STOP: C000021a {Irreversible System Error} Windows logon process terminated unexpectedly with state (0×00000000 0×00000000). The system has been closed.

Unfortunately the timing of the virus definition release corresponded with the schedule of our weekly deep scan on all client PCs. As a result close to half the company found their PCs inaccessible the next morning upon starting-up their computers. We still have to determine why not all of the systems were affected; from our experience it appears to have only affected Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

Fortunately after getting in contact with VIPRE support we were able to confirm that the source of the issue was related to a False Positive error in the definition file 5474 and that file definition 5475 was already available with the correction. Unfortunately, VIPRE does not yet have an easy fix to the problem, however in a follow-up email to our support ticket they indicated that “have been working on developing a bootable ISO utility designed to unquarantine the files detected by the FP (false positive)”.

Until the bootable ISO is made available to release the quarantined file the following steps are necessary to make the system once again accessible:

1. Copy the winlogon.exe file from C:\windows\system32\ on a working Windows XP machine to either a floppy disk or burn to a CD-ROM

2. Boot the system from a Windows XP installation disk. Press “R” on the first screen that asks whether to install windows or to recover an existing Windows XP installation. This will open the Recovery Console

3. Select the Operating System that you will be recovering by pressing the corresponding number from the displayed list. Type the password for the local Administrator account.

4. Insert the CD-ROM or Floppy Disk and copy the winlogon.exe file to the C:\windows\system32\ directory. (ex: \\>copy d:\winlogon.exe c:\windows\system32\)

5. Reboot the pressing F8 on start-up to launch Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

6. After Windows starts up login with the local Administrator account

7. Delete the virus definition files. To do so for VIPRE go to the definitions folder (C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\SBEAgent\Definitions\) and delete all the contents.

8. Reboot the system

Following this procedure we have been able to get all systems back up and running.

If you have experienced similar issues please leave a comment regarding your experience.

This same cycle is often visible in other areas of life, moving from inspiration to motivation to commitment and then eventually to lack of motivation and eventually burnout. After a period of recuperation the cycle repeats itself. I don’t know if this cycle can be completely avoided however I am sure there are some tips to be able to extend the cycle and to reduce the recovery time.

Apparently this is not uncommon as I have found it widely discussed in the blogosphere. So incase any one else has experienced this cycle I have posted links to other articles that may give you the advise you need.

Tips for avoiding blog burnout:

• Figure out what works best to keep motivation high before hitting bottom - http://bloggin-ads.com/preventing-burn-out-by-finding-motivation
• Keep your expectations at a reasonable level, record any good posting ideas that occur to you during the day, and give your visitor stats a rest - http://www.todays-woman.net/article1444.html
• http://www.lostartofblogging.com/creative-slumps-blogging-burnouts
• http://www.technosight.com/7-ways-to-avoid-blogging-burnout/
• http://www.contentblog.net/how-to-avoid-blogging-burnout/
• http://realestatetomato.typepad.com/the_real_estate_tomato/2007/01/blogger_burnout.html

Fring: Fring is an easy way to connect to all your social networking services. It supports Skype, MSN Messenger, ICQ, Google Talk, SIP, Twitter, AIM, and Yahoo, all over WiFi or your data plan.
Most phones, most operating systems

This looks like a great application for those wanting to chat on their mobile or to make cheap phone calls through SkypeOut or other SIP services. It is easy to setup and is especially great for those with integrated Wi-Fi, allowing you to use your mobile phone without a SIM card!

I was, however, disappointed that you can’t make free Skype calls to your Skype contacts, apparently you can only make SkypOut calls. It is also limited as a Twitter application as it only allows you to send updates and not view those of others.

HelloTxt – HelloTxt is an aggregate of microblogging services through which the user can insert their messages on all main microblogging services in a simply and simultaneous way.

Useful service to post updates from your mobile device directly to a series of common social network platforms. One post can be sent to Twitter, Facebook, Bebo and many others. The other nice feature about HelloTxt is that it allows you to see other updates from within the same application.

Have other useful Windows Mobile applications? Let me know about them!

Another SEO tip is to set-up a non www to www 301 redirect, which essentially means that any traffic arriving from domain.com will be permanently redirectly to www.domain.com. This is important to implement to avoid duplicate indexing of your site. You don’t want the search engine to view the two as different sites and the non www redirect will ensure that.

So how do you set-up a 301 redirect? Well for the vast majority using an Apache web server it is as simple as modifying your .htaccess file. As for those of us running IIS it isn’t as straight forward, but don’t worry here is a page with detailed instructions. Finally, once you have your redirect in place use this tool to make sure it is redirecting properly.