“Error: Error 1068: The dependency service or group failed to start” is one of the most frustrating errors you can encounter because it can disrupt printing, putting pictures on your computer–even accessing Windows Help!  Where does error 1068 come from, and how can you fix it?

Most Likely Sources of Error 1068 with Windows Services

The most likely sources of this error are the Windows Image Acquisition Service (which works with cameras, scanners, etc.), the Help and Support Service (which starts-up Help on your computer) and the Print Spooler service (which, as you might guess, connects with your printers).

If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you have run into a problem with one of the above three services.  But what if you came in for another reason?

Don’t fret–this isn’t anything too out of the ordinary.  Various programs and even drivers (small programs that allow your computer hardware to talk with the Windows operating system) have problems with their services from time to time.  Often, these services simply need to be turned on.

Fix Error 1068 by Turning On Your Windows Services

The following solution will help you with your 1068 services error and get all of your hardware and software back up and running.

Go to “Run” and enter “services.msc”.  This will give you a list of services, each with a short description, and tell you which ones are running.

Now, point at the service you require and/or that you just got the “Error 1068″ about.  Right-click on it and select “Properties” from the box menu you’re given.  From here, you should be able to see a box where you can switch the service from “Disabled” to “Automatic.”  You may need to restart your computer in order to see any change.

What if Error 1068 Keeps Coming Back?

If error 1068 keeps popping back up–especially if the services you turned on have mysteriously been turned off again–you may have errors with your registry.  The Windows registry acts as the control & direction center for everything that goes on in Windows.

It could be that incorrect registry entries are resetting your default service settings to “Disabled”.  Fix error 1068 by running a free scan on your computer to see what the problem is.

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Error 503 can be a frustrating error to have–especially when you’ve been searching all over the internet for that one little bit of information and find it in exactly one result in Google, only to click the one relevant link and find the server isn’t serving up web pages.

The Good News about Error 503

The good news about this problem is that it originates with the web server and not with your computer.  It means that the server is one step away from being completely shut down.  Its message about error 503 is pretty much the only communication it’s having with the outside world right now.

Usually, this is because of something the owners or tech people are doing.  The server may be down for maintenance, or there may be massive changes being made to the site.  In any case, error 503 usually occurs because of human decision, instead of equipment failure or something like a denial of service attack.

Occasionally, this error happens when the server is overloaded.  And if you get this error a couple of times when you try to check  out with an online shopping cart, you’d better check your bank account.  It may mean that you’ve unknowingly submitted your order multiple times.

Can You Fix Error 503

While this error is beyond your power to fix, there is hope.  You can often come back to the server after an hour or so and find the site fully operational again.  And sometimes you don’t have to do anything but click “Refresh” to see that page you want to see.

What About the Windows Registry?

Error 503 doesn’t have any kind of origins in your registry.  But after you encounter this problem, it never hurts to run a free registry scan just in case your computer has made bad associations because of this error.

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Error 1706 can be one of the most frustrating computer problems to encounter–after all, what’s more frustrating than being unable to setup and run the program that your computer tells you is right there?  You have probably seen one of these two messages (or one that is similar to them):

• Error 1706–No valid source could be found for the product.
• Error 1706–Setup cannot find the required files

So what is the deal, exactly?

What Causes Error 1706

If you’re seeing this error, there’s a good chance that your program was originally installed through a network administrative installation, over a network, and you no long have that option available to you.  There’s a good chance that someone else installed it for you–especially if this problem is happening in your workplace.

For this, the best thing to do is usually to contact the tech person at your workplace and let them take care of it.

Error 1706 can also happen under other circumstances, such as when you’re running an installation CD but Windows keeps asking you to provide the source or filepath for some of the necessary installation file.  While this could mean that you need to connect to the internet in order to get the right files, it could also signify problems with your installation CD, your Windows software, or your registry.

Error 1706 and InstallShield and Windows Installer.

Error 1706 is actually not an uncommon error.  People see it quite a bit when they download patches and other minor updates and upgrades to Windows.  Sometimes, all this error means is that you need to update your version of Windows Installer.  Make sure you also have the latest version of InstallShield–both are free!

A Registry Cleaner for Problems with Your Updates

Having the latest version of Windows Installer may not clear up your problems 100%.  Windows Installer is notorious for improper caching, which means that its cache could be overfull, or just filled with the wrong info.  The best way to fix error 1706 and other problems involving corrupt, out-of-date, or overflowing file info is with a good reputable registry cleaner.

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Have you been having slow running computer problems lately and tried looking at your Task Manager to see what’s running in the background?  Bttray is one of those programs that people often look at and say to themselves, “Hey, what’s this?  Is this harming my system?”

The Low-Down on Bttray.exe

This executable file often runs at start up, which can freak people out sometimes.  Unknown executables that run at startup can sometimes be a warning sign that you’ve got spyware or some other malicious file.

Here’s the good news: Bttray.exe is a legitimate process that is totally safe for your computer.  Not to mention, it doesn’t normally eat up very much in the way of CPU usage or RAM space (if your task manager is telling you that it is, then you might have a malicious file disguised as bttray.exe).

