I've had this problem before in Windows XP but don't know what to do with it in Vista. My pictures all come through properly but when I went to help, I am finding a red x (in a box) next to the graphic image for the subject I am in.

Had problems with the "Com Surrogate not working error" and have it solved by uninstalling the current DivX, Nero, and Urge. Have not had the problem since. I did upgrade to the most current DivX so I don't think that is the problem.

Any help would sure be appreciated.

hi jazzman
not sure in vista but in xp
when anything like that happens i just right click and select show picture
hope that helps

Most likely it's a setting in your browser or a security program that you're using.

John,

Would sure appreciate any suggestions. I am using Webroots Spy Sweeper but have not had this problem with it before.

If it is the browser, what do I need to look for to correct it.

Driving me crazy. Thought about paying M$ the $59.00 for help. I was on one site that suggested I reinstall everything. I really don't want to do that if I don't have to.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

JazzMahn

p.s. It isn't affecting the way the computer functions. It just looks bad every time I go to Help.

Try disabling SpySweeper temporarily and see if that helps.

Try resetting your IE settings to default and see if that helps.

Try searching the MS Knowledge Base for similar issues. Here's an article that seems to describe your problem: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283807/en-...&sid=global

FWIW - in the past when I had this problem, I reinstalled the OS to fix it. I hope that this isn't the fix for you!

John,

The only time I am getting the red x is in Help and Support. I used to have this problem on web pages I visited but that is not the problem for me. Just on the picture (or graphic image) when I go to Help and Support.

I checked under Default Programs and when I went down the list of extensions associated with a specific program all the extensions listed for Help and Support were listed as "unknown program".

I have a feeling this might have happened after I uninstalled Nero. It is a good program but wants to take over your computer's default settings.

Going to try M$ even if I have to pay (the joys of OEM-provide your own support) before I reinstall. That is the only problem the computer is having. If they can fix it without a reinstall, my time is worth more than $59.00.

Will keep you posted. If you have any other thoughts, let me know. Thought maybe reinstalling Nero. What do you think.

You're right about Nero wanting to take over everything! Before you call MS; uninstall Nero, clean all temps, defrag and reboot. See if the problem is still there.

My Help and Support files are also listed as Unknown Program - and they work just fine.

Try checking the association for .xml files. If it's not listed as the XML Editor, change it to that. http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/kmkenney/...nd-support.aspx

John,

I wiped out Nero. Even went into the registry and wiped out any instance of Nero. I also did a complete defrag. Used Ccleaner and cleaned out all internet temp files, etc. Cleaned out history, all my cookies, and restarted. Same problem. I went to default file associations and under .xml it showed XML Document and the current default as Internet Explorer.

I did download the registry fix for help to restore defaults but I am still getting the same problem with red x's.

Do I need to change the default from Internet Explorer to something else? Let me know.

Thanks,

JazzMahn

I'd give another browser a try (Firefox is free and available here: http://www.mozilla.com )

It won't fix your problem, but it'll let you know if the problem is with IE or deeper in the OS.

I can't believe how simple the answer was. I went to settings in help and there was a box to check asking if I wanted to include online help in my search for assistance. I checked the box and all of a sudden all the red x's turned into graphic images. Problem solved. Saved myself paying M$ $59.00.

Feel ignorant that I hadn't tried that but at least now I know. I hope it can help someone else.

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

JazzMahn

I've had the same problem in Firefox and never have solved it. I have wondered whether it is something to so with the speed of the server at the other end or the connection or the type of image used.

I'm glad that you fixed it! And, this'll give others a way to figure it out when they come looking!

Post Script:

I was able to correct the problem when I am online. For the heck of it I looked at the help and support tab when I was offline and the red x's were back. Normally the first thing I do is go online so at least for me the problem is solved as I would normally be on line when I look.

Don't know if this is a complete solution but it works for me. No $59.00 for M$.

JazzMahn