The Up and Up

Q: I enjoy reading your column and keeping up with the latest technology.Being not the best user, I have encountered a problem I can't seem torectify. I have Windows XP, and the problem began about a week ago,(Mid-March). When Explorer is opened, my home page does not comeup, I get a message stating: Sony UPnP Framework has encountered a problem and needs to close, we are sorry for your inconvenience. Send report to Microsoft, or Don't send.R. Perez
A: There are several ways to approach your problem. From what you have described the problem sounds like there is some sort of conflict between your system and something that has recently been installed. First of all, make sure that you have all the latest updates and drivers for your web browser. Many times the conflict is with your system’s security settings. Whether you use Norton’s, MacAfee, Zone Alarm, or any other security program the conflict possibly lies in the firewall settings. To rule this out as the cause, open the firewall configuration for whichever program that you use. Next, there should be a section where you can see the firewall settings for each individual program on your computer that connects to the Internet. When you locate Sony UpnP Framework, make sure that it is set to permit Internet connection. If it is not, then set it to permit. If you are somewhat comfortable with computers you can identify the problem by looking at your computer’s event log. This log tracks the seminal actions that occur on your system. You can find the event log also called the event viewer in the administrative folder in the control panel. When you have the event log open, look for an event that matches the time that you received an error message. The entries are normally classified as Information, Error, or Warning. Each explains the type of message that was displayed on your screen. Clicking on an entry will produce a pop up window than usually gives a slightly more detailed description of what occurred. Writing down the information in the pop up box is good way to explain your computer’s problem to a technician. The easy fix is to restore your system to a time before the problem. To do this, go to the start button, then programs, followed by the accessories sub-menu, then select system tools, and finally open system restore. You will be asked if you want to restore to an earlier time. Hit the next button. A calendar should appear. Select a date before the problem existed. This old favorite should correct your problem.
As far as the request to send a report to Microsoft, I usually decline, but there is no harm in sending it. The request is designed to help Microsoft fix their software, and determine if the problem is on their end or a third party software maker.