This file runs the Bluetooth icon in your task try.  You can click on the icon for quick access to your Bluetooth connections, setup wizard, advanced configuration, etc.  It is part of the Widcomm brand Bluetooth drivers, and is related to btstackserver.exe.

If you don’t ever use Bluetooth devices, it won’t kill you to delete this file.  Then again, it’s not a bad idea to keep around, just in case.

How to Tell if Your Instance of Bttray is Legitimate

Here is a quick test to see if the bttray.exe running on your computer is legitimate.  Look in the task tray at the bottom-right of your screen.  The Bluetooth icon governed by this file should be blue-and-red when turned off, and blue-and-white when turned on.

Click the icon and see if it changes from one color scheme to the other.  For that matter, click the icon and see if it takes you to your Bluetooth administration area.  If it fails these tests, you might have a false instance of the file and need to remove it via anti-virus software.

Other Reasons You May Have a Slow Running Computer

Even if you delete bttray off your computer, it’s not likely to speed your system up a whole lot.  If you’ve got a slow-running computer, it might be time to scan your registry and see what kind of outdated, missing, and corrupt files are slowing you down.  Fix bttray.exe and other potential problems with a free scan from a legitimate registry tool.

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“Error 203–Unexpected Installation Error” is a frustrating error that can keep you from installing files you want and/or need.  It is a common problem–especially with Firefox–but it is fixable.  The article below will let you know the details about why it happens and what you can do to repair error 203.

Got Corrupt Extension Files?

Error 203 sometimes occurs when you have corrupt extension files.  If you know what the offending files are, or even what the offending files might be, one option is to rename them.

That way, the files still won’t be used (since the program’s REGISTRY says only to use certain files, identifiable by name).  BUT it still keeps the information around–information you or a PC technician might require at a later date.

Why Error 203 Happens

It’s very common with Firefox, when people try to install new themes and extensions, to see this message: “Unexpected Installation Error–203″.  Sometimes it will mean that even the existing and already-installed add-ons just won’t work that day!

It can also happen when you update to a new version of the Firefox browser.  If you’ve updated in the recent past, go ahead and delete these three files from your Firefox Profiles folder:

• Extension.rdf
• Extensions.cache
• Extensions.ini

Don’t worry–Firefox will re-propagate these files just as soon as you restart it.  But now they will be clean, instead of overflowing with junk.

You might also encounter error 203 if you are running a Zone Alarm or CA Firewall.  You can usually fix the problem by going to your system tray (the bottom-right of your screen, where all the icons are), finding the firewall’s icon, and disabling it long enough to complete your download.

And If That Doesn’t Work…

If none of the above solutions works, you probably have a corrupt Firefox Profiles folder.  Cleaning your registry is a good way–sometimes the only safe way–to repair and replace corrupt files (as well get rid of out-of-date ones that are taking up space and CPU speed on your computer).  Repair error 203 with a free scan from any legitimate registry cleaner.

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Recently had some errors with ntvdm.exe?  You’re not alone.  Many people who run Windows NT have encountered this same problem.  This article will tell you what this executable file is, why it’s causing problems, and what you can do about it.

What Is NTVDM.EXE?

This file runs the Windows NT Virtual DOS Machine.  It creates a virtual version of the old DOS/16-bit operating system, so you can run older programs on Windows NT, which is a 32-bit operating system.

While it can cause problems listed below, it is not a security risk.  Since it is a Windows system process, this is NOT a file you want to delete from your computer!

How NTVDM.EXE can Cause a Slow Running Computer.

That doesn’t mean that this file doesn’t come with its own special set of problems, however.  In fact, many people end up deleting it because they think it might be a self-propagating virus!  What leads them to this conclusion?

Ntvdm.exe will often run a single instance for every program you decide to run that requires its usage.  Even after you close these individual programs, ntvdm and its companion wowexec.exe may stay open and running in the background, in case you decide to run another Windows 16-bit program.

This can really eat up your CPU resources and cause you to have a slow running computer.  If you’ve run several older programs since the last time you shut your computer off, it may be time to restart.

What Else You Can Do

When you select ntvdm.exe from the task manager menu, you may be able to uncheck a box next to it (this may require a right-click to see the box).

This may have also created problems with your registry, a database that acts as the control center for your Windows operating system.  It tells your programs when to operate, and which other programs they should operate with.  It might be telling this file to start up when it has no business running.  You can fix ntvdm.exe problems by using a qualified registry cleaner on your computer.

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If you’ve used your Task Manager to see what kind of processes are running on your computer, you may have noticed something called ccapp.exe.  You’ve probably asked yourself just exactly what this file does, where it comes from, and how much it’s slowing your system down.  Most importantly, you probably want to know if ccapp.exe is helpful or harmful and what, if anything, you should do about it.  Read on to find out.

Where Does CCAPP.EXE Come From?

Never fear–CCAPP.EXE belongs to a program owned by Symantec Corporation.  It’s a program you may have heard about once or twice: Norton Antivirus!

