CNET TechTracker forum: Tech Tracker Scan Error (Reinstall does not solve)

Hi JLFitz,

Scan issues are most commonly caused by security settings interfering with TechTracker; as noted in the FAQ article you linked to, examples of this type of software include personal firewalls, proxy servers, ad-blockers, network security suites, scam- and malware-blockers, ISP-provided software, and browser add-ons. Additionally, local settings in your Internet Options or your Windows Firewall may prohibit a connection.

If you are reasonably sure that none of these are at fault, however, then a "clean install" can often fix the issue, as it involves getting rid of old registry entries for TechTracker (unlike a normal uninstall and re-install). To perform a clean install:

1. Completely uninstall TechTracker from your machine. If you need help with that, please see this page:

http://cnet.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1956

2. Clear your default browser's cache and cookies.

3. Completely exit/close out of all running instances of that browser.

4. Remove the registry entries for TechTracker from your computer by running this command (but please be very careful to only run this specific command, as making unwanted changes to your registry can cause serious problems on your machine; you may want to backup your machine beforehand just in case):

REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\CBS Interactive" /f

(Please note that if you do not see the "Run" command option in your Windows start menu, you can access it by pressing the Windows logo key on your keyboard and, while still holding down the Windows logo key, pressing the R key as well.)

5. Re-start your machine.

6. Open your browser and download TechTracker again from this location:

http://www.cnet.com/techtracker-free/

7. Once you have re-installed TechTracker, run another scan and then click the "Get Updates" button to go to your CNET TechTracker page.

In the event that performing a clean install still does not resolve the scanning issue, then it could potentially be related to some other software on your machine - for example, we have seen that Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 seems to be related to scanning issues on a number of Windows 7 machines. We are still working on fixing that particular problem, and will be happy to further troubleshoot your issue as well, if need be.

If you do need any further assistance, please contact us by submitting a support ticket:

1. Go to http://cnet.custhelp.com
2. Click on the "E-mail Support" tab.
3. Enter the e-mail address associated with your CNET TechTracker account.
4. Fill in the "Subject" and "Details" section with a description of your query or issue.
5. From the "Category" drop-down menu, choose the "CNET TechTracker" option.
6. Click the "Continue..." button.
7. Be sure to click the "Finish Submitting Question" button if none of the suggested links in the pop-up window help resolve your issue.

Thanks,
Jen
CNET TechTracker Support