Un-official Unsolicited Vista and Windows 7 Advice Thread

[Pupator]

I noticed the long-running very-helpful Mac Advice thread (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=7386)in this forum and thought perhaps a similar thread on Vista could be useful. Now I realize that M$ is "the evil one" around here and that the mantra is "get a mac," but still - some of us have yet to see the light and choose to remain on the dark side. :crazy I know.

I've also noticed that there is a lot of misinformation about Vista commonly stated on these and other forums and it can be helpful to ask Vista users those questions rather than OSX users.

For my part - I know a fair amount about Vista. I [edit:reconsidered in light of NDA] tested it for a while and I currently use it on 2 laptops and 3 desktops in very different environments with different requirements. In addition to my IT responsibilities in my workplace, I also run a small business that does IT consulting, etc. for other small businesses. I understand that different working environments have different needs and no OS (not Vista, not OSX, not XP) is the best for all people in all places at all times.

Still, there's a bunch I don't know about Vista, but I'm guessing that in a great place like dgrin there are a lot of closet Vista users who will have the answers to any questions posed by any of you.

So ask away! We're all here to help one another.

-----------------------------------------------
In that spirit I'll start off with a few (easy and widely-known) tips:


Use the "windows" key! Man is it helpful!
Win+tab = 3D application switcher view
Win+'e' = Opens windows explorer
Win+'r' = Opens "run" command
Win+'u" = Opens "Ease of Access Center" (Screen magnifier, text to speech, etc.)
Win+'d' = minimize everything and show the desktop
Win+'f' = opens "find"
Win+'g' = Opens Windows Sidebar
Win+'l' = Locks the system (thanks Rhuarc!)
Win+'x' = Opens "Windows Mobility Center" (great for notebooks!)

[wxwax]

:thumb Great idea!

[aktpics]

:thumb Great idea!
I second that. Oh, and I am lovin' it over here on the dark side:ivar

[Pupator]

One key to avoiding computing misery and heartbreak can be summed up in three words: backup, backup, and backup. (For proof, see: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=73825)

There is one app out there that I think all Windows users should have installed, configured, and running daily: SyncBack (http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html#freeware). There is a 100% free version which I have installed on all my computers. With it you can set up automatic backups with all kinds of options (include and exclude sub-folders, file types, etc). You can backup to local drives or networked drives.

My backup routine looks like this:

Backup all image and document folders via syncback nightly at 2:00am to a network drive on my main computer (all 5 family computers back up to this drive).

Backup the "backup drive" to an external hard disk daily at 5:00am.

Backup the external drive to my hosted web space. Forget paying for special "online backup" sites - just get webspace. I pay $7/month for Bluehost (http://www.bluehost.com/) web hosting. That gets me 300 GB worth of hosting space that I can access via HTTP or FTP. WHAT A DEAL!!! :clap

This way I have 3 copies of my important stuff at my house (on three different hard drives), and one copy on Bluehost's servers. Total cost? About $250 up front for the huge hard drives (500GB SATA and 500GB USB External) and $7/month for Bluehost. Knowing my stuff is as safe as can be? Priceless.

Total brain damage? None. With SyncBack all the backups are done without any input from me.

[HarlanBear]

Hi Paul,

And thanks for inserting some sanity in this ...

I have used both PCs and Macs for years and, quite frankly, have never really seen the big difference; especially in my world of video and TV production. So I've stayed on PCs since I never have been able to justify paying 3 - 4 times as much money to do the same job. But that's just me. Many like that cool apple logo.

You and I communicated a while back on my concerns about Vista (or any 1.0 version of anything), and I recently went ahead and pulled the trigger on a new PC with Vista, mostly because my slow, 1GB Ram machine was driving me crazy and the pricing on the PCs were justifiable. Computer is an HP a6230n with an AMD Athlon 62 x2 5600+ processor, 3GB RAM and added another 160 GB HD to use as PSCS3 scratch disk, though it doesn't seem to need it with that much RAM. And other than a few hick-ups, I have to say I'm very happy with Vista so far, especially for a new OS. But it does have a few quirks as well:

1. My monitor profile, calibrated using Spyder 2 Express and set as default, does not always load up on first booting the computer. It will finally load if rebooted, but is inconsistent. I usually “close” the computer at night using Sleep mode, so this isn’t a big deal. But comes up when new programs are introduced and need to reboot.

2. In PSCS3, I sometimes lose the Brush boundaries and end up with a cross-hair only. This can even happen when using the Brush, but seems to happen sometimes when I switch tools and then come back to a Brush. Again, rebooting clears this up.

3. Not really a photo / imaging thing but ... I seem to be unable to get Norton to run a scan when the computer is in Sleep mode. I realize that the Task Scheduler has an area to tell it to wake up the computer to run this, but it hasn't worked and when I return to Task Scheduler, the check-box for waking up is no longer checked. Not the worse thing in the world, but would like to run this in the middle of the night when the computer is in Sleep mode.

But here’s the good news that has always kept me in PCs (for personal, anyway): I ran the Photoshop Benchmark Tests that are in Dgrin here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=34794&page=16), and my $650.00 PC has pretty much the same scores as the iMacs and Macbook Pros costing 3+ times as much. Of course, I don’t have iLife, I do spend $35.00 a year for Norton and no one likes the logo on my computer. But now I can afford that new Nikon D300 and twice as many pixels as my current D70.

Thanks for any input on the problems I mentioned.

[Pupator]

Mick,

Glad to hear it's working out well for you!

I wish I had something to offer on your problems, but:

1) I don't calibrate my monitor, :doh but this sounds like a MS bug. Have you reported it to them? (http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx?rdpath=1&gprid=11732)

2) I don't use PSCS3, but it sounds like something Adobe needs to fix more than MS.

3) DUMP NORTON! :D No, seriously. It's $35/year, it's a memory hog, and I find it to be buggy on almost every computer I find with it. Avast! (http://www.avast.com/) is great and free. AOL gives away McAfee (http://safety.aol.com/isc/BasicSecurity/) for free. If you like paying for software (just for the thrill of it I guess) Kapersky (http://www.kaspersky.com/) is really good. (I use Avast! on all my machines, YMMV!)

My benchmark tests have always been impressive as well (on desktops, not notebooks because I buy ones with cheaper processors and graphics cards). My Intel computer screams and I'm loving it! :barb

Re: iLife. I have iTunes (and I think it stinks, though it's much, much better than WMP!). Vista's photo management is good enough for me (not that I use it) when compared to iPhoto. Windows Movie Maker (Vista version, not XP version) is also fine for me. Garage band...well, there's just no PC comparison that I've ever found, but I can live without it.

[HarlanBear]

Thanks for the speedy reply, Paul.

I don't calibrate my monitor, :doh but this sounds like a MS bug. Have you reported it to them? (http://support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx?rdpath=1&gprid=11732)

You don't? You should (this is probably the only chance I'll have to advise you :D ) Anyway, will report it and I'm expecting many fixes with SP1.

I don't use PSCS3, but it sounds like something Adobe needs to fix more than MS.

You don't? You should (oops). This I will also report or check with Adobe.

DUMP NORTON! :D No, seriously. It's $35/year, it's a memory hog, and I find it to be buggy on almost every computer I find with it. Avast! (http://www.avast.com/) is great and free. AOL gives away McAfee (http://safety.aol.com/isc/BasicSecurity/) for free. If you like paying for software (just for the thrill of it I guess) Kapersky (http://www.kaspersky.com/) is really good. (I use Avast! on all my machines, YMMV!).

This I will check out for sure. I've never had many problems with Norton, but, hey, $35 is $35. Thanks for the tip. Do you know if Avast will run okay coming out of sleep mode? Or is it a problem I'm having with the set-up?

Re: iLife. I have iTunes (and I think it stinks, though it's much, much better than WMP!).

Yea, we have iTunes as well, for my wife's iPod. Being in Northern California, it's the law - at least one iPod per household or they take away your Starbucks card.

Thanks again, and good to hear from you.

[JenGrace]

Yea, we have iTunes as well, for my wife's iPod. Being in Northern California, it's the law - at least one iPod per household or they take away your Starbucks card.



:lol3

I'm glad we have this thread here now...I just got a laptop with Vista. It's taken some getting used to, but I've liked it so far. Haven't found too many bug issues yet.

[Rhuarc]

Just a clarification of one of the shortcuts the original poster had. As far as I know Win+L just locks the system, it doesn't actually logout. Correct me if I'm wrong! I just know if I use that combo then type in my password I am back in and all my programs are running like they were.

[Pupator]

Just a clarification of one of the shortcuts the original poster had. As far as I know Win+L just locks the system, it doesn't actually logout. Correct me if I'm wrong! I just know if I use that combo then type in my password I am back in and all my programs are running like they were.

Correct! Good find and I'll update the post!

[TylerW]

Yea, we have iTunes as well, for my wife's iPod. Being in Northern California, it's the law - at least one iPod per household or they take away your Starbucks card.

Thanks again, and good to hear from you.

Is it just my experience, or does iTunes run like complete junk on Vista? Scrolling through the library is a crawling, stuttery mess.

Other than that, I've been using Lightroom with no problems. Running LR on 1gb of ram is doable, but not painless. @gb is much, much better. Good thing that ram is nearly free these days.

[HarlanBear]

Is it just my experience, or does iTunes run like complete junk on Vista? Scrolling through the library is a crawling, stuttery mess.

We've had no problems or issues with iTunes on the new Vista machine. Though we did download the newest version, which, for some reason, I was unable to do on the old XP machine. Upon download (Version 7?) it linked just fine to the music library I transferred from the XP machine and we had tunes. Sync with my wife's iPod was also fine. Do you have the latest version of iTunes?

[Pupator]

iTunes runs slowly for me, but it did that on XP as well. I don't think it's able to handle really large libraries. Still with an iPod classic for me, a 4th gen for my wife, and my iPhone - I don't really have many other options. :dunno

I agree completely about RAM. 2GB is the magic number for Vista. 1GB is okay for my media pc (because it doesn't do anything except stream media and small amounts of surfing), but 2GB makes Vista cook!

[JenGrace]

I've looked at all the settings and tried to look for a solution for this... whenever I boot up the computer, the start menu has all the default programs back, no matter how many times I remove them. I went to customize start menu and unchecked default programs but they still come back. The ones I've "pinned" to the start menu are fine though. But the recently run programs always get replaced by the default ones, which is annoying. Anyone know how to 'fix' this?
:dunno

[Pupator]

I've looked at all the settings and tried to look for a solution for this... whenever I boot up the computer, the start menu has all the default programs back, no matter how many times I remove them. I went to customize start menu and unchecked default programs but they still come back. The ones I've "pinned" to the start menu are fine though. But the recently run programs always get replaced by the default ones, which is annoying. Anyone know how to 'fix' this?
:dunno

The "default programs" box you're checking doesn't do what you think it does. It is not related to the programs that appear on the left side of your start menu (the most frequently used + pinned), it relates to the link it adds on the right side of the start menu called "default programs" where you set which extensions are opened by which programs.


To do what you want, right click on each application in the start menu that you DON'T want to appear and then left click on "Remove from this list." Rinse and repeat for each item you don't want and soon that list will be populated by the items you do want.

[JenGrace]

Thanks for the info on the default programs box. I've done what you suggested by removing each item from the list and it does get repopulated, but then when the computer gets restarted the old default stuff is back. How can I make them stay gone? :scratch

[Pupator]

Odd. I can't replicate the problem on my computer, but I've found a few threads on various messages boards where people had the same problem. They don't offer any solutions either.

Try opening and closing your favorite programs 4-5 times each and see if you can bump them off the list.

What programs are we talking about anyway? Media Center, File and Settings Transfer, etc....?

Also, try (in the settings menu you were in before) changing the number of programs displayed to 0 or 1. Then reboot and change it back to 5-6 (or whatever).

Also, what happens if you set that number at 7-8 and then just "pin" your 7-8 favorite programs there. Do they go away too?

[jdmphoto]

It's nice to see that there are other pleased Vista users out there.
I got my new Dell with Vista home premium in march and have been pleased overall. As far as organizing photos,making slideshow DVD's Ilike it, I don't have photoshop but use Paint Shop Pro XI and works for my needs so far.
Thanks for the tips.:D

[Pupator]

It's nice to see that there are other pleased Vista users out there.
I got my new Dell with Vista home premium in march and have been pleased overall. As far as organizing photos,making slideshow DVD's Ilike it, I don't have photoshop but use Paint Shop Pro XI and works for my needs so far.
Thanks for the tips.:D

You're welcome. I'm a big PSP advocate as well. I've been using it since version 4 and am now on X2. (I was happy with XI, but with coupons was able to upgrade to X2 for $30, so I figured "Why not?," ya know?)

Don't forget to offer your Vista tips and tricks as well!

[Andy]

Can't believe you bogarted my thread title!
Typical Winders user, have to copy everything that Mac does :lol3


:bad :bad :bad

[Pupator]

Can't believe you bogarted my thread title!
Typical Winders user, have to copy everything that Mac does :lol3


:bad :bad :bad

Yep. Copy and improve! :barb

[jdmphoto]

You're welcome. I'm a big PSP advocate as well. I've been using it since version 4 and am now on X2. (I was happy with XI, but with coupons was able to upgrade to X2 for $30, so I figured "Why not?," ya know?)

Don't forget to offer your Vista tips and tricks as well!

Unfortunatly I don't have any tips or tricks because I'm a newbie.
I'm 50 yrs old and bought my first computer this year I pretty much had to because I replaced my 35mm camera with a DSLR last year.

[bwg]

Yep. Copy and improve! :barb you mean like flip3d improves expose? Or like the inexplicably annoying 'cancel or allow' box improves the 'enter your password' box? :lol3

I run 3 monitors and sometimes it takes 5+ seconds to display the UAC prompt, during which my screens are totally black and the PC is unresponsive. There has to be a better way to handle that prompt than to take a screenshot to use as the background. It just gets too slow with lots of screen.

Not to mention that the UAC box pops up 2 or 3 times during an application install. I've already authenticated this. Bug off. Install and let me do something else.

I enjoyed using vista for a while...until I started doing work on it. Now its like using one of those 3rd world/no child left behind computers.

I can't wait till my Mac Pro gets here.

[Rhuarc]

It's nice to see that there are other pleased Vista users out there.
I got my new Dell with Vista home premium in march and have been pleased overall. As far as organizing photos,making slideshow DVD's Ilike it, I don't have photoshop but use Paint Shop Pro XI and works for my needs so far.
Thanks for the tips.:D

I agree! I've really enjoyed using it so far. I know it does take up more resources, but the way I see it if you have a computer that can process RAW photos at a decent clip it can probably run Vista ok! As far as teh whole Mac vs Windows thing goes, I tried out Mac, but I just couldn't get into it. It just seemed to spartan for my customizing madness! Not to mention the games. Yeah, gaming on Mac leaves a lot to be desired!

