Girl Geekette

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928233/en-us

Windows Vista cannot obtain an IP Address from certain routers or from certain non-Microsoft DHCP servers

Consider the following scenario:

• You connect a Windows Vista-based computer to a network.
• A router or other device that is configured as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is configured on the network.
• The router or the other device does not support the DHCP BROADCAST flag.

In this scenario, Windows Vista cannot obtain an IP address.

Windows Key & R
Type: cmd
Press ENTER

You will get a command window. In that window
Type: getmac
You will get a screen similar to:

getmac

Starting with Vista there is a tool for memory (works on 7 too).

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool (PC)

Windows Vista and Windows 7 include a Memory (RAM) Diagnostic Tool that performs a scan of your computer’s physical memory and may help identify any possible errors.

Using this tool will require a reboot so please save any documents you have open.

- Click Start.
- In the Start Search field type in Memory and hit Enter.
- The first option you see should say Memory Diagnostic Tool.
- Run the Memory Diagnostic Tool – A window will pop up asking you if you want to reboot and check for problems now or check for problems the next time you restart.
- If you choose to restart now, your OS will reboot into the memory diagnostic utility.

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps. If you are not logged in as an administrator, you can only change settings that apply to your user account.

Make a backup copy of the registry for Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition using the following steps:

Use Windows Key +R to get a Run box or Click Start, click Run, or type in the search box. Type

regedit

and then press ENTER.‌

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Locate and click the key or subkey that you want to back up.

Click the File menu, and then click Export.

In the Save in box, select the location where you want to save the backup copy, and then type a name for the backup file in the File name box.

Click Save.

If you have A previously created restore point in your system, you can use System Restore to undo registry changes in in Windows XP

Use Windows Key+R to get a Run box

In the Run box, type

%SystemRoot%\System32\Restore\Rstrui.exe

and then click OK.

On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next .

On the Select a Restore Point page, click the system checkpoint.

In the On this list select the restore point area, click an entry that is named “Guided Help (Registry Backup),” and then click Next.

If a System Restore message appears that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make, click OK.

On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next.

System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration and then restarts the computer.

Log on to the computer. When the System Restore confirmation page appears, click OK.

Use Windows Key +R to get a run box.

Type Regedit in the run box.

Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control

Find the WaitToKillServiceTimeout key on the right

Double-click to edit and change it from the default 12000 (12 seconds) to 2000 (2 seconds) or above.

This setting tells Windows how long to wait before prompting you that a service is not responding to the shut down request. This may help speed up your shutdown if you have any such services running.