Skype: "We are having problems connecting to the download server"

When you go to Skype's main page to download the latest version, you're not really downloading Skype, you're installing a downloader that manages the install of Skype.  Confused yet?  Anyway, sometimes the downloader has problems managing the connection and you'll get errors such as "We are having problems connecting to the download server."

Solution:  Download the standalone install for Skype.

This is especially useful if you have your own download manager that can resume should the source of the problem be a slow or unreliable internet connection.  Or just use it to install it on several computers that may not have an internet connection at the time.

Windows cannot find 'search:query=cmd"

Problem:  you go to Start and in the search field you enter the name of some system tool (cmd, run, regedit, etc.) and you get the error "Windows cannot find 'search:query=(whatever you wish to run)".  Other searches seem to run okay, as long as its not a system file.

The indexing service is running and restarting the computer doesn't seem to fix it.  After much trial and error, I was able to fix the root of several problems by running this Microsoft Fixit solution:  KB886549.

I only list this on my blog because the article doesn't directly claim to fix the search:query= error, so I am happy to bring it to everyone's attention.

Skype's Disappearing Cat and Other Hidden Icons

Skype has some hidden emoticons not listed in the standard sub-menu of their chat window.  The complete list can be seen here.

However, there are a couple more that have caused people to think they may have a virus or wonder why exactly they are seeing:

1)  The disappearing cat.

How to recreate it:  hold down the keys C-A-T at the same time.
What happens:  a gray cat holds out its paw and eventually disappears.
Why:  this indicates that the typer's cat may be stepping on the keyboard.

2)  The disappearing hands.

How to recreate it:  hold down any three keys at the same time.
What happens:  two hands appear to wrap over the top of a line on the screen and eventually disappears.
Why:  this indicates the typer is probably leaning on the keyboard.

It's somewhat a mystery that Skype wouldn't let its users know what these are supposed to mean to the user.

Can't install Microsoft Security Essentials (Error Code 0x80070643)

Problem:  You can't install Microsoft Security Essentials and get an error coder 0x80070643.

First, be sure to go through these steps.

But when I found that this didn't help, I kept digging and realized I have was having other problems including not being able to open the Management Console or searching from the start menu.  Error 1606 also appeared in the event log.

That's when I came across KB886549, which addresses some registry settings pointing to user profile locations. Just run the "Fix it" button and you're set and should be able to install Microsoft Security Essentials.

Unhide Folders Hidden By a Virus

Problem:  a virus reached your flash drive (maybe even your entire computer) and hid all you folders.  You may even see that your folders have been replaced by a shortcut icon (one with a black arrow in the lower corner).  After removing the virus, the folders can't be unhidden and the property check boxes do not respond.

Solution:  Use a command prompt to change the attributes.

1)  Open the command prompt by going to Start > Run and typing "cmd".  A black screen will open.

2)  Type attrib -s -h /S /D x:\

NOTE:  x:\ should be the drive indicating your flash drive that has the hidden folders.

Open the flash drive again and your folders should now be visible again.

Outlook 2003: MAPI32.DLL error

Problem:  You open Outlook and you get the following error message:

Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. MAPI32.DLL is corrupt or the wrong version. This could have been caused by installing other messaging software. Please reinstall Outlook.

Solution:  For some reason, a repair installation doesn't seem to have any effect on this problem, but the solution is quite simple. 

1.  Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033

NOTE:  For 64-bit OS, the path might be C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033

2.  Find the file MSMAPI.DLL and rename it to MSMAPI.OLD.

3.  Open Outlook 2003 and all should be well.  A new MSMAPI.DLL file should be visiable.

How to Remove Password Protection in Excel

I've used this in Excel 2003, but it claims to work in other version:

Download Excel Password Remover 2010

When you open the file, you may get a security warning, so open Excel and go to Tools >  Macro... > Security and change the level to "Low." 

Open Excel Password Remover 2010 again and it will install.

To unlock, go to Tools > Unlock Workbook (or Unlock Sheet) to be able to edit the document.