[Pupator]

I run 3 monitors and sometimes it takes 5+ seconds to display the UAC prompt, during which my screens are totally black and the PC is unresponsive. There has to be a better way to handle that prompt than to take a screenshot to use as the background. It just gets too slow with lots of screen.

Not to mention that the UAC box pops up 2 or 3 times during an application install. I've already authenticated this. Bug off. Install and let me do something else.



Great learning opportunity here. Some people are frustrated by the User Account Control prompts (Allow or Deny popup when you perform a function that requires administrator access.) If you are generally computer saavy you'll survive just fine without UAC. Make sure you realize, however, that once you've turned it off, Windows will no longer warn you when you are performing administrator activities (like installing or uninstalling programs). So make sure if you turn it off that you pay attention in making sure that nothing gets installed while you're surfing online that you aren't aware of!

To turn it off:

Go to Control Panel
Go to User Accounts
Click on "Turn User Account Control On or Off"
Uncheck the box and click "okay."
Don't restart just yet! Instead click on the red "X" box that has now appeared in your taskbar (down by the clock!)
When the security essentials box pops up click "Change the way security center alerts me."
Click "Don't notify me, but display the icon." This will prevent annoying bubble tips of "User Account Control is disabled"
Restart

I hope we can keep the "Get a Mac" posts to a minimum at least in this thread. Andy and I were poking fun at one another, as indicated by the smilies.

[Richard]

So make sure if you turn it off that you pay attention in making sure that nothing gets installed while you're surfing online that you aren't aware of!


Good advice. One good way to handle administrative privileges is to create a separate administrator user account. Many operating systems come pre-configured with an admin account, but I don't know whether Vista does. The admin account has all the confirmations turned off. You login as admin when you need to do configuration changes, but use a normal account the rest of the time. That will protect you from nasty stuff out on the Web as well as accidental damage that you can do after one too many glasses of Chardonnay. All professional computer systems are managed this way.

[Pupator]

Good advice. One good way to handle administrative privileges is to create a separate administrator user account. Many operating systems come pre-configured with an admin account, but I don't know whether Vista does. The admin account has all the confirmations turned off. You login as admin when you need to do configuration changes, but use a normal account the rest of the time. That will protect you from nasty stuff out on the Web as well as accidental damage that you can do after one too many glasses of Chardonnay. All professional computer systems are managed this way.

This is sort of what MS intended with the User Account Control. Instead of issuing a "sudo," you click a box. Switching accounts would be one option, but they figured (I assume) that it would be more annoying to do that than to click a box from time to time. So when you try to do something that requires administrator priviledges, a box pops up to tell you that they're required and to allow or deny the action. This is most noticable (the only time I've turned it off) when you're installing or uninstalling a long list of programs because it will come up twice for each install or uninstall (first to allow the execution of the installer/uninstaller; second to make sure you know what is being installed).

[bwg]

Great learning opportunity here. Some people are frustrated by the User Account Control prompts (Allow or Deny popup when you perform a function that requires administrator access.) If you are generally computer saavy you'll survive just fine without UAC. Make sure you realize, however, that once you've turned it off, Windows will no longer warn you when you are performing administrator activities (like installing or uninstalling programs). So make sure if you turn it off that you pay attention in making sure that nothing gets installed while you're surfing online that you aren't aware of!

To turn it off:

Go to Control Panel
Go to User Accounts
Click on "Turn User Account Control On or Off"
Uncheck the box and click "okay."
Don't restart just yet! Instead click on the red "X" box that has now appeared in your taskbar (down by the clock!)
When the security essentials box pops up click "Change the way security center alerts me."
Click "Don't notify me, but display the icon." This will prevent annoying bubble tips of "User Account Control is disabled"
Restart

I hope we can keep the "Get a Mac" posts to a minimum at least in this thread. Andy and I were poking fun at one another, as indicated by the smilies.Turning off UAC sort of defeats the purpose. I was torn on whether to turn it off or not but decided to leave it enabled to get the true Vista experience. It's one of the more maddening things i've ever experienced using a computer.

My smiley was there wrt my mac comment :D. If you enjoy the Vista, more power to you!

[bwg]

Good advice. One good way to handle administrative privileges is to create a separate administrator user account. Many operating systems come pre-configured with an admin account, but I don't know whether Vista does. The admin account has all the confirmations turned off. You login as admin when you need to do configuration changes, but use a normal account the rest of the time. That will protect you from nasty stuff out on the Web as well as accidental damage that you can do after one too many glasses of Chardonnay. All professional computer systems are managed this way.I run my Mac this way and I had my Vista box configured this way for a while but ran into problems with creating shortcuts and default execution paths. Authenticating with UAC as Admin instead of my own account (even when logged in to my account) would put shortcuts on the Admin desktop and would default saved files to the Admin profile. This could be because the application was doing something stupid or an early bug with UAC, I'm not sure because I just gave up and made my own account an Admin.

[Richard]

I run my Mac this way and I had my Vista box configured this way for a while but ran into problems with creating shortcuts and default execution paths. Authenticating with UAC as Admin instead of my own account (even when logged in to my account) would put shortcuts on the Admin desktop and would default saved files to the Admin profile. This could be because the application was doing something stupid or an early bug with UAC, I'm not sure because I just gave up and made my own account an Admin.

It doesn't surprise me. Microsoft has never been known for elegant design. They aren't too bad at evolving things till they work, though, so maybe they'll get it to work smoothly eventually.

[HarlanBear]

Can't believe you bogarted my thread title!
Typical Winders user, have to copy everything that Mac does :lol3

:bad :bad :bad

Except the outrageous pricing. :super :deal

[Pupator]

Alright, alright - we've all gotten our Vista vs. Mac OSX laughs in - now let's get this thread back on track! :deal

[SloYerRoll]

Ya the fanboy comments are beyond old.

The mac pc debate will rage on forever or until one of the two go under (which ain't hapening in our lifetimes).

While there are some inherant issues w/ Vista. Go ahead and tell me that OS X 10.0 wasn't riddled w/ problems in 2001. I had to install it 4 times just to get OS X up and running on my mac.

Please.. Give it a rest...

[SloYerRoll]

In the following link, you will see how Vista turns on many applications that allot of people don't use. This is so that in the case that you DO use it, it will be "plug and play".

There are a bunch of great tips here. It does recommend turning down some Aero functions, but that's part of the reason I like Vista so much! So I leave all my Aero settings maxed out.

http://thehiddenguide.blogspot.com/2007/05/how-to-make-windows-vista-run-faster.html

-Jon

[Pupator]

Good find! Turning off services you don't use is a good way to reduce overhead (though it's not much, but still...)

From the above link:


How to disable Windows service open up the service window
click start then Run type services.msc click ok
to disable service right click and choose properties then from the properties window Edit start up type and choose disabled and press ok


Some of this service are not useful for most users and it can be disabled

Windows Time
Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network

Print Spooler
Loads files to memory for later printing

Note: if you don't have printer you can disable this service


Tablet PC Input Service
Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality

Note: if you don't have tablet pc you can disable this service


IP Helper
support for IPv6

Note: IPv6 is not used right now you can disabled this service

Readyboost
Provides support for improving system performance using Flash Memory as cashing memory to improve the system performance

Note: If you planning not to use Readyboost disable this service

Routing and Remote Access
Offers routing services to businesses in local area and wide area network environments

Note: if you don't use VPN you can disable this service

Offline Files

you can disable this service if you don't use Offline Files

Distributed Link Tracking Client

if you have only one computer you can disable this service, if you are on network you won't be able to access to other computers

Shell Hardware Detection

Provides notifications for AutoPlay hardware events.

you will no longer see pop up when you insert device ec (e.g USB , Camera )

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras

Note: you can disable this service if you don't use camera or scanner on your computer

Windows Error Reporting Service
Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered
sometimes it can be annoying when every time program stop working , if you get tired of this warning you can disable this and you will no loner see warning message

[Andy]

Alright, alright - we've all gotten our Vista vs. Mac OSX laughs in - now let's get this thread back on track! :deal

Fine :D What the heck is this:
http://myskitch.com/awilliamsny/usernotificationcenter-20071108-101653.jpg

[Pupator]

Yikes.

All kidding aside - it's a Mac/Boot Camp/Parallels (whichever it is) error. Not only is that error non-standard to a Vista user, but even the language is Apple and not Microsoft.

"mount" "initialization of file system" and the red stop sign are not native to MS Vista.

(You know me Andy, I'm not poking fun at Apple in this - just trying to be helpful.)

It's likely related to the different filesystems used by OSX and Vista (NTFS vs. ???) but I have no idea what the solution would be (other than to do as the prompt suggests and increase the timeout length.)

[wellman]

1. My monitor profile, calibrated using Spyder 2 Express and set as default, does not always load up on first booting the computer. It will finally load if rebooted, but is inconsistent. I usually “close” the computer at night using Sleep mode, so this isn’t a big deal. But comes up when new programs are introduced and need to reboot.

I have a similar issue. Running an HP Vista laptop, I have two monitors (lappie and external) profiled using the latest version of ColorVision's software. Every single time the computer is locked, Vista (I assume) re-profiles my monitors back to their original horrible state. I have to run Profile Chooser and re-select the proper profiles for each monitor. It's maddening. Anyone have a solution?

[Mike Lane]

Except the outrageous pricing. :super :dealI just wanted to say that for systems with similar specs, macs are actually CHEAPER than PC's. That said you can get bare bones PC systems whereas macs only go down so far.

:thumb

[DJ-S1]

Do you use the sidebar, and if so what gadgets have a permanent spot on yours? Or do you use the google version?

Have to agree wrt Avast! - I canned Norton a long time ago and have never missed it. Avast! is free and works well without trying to take over my system. Kapersky gets good reviews and I have seen deals for getting it free every so often as well, so that's another option.

As for the UAC, maybe it's just me but I don't do things that kick it off very often. I guess I'm not loading and unloading programs constantly like some folks...:dunno

[Andy]

This is the other error I get now all day long

http://myskitch.com/awilliamsny/microsoft_windows_vista-20071108-131859.jpg

The system bluescreens, then reboots itself. I'm not doing anything when it happens.

[Pupator]

Andy,

This one I can potentially be more helpful with. Next time it happens click on that details option and post a screenshot of everything it says.


If you wanted me to be really helpful around here someone would donate a Mac for me to install Vista on so I could help troubleshoot these things! :ivar

[HarlanBear]

I just wanted to say that for systems with similar specs, macs are actually CHEAPER than PC's. That said you can get bare bones PC systems whereas macs only go down so far.

Hi Mike, et. al.

I'd love to explore this subject of cost v performance, but think it would be better in a separate thread. Therefore, I will start one by posting my PC, specs and cost, and we can go from there. I'm certainly here to learn from those who know.

[awpollard]

Another Nifty Vista Feature that I turn off:
Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off

Remote Differential Compression

In theory this is supposed to compare Target area with Source when copying files to/from Network/CD/DVD. It is suppose to save time by not copying duplicates that exist. I have found it to add hours to DVD/CD burns when enabled.

[bwg]

Another Nifty Vista Feature that I turn off:
Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off

Remote Differential Compression

In theory this is supposed to compare Target area with Source when copying files to/from Network/CD/DVD. It is suppose to save time by not copying duplicates that exist. I have found it to add hours to DVD/CD burns when enabled.Wow, hours?

I wonder if that could be causing my random network drops when copying files across computers. I'll have to try that when i get home.

[Pupator]

Wow, hours?

I wonder if that could be causing my random network drops when copying files across computers. I'll have to try that when i get home.

The copying of large files across networks is something that MS has always screwed up. I find Vista to be a little better about it, but we're talking about a little better than terrible here.:rolleyes

[DJ-S1]

Hi Mike, et. al.

I'd love to explore this subject of cost v performance, but think it would be better in a separate thread. Therefore, I will start one by posting my PC, specs and cost, and we can go from there. I'm certainly here to learn from those who know.HB, when I read this I laughed a bit - I knew what would happen. From the glance I took at the thread it came to pass. Nice try, but there is no logic when passion is involved. Don't take it personally! They (the zealots on both sides) just can't help it. :D

[Pupator]

Another Nifty Vista Feature that I turn off:
Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows Features On or Off

Remote Differential Compression

In theory this is supposed to compare Target area with Source when copying files to/from Network/CD/DVD. It is suppose to save time by not copying duplicates that exist. I have found it to add hours to DVD/CD burns when enabled.

Yikes. That's bizzare. Sure there isn't something else at play here? I've never disabled it and my DVD burns (full of data) take about 15 minutes. Most everything I can read on RDC indicates that it's only related to networks and not CD/DVD. I'd be interested to find info to the contrary for sure.

[bwg]

Yikes. That's bizzare. Sure there isn't something else at play here? I've never disabled it and my DVD burns (full of data) take about 15 minutes. Most everything I can read on RDC indicates that it's only related to networks and not CD/DVD. I'd be interested to find info to the contrary for sure.
Just checked my Vista box and I already had it disabled. Must be the Mac and PC not speaking Samba nicely. Tower of Babel I suppose.

[Pupator]

This is a good opportunity to point out other items in that list than be safely disabled for a (perhaps) performance boost:


From the Control Panel open Programs and Features

Look on the left side and you'll see "Turn Windows Features on or off"You can turn off:

Remote Differential Compression
Tablet PC Optional Components
Windows DFS Replication Service
Windows Fax & Scan
Windows Meeting Space
Obviously if you use any of these things (fax, Windows Live Meeting, Tablet) you don't want to turn those off!

Some people turn off indexing as well, but I find the instant search far to useful to do that.

[Pupator]

And here's 10 (mostly-good) similar tips:

http://microsofthelp.wordpress.com/2007/11/01/top-10-windows-vista-tips/


As I said before, I don't turn off indexing, but I've done most of these other ones.

[HarlanBear]

HB, when I read this I laughed a bit - I knew what would happen. From the glance I took at the thread it came to pass. Nice try, but there is no logic when passion is involved. Don't take it personally! They (the zealots on both sides) just can't help it. :D

No kidding.:whew

But some interesting points if you go hunting. Still haven't hit on the original point, though. Come on over and join the fray.

[Andy]

Andy,

This one I can potentially be more helpful with. Next time it happens click on that details option and post a screenshot of everything it says.


