Microsoft Support & Discussions

I'm having some issues with the Set Associations feature, located in the Default Programs section of the Control Panel. There are a number of file types/protocals that are set up to be opened with the wrong programs by default. When I go to change the program, the browse option doesn't let me choose the program I want. One of the files that I'm having this problem with is the .docx file. I want to set up to make Microsoft Word the default program, but it keeps recommending Microsoft Word Viewer and won't let me select Microsoft Word from my computer. I know this isn't a major problem and that the files can be opened by Word using other methods. It's just annoying an…

Does MSE scan files dowloaded from the internet and emails downloaded from our service provider? View this thread

(Sorry if this gets posted twice.... I tried to post it once before and the screen never changed). Computer came up with this message when I turned it on today. No problems previously. I ran a diagnostic report as suggested on several sites. What do I need to do next? Thank you in advance for your help. Diagnostic Report (1.9.0027.0): ----------------------------------------- Windows Validation Data--> Validation Code: 50 Cached Online Validation Code: 0x0 Windows Product Key: *****-*****-QCPVQ-KHRB8-RMV82 Windows Product Key Hash: +Rj3N34NLM2JqoBO/OzgzTZXgbY= Windows Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00095 Windows Product ID Type: 2 Windows License Typ…

I am trying to upload the Security file KB2686509 - to an XP Home System. I saw the answers, but I still do not know how to load to my computer. Or what to do. My computer runs very slowly because I either need to get rid of it or buy and load the last remaining 2gb. Can I be given detailed instructions on how to correct the problem with the security file KB2686509? View this thread

I need to replace my hard drive on my laptop but I don't have a Windows 7 installation CD. Will I be able to reinstall from my external back up drive or how do I create a Windows systems CD? Thanks!! View the thread

My cat just laid on my keyboard. It went blank and now all the entire desktop page is laying on its side. How do I get the view back to normal upright? View this thread

App launch is a principal part of the fast and fluid Windows 8 experience, so it’s important that you prioritize your app’s launch UX. A highly-polished launch flow is sure to improve the initial reception of any app. In this post, I’ll discuss how to craft a well-designed, responsive app launch experience and explain why app launch is a critical time to make a positive impression on users. I’ll introduce four app launch design patterns that can be applied to your apps and point out some key things to keep in mind as you continue building Metro style apps. App launch overview If you’ve already read the Managing app lifecycle so your apps feel “always alive” post, you …

Query: I have receiving phones calls from "Windows tech support" indicating that they have been receiving error messages from my computer. They want to correct the problem. Is this the manner in which Windows support operates???? Suspiciously, when I ask them to provide a phone number that I can call them back they are reluctant to share... View the thread

I have tried every thing that i know to do to get this working again and consulted AVIRA and could not get it to help me out of the problem I have? Is there an issue with Windows 7 that would cause the updates to shut down saying I must Reboot and when I shut the computer down it still will not let me get my updates to AVIRA and this has gone on for 6 days and I usually have a minimum of 5 updated a day come in. If this persists I am sure I will get a virus in the future can you suggest how to get out of this mess and make it as simple as possible as I am fair on a computer but long drawn out issues are a problem for me. I could just reload the software but do not kno…

evey time i leave the laptop on and go and do somthing else the laptop has logged off who can i extend this time. View the thread

My PC is pretty clean. Immediately after I go through a "Full Scan" my status house changes from green (protected) to yellow (potentially unprotected). It will stay in that potentially unprotected state until I do a full scan again. It is green for a couple of minutes or hours then it goes back to yellow. It did not start doing this 'till about a month ago. Before that it was working just fine. Also if I do a short scan it will stay on yellow. What is up??? View this thread

Hi. I'm coming off of using AVG for the last... 8 years or so. I'm used to having my anti-virus, anti-malware tell me immediately when a threat is blocked. I find this very helpful as I know that website (x) is trying to load something, so I won't go there again. Or opening program (y) tries to put something on my computer. Now, blocking it is great. I certainly won't complain, as long as these threats are blocked -- but an immediate notification helps me to avoid future threats. As far as I can tell, MSE does really work in the background, blocking but not notifying. Is there any way to activate this, or is it not yet a supported "feature"? Thanks much…

my screen is like it 3D or some thing i cant get it off so my pictures are magnified they dont fit the screen so how do i get it off View the thread

My PC is getting a bit aged and I decided I need to do a backup. I have an external hard drive. View this thread

My Windows Vista Home Basic shows that my Product Key is in use (the Desktop has the message that "This copy of Windows is not genuine". I cannot activate it (reactivate...I purchased the computer new with Windows Vista Home Basic pre-installed 4 years ago) and get code: 0xC004F050. Last week I spent 3 hours on the phone with a Microsoft Customer Service Rep. who tried everything he could through remote access. Even 2 different new Product Keys didn't work, nor did using the Clean Installation from the 3 webpages I was advised to try. Is it possible my product key was stolen (online, I'd assume) and being used by someone else??!! View this thread

Automatic updates has tried to install this update, but it continues to fail on each attempt in the past serveral days. View this thread

I received an e-mail yesterday from windows live, e-mail address *** Email address is removed for privacy *** This e-mail looked very fishy to me and I want to know if this is really from windows live or if it is someone trying to access my personal information Welcome to Hotmail. Windows MSN Hotmail is faster, safer than ever before and filled with new ways to stay in touch. Due to increased spam and phishing activities globally, a DGTFX trojan virus has been detected in some of our servers. Your email account server will be upgraded with our new secure 1024-bit RSA key anti-virus firewall to prevent damage and spread of the virus. Click your reply tab, fill the co…

Search is not working, I get the message "No items match your criteria". It is only for certain words yet I know I have files with these names. Thanks in advance Graham View the thread

Is this the complete package of security that is all a computer needs to be "secure"? What about in coffee shops? Thank you. View this thread

I created a secondary administrators account not really knowing it, and need to delete it. I followed the directions I found in the help section, but there was no delete account like the directions suggested. Need help deleting that secondary administrators account. Can someone help me? Thanks much!! View the thread

My laptop has a battery icon on the lower right with an X in it. I can't use the computer without the plug in. View this thread

Why does mse keep saying that I need to scan, 24hrs after doing a full scan on schedule? Any advice appreciated. Thanks View this thread

I have a French-language version of Windows XP. How do I find if I have 32 bits or 64 bits? View this thread

My taskbar has got itself coloured black/grey and I can't see how to change it in 'Personalisation'. Can anyone help please? View this thread

Connecting multiple monitors to a PC is one of the easiest ways to enhance your Windows experience. Plug in a second monitor and you instantly double your working surface. I've had a multi-monitor setup for the past 10 years once you start using multiple monitors, you’ll never want to go back to your old setup. A multi-monitor setup allows you to be more productive by having more windows across multiple screens. We’re very excited about the ease at which tablets in Windows 8 will be able to support large screen and high resolution monitors (often through HDMI connectors), as this opens up a broad range of exciting new scenarios. When we embarked on planning Windows 8, …