“Cannot Connect to ACE Runtime”

“MACE SERVICE could not connect to the ACE Runtime.”

Have you been receiving this error when loading up Windows XP or trying to access the Internet?

ACE Runtime is a service that is required in order to access the Internet and exchange data. Most ACE Runtime problems stem from a collision with either an anti-Virus program or a manual firewall which happens to be impeding its ability to access the Net.

Bizarrely enough, you’re most likely to encounter the errors if you are running a copy of Windows Media Center Edition and using an ATI graphics card. Quite why this is, we can’t begin to speculate. Part of the fault has to lay with ATI for designing a card which requires a firewall to be specifically opened to get rid of errors.

When you load your operating system, you’ll be told that the MACE Service (Managed Access to Catalyst Environment) can’t connect to the ACE Runtime. This will restrict your Internet access, so it’s necessary to manually correct the firewall in order to heal the breach.

Alternatively, you can search out the latest ATI drivers and attempt to patch over the problem by upgrading to the latest software. This should fix the problem, depending on the model of the hardware that you are using.

If a driver upgrade doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have no choice but to replace the ATI or open up your Windows Firewall by making exclusions so that the MACE Service can connect to your ACE Runtime.

To do this, you will need to navigate to the Windows Firewall settings. Once you’re there, locate the MACE folder which holds all of the MACE settings.

You should then add the MACE folder to the specific exclusion list of your Windows Firewall. It isn’t a particularly ideal solution because every exception that you add is an opening to a hacker, but it should at least allow the ACE Runtime to connect. This will, in turn, get rid of the errors and grant you Internet access.

Of course, it’s important to note that the same rule applies to other anti-Virus suites, not just the Windows Firewall. Many of these suites come with firewalls and exclusion lists of their own. You should apply the exception to whichever anti-Virus suite you have in operation on your system.

On certain occasions, you may find that the error is triggered by a virus rather than a hardware problem. If your system is inundated with spyware, viruses and malware, it’s quite possible that your ACE Runtime mechanism could be affected. But we should point out that it’s highly unlikely that you won’t have seen signs elsewhere. There are no viruses which specifically target the ACE Runtime service, although some are known to affect it indirectly.

Run a system scan to stay clear of any malicious files and hacking threats, and always use anti-Virus protection when browsing the Internet.

The problem with ATI and ACE Runtime is heavily documented. If you are using an ATI card, you can expect to receive an ACE Runtime error, no matter how new your system is. Keep your drivers upgraded and as a last resort, add an exception to your firewall to fix the problem.

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I would like to address several  issues relating to Microsoft Windows
stability. Though this issue may not be so crucial for users of
home computers, for people who use their computer in the course of
their work, there are some important things to know about Windows
stability. Here are the most important methods to keep your
computer functioning properly.

First of all, there are three programs which are most important for
the stability of your system. First and foremost is a virus
scanner. Viruses can attack anything that runs software on it, even
mobile phones. Viruses may be transmitted through email
attachments, through websites, software programs, through media
such as CDs, zip disks, diskettes, etc. At the beginning, many
viruses originated from Eastern Bloc countries. Perhaps in the
future terrorists may chose viruses as a favored mode of operation.

If your Internet browser seems to be slowing down, your browser
homepage changes of its own and you can’t change it back, icons
you’ve never seen before start appearing on your desktop, these may
all be signs that you’ve been hit by spyware or adware. These are
little programs which are placed on your system by advertising
companies or hackers. The programs enter your system via emails,
music downloads, instant messages, or even by browsing the
Internet. As an indication of how large the problem has become,
Dell has reported that close to 20% of their technical support is
caused due to spyware or adware.

A firewall is an important protection against this menace, and can
be composed of hardware, software or both. A firewall serves as a
partition, protecting your computer from the outside world, be it the
Internet, a network or Intranet. Windows XP users already have this
option which is automatically deployed on the system (verify that
Service Pack 2 is installed, as this ensures that the firewall is implemented
properly). Users of earlier Windows versions can purchase or
download for free software equivalent firewall programs.

Another important step is to periodically perform maintenance on
your system, which helps in the prevention of problems over time.
Luckily, Windows already has some of these tools, which saves on
having to purchase or download them. At Accessories > System Tools,
you can find the Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter, two
applications which help keep your system functioning properly.
These tasks should be carried out at least once a month (dependant
on usage).

