KB2481109 fails to install, With Error Message “Condition Check for Line 2 of PreRequisite returned FALSE”
The following is an error our client received while installing updates. At our clients request, we started our diagnosis by first reviewing the error logs, which led use to the log file that was produced by the malfunctioning program. The log was located at C:/Windows/KB2481109.log. After reviewing the log, and a bit of Goggling, we found that the error relates to “Remote Desktop”. The log read as follows…
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1.297: Hotfix started with following command line: 1.297: In Function GetReleaseSet, line 1240, RegQueryValueEx failed with error 0x2 1.390: C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstscax.dll is Present 1.390: Condition succeeded for section Presence.RDCInstallBlock.Section in Line 1 of PreRequisite 1.390: FileVersion of C:\WINDOWS\system32\mstscax.dll is Less Than 6.0.6001.0 1.390: Fist Condition in Test.RDCInstallBlock.Section Failed 1.390: Condition Check for Line 2 of Prerequisite returned FALSE
Further research led us to Windows update, specifically the update “KB956744”. The quickest fix for the issue, that we could see anyways, was to go to “ADD/Remove programs”, display “System Updates”, and simply remove “KB956744”. In lieu of system warnings of “removal of said updates causing dire consequences”, we choose to uninstall it. No the world didn’t end upon this programs removal, in fact we were even able to continue its install by downloading the update directly via “KB2481109 Direct Link” “Page Link”. It installed perfectly, and our client was once again happy.
If this posting was helpful, let us know. Have a great day folks, and happy computing.
Mystery Drive Q…
After a good deal of head scratching, we were able to fix this issue. In one instance, this problem was caused by the install of Office 2010, if this is what in fact led you to this article, you’re in for a good deal more head scratching, to the point of a bleeding scalp. Another issue we encountered with roots in our Office 2010 install, was that subsequent attempts to install programs, even unrelated programs, led failed installs. We were able to track this problem to multiple registry keys having permission errors. So in essence, this caused the registry keys to become unchangeable in the eyes of the “Trusted Installer Service”. In one case it even led to the reformatting of an entire system.
OK, now for you’re silver lining. The good news is, we did succeed in resolving a few of these issues. But relistically, if you have registry key permission errors, registry damage has been done. In which case a system restore may be your only hope. Having said that, any comments related your efforts with a similar repair would be greatly appreciated by all.
So lets get started. If in fact your issue is Office 2010 related, than the problem most likely relates to “Application Virtualization” which is a component of Office 2010. Specifically their tool to “Create a Portable Office 2010 Flash Drive”, which was used to create a portable 2010 usb drive on one of our machines.
In any case, our first suggestion would be to download and run Ccleaner. Run both the cache cleaner and the registry cleaner in “Ccleaner”. Normally we’re not big fans registry cleaners, but Ccleaners pretty tame and very user friendly. And always remember to set a restore point, as well as backup your registry.
Our first attempts at a repair were to delete the keys stored at
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MountedDevicesAs well as various other locations. But attempting to manually delete the related registry keys only remove the drive temporarily. After a system restart, the drives would reaper.
Next we installed “Application Virtualization”. The goal here was to try to overwrite bad registry keys, with ones from the installer. Once the programs installed we suggest that you restart your machine. After restarting the computer, remove the program using “Programs and Features”. Run Ccleaner again, registry and cache, restart, and let us know if this fixed it.
If that doesn’t work, another method we used was installing Daemon Tools. Again with the hopes of over writing bad registry keys. We used DAEMON Tools Lite. There was a point in time when the use of this program was a horrible idea, and was like computer suicide. But we’ll admit that their product has come a long way. The installer seemed to do a pretty fair job of cleaning up after itself, leaving very few stray registry keys, and program folders behind.
If all else fails there’s always the Microsofts Office Removal Tools. This should uninstall every trace of office from you’re system, and in most cases is a viable option. Sadly, in the case of the most damaged machine we serviced, the shear volume of locked registry keys forced us to reinstall the OS.
After Thought
In our dealings with this issue, we came across a few computers with the same mystery drive. Investigating these issues further revealed recent installs of a disc utilities. In one instance a recent failed removal of UltraISO caused the issue. Normally UltraISO is a fantastic product, we ourselves use it on a regular basis with no problems whatsoever. In more than one instance, this problem could have been avoided by the user simply uncheaking the option to install “UltraISO’s Drive Emulator”. But more often than not, users neglect to read through a product installers options. In fact, this is where users tend to install programs labeled as “Adware”. In the case of one machine, a user left the option to install “UltraISO’s Drive Emulator”. Normally this is a simple thing to disable through UltraISO’s options menu, as well as something that’s removed during an “Uninstall”. Unfortunately our clients machine became infected with a virus, and during our clients efforts at a self-repair, UltraISO became damaged to the point that registry entries were orphaned.
So basically, if your having this issue, review your program files to be sure something similar isn’t whats causing your headaches. A few programs we’ve seen cause similar problems are, Daemon Tools, UltraISO, MagicDisk/MagicISO, Alcohol 52%, Circle Virtual, to name a few. In most instances the aforementioned programs are extremely safe, and very reliable, and for the most part safe. But in rare instances, they have been known to cause system faults such as mystery drives, and CD/DVD drive faults.
As always, good luck in you repair efforts. We hope this info was helpful.
Disable Microsoft Software Wavetable Synthesizer, My Music’s Cutting Out…
We recently encountered a system that had an intermittent sound problem. After running for a few days, any music played would fade and recover repeatedly. After researching the problem, we started with a typical round of updates to the usual suspects. Those being sound card drivers, codec’s, any media player software being utilized for playback. At first this seemed to resolve the issue, but after just a few days, the problem returned.
Not only was this a problem with our media players, but it was also effecting streaming online music. Our current favorite online music service is Last.Fm. After Pandora’s recent decision to limit users free listening to 40 hrs a month.
So at this point we were able to eliminate our browsers and media players, as these were both up to date. The next thing to rule out was our hardware. This was simple enough as the hardware is a home theater system that’s utilized by other devices, all of which never have an issue. By process of elimination were left with drivers and media enhancement software’s.
As it turns out there’s an enhancement loaded by windows, our version being “Windows Vista Ultimate 64 Bit”. That particular enhancement goes by the name of “Microsoft Software Wavetable Synthesizer”. When opening your sound properties from the control panel, you’ll typically see 3 tabs across the top of the window. These are, Playback, Recording, and Sounds. You’ll more than likely be on the Sounds tab by default. If windows sounds drive you nuts, as they do us, this is a good opportunity to disable them. Simply choose “No Sounds” from the drop down on the sounds tab. In Vista you also have the option to load the startup sound separately.