If you wanted me to be really helpful around here someone would donate a Mac for me to install Vista on so I could help troubleshoot these things! :ivar

http://myskitch.com/awilliamsny/microsoft_windows_vista-20071109-013403.jpg
http://myskitch.com/awilliamsny/microsoft_windows_vista-20071109-013432.jpg
http://myskitch.com/awilliamsny/microsoft_windows_vista-20071109-013500.jpg

[Mike Lane]

Lee's mention of Samba problems made me remember my own. When I was using XP on our desktop PC I was able to connect to my PC's shared folders using my MacBook Pro and samba (or cifs) without any problem.

Now since I installed vista ultimate, my mac can't find my pc or the local network at all. I searched google and I couldn't find the answer anywhere.

So what gives?

[Pupator]

Mike,

Check the Network and Sharing Center in Vista and make sure you have:

Public Folder Sharing - on
File Sharing - on
Password Protected sharing - off


See if that helps any?

[Pupator]

Andy,

Judging from other users online (and assuming your MiniDump log looks like theres) it seems to be a problem with this build a parallels (5160). Have you got any anti-virus software installed? Some users have reported success after uninstalling their AV software.

You're saavy enough to survive without AV - just make sure you open the 3MB e-mail from me with the .exe file :wink

[Andy]

Andy,

Judging from other users online (and assuming your MiniDump log looks like theres) it seems to be a problem with this build a parallels (5160). Have you got any anti-virus software installed? Some users have reported success after uninstalling their AV software.

You're saavy enough to survive without AV - just make sure you open the 3MB e-mail from me with the .exe file :wink
Hm... no AV installed, RUNNING, though I have several packages, have to, because we need to troubleshoot all the different anti-virus stuff that thwarts our customers all the time.. I will try to update parallels but I thought it was current.

[Pupator]

Hm... no AV installed, RUNNING, though I have several packages, have to, because we need to troubleshoot all the different anti-virus stuff that thwarts our customers all the time.. I will try to update parallels but I thought it was current.

I think it is the current version, I think it's just a buggy version. Early reports are that the beta version of build 5162 is more stable.

[SloYerRoll]

I have a similar issue. Running an HP Vista laptop, I have two monitors (lappie and external) profiled using the latest version of ColorVision's software. Every single time the computer is locked, Vista (I assume) re-profiles my monitors back to their original horrible state. I have to run Profile Chooser and re-select the proper profiles for each monitor. It's maddening. Anyone have a solution?Check the MS KB (start out by searching at microsoft.com).
There are a few know "sleep" issues like this. I had to troubleshoot a freinds Visa machine that reset it's wirelless protocols every time it went to sleep.

All I did was download an update that targeted this known problem and done.

-Jon

[JenGrace]

I've looked at all the settings and tried to look for a solution for this... whenever I boot up the computer, the start menu has all the default programs back, no matter how many times I remove them. I went to customize start menu and unchecked default programs but they still come back. The ones I've "pinned" to the start menu are fine though. But the recently run programs always get replaced by the default ones, which is annoying. Anyone know how to 'fix' this?
:dunno

Okay, I found a fix for this on winhelponline.com

* Click Start, type regedit.exe and press ENTER
* Navigate to the following location:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced

* In the right-pane, create a new DWORD value named StartMenuInit
* Double-click StartMenuInit and set 3 its data
* Close Regedit.exe

It was easy and worked like a charm. Here's the link (http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/163/1/). Hope this helps anyone else with this problem out.

[Pupator]

It was easy and worked like a charm. Here's the link (http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/163/1/). Hope this helps anyone else with this problem out.

FANTASTIC! And thanks for sharing the fix on here - that's what this thread is all about! :barb

[DavidTO]

While there are some inherant issues w/ Vista. Go ahead and tell me that OS X 10.0 wasn't riddled w/ problems in 2001. I had to install it 4 times just to get OS X up and running on my mac.



I'm really going to stay out of this thread, I'm glad it's here for y'all. I only wanted to say one thing: the transition from OS9 to OSX was well planned and it was a pretty smooth transition. Problem is unlike a transition from XP to Vista, it seems to me that MS just replaced the one with the other? Am I wrong on that? I mean, can you even buy a new computer without Vista?

MS did with Vista what Apple gave up on. Apple tried to build a whole new OS and failed, and eventually had to buy the technology from NexT, which is based on a UNIX under the hood. So, while we can all poke fun at Vista, it's a monumental undertaking. Really, pretty impressive, for all its faults. :thumb

[ChrisJ]

I mean, can you even buy a new computer without Vista?

Yes, Microsoft was forced (by public demand) to allow XP sales longer than they wanted. The current deadline for XP sales is January 2009, but for OEMs (Dell, HP, etc) it's Summer 2008.

As an IT Pro, I have a copy of Vista sitting in my desk at work, alone and unloved. So I'm really enjoying reading this thread to see what some of the issues are! It's in my future eventually...

[Richard]

Problem is unlike a transition from XP to Vista, it seems to me that MS just replaced the one with the other? Am I wrong on that?
Not really. While there are components of the OS that were completely rewritten (like the network stack) most of the changes were incremental. Most old Windows software will run just fine under Vista. The reason you hear about so many problems is that there is an order of magnitude difference in the size of the Windows world compared to Apple. Many more users, many more programs, many more devices. Since problems are often the result of the combinations of these factors, there are probably three orders of magnitude more chances that something will go wrong.

I mean, can you even buy a new computer without Vista?
Yep, I just did, though it was swimming against the tide to find what I wanted. The sexy, media-oriented machines all come with Vista, but it is possible to "downgrade" to XP on some of them. Corporate sales are crucial to Msft and corporate IT likes to stay one release behind to minimize disruption. So Dell, Lenovo and HP were able to pressure Msft into extending the life of XP. I expect that XP is going to be sold and supported even longer than the current stated plans. In a year or so, it will become a moot point as Msft will work out the major bugs/irritations and the cost of hardware needed for Vista will become cheaper. Then maybe we can look forward to a few years of peace before the cycle starts all over again.

One final point: It is important to remember that most new machines that are sized for Vista run just fine and people are very happy with them. Installing Vista on an older machine can be more problematic, but it is by no means impossible.

[Pupator]

http://www.feedreader.com/downloadOne advantage of PCs is that because of the market share there is more software available. This isn't to say there's something you can do on a PC that no software exists for on a Mac, just that we have more options.

So let's talk about some software that I've found to be particularly helpful and you all can add your favorites as well. You'll find that I'm biased towards FOSS (free, open source software).

Virus/Security
Most of my computers don't have any virus software on them - I don't browse in such a way that's its necessary, still I can make some recommendations here.

1) Avast Anti-virus (http://www.avast.com) - free real-time scanning virus protection. Protects your e-mail, your chat conversations, your internet browsing, and even P2P programs. Avast is free for home use, you just have to fill out a short registration form and they e-mail you a code. This is my top pick by far as it doesn't slow down your system and gets the job done.

2) AOL Virus Scan Plus (McAfee) (http://safety.aol.com/isc/BasicSecurity/) - AOL gives away a lightweight version of McAfee for free (you don't have to be an AOL customer to get it). If for some reason you don't want to go with Avast, this is the way to go.

3) Firewall - I've said this on another thread and I'll say it again (there will be many who disagree) - for your home computer, just get a router. Any router ($20-50) will do. Put it in between your computer and the cable/dsl modem and POW! Instant stealth. That and Vista's built-in firewall will provide all the protection 99% of users need.

4) Spyware/adware - I've never had any problems with Vista's built in Windows Defender, but Adaware (http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-2007-Free/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5) is good and free too.

Backup
1) Sync Back free edition (http://www.2brightsparks.com/freeware/freeware-hub.html)- Set up automatic backups of any and all files on your PC to any location (attached hdd, usb hdd, network drive, online storage). It's all you need and EVERYONE should use it.

Chat/IM
1) Pidgin - For IM of almost any type you use:
http://paulsclicks.smugmug.com/photos/221370130-X3.jpg
I used Trillian before but it got to bloated. Pidgin is lightweight, offers some great plug-ins, and does everything I need.

2) HydraIRC (http://www.hydrairc.com/) - Good, easy to use IRC client for chatting. No nag windows for donations and registration like MIRC.

Utilities
1) 7-zip (http://www.7-zip.org/) - zip/unzip utility that is more full-feature than the one built in to Windows. You can add this to the right click command list so that whenever you highlight a group of files you can right click on them and choose "create archive." Good stuff.

2) GVIM (http://www.vim.org/download.php#pc) - essential if you do any kind of programming on windows. This won't screw up your code like notepad will. Also helpful even if you just do little things like edit CSS.

Other
1) The Guide (http://theguide.sourceforge.net/) - I don't really know how to explain it; it's a threaded note taking, project managing thing. I use it for work to keep track of what I know and what I need to do for particular items. I'm including a screen shot in case that helps, but I encourage you to browse the website - I think most people could find a use for this.

http://paulsclicks.smugmug.com/photos/221372245-M.jpg

2) Feed Reader - great way to keep up to date with the websites I visit every day (including forums). Although, I haven't had success with the rss feed for the dgrin forums yet. :-/

[Ric Grupe]

The finest...most reliable...least intrusive anti-virus program on the planet, IMO, is Eset's Nod32 (http://www.eset.com/products/nod32.php).

[Pupator]

It may well be, but at $40/year :deal something bad would have to happen to one of my Avast machines before I try it and see.

[Ric Grupe]

It may well be, but at $40/year :deal something bad would have to happen to one of my Avast machines before I try it and see.

Remember...just because something hasn't happened only means it's more likely to happen...not less likely.

I agree the need for virus and spyware programs is vastly overated. It's like buying insurance...my house will never burn down...so why buy fire insurance. Do you? :wink

[Pupator]

That's a bit of a straw-man argument.

First of all, there's a difference between the value of my house and the value of the time I would need to remove a virus or (worst case) deal with reinstalling Windows. Cost vs. Risk

Secondly, the assumption you're making is that because one piece of software costs $40 it's necessarily better than that which is free. But we know that's not a valid argument because Norton costs $50! :rofl

If I were to see Avast fail, or if it were to get really bad results from testing - I'd switch to something else. As long as it continues to fair well in my own use and in other's tests, I see no reason to pay.

If you're happy with what you've got, by all means stick with it. But don't suggest that you're automatically safer because you pay for AV rather than use free. Or am I missing something?

[Ric Grupe]

Or am I missing something?

YES!

The fact that NOD 32 is better. Not because it co$t...because it is. Free is nice...not better.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/seiten/ergebnisse_2007_05.php

After posting this I see that AV comparatives does not allow direct linking to files.

Go here and click on tha comparison table links. http://www.av-comparatives.org/

[Pupator]

Outstanding! :clap

You can't argue with objective results. NOD was the best on the list. Whether or not I'll pay $40 to go from "Advanced" certification to "Advanced+" is another matter, but it certainly can be said to be objectively better! :deal

[Richard]

So let's talk about some software that I've found to be particularly helpful and you all can add your favorites as well. You'll find that I'm biased towards FOSS (free, open source software).

Excellent, useful idea. :thumb

OK, I have been using the free version of AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/) for anti-virus for a number of years and am happy with it. I confess I haven't really done any in-depth research on the matter--mostly because I think the virus issue is vastly over-hyped--but it seems to be about as highly regarded as Avast in the techie forums I visit. There may be better ones, :dunno but this seems to be good enough. It updates itself automatically daily.

When I remember, I run Ad-Aware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_free.php) and SpyBot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html), both free programs that address spyware. Neither of these has ever found anything other than tracking cookies on my machine, and while I do eliminate them, I don't lose any sleep over them. Again, if you just exercise common sense, I think the spyware problem is exaggerated. Years ago, I did end up with Gator on a machine, but all it took was a Google search to find reliable instructions to remove it.

I have Mike Lin's Startup Monitor (http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml) running in the background at all times. This is a very light-weight program that issues a warning whenever a program tries to register something to run automatically at startup time and lets you decide whether to allow it or not. I'm guessing that this should no longer be necessary with Vista.

Mostly, though, I rely on my hardware router to keep the nasties out. Every time I configure a new machine I go to Gibson Research's page and run Shields Up (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2), a program to probe vulnerabilities from the outside. Very useful. It's a bit geeky, but then so am I.

[Ric Grupe]

Outstanding! :clap

You can't argue with objective results. NOD was the best on the list. Whether or not I'll pay $40 to go from "Advanced" certification to "Advanced+" is another matter, but it certainly can be said to be objectively better! :deal

:D

At least we have common feelings on what a POS Norton is.:rolleyes I learned the hard way with Norton and thus...did my homework.

My youngest son is an IT guy for a major corporation, and he was shocked when he saw that I was using NOD32 since it's most prominent use is in the corporate business environment and not marketed or hyped for the home PC user. Please note that at no time was I insinuating that Avast was not good...it is.

I see that Eset IS marketing a security package (aimed at the home user...no doubt). I don't see the need for it and would just stick with the av program.

[Ric Grupe]

It's a bit geeky, but then so am I.

:rofl:rofl:rofl

Must be a "Richard" thing.:D

Good info.:thumb

[HarlanBear]

3) Firewall - I've said this on another thread and I'll say it again (there will be many who disagree) - for your home computer, just get a router. Any router ($20-50) will do. Put it in between your computer and the cable/dsl modem and POW! Instant stealth. That and Vista's built-in firewall will provide all the protection 99% of users need.

I am running Vista and therefore have Windows Defender. I also have Norton Anti-virus (which is closing in on the free trial period and will probably replace with either NOD32 or Avast) and the free version of ZoneAlarm's Firewall. Do I really need to buy a router? The last thing I want to do, if avoidable, is have another piece of equipment on my desk and plugged into the wall. I've had very good luck with ZoneAlarm on my XP machine and fine so far on Vista, but want to know what the experts say.

Thanks.

[Richard]

I am running Vista and therefore have Windows Defender. I also have Norton Anti-virus (which is closing in on the free trial period and will probably replace with either NOD32 or Avast) and the free version of ZoneAlarm's Firewall. Do I really need to buy a router? The last thing I want to do, if avoidable, is have another piece of equipment on my desk and plugged into the wall. I've had very good luck with ZoneAlarm on my XP machine and fine so far on Vista, but want to know what the experts say.

Thanks.

Unless you only are using one computer in your house, you probably are using a router now. Most DSL and cable modems are routers as well. Just make sure that NAT (network address translation) is enabled on it. This will make it much harder for the bad guys to scan your machines looking for weaknesses. If you are on a dialup connection, then you are much less vulnerable to certain kinds of mischief and there would be no reason to use a router.

