TUT does not start (or Access Violation) – Windows XP SP2/SP3


Windows XP SP2/SP3 Data Execution Prevention

For some reason, on some PCs, one of the new security features introduced by Microsoft in Windows XP SP2/SP3, the  Data Execution Prevention  feature,  prevents The Ultimate Troubleshooter from starting or makes TUT generate an  Access Violation  error.

So, if you have Windows XP SP2/SP3 and you are unable to start The Ultimate Troubleshooter (the mouse cursor changes briefly but nothing happens), or you get an  Access Violation  error when it starts, then try the following :
  1. Go to the Control Panel.
     
  2. If your Control Panel is divided into right and left panes, and you can see  "Switch to Classic View"  in the left pane, then click it to switch the Display to Classic View.
     
  3. Double-click on the SYSTEM icon.
     
  4. Click on the ADVANCED tab.
     
  5. Click on the SETTINGS button in the PERFORMANCE section.
     
  6. Click on the DATA EXECUTION PREVENTION tab.
     
  7. At this point the simplest thing is to choose the first option :  "Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only"  then click  OK  and reboot your PC.   Alternatively continue on with Point 8 below.
     
  8. Make sure that the next screen is exactly as the screenshot below.  Click on  "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select",  then click ADD and browse to the following folder :

     C:\PrC:\Program Files\AnswersThatWork\Troubleshooter

    and double-click on  "UltimateTroubleshooter.exe".




     
  9. Once you have  "The Ultimate Troubleshooter Utility"  showing as one of the programs to exclude from Data Execution Prevention, click  OK  all the way out.
     
  10. Reboot your PC and now you should be able to run TUT.
     
  11. If TUT still does not open then the problem is most probably  covered here  (AOL Anti-Spyware,  CA Anti-Spyware 2007,  CA Internet Security 2007,  eTrust Pest Patrol,  Zone Alarm Anti-Spyware),  or   here  (System Mechanic 7).