General question regarding fixes from other websites.

Hi - this is just a general question.

I am trying to fix a prob. with a pc which when any .exe file attempts to open the 'open with' window pops up.

Not sure if this is a virus or just a system blip....

Anyway, have searched thru the MGeeks forums and found a new thread which contains a link to a site called Doug's Windows Tweaks and Tips. As this is a link (exe file association fix) recommended by MajorGeeks I am happy to use the website as a source of help.

However, if a search was made via Google which takes someone to an unknown site with a fix such as a registry change, for example (which is a dangerous place to mess around) how can you tell whether or not the fix can be trusted and that it isn't malicious in itself?

A google search for the above problem came up with loads of options, and I always try and solve the problem myself before adding to the huge list of questions listed in forums.

FL

 

Hi,

First, I just want to let you know that DougKnox fixes are safe and good for XP. There are other EXE association fixes for Vista and Win7. So if you are running XP then the DougKnox fix will work fine. If you are running Vista or Win7 then ask for links for EXE fixes for those OS.

When I look for whether a website is trustworthy I use a couple of different criteria.

1) I use Firefox as my internet browser and use the WOT (Web of Trust) extension which gives a traffic light (red,yellow or green) indicator on all Google results. These indicators are user-based but fairly accurate. If you see a red light the site is highly questionable and I ignore those websites for fixes.

2) Look at the date of the original fix post to see if it has been around a period of time that makes it likely it has been tested.

3) Then I look for comments on a particular fix. Users that have questions or have had success can give you an indication of whether the fix works. I look at the date of the comments to make sure they are spaced over a period of time that appears real.

4) Then I look at the fix itself and evaluate if I it makes sense to me from my personal experience. If I don't have personal experience then I go back to Google and see if I can find similar posts on different forums that come up with the same fix.

After that it is just a matter of taking a chance. You can always create a thread here at MG and ask, "I found this fix, does this sound right to you?" for opinions. That is perfectly acceptable and you can see what our members think. In fact, I recommend it. That is what the forum is here for--to exchange ideas and come up with the best solution.

 

In life. On any prob or needing info on anything. I use a 10 ppl rule.

If you have your hat in your hand, meaning. You go to ppl in the trade your seeking info on. I have a problem.

Most ppl will try to help. On their experience. Give it freely. We can't be an expert on any given subject. Unless we are in the trade.

Out of the 10 ppl. 6 will give you general info. 2 will give you info thats full of B/S or give info thats wrong. But they tryed to help. Of the 6 that gave you general info, they helped to sepearate the B/S ppl that tryed to help.

2 left, they are experts. Told you what the 6 general ppl didn't know.

Or most important. What you have been told from some of what not to do.

Years ago I put a 1.300 ft addition on my house. I have hot water heat. Read many books from the library on btu heat loss. Guy I worked with was studying heating and cooling. Asked him to do a heat loss per room size.

He came up with so many baseboard elements foot per room. Took that info to a place that sells baseboard units to the public. No middle man. Along with my room measurments. Window sizes. Insulation I was going to put in.

Guy looks at it on what was recomended. Told me it wouldn't work as the elements were too small. Asked him. What would you recomend? Told double it. Trusted him and glad I did.

Back to the original post. Of the sights on computer help. This sight goes the distance on helping ppl. Any sight or company help services just want to lock and load a fresh install. Not saving anything. Here they save what you have and correct an issue. Hats off to all the members here. Sorry for a long post. But, ppl here make the sight what it is.

 

Thanks everyone for replying and for the advice.
Will remember your comments whilst I'm looking for info.
My current problem hasn't been fixed, despite correcting the registry entry, so will start a new thread.

FL