[ChrisJ]

Firewall - I've said this on another thread and I'll say it again (there will be many who disagree) - for your home computer, just get a router.
I highly agree with this. Some cable/dsl modems come with built-in routers nowadays, otherwise get a box so your system has a private IP address. (Mac or PC)


2) GVIM (http://www.vim.org/download.php#pc) - essential if you do any kind of programming on windows. This won't screw up your code like notepad will. Also helpful even if you just do little things like edit CSS.
Here's an alternative I've recently found and really like: Notepad++ (http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/)

Some others of my favorite freeware apps...

Putty (http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/%7Esgtatham/putty/) - SSH Client
SIW (http://www.gtopala.com/) - System Information for Windows
WinMerge (http://winmerge.org/) - File/Directory Comparision

[HarlanBear]

Unless you only are using one computer in your house, you probably are using a router now. Most DSL and cable modems are routers as well. Just make sure that NAT (network address translation) is enabled on it. This will make it much harder for the bad guys to scan your machines looking for weaknesses. If you are on a dialup connection, then you are much less vulnerable to certain kinds of mischief and there would be no reason to use a router.

Very interesting.
One computer, cable to modem to computer. I'll have to check with my ISP, I guess, to confirm that the modem is or isn't a router. If true, seems I don't need software firewall at all.

[Pupator]

Very interesting.
One computer, cable to modem to computer. I'll have to check with my ISP, I guess, to confirm that the modem is or isn't a router. If true, seems I don't need software firewall at all.

Much faster is to just take Richard's suggestion:
Mostly, though, I rely on my hardware router to keep the nasties out. Every time I configure a new machine I go to Gibson Research's page and run Shields Up (https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2), a program to probe vulnerabilities from the outside. Very useful. It's a bit geeky, but then so am I.

Go to Sheilds Up, click "Proceed," and run the "common ports" test. When the results come in, scroll down the page and look at the table of ports. You want all yours to be stealth. If they are - you (likely) have a router.

[HarlanBear]

Much faster is to just take Richard's suggestion:


Go to Sheilds Up, click "Proceed," and run the "common ports" test. When the results come in, scroll down the page and look at the table of ports. You want all yours to be stealth. If they are - you have a router.

Thanks, Paul. Will do. :thumb

And thanks to you too, Richard. Great info. :D

[SloYerRoll]

Thought I'd add a quick note in here about CS3.
I finally upgraded my whole suite to Web Premium and I couldn't save anything in Illustrator w/o it crashing.

I did a bit of searching and it says that the print spooler needs to be running in order to save .ai files since it "prints" post script when it saves.

An earlier post I mentioned a thread on how to speed up Vista. Turning off the print spooler was one of those options.

How to turn spooler back on for quick reference?
Click on the pearl and type "services.msc" in the search box.
You will see a long list pop up that is alphabeticaly arranged. Just scroll down to print spooler and set the startup type to "automatic". This option is not a resource hog and won't affect performance that much.

Cheers,
-Jon

[Richard]

Very interesting.
One computer, cable to modem to computer. I'll have to check with my ISP, I guess, to confirm that the modem is or isn't a router. If true, seems I don't need software firewall at all.
A software firewall can give you additional protection that a router won't supply. The router will protect you from bad guys trying to connect to your computer. A software firewall can also be configured to prevent a program on your computer from connecting to another computer. The very worst of the malware out there manages to get a program to run on your computer without your knowledge and that program can generally do all kinds of evil things: send spam, attempt to infect other computers, record all your keystrokes and email them to some crook, etc. You can configure a software firewall to only permit known programs to make connections on the net. Should one of these very nasty programs get onto your computer somehow, an alarm will be raised when it tries to connect to the net, which will tip you off that you have been infected.

But be warned: firewalling outbound connections can be a pain in the ass, at least for a while. Some programs inherently need to connect to the net (email, browsers, P2P apps, anti-virus stuff); others will do so only once in a while, like those that automatically check to see whether new program updates are available. You will need to explicitly configure the firewall to permit these connections. You only have to do it once for each program, but it will certainly be annoying in the short run. My own feeling is that with a router and anti-virus software in place (and prudent surfing habits) an outbound firewall is more trouble than it's worth. But it depends on how paranoid you are.

[HarlanBear]

A software firewall can give you additional protection that a router won't supply. The router will protect you from bad guys trying to connect to your computer. A software firewall can also be configured to prevent a program on your computer from connecting to another computer. The very worst of the malware out there manages to get a program to run on your computer without your knowledge and that program can generally do all kinds of evil things: send spam, attempt to infect other computers, record all your keystrokes and email them to some crook, etc. You can configure a software firewall to only permit known programs to make connections on the net. Should one of these very nasty programs get onto your computer somehow, an alarm will be raised when it tries to connect to the net, which will tip you off that you have been infected.

But be warned: firewalling outbound connections can be a pain in the ass, at least for a while. Some programs inherently need to connect to the net (email, browsers, P2P apps, anti-virus stuff); others will do so only once in a while, like those that automatically check to see whether new program updates are available. You will need to explicitly configure the firewall to permit these connections. You only have to do it once for each program, but it will certainly be annoying in the short run. My own feeling is that with a router and anti-virus software in place (and prudent surfing habits) an outbound firewall is more trouble than it's worth. But it depends on how paranoid you are.


Thanks Richard, more good info.

I have ZoneAlarm configured so no connection between programs and the outside world happen unless I approve it. Once the warning comes up, I can choose to have ZA remember my response and act accordingly. So when Norton, for instance first tries to connect for updates, I get the warning. I can approve with remember or as a one time thing. For these programs I tell it to remember that connection to that address and I'm not bothered anymore for the updates. Anything I don't recognize, I just decline, figuring if I need it, it will come up again. Make sense?

[Richard]

Anything I don't recognize, I just decline, figuring if I need it, it will come up again. Make sense?

You're in good shape, Mick. I would still feel safer behind a NAT enabled router, but if the Shields Up report is clean, you can rest easy.

Cheers,

[HarlanBear]

You're in good shape, Mick. I would still feel safer behind a NAT enabled router, but if the Shields Up report is clean, you can rest easy.

Cheers,

I'll check that when I get back to la casa (as those around you might say):D

Thanks for all you help, Richard. Greatly appreciated.

[DJ-S1]

SHields Up reports I am in full stealth mode -cool! I figured I was but it's nice to have confirmation, thanks for link guys.

As for freeware apps I have AdAware and Avast!AV right now. I use AdAware every once in a while just in case but like Richard it has never found anything harmful, just cookies.

Oh, and Firefox of course!:thumb

[HarlanBear]

Yep. ShieldsUp says I'm in full stealth, so I can now sleep well, too.

Just have to decide on AV software for the longrun. That could keep me up.

Jeez, it never ends.:crazy

Thank god no one else on this forum is obsessive compulsive!

[Pupator]

This notebook was running slower than what I'd have liked, so I decided to upgrade to 64 bit Vista to see if it made a difference.

1) It certainly did. I got a considerable performance boost by upgrading to the 64 bit version.

2) The upgrade did introduce one significant problem. There is no 64 bit version of iTunes. You can get the 32 bit version installed, and with a 3rd party driver update hack you can even get iTunes to burn CDs (it won't without it), but there's nothing you can do to make your iPhone (or iPod, I imagine) work with it. LAME LAME LAME.

C'mon Apple - where's the 64 bit iTunes or at least a 64 bit USB driver for your iPhone? :cry

[wellman]

A stumper... This has me longing for the wonder that was Windows XP...

Vista simply will not copy a folder from a data DVD to my hard drive. It's a 1.2 GB folder with thousands of files and subfolders. Drag and drop - nothing. Copy/Paste - nothing. Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V - Nothing. Reboot - nothing. No process gets fired up. NOTHING.

Pop the disc into an XP box, drag, drop, done.

Any fixes out there? :ear

[Pupator]

A stumper... This has me longing for the wonder that was Windows XP...

Vista simply will not copy a folder from a data DVD to my hard drive. It's a 1.2 GB folder with thousands of files and subfolders. Drag and drop - nothing. Copy/Paste - nothing. Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V - Nothing. Reboot - nothing. No process gets fired up. NOTHING.

Pop the disc into an XP box, drag, drop, done.

Any fixes out there? :ear

Weird. I just tried the same thing and it worked fine for me. :huh

Have you tried disabling remote differential compression as explained in a previous thread?

[Pupator]

I mentioned in a previous thread that my notebook (pretty new) wasn't running 32bit Vista as well as I'd hoped. While it runs 64bit really well, I can't use 64 bit because iTunes+iPhone is incompatible with it and my iPhone has all my work contacts and e-mail.

A few weeks ago I called the HP store and told them I wasn't happy with my purchase because it was too slow, and while I knew I was about 20 days out of the return period, I was a good HP customer and would really appreciate them exchanging it for me. They said no but offered to send my "case" up to a supervisor and I'd be called within 48 hours.

I never heard back and the Thanksgiving holidays came so I just figured I was stuck with the notebook. Then, the Friday after Thanksgiving I got an e-mail from an HP supervisor asking me to give her a call to discuss my "case."

I explained it to her, she saw my purchase history (lots of HPs for home and the office) and immediately agreed to do the exchange for me. We went online and built a system with a much better processor, screen and everything else the same (except I had to get a slightly bigger screen). She's having it sent out to me and I don't have to send this one back until it arrives. All at 60+ days past the return period and without any cost to me. How awesome is that?? :barb

[wellman]

Weird. I just tried the same thing and it worked fine for me. :huh

Have you tried disabling remote differential compression as explained in a previous thread?

Yes, RDC is disabled.:scratch

[Pupator]

Another (great) application endorsement:

There's nothing I love more than FOSS (free, open source software). It's rare that I'll pay for software and even more rare that I'll pay for software in the utility category. This tells you something about how good the product I'm about to recommend is, consider it's a $40 utility.

UltraMon (http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/) is absolutely essential if you use multiple monitors. It let's you have different taskbars on each, set different icons on each, control what programs open on which side, and much much more.

I'm not affiliated with UltraMon in any way (I wish I was so I could lower the price!) but I highly recommend it. Go try the 30 day trial at least. I'll bet you get hooked!

(Note that for Vista you need to download the current beta release and not the current "stable" version.)

[Mike Lane]

I mentioned in a previous thread that my notebook (pretty new) wasn't running 32bit Vista as well as I'd hoped. While it runs 64bit really well, I can't use 64 bit because iTunes+iPhone is incompatible with it and my iPhone has all my work contacts and e-mail.

A few weeks ago I called the HP store and told them I wasn't happy with my purchase because it was too slow, and while I knew I was about 20 days out of the return period, I was a good HP customer and would really appreciate them exchanging it for me. They said no but offered to send my "case" up to a supervisor and I'd be called within 48 hours.

I never heard back and the Thanksgiving holidays came so I just figured I was stuck with the notebook. Then, the Friday after Thanksgiving I got an e-mail from an HP supervisor asking me to give her a call to discuss my "case."

I explained it to her, she saw my purchase history (lots of HPs for home and the office) and immediately agreed to do the exchange for me. We went online and built a system with a much better processor, screen and everything else the same (except I had to get a slightly bigger screen). She's having it sent out to me and I don't have to send this one back until it arrives. All at 60+ days past the return period and without any cost to me. How awesome is that?? :barbGreat! Now can you please ask them to stop making printers that suck? :deal I'll never, ever buy another HP product of any kind because of the terribleness of the last 2 printers I've gotten from them. The first one was a medium on their consumer level scale and this one is on the high end of their consumer level. Both suck the life right out of me. :splat

[SloYerRoll]

Great! Now can you please ask them to stop making printers that suck? :deal I'll never, ever buy another HP product of any kind because of the terribleness of the last 2 printers I've gotten from them. The first one was a medium on their consumer level scale and this one is on the high end of their consumer level. Both suck the life right out of me. :splatIt's such a shame that HP went south in regards to quality. They were the first company to install the print heads on the cartridge vs the printer itself. So when you swapped out the ink, you got a new print head as well!
I'm on my 3rd HP printer and it will be my last as well.

-Jon

[HarlanBear]

It's such a shame that HP went south in regards to quality. They were the first company to install the print heads on the cartridge vs the printer itself. So when you swapped out the ink, you got a new print head as well!
I'm on my 3rd HP printer and it will be my last as well.

-Jon

Interesting. I have a 5 year old HP deskjet printer I use pretty much only for your typical text printing - almost no photo printing at all. I just got a new HP computer with Vista and was worried about compatibility. HP said Vista already had the driver in it and it should be plug-and-play. And by Gawd it was. Never had any problems with it and not looking to replace it. Plus I walk the print cartridges two blocks to a Walgreen and have them refill it for about $10. Have done this the last three times I needed black and works like a charm.

But their tech service is nothing to brag about, in my experience.

[SloYerRoll]

*see disclaimer at bottom

Please do this research yourself so you can feel 100% comfortable with this.
Microsoft has (for many reasons) has endorsed a marketing campaign called the ultimate steal to promote Office Ultimate 2007. This program is only valid for enrolled students that have a valid student email address (ending in .edu) and a .5 credit load. *You don't have to have a student email, but you do have to prove enrollment. Having a student email only helps keep the entire process automated.

Here is a link (http://www.dgrin.com/www.theultimatesteal.com/) to the web page offering the promotion.

Here is a link (http://www.microsoft.com/education/ultimatesteal.mspx) to the Microsoft.com KB validating the legitimacy of this offer.

You can also download a trial version of this program here (http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx?re_ms=oo&culture=en-US). (this trial is not part of this program. This is just so you can try it out before you purchase it) *this is also for MSO professional. The deal I'm talking about is for Ultimate (the whole shebang)

Please make sure you read the terms. There is no bait and switch, but MS will most likely validate your enrollment and you will be liable for the full price if you can't prove eligibility.

If you have any questions regarding the terms. Feel free to ask me. I have spent ALLOT of time making sure this was legitimate.

-Jon
*this is only intended to share this deal. No intentions to cause any problems in this forum.

[SloYerRoll]

Interesting. I have a 5 year old HP deskjet printer I use pretty much only for your typical text printing - almost no photo printing at all. I just got a new HP computer with Vista and was worried about compatibility. HP said Vista already had the driver in it and it should be plug-and-play. And by Gawd it was. Never had any problems with it and not looking to replace it. Plus I walk the print cartridges two blocks to a Walgreen and have them refill it for about $10. Have done this the last three times I needed black and works like a charm.

