Startup and Operations Problems

Some users may experience software conflicts and system configuration issues. These can result in TrustyFiles loading or operating extremely slowly, software freezes, memory problems, and otherwise significantly impacting normal PC performance.

We've tuned the software over the past year for better performance and to use less system resources. But problems still happen. Unlike Linux or the Mac, Windows is a difficult environment with lots of patches and old or updated DLLs that create problems for programs.

First, always make sure you have the current TrustyFiles version as each update includes important bug fixes and performance improvements. See the current version.

If TrustyFiles crashes on start-up, simply restart the program. Sometimes one or a few restarts may clear the problem.

Review the following sections if crashes continue or TrustyFiles operation makes your system unnaturally slow.

Windows connection limitation

The Microsoft Windows XP SP2 update and a number of succeeding XP patch updates install a system file - tcpip.sys - with settings that limit your computer's outgoing Internet connections. This restriction can cause startup and operations problems.

Even if you changed your tcpip.sys file in the past, Windows XP updates regularly include the file and re-establish this limitation. Be sure to check after every Windows update. Get the Microsoft Windows XP SP2 fix and info.

Windows file or registry corruption

Most startup problems occurs due to Windows file or registry corruption when TrustyFiles and TrustyFiles Pro are installed or removed, especially if installed over another version. 

• Windows sets incorrect file rights. This error results in files not being deleted when they should, such as when TrustyFiles is being removed. Installing an update on top of files that weren't properly removed results in mismatched program and data files. Remove TrustyFiles again and ensure these files are indeed removed.
• Corrupted data files. Windows may corrupt data files if TrustyFiles is interrupted before a file is properly saved or upon other system glitches. TrustyFiles is programmed to ignore or recover from most corrupted files. But some files can cause TrustyFiles to crash.

To make sure this isn't the problem.

1. Shut down TrustyFiles.
2. Uninstall/remove TrustyFiles via the Start Menu or Control Panel.
3. Use Windows Explorer to verify all files are removed from the TrustyFiles progam directory except any in the Incomplete and Downloads folders. If the files are not removed, use Windows Explorer to manually remove them.
4. Re-install TrustyFiles.
5. Use Windows Explorer to verify TrustyFiles system files are correctly written to your computer. The installation program will create a folder at the TrustyFiles progam directory with program file c:\Program Files\TrustyFiles\TrustyFiles.exe, as well as a Data folder with its own default files. If these files aren't there, go back to step 2 above.
6. Run TrustyFiles.

If you have TrustyFiles Pro and are unable to activate the software due to corrupted activation, delete the directory at C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Protexis .

Software conflicts

If TrustyFiles installs correctly, the problem may be due a software conflict between TrustyFiles and another program on your computer.

The following programs have been reported to cause problems with some users. When the user stopped the program process TrustyFiles worked fine.

• Certain anti-virus programs such as Norton Antivirus, McAfee VirusScan, etc.
• Certain screensavers
• Winampa.exe, a process for the Winamp media player that displays it in the system tray and maintains file associations
• InstallStub.exe, used by the Plaxo contact manager as a Microsoft Outlook add-in.
• Dell media jukebox 8.10.xxxxx
• "VisiURL.exe" (Visiscan used by the inquiry-program Multiscope)

 To test for software conflicts

1. Shut down TrustyFiles.
2. If you have software among the conflicting programs above, fully exit those programs, including those in the system tray and any affiliated processes. Run TrustyFiles.
3. If that doesn't work, shut down the following one by one and test TrustyFiles - your applications, then system tray programs, and lastly non-Microsoft system processes.

Other Windows issues

One Windows XP user reported that configuring TrustyFiles to run as a Windows 98 program solved his problems.

1. In Windows Explorer right click on the TrustyFiles.exe program (default location c:\Program Files\TrustyFiles\TrustyFiles.exe).
2. Click on Properties.
3. Click Compatibility.
4. Set options to Disable visual themes and Run as Windows98/ME.
5. Save the changes.

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TrustyFiles progam directory: TrustyFiles files may be written to c:\Program Files\TrustyFiles, c:\Program Files\TrustyFilesPro, or another folder, depending on the version installed and program folder if set during installation..

Windows processes: To view current processes, hit Control-Alt-Delete to display the Windows Task Manager. Use the Applications and Processes tab see what programs and processes are active. To kill a process, click on the application task or process name to select it. Then click the End Task or End Process button at the bottom of the display.