Now select the “Playback” tab, and double click the upper device, usually called “Speakers”. If you’re not sure which device is your default playback device, play some music and look for the device with active levels. Double click that device and navigate to the “Advanced” tab. If selected, unselect both boxes under “Exclusive Mode”. Don’t be tempted to increase your sample rate on this tab. Typically the defaults are optimal, and increasing them could lead to an exaggeration of what we’re here to fix.

Keep in mind systems will vary in these areas depending on drivers, system setup, and so forth. So you’re settings may look slightly different. Next choose the “Enhancements” tab. Disable everything on this tab, if possible.

Now restart you computer, and the issue should be resolved. We mention earlier in the article that as part of our diagnosis, we updating system drivers and codec’s. In the long run, regular updates will lead to a much more positive computing experience, and will drastically reduce the number of errors you encounter. Let us know if this was helpful by leaving a reply below. Happy computing.
We’ve Added A Live Support Function…

If you look to your right, you may have noticed a live chat button. If we’re online and available to chat, feel free to try it out. We strive to provide our clients with the highest level of IT support and service. When it comes to innovative design, leading edge customer support, and guaranteed satisfaction, the Gurus are the leaders of the pack.
Do you have a website your interested in developing? If so, let us give you free quote. We’ll utilize the latest tools and applications to make your dream site a reality. Thanks for reading our post. Feel free to leave a comment.
I Don’t Have Outlook, Is There a Similar Product I can Download?

The short answer is, Yes.
Listed below you’ll find a variety of free Email clients available for download. But be aware, not all mail providers allow you to use a mail client such as Outlook. Both Yahoo and Hotmail require their users to upgrade to a paid service in order to access their Email via a mail client. However, if you’re ISP provideds you with an Email account, ie. pacbell.net, sbcglobal.net, att.com, comcast.net, etc., You’ll more than likely be able to access your Email using a mail client.
What’s a good Anti-Virus to use?
We wrote this post in response to a comment on another post. We most often recommend Avast, AVG, and Zone Alarm. Our choices are based on products that are efficient in preventing virus infections, semi transparent, unobtrusive, and user friendly. And FYI. if you see the image below when copying files, you may have a virus.

Avast free and Avast Pro:
Avast provides a free Anti-Virus, however we found it to be a little intrusive and irritating. Avast seems to pester its free users with constant pops and related to their paid product.
Their paid product however is a dream to use. The only time Avast Pro will ever pester you or slow your flow of work and surfing, is if you encounter a malicious script from a webpage, download malicious software, a viruses, or any other problem you may have.
UAA HD Audio Driver Missing, Can’t Update
This issues can be caused by an accidental uninstall of the HD Audio drivers, or a bad install of the HD Audio drivers. Our fix is as follows.
Netgear MRVGINA.dll, disables fast user switching XP
We came across this issue after installing a Netgear wireless card in a desktop running Microsoft XP. The fix was quite simple. Start by opening regedit, Start-Run-Type regedit. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows NT/Current Version/WINLOGON And delete the key named GINAdll
Its as simple as that. Restart the computer and your good to go.
Virus Infection “Unable to change desktop background image”
We recently repaired a heavily infected computer. After clean-up we were unable to change the desktop background image. Even after clean-up the names of the background images were all grayed out. After a bit of research we came across several registry keys which were added by a virus.
The first thing we did was to, uncheck “lock web content” in “display properties”.
Then we deleted the following registry keys.…
Click “Start” hit run (can’t see run?), type ” Regedit ” (without the quotes) and navigate to the following entries, and delete them.
(more…)
Error Message: “Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator”
Viruses are always trying to cover their tracks. This repair was no exception.… Error Message: “Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator”. There was no way anyone using this computer would even be capable of securing “Task Manager”. After a bit of research I came across two things, the first was that “Spybot” picked up this problem. The second was that, “Spybot” could only half-repair the problem. After a restart I found that either typing
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableTaskMgr /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
into the “run command”
Or go to “Run” and type “Regedit” and navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies\ System
and delete “DisableTaskMgr”
cleared the problem right up.
Once again, if you have any problems, please Contact Us.
I Can’t See The Run Command
If you can’t see the run command under the start option try.…
“Right clicking” the “Task Bar”, choose “Properties”, click the “Start Menu” tab, click the “Customize” button, click the “Advanced Tab”, then scroll down to “Run command” and check the box. If its checked, un-check it, apply, and re-check it. If this doesn’t help, tell me, and I’ll help you resolve the issue. Thanks for helping the knowledge base
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