But their tech service is nothing to brag about, in my experience.I'm not talking about the driver support. I'm talking about the sub standard components and overall cheap feel of their products.

BTW:Their tech support really does bite.

[HarlanBear]

I'm not talking about the driver support. I'm talking about the sub standard components and overall cheap feel of their products.

BTW:Their tech support really does bite.

I'm not talking about "driver support" either. New computer works great, old computer worked great (I just out grew it after 5 years), previous laptop worked great, current printer works great and has for 5 years. Not sure what components your talking about but; had both Intel and AMD procssors, CD/DVD burners work like a charm (new computer has LightScribe, which is very cool), never had a failed disk or disk problems, connections all work as advertised, GeForce video card works right, no loose connections or flopping doors. Guess my experience is just different from yours.

As for tech and customer service is concerned, I've had experince, work and home (I'm in TV production, so you can imagine), with many tech companies and all of them are somewhat sub-par since things moved offshore, in my experience.

YMMV

[SloYerRoll]

I'm not talking about "driver support" eitherAhh I see where we aren't on the same page. I was posting in regards to Mike Lane's comment about printers.
I don't have any experience w/ the desktops.

Just a mix up in posts.

Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

I switched from HP to Canon printers long ago and haven't looked back. In addition to the higher quality printer (IMO), the individual ink tanks have probably saved me some $ along the way.

[HarlanBear]

Ahh I see where we aren't on the same page. I was posting in regards to Mike Lane's comment about printers.
I don't have any experience w/ the desktops.

Just a mix up in posts.

Cheers,
-Jon

Oh. Never mind. :D

As far as printers go, like I said, I only have an HP for simple document printing. I don't see photo printing as their area. Canons and Epsons seem to have the better products for that kind of work. But since I really only do fine art printing and that on a limited basis at this time, it's hard to justify buying a good photo printer. Working like heck to try and justify buying a Nikon D300. But that is for another forum.

[Mike Lane]

Oh. Never mind. :D

As far as printers go, like I said, I only have an HP for simple document printing. I don't see photo printing as their area. Canons and Epsons seem to have the better products for that kind of work. But since I really only do fine art printing and that on a limited basis at this time, it's hard to justify buying a good photo printer. Working like heck to try and justify buying a Nikon D300. But that is for another forum.Oh if I could just get it to work well even for simple document printing. Every print job is a hassle. I can ultimately get it to work but not without checking the print cartridges most times, I have to occasionally reboot the printer, Vista made it so the thing won't ever print double sided any more, there are 2 trays and I can't for the life of me figure out why when it only pulls from one and then tells you that you're out of paper when there is tons in the other tray (and yes all the options I can find that should affect that are set properly), etc. The thing is just a nightmare for any kind of printing.

It's the HP Officejet 7410 all-in-one if anyone cares.

[ChrisJ]

It's the HP Officejet 7410 all-in-one if anyone cares.

We have a 7410 at work, but I bought it more for the copying/faxing/scanning ability than its printing. I guess I'm glad of that! For the most part, it's been fairly reliable. The annoying "But" is that the automatic paper feeder doesn't work well at all.

I've never had any cartridge issues, and am still staying far away from Vista!

[HarlanBear]

Oh if I could just get it to work well even for simple document printing. Every print job is a hassle. I can ultimately get it to work but not without checking the print cartridges most times, I have to occasionally reboot the printer, Vista made it so the thing won't ever print double sided any more, there are 2 trays and I can't for the life of me figure out why when it only pulls from one and then tells you that you're out of paper when there is tons in the other tray (and yes all the options I can find that should affect that are set properly), etc. The thing is just a nightmare for any kind of printing.

It's the HP Officejet 7410 all-in-one if anyone cares.

Mike - these may be silly questions, but have you checked for updates? Drivers? And what OS are you using? If it's Vista, my understanding was that you may have to download an update for the printer. I didn't have to do this for my old 5550 laserjet and don't know the 7410, but worth a try.

[Mike Lane]

Mike - these may be silly questions, but have you checked for updates? Drivers? And what OS are you using? If it's Vista, my understanding was that you may have to download an update for the printer. I didn't have to do this for my old 5550 laserjet and don't know the 7410, but worth a try.Yeah, sadly I've done everything I can think of doing. I've gone to all the HP pages I can find and updated drivers and done their Vista updates without much luck. Frankly, even if it were working after all that, I'd be a little frustrated that I had to go to all those lengths in the first place. But it isn't working right, so I'm really frustrated. And my money is walking next time.

Fool me twice.

[SloYerRoll]

When I was visiting friends and family up in Seattle, I had a chance to run to the Microsoft store w/ a friend. WOW! it is amazing how cheap that stuff is at the source! I'd lived in Seattle for a few years but never made it into that store.

So my questions are this.

I have multiple internal drives on my machine. Do I need to worry about data being wiped off the 'extra' drives? I know I need to run a data b/u just so it will be easier to get up and running.

Are there any major benefits to x64 vs. x86?

Come to think of it. Why in the world would they name 32bit x86 and 64bit x64?

Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

So my questions are this.

I have multiple internal drives on my machine. Do I need to worry about data being wiped off the 'extra' drives? I know I need to run a data b/u just so it will be easier to get up and running.

Are there any major benefits to x64 vs. x86?

Come to think of it. Why in the world would they name 32bit x86 and 64bit x64?

Cheers,
-Jon

x86 processors are tied back to Intels 8086 CPU and they have binary compatability with the (32bit) instruction set from the original (16 bit) processor. Clear as mud?

No, no need to worry about the installation of Vista overwriting your other drives - so long as you select the correct drive in the installation process. Of course, to be safe, you could always do as I do and just disconnect the power from those extra drives before the install.

Whether or not there's real value in x64 just depends on your circumstances. Drivers can be harder to find for some devices (I found them for everything of mine except my iPhone and my document scanner. On an Intel processor, I haven't noticed much difference in performance between x64 and x86. On the laptop I had with the AMD processor the difference was huge.

x86 OSs can recognize about 3.5 GB of RAM, x64 breaks that barrier.

Some software is not compatible (or not fully compatible at least) with x64. iTunes, for example, is not fully compatible. Programs that work their way into the shell (for right click options, such as gVim or 7Zip) can also have trouble.

For now, I'd stick with x86; though I have a x64 version running on one of my (5) machines and it's doing just fine. [edit] Not wanting to overlook the obvious - you do have a 64bit processor, right?

[Rhuarc]

When I was visiting friends and family up in Seattle, I had a chance to run to the Microsoft store w/ a friend. WOW! it is amazing how cheap that stuff is at the source! I'd lived in Seattle for a few years but never made it into that store.

So my questions are this.

I have multiple internal drives on my machine. Do I need to worry about data being wiped off the 'extra' drives? I know I need to run a data b/u just so it will be easier to get up and running.

Are there any major benefits to x64 vs. x86?

Come to think of it. Why in the world would they name 32bit x86 and 64bit x64?

Cheers,
-Jon

My only guess would be because the 32-bit processors are based on the x86 architecture, while the 64-bit are different enough that they can't be called x86? So instead of coming up with something new they just called it x64?

I don't know though :dunno

One question, how many people run with x64, and what benefits does it give you?

[SloYerRoll]

you do have a 64bit processor, right?uhhhh:scratch YUP:wink

Thanks guys. Sounds like I'll just let the 64bit version grace my software case till a later date. Everything works flawlessly so far (knock on wood) w/ Vista 32bit and my machine. While I'd like to utilize the extra RAM I have. The 3.581GB I'm utilizing now is more than adequate. My video card begs for more work and even when I have multiple 50MB+ files open in PS. I'm only running around 75-80% RAM capacity.

At least I know my machine is fully scalable for later upgrades.

Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

At least I know my machine is fully scalable for later upgrades.

Cheers,
-Jon


Indeed. I think that a year from now, when the 64 bit software really takes off and the drivers are abundant, you'll really be in good shape.

[HarlanBear]

Okay, now I'm starting to feel it was a mistake to get a machine with Vista. I wanted a faster, bigger computer and was concerned about Vista, and all was well for a few weeks. But now I'm learning why I was concerned. This is on an HP 6230 machine, which I like as far as spped, etc. goes. Here's my problems and I hope someone here can help:

1. Still have this problem from an earlier post here:
My monitor profile , calibrated using Spyder 2 Express and set as default, does not always load up on first booting the computer. It will finally load if rebooted, but is inconsistent. I usually “close” the computer at night using Sleep mode, and it used to com out of that fine. Except in the last few days it is reverting even after coming out of sleep mode. Very big pain, since I'm starting to have to recalibrate every time I want to work on the computer. I've talked to HP (no help) and Microsoft (who wanted to charge me $59 for the service support with no assurances they could help). I can't believe this is not a simple fix. I saw where Greg Wellman talks about going to Profile Chooser, but nnot sure what that is and where.

2. I removed Sidebar from my desktop, but now when the computer comes out of Sleep mode and the monitor profile changes, as noted above, the sidebar comes back. It's empty, but still an annoyance.

I'm getting to where I may want to just go back to XP, where I had no problems, but that seems like it might be a problem as well.

HELP:help

[wellman]

Okay, now I'm starting to feel it was a mistake to get a machine with Vista. I wanted a faster, bigger computer and was concerned about Vista, and all was well for a few weeks. But now I'm learning why I was concerned. This is on an HP 6230 machine, which I like as far as spped, etc. goes. Here's my problems and I hope someone here can help:

1. Still have this problem from an earlier post here:
My monitor profile , calibrated using Spyder 2 Express and set as default, does not always load up on first booting the computer. It will finally load if rebooted, but is inconsistent. I usually “close” the computer at night using Sleep mode, and it used to com out of that fine. Except in the last few days it is reverting even after coming out of sleep mode. Very big pain, since I'm starting to have to recalibrate every time I want to work on the computer. I've talked to HP (no help) and Microsoft (who wanted to charge me $59 for the service support with no assurances they could help). I can't believe this is not a simple fix. I saw where Greg Wellman talks about going to Profile Chooser, but nnot sure what that is and where.

2. I removed Sidebar from my desktop, but now when the computer comes out of Sleep mode and the monitor profile changes, as noted above, the sidebar comes back. It's empty, but still an annoyance.

I'm getting to where I may want to just go back to XP, where I had no problems, but that seems like it might be a problem as well.

HELP:help

My Vista experience (as compared to XP) has been pretty disappointing as well. I've scoured the internets looking for a fix to the re-profiling issue, but haven't found anything.

To re-run Profile Chooser, look in your Start Menu under Datavision or Colorvision or whatever brand the Spyder line was called when you purchased it. I copied that shortcut to my desktop, and I just run it every time I come out of sleep or locked mode.

Hope this helps.

[Richard]

I saw where Greg Wellman talks about going to Profile Chooser, but nnot sure what that is and where.
:help

Hey Mick,

In XP, Control Panel->Display->Settings->Advanced->Color Management gives you a list of profiles and lets you choose the default. Don't know whether this is the same in Vista. FWIW.

Cheers,

[wellman]

Hey Mick,

In XP, Control Panel->Display->Settings->Advanced->Color Management gives you a list of profiles and lets you choose the default. Don't know whether this is the same in Vista. FWIW.

Cheers,

I believe he's referring to the Profile Chooser app installed as part of the Spyder software. On a good (read XP) machine, this gets run on startup to apply the monitor calibration profile. With Vista, you end up having to run it every time the machine goes to sleep or is locked.
-Greg

[SloYerRoll]

This is not intended as a gloat.

I'm sure happy I'm one of the ppl that aren't having any issues w/ Vista. Sounds like there are more issues than not. If I were having issues like this. I'd switch back to XP. There are plenty of resources that give XP an Aero look if that's what your after. There are some great security features on Vista that make sure your data stays safe. Even if your machine or HD is stolen.. That's one of the big selling points for me.

[Pupator]

Vista forgets profiles when woken up from sleep. It's a known bug and is addressed in a series of patches that (at least at this point) will be included in SP1. It's frustrating, yes, but if you make a shortcut as Wellman suggests it's just an annoyance, nothing to be too distressed over.

If you're never going to use the sidebar, just remove it from ever starting up (as opposed to always sleeping in the tray). That should fix it.

[Richard]

Vista forgets profiles when woken up from sleep.

But when it forgets, what does it default to?

[HarlanBear]

To re-run Profile Chooser, look in your Start Menu under Datavision or Colorvision or whatever brand the Spyder line was called when you purchased it. I copied that shortcut to my desktop, and I just run it every time I come out of sleep or locked mode.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Greg.
I'm not at the home computer at the moment, so will have to look-see when I get home, but I'm looking in ColorVision for a file / exe called "Profile Chooser" is that right? I have the Spyder start-up as a shortcut on the desktop, but that is for the whole callibration system. This Profile Chooser will simply run the load up command again? Like when you boot up the computer? If so, seems like a reasonable work-around.

[SloYerRoll]

Vista forgets profiles when woken up from sleep.I've seen sleep issues all ove rthe place on Vista, from this to resetting wireless IP configs. I bet SP1 is gonna chocked full of sleep fix issues.

BTW Pupator, you got all those images, right?

[SloYerRoll]

Speaking of SP1.
Any press releases as to when SP1 is scheduled to release?

[ChrisJ]

Speaking of SP1.
Any press releases as to when SP1 is scheduled to release?

First quarter of 2008

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/flash/landingpages/editorial_121207.mspx

[HarlanBear]

To re-run Profile Chooser, look in your Start Menu under Datavision or Colorvision or whatever brand the Spyder line was called when you purchased it. I copied that shortcut to my desktop, and I just run it every time I come out of sleep or locked mode.

Found it. But in my version, ColorVision Spyder2Express v2.3.5, I had to go to Program Files>ColorVision>Utility>ColorVision Startup. Click on ColorvisionStartup and that reloaded the profile just like when you boot the computer. Works good, so far. Made a shortcut for further use. Too bad they don't tell you about it at the site.

Thanks, Greg. A great help indeed.:clap

[wellman]

Found it. But in my version, ColorVision Spyder2Express v2.3.5, I had to go to Program Files>ColorVision>Utility>ColorVision Startup. Click on ColorvisionStartup and that reloaded the profile just like when you boot the computer. Works good, so far. Made a shortcut for further use. Too bad they don't tell you about it at the site.

Thanks, Greg. A great help indeed.:clap

No problem. And sorry about my anti-Vista rants. It's a decent product, with good improvements over XP. I'll just be more satisfied when MS fixes the things that weren't broken in XP. :wink

[SloYerRoll]

Anyone in here know office 2007 outlook?
I have a filtering question about duplicate emails but it's too far off topic and I don't want to hijack.

