Tech Tip of the Day: Troubleshooting "Integration features have been disabled" in Windows XP Mode

Description: When launching Windows XP Mode, a message appears stating that integration features have been disabled. Windows XP Mode is either partially functional or completely non-functional. The Tools menu item "Enabling Integration Features" is grayed out. This document will troubleshoot that issue.

1. When attempting to launch Windows XP Mode, an error message appears stating that Integration features have been disabled. If Windows XP Mode succeeds in launching, the Enable Integration Features option in the Tools menu is grayed out and Windows XP Mode does not function normally.
   
   
   
   


2. This problem is usually related to the Virtual Machine having saved a bad hibernation state. This hibernation state exists in a saved file. Once this file is found and deleted, Windows XP Mode will run just fine.
3. The first step is to open up Windows Explorer by clicking first on the Start button in the lower left hand corner, then the Computer button on the right hand side of the panel.
   
   


4. This will bring up Windows Explorer. Click the Organize button and select Folder and Search Options.
   
   


5. Click the View tab. View Hidden Files and Folders should be selected. Hide extensions for known file types should NOT be checked. Click OK.
   
   


6. Navigate to the directory
   C:/Users/{Your Profile Name}/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows Virtual PC/Virtual Machines. This directory will contain four files. Their purpose is determined by their extension.
   .vhd is the virtual hard drive that contains all the data for Windows XP Mode
   .vmc is the virtual machine configuration file
   .vpcbackup is a backup of the virtual machine configuration file
   .vsv is the hibernation saved state file
7. Delete the .vsv file. In the example below it is the file named Windows XP Mode.vsv. This should be done carefully as deleting the wrong file will render Windows XP Mode unbootable.
8. Launch Windows XP Mode. It should run normally now.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip of the Day: How to format a drive using the Command Prompt in Windows 7

Description: If formatting a drive through Windows is unsuccessful, the Command Line becomes a very useful tool to complete the process.

1. Open the Elevated Command Prompt by going to Start » All Programs » Accessories » Right-Click on Command Prompt and click Run as administrator. A prompt will appear for Administrator Access. Click Yes to allow.
   
   


2. Once in Command Prompt, type in Format X: (X being the drive to be formatted. If it’s a removable drive, make sure it is connected) and hit Enter. A confirmation will appear. Hit Enter again.
   
   
   
   


3. The formatting will begin. Depending on the size of the drive, it could take quite some time. The ETA is determined by the percentage completed.
   
   


4. Once completed with the format, it will allow the Volume Label to be set or changed. To change it, type in the label desired. To proceed or skip, hit Enter.
   
   


5. The format has now been completed and will display a summary of the drive. To exit, click the X in the top right corner, or, type Exit into the Command Line.
   
   

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.

Tech Tip of the Day: How to delete files "Waiting to Be Burned to Disc" in Windows 7

Description: This article outlines the process of deleting files that are waiting to be burned to a disc in Windows 7. This process will fix most situations where windows will present the user with a balloon tip notifying the user that there are files waiting to be burned, but when the user clicks on the balloon tip, no files are shown.

Foreword: If Windows 7 is presenting you with Balloon Tips notifying you that "You have files waiting to be burned to disc", follow the Steps below to delete these Files and stop these annoying messages.

1. Open the Start Menu by left clicking on the "Start" button.
2. Type "shell:cd burning" in the Search programs and files Field.
3. Press the Enter button on your keyboard or left click on "shell:cd burning" link to open the Temporary Burn Folder.
   
   


4. Delete all of the Files shown.
5. Restart your computer to complete the process.

For more assistance contact Technical Support here.