reset the router and followed the manual installation instruction step-by-step, but reached the same outcome. All other elements of the router are functioning, except the router’s ability to connect to the internet, despite the internet light on the router indicating that the internet is detected. Before I assume the router is kaput and go out and buy another one, could you let me know whether there is any flaw in my setup? I have also tried connecting the computers through wired Ethernet to the router, but with the same result. (more…)

My laptop computer is setup with Telstra WiFi Home, and my main home computer has Telstra broadband ADSL. While at home I am able to connect to the internet using wireless without any trouble. However, when I recently went to Broome (Western Australia) and attempted to use the internet the Speedstream Connection indicated there was internet available at the General Store (about 200 metres from where I was staying). Next, I travelled to Melbourne and stayed in a city motel which advertised high speed wireless broadband, but I was also unable to connect to the internet in this location. Does this mean that although I have paid internet with Telstra that I need to pay again to access internet at these other locations (e.g. the motel)? (more…)

Recently I read your article on removing spyware and malware from the computer. As per your recommendation, I downloaded and installed Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Windows Defender. These programs managed to remove most of the spyware on the computer. However, upon restarting two spyware infections returned: ‘WinAntiVirusPro 2006′ and ‘DriveCleaner’. Subsequently, every time I scan the system for spyware these two threats are detected and removed, but always reappear following a restart. Even running the scans in Safe Mode has not been able to completely remove them. How can I remove these two infections for good? A second question relates to networking. At the moment I am attempting to network two computers in the house. I have connected the computers using a hub, but when the computers are linked together they report limited or no connectivity. How can I fix this issue? (more…)