Shoot me a PM if you think you can help.

[SloYerRoll]

So I have an external drive that has about 400GB worth of movies on it. I'd like to leave them on my HD and just view them vs. burning them and having yet another big disk case.

What are my options to view the .ISO file?

Here's wht I've done already. Went to open the file through WMP and ignored the warning dialog about campatability. (I was able to do this on the older version installed w/ my XP box)

D/L Alcohol 120%. When the installer asked me to reboot to continue installation. I cancelled the install.
*The only reason that an installer needs to reboot half way through the process is because it's adjusting the Kernel. I'm not gonna let an app adjust the Kernel unless I KNOW what it's doing. That's too risky in my book.. Unless someone in here has proven sucess w/ installing alcohol and viewing .ISO's......

[HarlanBear]

No problem. And sorry about my anti-Vista rants. It's a decent product, with good improvements over XP. I'll just be more satisfied when MS fixes the things that weren't broken in XP. :wink

Well, as we all should know, MS is happy to release their products and let all of us users be their beta testers. I will usually wait until version 1.x or 2 or until SP is released. But in this case I really needed a faster machine, more memory and a larger HD, so went ahead and made the purchase. Bumps in the road were not unexpected. So be it.

[ChrisJ]

Here's an amusing take:

http://dotnet.org.za/codingsanity/archive/2007/12/14/review-windows-xp.aspx

[Richard]

Here's an amusing take:

http://dotnet.org.za/codingsanity/archive/2007/12/14/review-windows-xp.aspx

Perverse...I love it. :rofl

So I guess my new XP machine is actually ahead of the curve.

[jdryan3]

Here's an amusing take:

http://dotnet.org.za/codingsanity/archive/2007/12/14/review-windows-xp.aspx

OK, OK :nono I won't make any OS X, or Win NT, upgrade jokes. Not even an O/S 2 ha-ha-ha.

But did he really say he sleeps with his laptop? :scratch

[ChrisJ]

But did he really say he sleeps with his laptop? :scratch

Heh heh, He sleeps near his laptop...

I'm really going to have to install Vista some time... just so I can experience the full effect. I haven't bothered to since RC1 I think.

[Mike Lane]

Any Vista peeps know why in the world my wacom tablet and mouse will stop working until I restart Vista? :splat

[SloYerRoll]

Which tablet?

There are a few known issues w/ current drivers and wacom tablets. There is other driver support out there that can most likely fix this. (usually not the most current drivers)

Check this out too:
http://www.wacom-asia.com/download/down_s.html?drv_c=165

[SloYerRoll]

So I have an external drive that has about 400GB worth of movies on it. I'd like to leave them on my HD and just view them vs. burning them and having yet another big disk case.

What are my options to view the .ISO file?

Here's wht I've done already. Went to open the file through WMP and ignored the warning dialog about campatability. (I was able to do this on the older version installed w/ my XP box)

D/L Alcohol 120%. When the installer asked me to reboot to continue installation. I cancelled the install.
*The only reason that an installer needs to reboot half way through the process is because it's adjusting the Kernel. I'm not gonna let an app adjust the Kernel unless I KNOW what it's doing. That's too risky in my book.. Unless someone in here has proven sucess w/ installing alcohol and viewing .ISO's......Bump.
Any ideas?

[Rhuarc]

Bump.
Any ideas?

I have used the program a lot and it is very good. The reason it needs to do a reboot is because it is creating a virtual DVD Drive. The drive will show up in the system as a SCSI Drive. You can then open the program and mount the ISO images onto the drive. At this point you can then pretty much use it just like it was a real DVD. You can open up WMP and play them (or any other program that has the proper DVD codec installed) Other tools you can use are Daemon Tools, and Power ISO. All of these create virtual devices that you can mount CD/DVD images on.

Hope this helps!

[SloYerRoll]

Rhuarc,
I'm trying power ISO now and I REALLY like it in regards to burning disks and creating bootable images. I'm having trouble understanding how to use the virtual drives though.

Here's a link to a video of what I'm doing and what is showing up. Maybe this is due to not having the proper codec? That seems strange since I can watch the same movie through my DVD player when I insert the disk into my optical drive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B26asyGKDo

Any ideas?


The screen is a little low res so I'll step by step what I'm doing in case it doesn't make sense:
Launch power ISO.
Mount an ,iso file using power ISO
Launch WMP
go to File>open
Browse to mounted drive
When I get to this part it lets me open the drive. But then it let's me into the audio/vudeo files instead of having a just letting me double click on the drive and it launch the movie.

[jeffreaux2]

Rhuarc,
I'm trying power ISO now and I REALLY like it in regards to burning disks and creating bootable images. I'm having trouble understanding how to use the virtual drives though.

Here's a link to a video of what I'm doing and what is showing up. Maybe this is due to not having the proper codec? That seems strange since I can watch the same movie through my DVD player when I insert the disk into my optical drive.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B26asyGKDo

Any ideas?


The screen is a little low res so I'll step by step what I'm doing in case it doesn't make sense:
Launch power ISO.
Mount an ,iso file using power ISO
Launch WMP
go to File>open
Browse to mounted drive
When I get to this part it lets me open the drive. But then it let's me into the audio/vudeo files instead of having a just letting me double click on the drive and it launch the movie.

Jon, you linked the guy taking 6 years of self portraits.

I don't use alchohol, but have used ISO Magic or is it Disk magic. It works the sameway. Creates a virtual drive in which you mount the image file. Then it acts like a disk.

[SloYerRoll]

Sorry.

Look at the video. It won't let me do that. When I double click on the mounted drive, it doesn't launch anything..??

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5133112986620102385

[SloYerRoll]

THis is what I see after I double click on the mounted CD drive...

I go into the audio and video directories. Nothing there I can "launch" to make WMP run...

[Rhuarc]

You should be able to just open up windows media player, and then point it at the virtual drive. So you would mount the image in the drive first, then open windows media player go to the virtual drive. It should recognize it and be able to play. Those two directories you see are how DVD's are organized. If you put a regular DVD into your regular drive and explore it you would see the same folders and files. You could probably also right click the virtual drive and there should be an option to open in Windows Media Payer.

Let me know if his helps, or if you still can't get it I'll do some research.

[SloYerRoll]

I appreciate your help Rhuarc. I did try this, but I tried again and here's what I got:

If I "explore" it does what it's supposed to. Go into the directories just like the previous screen cap.

The only option I see when right clicking is going to power ISO and selecting "auto play" but this just takes me to windows explorer and show the same as the other screen cap???

[Rhuarc]

Hmm, have you tried any other software other than ultraISO? When I get home from work I'll try out a couple of things and see what I can figure out.

You di say you are able to play regular DVD's on the computer correct? Using the optical drive?

[SloYerRoll]

Hmm, have you tried any other software other than ultraISO? When I get home from work I'll try out a couple of things and see what I can figure out.

You did say you are able to play regular DVD's on the computer correct? Using the optical drive?I've tried Dameware and Alcohol 120% you told me about the reboot reason.. Same results. It just lets me explore the drive. I'm willing to reinstall to help troubleshoot though if required.

Yes, My machine can play DVD's via the optical drive.

My machine runs perfectly as far as peripherals and other things like that.

[Rhuarc]

I've tried Dameware and Alcohol 120% you told me about the reboot reason..

Yes, My machine can play DVD's via the optical drive.

My machine runs perfectly as far as I'm concerned.

Ok, once I get home I'll test a DVD image on my machine and see if I have any problems like you are describing.

[ChrisJ]

You could try Media Player Classic (http://downloads.sourceforge.net/guliverkli/mpc2kxp6490.zip?modtime=1142869788&big_mirror=0) [sourceforge.net] to open the "drive"...

It's free and will play pretty much anything (assuming you have the right codec).

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks Chris.

I'd like to resolve this issue of knowing why the iamges that should mount as a cd won't let me launch WMP first. Then if that's not possible. I'll move onto MPC.

-------------------------

I have another question. Which anti-virus software do ppl recommend? I hear avast is supposed to be very nice.

I finally dumped Norton since it was causing more issues than helping. I read it was cumbersome and slow. Software companies usually don't stay in business if the software is no good and Nortons been around for a while. So I gave it a shot to see first hand if it was junk. It is.

[HarlanBear]

I finally dumped Norton since it was causing more issues than helping. I read it was cumbersome and slow. Software companies usually don't stay in business if the software is no good and Nortons been around for a while. So I gave it a shot to see first hand if it was junk. It is.

There are several posts in this thread about the different anti-virus software out there, both free and pay. Avast! is one, as is NOD32 from eset. I read Ric Grupe's post here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=681727&highlight=nod32#post681727) and downloaded the free trial of NOD32 here (http://www.eset.com/). Loved it and finally did buy a year license for $40 and it's great. Runs the scheduled scans in the background, unlike Norton, takes up a lot less room and is very fast on my machine. To be honest, I feel better buying the license rathar than having a free one 'cuse then I feel I have a company committed and I have justification for complaining, if need :wink So far, no complaints and I do like it.

[Rhuarc]

There are several posts in this thread about the different anti-virus software out there, both free and pay. Avast! is one, as is NOD32 from eset. I read Ric Grupe's post here (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=681727&highlight=nod32#post681727) and downloaded the free trial of NOD32 here (http://www.eset.com/). Loved it and finally did buy a year license for $40 and it's great. Runs the scheduled scans in the background, unlike Norton, takes up a lot less room and is very fast on my machine. To be honest, I feel better buying the license rathar than having a free one 'cuse then I feel I have a company committed and I have justification for complaining, if need :wink So far, no complaints and I do like it.

I am also using NOD32. Love it so far!! Oh, and I'm still looking into the problem you are having with playing the DVD Images.

[Richard]

I have another question. Which anti-virus software do ppl recommend? I hear avast is supposed to be very nice.

I finally dumped Norton since it was causing more issues than helping.
Avast and NOD32 both have good reputations. I have been using AVG free edition for years and it never has given me any problem. It also has caught very few viruses, but I think that the whole virus issue is vastly overblown. If you are simply aware of suspicious attachments, you are in good shape. I haven't even gotten one of those for several years.

I also dumped Norton a long time ago, but in those days it was not all that easy to get rid of all of its components--a simple uninstall left a lot of crap on the machine. I don't know whether that's still the case, but you might want to Google it to see whether there are any additional steps you need to take.

[HarlanBear]

I also dumped Norton a long time ago, but in those days it was not all that easy to get rid of all of its components--a simple uninstall left a lot of crap on the machine. I don't know whether that's still the case, but you might want to Google it to see whether there are any additional steps you need to take.

As I remeber, and this was weeks ago :D, I did have to uninstall a few other "Norton" files when I removed Norton from my computer. So you may have to look around a bit even after you do an uninstall and even though it asks to remove all associated files. Imagine that!

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks all for the input.

I'm gonna try NOD32. I like the idea of having a say in how it affects my machine like Harlan Bear said.

In regards to Norton, I've uninstalled but.... Any resources for manually removing those stubborn files that don't go away w/ the uninstall?

[HarlanBear]

Thanks all for the input.

I'm gonna try NOD32. I like the idea of having a say in how it affects my machine like Harlan Bear said.

In regards to Norton, I've uninstalled but.... Any resources for manually removing those stubborn files that don't go away w/ the uninstall?

Just go to each individual file and uninstall. That's the only way I know.
And I think you'll like NOD32, but no reason not to give the trial a try.

[SloYerRoll]

Downloading the trial now.

What's:
ESET Smart Security for Win XP/2000/Vista

It's an optional d/l right beside:
ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus for Win XP/2000/Vista

I assume it's a sort of firewall?

[HarlanBear]

Downloading the trial now.

What's:
ESET Smart Security for Win XP/2000/Vista

It's an optional d/l right beside:
ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus for Win XP/2000/Vista

I assume it's a sort of firewall?

I think it's a whole "suite" of protection software, but you'd have to read up on it at their site. I didn't bother with it since I already have a firewall and Windows Denfender seems like good protection as well. YMMV.

[SloYerRoll]

Nope MMDV!

Just ran the deep scan and nothing in there!

[Pupator]

I'm running no AV software and am amazed how much faster the computer runs. I've tried Avast, AVG, and NOD and prefer "none" to all of them. YMMV

[SloYerRoll]

I'm running no AV software and am amazed how much faster the computer runs. I've tried Avast, AVG, and NOD and prefer "none" to all of them. YMMVMy machine stillscreams w/ NOD32.

Hey Harlan,

Any updates on ISO's? Just being the squeaky wheel!

Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

If you've ever looked and the running services list (or used any of the tips and tweaks to disable services and seen how many there are), you're probably not familiar with what many of them are. Here's a list of descriptions explaining many of them. From this list you should be able to determine if you'd like to disable it, or if you should just leave it alone.

These descriptions are from Steve Sinchak over at http://www.tweakvista.com.