Another important pointer, that many computer “wizards” neglect, is
to make sure that you are only installing such programs on your
computer which you absolutely need. Too many programs on the
systems will cause Windows to become unstable. Even after
uninstalling a program, some leftovers on the system can prove
hazardous to it over time. The KISS rule (Keep it simple, stupid),
is definitely a good tactic when using Windows. So don’t be too
quick to install all kinds of questionable tools you may not really
need.

Also important is to remember to update your systems periodically.
Updates for Windows as well as for other Microsoft applications
appear regularly on the Microsoft website. It’s possible to
configure your system to perform these updates automatically, but
this may also be the cause of serious problems. Some people have
woken up to find that after their system automatically updated, it
actually became completely corrupted while they were sleeping.
Though this may happen for systems which were already unstable to
begin with, such stories are enough to make you want to update your
system manually. Whichever way you chose, don’t forget to carry out
this important process.

A final point is related to your hardware. I am a staunch supporter
of keeping your PC on at all times. To do so, your computer must be
equipped with surge protectors against electrical anomalies, and
also have a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). It must also have
excellent security systems installed. However, you will see that
your hardware, including the hard drive, will last longer if it is
kept on, than if you keep turning your computer off. Though some
may say that the newer technologies enable turning the computer off
at night, my experience shows that this is not the case. It is
similar to a light bulb, which is much more prone to failure when
it is being turned on than during constant use. This is because of
the initial power surge that occurs when power is initially applied.

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The computer world has become a dangerous place for the innocent
computer user - threats lurk around every corner, intending to
collect your information, damage your network, impersonate you and
generally cause chaos. Luckily there are several excellent software
programs which can help you defend yourself against these perils.
Even better, these programs are free, so you can get straight to
work!

Anti-virus protection is the first essential program you need.
There are many expensive and popular alternatives, which however
tend to slow down the performance of the computer and require an
annual subscription fee. Experience shows that the virus protection
provided by freeware alternatives is just as good. A good
recommendation is Grisoft’s  AVG Free Edition. Though the program
does not boast every single feature provided by the commercially
available programs, it provides excellent protection by performing
the most important task of keeping the system free of viruses,
Trojans and worms.

The second weapon in your arsenal should be the firewall. This is
necessary for preventing others from entering you machine. Hackers
try to infiltrate systems in order to steal data or damage the
system, or else they may try to take advantage of a computer by
using it remotely for sending spam email (known as a “spam
zombie”).  A firewall is vital for protecting the system against
these threats. If you are using Windows XP, you may already be
acquainted with the built-in version (available on both Home or
Professional Editions). However there are also many other options,
of which Zone Alarm Free Firewall offers the best alternative.

Equipped with anti-virus and firewall protection, the next issue is
one which is generating a lot of confusion - what can be done to
better manage passwords? The program CyberScrub KeyChain is an
excellent new program that offers a solution for this confusing
issue. KeyChain is distributed free, and stores all your user names
and passwords, as well as you credit card details and addresses.
All of this sensitive information is stored with one single
“master” password, which eliminates the need to remember the
multitude of access combinations you use. Whenever you enter a
password protected website, you highlight and click a small toolbar
in the browser and KeyChain automatically fills in your log-in
details and submits them. This application makes shopping on the
Internet much more simple and quick, and means you don’t have to
type in all your addresses and credit card information. A strong
encryption algorithm is used to make sure your sensitive
information is kept safe.

This overview would be incomplete without discussing the pestilent
spyware. It can be just as dangerous as viruses, and sypwares are
multiplying at a frightening rate, driven by creative schemes of
the mastermind hackers that invent them. Spyware is so powerful
that it can even control your CD drive, it can aid browser ads,
take control of your homepage and steal your passwords and much
more. To combat this hazard, you should take action, for example by
using Ad-Aware SE Personal, a very good program from Lavasoft.
This list should serve as a starting point, providing the
fundamental tools to protect you system and information. Take
action now, or you may well regret it!

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There are several things that all users should be aware of when using a computer. Security has become a very important aspect to surfing the internet in a safe and effective manner and this guide will help you ensure that you are taking the proper precautions to stay protected from hackers.

Finally, use your common sense. If you receive files that you were not expecting, do not open them. They could often contain a virus. Make sure that your antivirus program scans e-mail messages before you open them, even if you know the sender and no matter what you do, do not download from dubious Internet websites.

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