“CCAPP” stands for  “Common Client Application”.  The “.exe” tells us that it is an executable file.  Executable files are responsible for herding all other files and data together and making things happen.  You activate one or more executable files every time you start up a program.

What Does CCAPP.EXE Do–And Should You Keep It?

If you want your Norton Antivirus or Norton Internet Security program to work, it is absolutely essential that you keep ccapp.exe around!  This process constantly runs in the background of your files.  It scans emails, files, and any other data that comes onto your computer for viruses, spyware, and Trojan horses.

It does use up RAM and processor speed.  Depending on how many web browser Windows you have open, it will work harder at some times than it will at others.  While it may cost you a little bit of computer speed, it generally makes up for this via the protection if offers your system.

What to Do About CCAPP.EXE Errors.

If you have been having ccapp.exe errors, it might be time to reinstall your Norton software.  As long as you still have your registration key and/or license, this should not cause an interruption in your paid subscription.

Another thing you may want to do is check your registry for errors.  When you receive error messages about an executable file, it is often because your registry either can’t find the file, or else has the wrong instructions concerning it.

Fix ccapp.exe errors with a registry scan.  A good cleaning of your registry may even find old and outdated entries that, once removed, could even make your PC run faster!

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Error 1714: “The older version of Adobe Reader cannot be removed,” can be a huge pain.  It keeps you from installing a new version of Adobe Acrobat on your computer.

Many important documents are put onto PDF.  Instruction manuals, college course material, and warrantees are put in this file format.  Today, you can even sign a contract, bank loan, or student grant paper via PDF–as long as you can get the latest version of Adobe Acrobat.  But error 1714 always stops this from happening.

What is Error 1714

You have to uninstall the old version of Adobe Acrobat in order to install the new one.  But when for some reason the old version won’t uninstall, it results in “Error 1714: The older version of Adobe Reader cannot be removed.”

Why You Get This Error With Adobe Acrobat

Damaged or corrupt Windows Installer files can screw things up when you try to install or uninstall software.  This is one reason for the “bad installs” that often result in left-over and, outdated, corrupt and “junky” registry entries that jam up the Windows registry and slow down and crash the computer.

What exactly is the Windows registry?  It is the database at the heart of every operating system that tells programs how to work and how to interrelate with each other.

Imagine your computer as an airport, with your files and programs as airplanes.  Your registry is the control tower, with registry entries acting as the radar and flight information.

You can extend this analogy further, because incorrect information really will delay programs and slow down the operation; in fact, the wrong entries in the wrong places will even cause your computer to crash!

Fix Your Registry so that Error 1714 Won’t Keep Holding You Back

As you might imagine, it’s important to keep your registry updated with current entries, as well as free of outdated and corrupt entries.  How does this apply to your Adobe Acrobat problem?

Well, if your error comes from having old invalid files on your registry, and a registry cleaner can clear those entries out of the way, there’s a pretty good chance that you can fix error 1714 by running a good cleaner.  Most reputable registry tools offer free scans so that you can try out the product before buying–it certainly can’t hurt to try one out!

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Cisco’s VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology is some of the most popular for creating secure subnetworks with a business’s local area network (LAN).  Even though it is top of the line, it is not without its own incidents of VPN error.  Two of the most common Cisco VPN errors include dropped connections and Error 403.

VPN Error 403

Do you try to connect to your local private network, only to get this error: “VPN Connection terminated locally by the Client. Reason 403: Unable to contact the security gateway.”?  This can be frustrating, but it’s usually not too hard to fix.  In fact, the solution is often very simple.

First, make sure you are entering your password correctly.  One thing many of us forget from time to time is that capital letters ARE important when typing in passwords.

If, after double-checking your password, you find that you have entered it correctly but still can’t connect, make sure you’re trying to connect to the right network.  This can be an easy mistake to make in a workplace where multiple VPNs with similar names exist.

VPN Dropped Connection

Did you get up from your workstation, only to come back several minutes later and find yourself disconnected from your virtual private network?  This can happen if when your computer goes into “Stand By” or “Hibernate” mode.  Sometimes it can even happen if your computer goes into low-power screensaver mode.

Many virtual private networks expect a constant connection between server and client. This means that your computer may not automatically reconnect to some VPNs like it does to your home or office wireless network.

While there might be some settings on the server end that your system administrator can fix, you can usually solve the problem yourself by making sure your computer does not automatically enter “Hibernate” or “Stand By” after a certain amount of idle time.  You can change this in your power settings.

What a VPN Error Will Do to Your Computer

While this type of problem is generally easy to fix (we won’t call it minor; we know how frustrating it can be!), it might not completely go away once it’s been solved.

Every connection that your operating system makes with any other operating system, software, or network, is recorded in the Windows registry.  This registry is a huge database that records and directs relationships between Windows and everything else.

This means that it has recorded the way your computer interacted with the virtual private network with which you had problems.  You can’t be 100% sure that it won’t make mistakes with it in the future, unless you clean your registry.  Fix VPN errors with a free scan from any reputable registry cleaner to avoid any further network connection problems.

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