Apple Mobile Device - Provides the interface to Apple mobile devices. If you don’t have any apple hardware but use iTunes, then disable this service.
Diagnostic Policy Service - The Diagnostic Policy Service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Diagnostic System Host - The Diagnostic System Host service enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components. If this service is stopped, some diagnostics will no longer function. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Base Filtering Engine - The Base Filtering Engine (BFE) is a service that manages firewallhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/1.gif (http://www.tweakvista.com/article38662.aspx#) and Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policies and implements user mode filtering. Stopping or disabling the BFE service will significantly reduce the security of the system. It will also result in unpredictable behavior in IPsec management and firewall applications.
Certificate Propagation - Propagates certificates from smart cards.
Computer Browser - Maintains an updated list of computershttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/1.gif (http://www.tweakvista.com/article38662.aspx#) on the network and supplies this list to computers designated as browsers. If this service is stopped, this list will not be updated or maintained. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Desktop Window Manager Session Manager - Provides Desktop Window Manager startup and maintenance services. Disabling this will kill aero glass.
Function Discovery Provider Host - Host process for Function Discovery providers. Detects devices such as Windows Media Center Extenders on your local network.
Function Discovery Resource Publication - Publishes this computer and resources attached to this computer so they can be discovered over the network. If this service is stopped, network resources will no longer be published and they will not be discovered by other computers on the network.
Group Policy Client - The service is responsible for applying settings configured by administrators for the computer and users through the Group Policy component. If the service is stopped or disabled, the settings will not be applied and applications and components will not be manageable through Group Policy. Any components or applications that depend on the Group Policy component might not be functional if the service is stopped or disabled.
IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules - The IKEEXT service hosts the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) and Authenticated Internet Protocol (AuthIP) keying modules. These keying modules are used for authentication and key exchange in Internet Protocol security (IPsec). Stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service will disable IKE and AuthIP key exchange with peer computers. IPsec is typically configured to use IKE or AuthIP; therefore, stopping or disabling the IKEEXT service might result in an IPsec failure and might compromise the security of the system. It is strongly recommended that you have the IKEEXT service running.
IP Helper - Provides automatic IPv6 connectivity over an IPv4 network. If this service is stopped, the machine will only have IPv6 connectivity if it is connected to a native IPv6 network.
iPod Service - iPod hardware management services.
IPsec Policy Agent - Internet Protocol security (IPsec) supports network-level peer authentication, datahttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/1.gif (http://www.tweakvista.com/article38664.aspx#) origin authentication, data integrity, data confidentiality (encryption), and replay protection. This service enforces IPsec policies created through the IP Security Policies snap-in or the command-line tool "netsh ipsec". If you stop this service, you may experience network connectivity issues if your policy requires that connections use IPsec. Also,remote management of Windows Firewallhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/1.gif (http://www.tweakvista.com/article38664.aspx#) is not available when this service is stopped.
Messenger Sharing Folders USN Journal Reader service - Service installed by Messenger to enable sharing scenarios.
Network Location Awareness - Collects and stores configuration information for the network and notifies programs when this information is modified. If this service is stopped, configuration information might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
NMIndexingService – A component of the Nero CD/DVD burning software that is not needed for burning.
Offline Files - The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state.
ReadyBoost - Provides support for improving system performance using ReadyBoost. If you do not use ReadyBoost, disable this.
Tablet PC Input Service - Enables Tablet PC pen and ink functionality.
Telephony - Provides Telephony API (TAPI) support for programs that control telephony devices on the local computer and, through the LAN, on servers that are also running the service.
Terminal Services – Allows users to connect interactively to a remote computer. Remote Desktop and Terminal Server depend on this service. To prevent remote use of this computer, clear the checkboxes on the Remote tab of the System properties control panel item.
Terminal Services Configuration - Terminal Services Configuration service (TSCS) is responsible for all Terminal Services and Remote Desktop related configuration and session maintenance activities that require SYSTEM context. These include per-session temporary folders, TS themes, and TS certificates.
Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector - Allows the redirection of Printers/Drives/Ports for RDP connections
Themes - Provides user experience theme management.
UPnP Device Host - Allows UPnP devices to be hosted on this computer. If this service is stopped, any hosted UPnP devices will stop functioning and no additional hosted devices can be added. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
WebClient - Enables Windows-based programs to create, access, and modify Internet-based files. If this service is stopped, these functions will not be available. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Windows Audio – Manages audio for Windows-based programs. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start
Windows Audio Endpoint Builder - Manages audio devices for the Windows Audio service. If this service is stopped, audio devices and effects will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Windows Defender - Scan your computer for unwanted software, schedule scans, and get the latest unwanted software definitions.
Windows Error Reporting Service - Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered. Also allows logs to be generated for diagnostic and repair services. If this service is stopped, error reporting might not work correctly and results of diagnostic services and repairs might not be displayed. This service has always been a favorite for power users to disable. I'm not going to lie, it will give you a slight performance gain if you disable it since less overhead = more resources for your apps. However, Windows Vista is in Beta! Why wouldn't you want Microsoft to hear about the problems you are having. Don't you want them to be aware of issues you are having?
Windows Firewall - Windows Firewall helps protect your computer by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network.
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Provides image acquisition services for scanners and cameras.
Windows Management Instrumentation - Provides a common interface and object model to access management information about operating system, devices, applications and services. If this service is stopped, most Windows-based software will not function properly. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start. This service is used a lot in the enterprise environment in scripting events on computers. In the home area, there is no use for it and can be disabled. If in the future you ever have any problems with installing programs, try re-enabling this service again since some, not all, tend to use it.
Windows Search - Provides content indexing and property caching for file, email and other content (via extensibility APIs). The service responds to file and email notifications to index modified content. If the service is stopped or disabled, the Explorer will not be able to display virtual folder views of items, and search in the Explorer will fall back to item-by-item slow search.
Windows Time - Maintains date and time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If this service is stopped, date and time synchronization will be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
Windows Update - Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. If this service is disabled, users of this computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature, and programs will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API. While many disable this service, I think you are crazy if you do these days.

[SloYerRoll]

Great stuff pupator.
As an additional comment for Adobe users:
If you goto msconfig and browse under the startup/boot tabs. You'll see a line that's called "FLEXnet licensing service".
Depending on which Adobe application you have running. You may need to Leave this checkbox "on" so it boots w/ the system. This takes virtually no system resources but can keep your Adobe product from having dreaded licensing issues.

i.e. I run Web Premium CS3 and I have to have this item boot w/ my machine ir I get licensing errors and can't fire up any Adobe programs.

Cheers,
-Jon

[HarlanBear]

My machine stillscreams w/ NOD32.

Hey Harlan,

Any updates on ISO's? Just being the squeaky wheel!

Cheers,
-Jon

Pardon my stupidity, but ....:scratch :dunno

[SloYerRoll]

No Harlan, My mistake. I thought you were the one helping me out. As I reviewed the thread. It was actually Rhuarc that was helping me out by figuring why I can't view .iso files even though I can mount the iso as a disk...

Sorry for the mixup.

[HarlanBear]

No Harlan, My mistake. I thought you were the one helping me out. As I reviewed the thread. It was actually Rhuarc that was helping me out by figuring why I can't view .iso files even though I can mount the iso as a disk...

Sorry for the mixup.

No problem, Jon. I actually went through this thread to see if I asked about ISO before I responded. Gets a bit confusing around here, but always informative.

[Pupator]

Great stuff pupator.
As an additional comment for Adobe users:
If you goto msconfig and browse under the startup/boot tabs. You'll see a line that's called "FLEXnet licensing service".
Depending on which Adobe application you have running. You may need to Leave this checkbox "on" so it boots w/ the system. This takes virtually no system resources but can keep your Adobe product from having dreaded licensing issues.

i.e. I run Web Premium CS3 and I have to have this item boot w/ my machine ir I get licensing errors and can't fire up any Adobe programs.

Cheers,
-Jon

Great info for the folks around here! Thanks!

[zacker]

so Im getting a new PC with vista home premium and will want to load office on it... (for home business purposes) and was looking into office 2007 and have heard nothing but bad reviews..i use 2003 now on my XP machines and was wondering if Office 2003 will work on a vista machine.. anyone have this combo?
thanks!

[Pupator]

Yes, it will work fine.

Make sure you (after install) go to office.com and download the 2007 document compatibility pack so that you'll at least be able to open the 2007 formatted documents.

I like Office 2007, but 2003 does run a bit faster on Vista.

[zacker]

Yes, it will work fine.

Make sure you (after install) go to office.com and download the 2007 document compatibility pack so that you'll at least be able to open the 2007 formatted documents.

I like Office 2007, but 2003 does run a bit faster on Vista.

thanks much!! im on 03 at work and home and so is my wife.... its bad enough im not going to be on my beloved XP now....lol but give up my Office 03... never!!! lol

[Pupator]

thanks much!! im on 03 at work and home and so is my wife.... its bad enough im not going to be on my beloved XP now....lol but give up my Office 03... never!!! lol

I think you'll be pleased with Vista if you give it a fair chance. Read through this thread and take some of the suggestions listed (turn off UAC if it annoys you, make sure you don't have an AV program that's a resource HOG, etc.)

I'm demonstrably more efficient at the things I do on Vista than I was with XP.

[zacker]

well im gonna give it a shot, although my wife will be on it more than myself, I still have my box running XP... im happy with it for now.

[cmason]

thanks much!! im on Office 03 at work and home and so is my wife.... its bad enough im not going to be on my beloved XP now....lol but give up my Office 03... never!!! lol

Have Office 03 at work, and Office 2007 at home. I really like 2007, it is far eaiser to use. At first it was bewildering, but if you just start using it, you find that formatting and such are far far simpler. I think it is a dramatic improvement.

you can default 2007 to save in 2003 format, simple to do, and it seems to work fine.

[Richard]

Yes, it will work fine.

Make sure you (after install) go to office.com and download the 2007 document compatibility pack so that you'll at least be able to open the 2007 formatted documents.

I like Office 2007, but 2003 does run a bit faster on Vista.

Beware of one potential issue if you are planning on staying with 2003. A friend of mine's new computer came with a one month demo of 2007 pre-installed. If you then install 2003 and later uninstall 2007, it can screw up 2003. Best to uninstall 2007 before installing an earlier version.

Cheers,

[SloYerRoll]

For some reason I wasn't able to run 2003 on my machine. I even manually updated w/ service packs etc.
2007 runs like a champ though. I had a small issue w/ anti-virus. But it's all over the web and it's an easy fix. If your apps load slowly (like 2+minutes slow) just google "office 2007 anti-virus".

[Pupator]

Have Office 03 at work, and Office 2007 at home. I really like 2007, it is far eaiser to use. At first it was bewildering, but if you just start using it, you find that formatting and such are far far simpler. I think it is a dramatic improvement.

I agree. I know that people complain about "the ribbon," but I can't tell you how many times I've needed to make a formatting change only to look up and realize I could do it with one or two clicks on the ribbon. Much better than when everything was buried 2-3 menus deep!

[Richard]

There is one app out there that I think all Windows users should have installed, configured, and running daily: SyncBack (http://www.2brightsparks.com/downloads.html#freeware). There is a 100% free version which I have installed on all my computers. With it you can set up automatic backups with all kinds of options (include and exclude sub-folders, file types, etc). You can backup to local drives or networked drives.


I recently bought a large external drive for backup and took your suggestion about SyncBack. It rocks! I splurged and bought the high end version ($30 :D) because I wanted to incremental backups on a weekly cycle. I'm quite pleased with the product and highly recommend it to others.

Cheers,

[SloYerRoll]

I recently bought a large external drive for backup and took your suggestion about SyncBack. It rocks! I splurged and bought the high end version ($30 :D) because I wanted to incremental backups on a weekly cycle. I'm quite pleased with the product and highly recommend it to others.

Cheers,

I missed this post somehow. Thanks Richard for commenting on it. I'm gonna try this out tomorrow!

[Pupator]

I missed this post somehow. Thanks Richard for commenting on it. I'm gonna try this out tomorrow!

Syncback is one of the two best apps ever (UltraMon being the other); but I've never used the paid version - I'll give it a look as well. :clap

[cmason]

I tryed Syncback, Acronis, lots of others...none of them appealed to me...too much overhead and I do not want proprietary formats or compression. I have had a crash before, and needed a photo NOW, the only way to get my PC working was a Linux CD, and the files were in a compressed folder that only my backup app could decipher.

Of course I have other PCs in the house now, but I much prefer simple file backup/duplication over anything fancy. I simply copy all the files in my 'photo' folder to an external harddrive. Any new or updated files are added. Simple. This runs once a day. I work under the premise that if I deleted something, I meant to delete it..and I have 24hrs to change my mind.

Anyway, my tool(s) of choice are Synctoy (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx), and Karen's Replicator (http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp). Both are FREE. Karen's is a bit old in the tooth, but works just fine. Synctoy is Microsoft's tool, and it works really well, especially when syncing over the network. The only issue with Synctoy is its need to use Task Scheduler as the scheduler. But it works great, and can be used for many other things, including (my favorite) syncing photos on my laptop and desktop. I can download files to the laptop while traveling, and sync them to my photos folder at home. Then just tell Lightroom to go look for photos, and done! Check it out.

By the way, I backup my photos folders, and the Lightroom DB. For files that I have done extensive edits on, I create XMP and back those up too. (don't do automatic XMP because my PC is too $#@%!&*! slow).

[Pupator]

Good suggestion, I've used synctoy as well.

Just to clear up any confusion you may have created about Syncback though -

It doesn't use proprietary formats.
It can Backup (one way) or Sync (two way)
It has almost zero overhead.
The free version does enough for almost everyone.
It can do remote/network syncing as well.

Sounds like there are two good options out there!

[Rhuarc]

@SloyerRoll

Sorry it took me so long to get back with you on the issue with your DVD Image! I still haven't really found anything. The same type of images works fine on my machine using a variety of different software. Do you know anyone else who has used this same image and had it work? The only thing I can figure outis that there may be something corrupt with the image. Is there anyway you can rerip/redownload it?


For general information I though I would post up the programs I use on a daily basis.

FilebackPC (http://www.fileback-pc.com/) - this is a backup program that is similar to SyncBack. It pretty much can do anything related to keeping this backed up or in-sync. The amount of customization you can do is staggering. I HIGHLY reccommend this for people to at least look at along with SyncBack if you are looking for this type of utility.

LogMeIn (http://logmein.com) - This puts a little program into your taskbar. As long as this is running youc an go to logmein.com, log into your account, and remotley access your PC from anywhere. THe beauty of itis that since it goes over the internet it ignores all firewalls and routers. No need to forward ports or set exception lists.

Hamachi (https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi/vpn.asp) - This is a little program that allows you to create a virtual LAN that you can password. Anyone else can then use that LAN name and password to join your virtual LAN. Things like remote printing and file sharing then work exactly like they would over a regular LAN. You can also use it for things like LAN gaming, texting, etc...

UltraMon (http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/) - I don't think this needs any introduction. A simple but great utility for managing multiple monitors.

Orb (http://www.orb.com/orb/) - A small utility that alows you to access your files from anywhere on the web. It is realy great for streaming TV, Movies, Music, and viewing pictures. It automatically changes the quality of a video to match the speed of the internet you are using.

CrushFTP (http://www.crushftp.com/) - A simple FTP server that can run as a service. Allows a lot of customization, and has abuilt in web interface to allow FTP access to files from anywhere without the need for downloading a seperate client.

Trillian (http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/) - A nice program for people that use IM alot on several accounts. You can be looged in at the same time to several different IM services, or several accounts on one service. Has a much smaller memory footprint than running all the regular apps.

All of these are programs that are running on my computer all the time, and that I find invaluable.

[SloYerRoll]

No worries about the timing Rhuarc. Thanks for that info! I'll sort through it as soon as I can. Just didn't want to leave your post hanging:thumb

Some prety cool stuff in there. Can't wait to check it out!

[cmason]

@SloyerRoll


LogMeIn (http://logmein.com) - This puts a little program into your taskbar. As long as this is running youc an go to logmein.com, log into your account, and remotley access your PC from anywhere. THe beauty of itis that since it goes over the internet it ignores all firewalls and routers. No need to forward ports or set exception lists.


Logmein is fabulous. If you have family PCs that you manage from time to time, or even if you just want to get to your home PC to upload a photo when you are at work, this program is awesome. Heck I have it on all 3 PCs at home, my sister-in-laws PC, father-in-law PC, and my Dad's PC. When I am at home I will use Logmein rather than walk down the hall to the kids' PC

[SloYerRoll]

I'm sure you'll think I jsut crawled out from under a rock. but what's so cool about UltraMon? I've never heard about this app that needs no introduction. I've been running multiple monitors for quite a while now and the Nvidia control panel seems to be just fine.

?

[SloYerRoll]

So I'm trying syncback. I like it so far. I'm having one issue though.
It tells me there's a file w/ invalid syntax in F:\$RECYCLE.BIN\*long list of junk I won't bother you w/*

So I type in F:\$RECYCLE.BIN\ in Windows Explorer address bar to manually delete this file and it let's me go to this folder (doesn't tell me it's an invalid location), so I know it exists even though explorer's not showing me this folder in the "standard" view mode. After I type in the address, it tells me there are no contents in this folder. I'm sure this all has to do w/ that $.

How do I make explorer show what's in there?

Can I change the name and get rid of the $ so it shows in exploere?
I have explorer set to "show hidden files" too.

[cmason]

Uh isnt that just Recyle Bin? cant you just go into it and delete whatever is there? More importantly why don't you exclude it from the Synback list...why would you backup Recycle Bin?

[SloYerRoll]

Copy paste mistake. Check prefious post w/ corrections after you read this.
It's the recycle bin. But it's on my second internal HD.
I have two internal HD's one has the OS. THe other has documents. I have externals that I back up to but they aren't causing a problem.

Main HD> "C"
Second HD> "F"

I don't even want to back this hidden folder up. But I don't see the option to not back it up since I do want a full backup of all visible files.

[Richard]

I don't even want to back this hidden folder up. But I don't see the option to not back it up since I do want a full backup of all visible files.

In the task profile, click on filter. You can set a list of files/directories to ignore. I set mine to ignore my browser cache, for example.

BTW, I have found in the past that you can get around Explorer limitations by simply opening a DOS window. The command DIR /AH will show all hidden files. I would be wary of renaming or deleting hidden files unless you are very sure you know what you are doing, though. Most of these are put there by the operating system for a good reason.

[SloYerRoll]

Much thanks Richard!

Cheers,
-Jon

[SloYerRoll]

So how many posts do you think this thread will have to get before it gets to be a sticky?:D

[Andy]

I wonder who at Microsoft got fired for defaulting Windows XP to "Clear Type" = off

IE6, Windows XP:
http://img.skitch.com/20080118-kkhxmni7hqudcb25t92a8cqj54.jpg

Why on earth would a user have to go and specify such a thing, as to have to turn Clear Type On?

[Richard]

I wonder who at Microsoft got fired for defaulting Windows XP to "Clear Type" = off

Why on earth would a user have to go and specify such a thing, as to have to turn Clear Type On?

Because Clear Type does not always help, and can sometimes make matters worse. If you are using an LCD display at native resolution, it's great. If not, well, you may be sorry. I don't know what Msft did in Vista to get around the limitations it has in XP.

[Andy]

So how many posts do you think this thread will have to get before it gets to be a sticky?:D
wah wah wah

Stuck.

[ChrisJ]

Because Clear Type does not always help, and can sometimes make matters worse. If you are using an LCD display at native resolution, it's great. If not, well, you may be sorry. I don't know what Msft did in Vista to get around the limitations it has in XP.
Yeah, generally I like it turned off. Depending on the monitor, it can make everything look blurry instead of nicer. Only speaking from XP experience, though.

[SloYerRoll]

I wonder who at Microsoft got fired for defaulting Windows XP to "Clear Type" = offI think the entire dev crew that made IE6 was canned.
That whole browser was a disaster for people viewing the web and web developers that were learning web code at the time when IE6 was king. Thank God those days are long over! We just have to deal w/ that a little while longer hopefully and that headache will be replaced by IE7. Which in reality is a very nice browser. It's more standards compliant than most any browser out there. So if you can get your code to work in IE7. You practically guaranteed to have it work in all the major competitors. (except baby brother IE6).

[Andy]

a little while longer
I think corporations will keep this from being a "little while longer" and it could be "quite a while." :cry

[SloYerRoll]

That does pose a problem since most ppl that work on machines surf the web to a certain extent everyday (some more than others:wink). I didn't think about the corp aspect. Good point Andy. :thumb

[Mike Lane]

I think corporations will keep this from being a "little while longer" and it could be "quite a while." :cryAre you telling me the military is ahead of corporations???

http://www.acc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-071206-013.wmv

See that first guy that gets interviewed, Capt. Charles Haag? I went to school with that dude. He's very..."intense" And very, very, very bad at web design. His designs are *EVERYTHING* everyone hates about myspace. :lol3

If you care...

[jdryan3]

Thank God those days are long over! We just have to deal w/ that a little while longer hopefully and that headache will be replaced by IE7.
I think corporations will keep this from being a "little while longer" and it could be "quite a while." :cry

Sorry Andy! :nah
Ballmer heard SloYerRoll and thought it was a great idea. Every employee at every company should have IE 7. Who cares if you have WSUS? IE 7 will automatically install next month (http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/01/17/Microsoft-warns-businesses-of-autoupdate-to-IE7_1.html), even in corporations who have told it in the past NOT to! You have to Opt Out to Opt In to keep IE 6. :deal :bs

[SloYerRoll]

You have to Opt Out to Opt In to keep IE 6. :deal :bsCan you give me a viable reason why you should use IE6 besides as a testing platform for web dev? :ear

[Richard]

Can you give me a viable reason why you should use IE6 besides as a testing platform for web dev? :ear

Sure. Imagine you are the CIO of a large corporation with, say, 50,000 copies of IE6 running--among other things--hundreds of custom built applications with Web front ends that are known to work properly. The COO wants to know why the SAP implementation is three years behind schedule and the legal department has just requested a top-to-bottom review of your document retention policies and practices. And those are only two of a dozen competing "number one" priorities. Why on earth would you go and fix something that isn't broken?

As for me personally, I just run Firefox.

Cheers,

[jdryan3]

Sure. Imagine you are the CIO of a large corporation with, say, 50,000 copies of IE6 running--among other things--hundreds of custom built applications with Web front ends that are known to work properly. The COO wants to know why the SAP implementation is three years behind schedule and the legal department has just requested a top-to-bottom review of your document retention policies and practices. And those are only two of a dozen competing "number one" priorities. Why on earth would you go and fix something that isn't broken?

:agree Absolutely!

Plus I think Microsoft is just wrong to force companies to do this. Should be an Opt In to Upgrade, NOT an Opt In to keep your WSUS running the way you configured it. "In their ongoing effort to keep their apps blah blah blah ...". Next thing you know they will make us upgrade to Vista, to protect us from ourselves.

[SloYerRoll]

OK so that's about 10,000 ppl max. And if your the CIO of a company, you should know what your doing or your soon to be parted w/ your prestigious position.
Any reason for the other 6.6+ billion fellow inhabitants?
?

[cabbey]

OK so that's about 10,000 ppl max. And if your the CIO of a company, you should know what your doing or your soon to be parted w/ your prestigious position.

I know one company alone that was just described to a T in that post, WAY over 10,000 employees... more like 450,000 world wide. In most of these companies teh only people that could even think about asking the CIO to resign are his fellow board members, who all look to the CIO as their compu-nerd... they take his word as gospel on these matters, so of course he's right. Anyway it's time to tee off, they can talk about that complaint from Joe Blow Nobody about the payroll deductions page not working with his "fireblocks" thing after the round. More likely is a serf uprising as the peons in the trenches revolt... sadly the draconian BT/CIO office has methods to deal with those. I suspect the inhouse web developers are cheering for this one... they're probably the only ones inside.

Any reason for the other 6.6+ billion fellow inhabitants?

Other than they don't know how much pain they're causing web developers? Hey, I did my part and finally got my parents off the IE version that came with win2k... what was that? 4? I won't go into how I did that on this thread. ;)

[SloYerRoll]

Other than they don't know how much pain they're causing web developers? Hey, I did my part and finally got my parents off the IE version that came with win2k... what was that? 4? I won't go into how I did that on this thread. ;)I was talking about 10,000 CIO's globally. Not every employee that belongs to said company.
No need in :deadhorse at this point. Hopefully someone else will mercifully change the subject.

[Richard]

Hopefully someone else will mercifully change the subject.
I'll be glad to. Slashdot is running an article on specs (http://gizmodo.com/346797/ultralight-lenovo-x300-series-thinkpad-leaked) that have been leaked on the new Lenovo Thinkpad X-300 ultralight. It isn't as cool looking as the Mac Air, but it is a much more serious machine. Highlights: up to 4GB RAM, 64GB solid state drive, 13.3 backlit LED (1440x900) complete wired and wireless connectivity, built-in DVD burner, and a whole lot more at between 2.5 and 3 pounds. Available with XP or Vista. No price or availability mentioned. It sure looks great, but I imagine it will have a price to match.

Cheers,

[SloYerRoll]

I've ran a full (not quick) format in NTFS first and it didn't show me the option to use this for readyboost.
So I formatted it for FAT32 and it STILL doesn't show me the ability to run this as readyboost.

Specs for my machine are here (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=587095&postcount=34) in case you need it for any reason. Running Vista Ultimate.

I've used my 2GB (same exact type USB) for readyboost and it was just P&P.

What gives?

[cmason]

yeah i am sure there is some publication in MSDN or something that explains what it takes to be Readyboost ready...but I have found many cheap thumbdrives are not ready for some reason. I do have a Sandisk cruiser micro 1GB, and when I plugged into the HP laptop with Vista, it told me Readyboost was supported with this thumbdrive.

For some reason, a 1GB Sandisk Ultra II SD card is NOT readyboost ready...go figure.

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks for the answer. That is really annoying.
http://www.sandisk.com/Products/ProductInfo.aspx?ID=1925
That's the sandisk I have on both 2GB & 4GB versions.

The 2GB version works like a charm for RB. but the 4GB doesn't?
That sounds pretty lame to me.

Thanks again,
-Jon

[SloYerRoll]

I'm reposting the following question since it got lost ina flurry of posts. I've been going over all Rhuarc's software "recomendations". Man I'm like a kid in a candy store!

I'm sure you'll think I jsut crawled out from under a rock. but what's so cool about UltraMon? I've never heard about this app that needs no introduction. I've been running multiple monitors for quite a while now and the Nvidia control panel seems to be just fine.

?

[Pupator]

I'm reposting the following question since it got lost ina flurry of posts. I've been going over all Rhuarc's software "recomendations". Man I'm like a kid in a candy store!

UltraMon remembers everything. If I use Outlook on the right-hand screen and IE on the right, it remembers. If I have windows sized weirdly and in specific positions, it remembers. One click to move a window from one monitor to another. One click to have it span multiple monitors. A "smart taskbar" that creates a taskbar on the bottom of all windows and puts the taskbar-application-box on the same display as the application is currently displayed on.

Years ago Windows was really, really terrible at multiple monitors. It may be that the Nvidia control panel does a much better job, but I can't imagine anything being better than ultra mon. Give the free trial a shot and see. Maybe we're hooked on functionality that we could get for free now-a-days, but I doubt it.

http://www.realtimesoft.com/ultramon/tour/

[SloYerRoll]

So before I download. I assume I should download the 3.0 Beta version.
I'm not big on putting Beta stuff on my main machine though. How do you feel it works as far as stability?

[Pupator]

So before I download. I assume I should download the 3.0 Beta version.
I'm not big on putting Beta stuff on my main machine though. How do you feel it works as far as stability?

Yeah, if you're using Vista you need the beta, otherwise the "Smart Taskbar" has trouble.

I've been running it for weeks without problems. The one bug I noticed in an earlier beta was corrected in the 1/15 version.

Of course, this is coming from a guy who's running the Vista SP1 beta on his main machine! ;)

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks Pupator,

Already downloaded and waiting to hear that:thumb

On another note. I tried syncback and it stopped the b/u process every time it ran into an issue it couldn't resolve. I was able to work around this, but it was a tedious task and didn't put a good taste in my mouth.

So I moved onto synctoy (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/prophoto/synctoy.mspx). WOW! that app is great! It feels a bit dumbed down so you don't even feel like your doing anything intelligent. But it works like a champ. Resolving it's issues w/o stopping the copy process.
I now have complete backups on an external drive that I only connect to my machine at the end of any work night! (finally).
I'm still gonna buy a drobo (http://www.drobo.com/) eventually. But that just became much lower on the priority list.

Thanks for the cool links guys. I'm checking out logmein tonight since wifey is always asking me for technical support on her machine. I can do most things verbally. But it would be allot quicker if I could just log into her machine and a few clicks. Done!


Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

Syncback should only stop for one of two reasons: 1) the location that you're supposed to be backing up to isn't valid 2) the files you're trying to back up are in use.

The menu system admittedly isn't very intuitive, but there's a "slient" mode where it ignores all errors and just does everything it can. As long as you aren't trying to back up your Outlook PST with Outlook open it'll run fine.

Still, I'm far less concerned that people use syncback and far more concerned that they back up! If synctoy works for you, fantastic!

[Richard]

Syncback should only stop for one of two reasons: 1) the location that you're supposed to be backing up to isn't valid 2) the files you're trying to back up are in use.

The menu system admittedly isn't very intuitive, but there's a "slient" mode where it ignores all errors and just does everything it can. As long as you aren't trying to back up your Outlook PST with Outlook open it'll run fine.

Still, I'm far less concerned that people use syncback and far more concerned that they back up! If synctoy works for you, fantastic!

The full version of Syncback will take snapshots of open files as long as you are using NTFS on XP Pro or later; the free version does not. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to do your backups when there is little activity on the machine. The full version has a scheduler that will wake up a sleeping machine, run the backup and the put the machine back to sleep again. I run daily incremental backups and it rarely takes more than a few minutes to complete, so I just let it happen during the day.

[SloYerRoll]

Screen grab says it all.
I've tried booting into safe mode w/ command prompt and deleting through command prompt.

It gives me some ridiculous message just like the pop up window. File name is too long blah blah.

I've also tried renaming the files. Same message.

Any ideas on how to deep 6 this folder?

I see some third party "force delete" apps. But they all look hokey and not very trustworthy.

Man I wish I had terminal on this (or some kind of REAL command prompt/shell). I'd nuke this thing to hell in about 5 seconds!

[Pupator]

When you try to delete from command prompt are you using the full (long) file name or the short (-x) filename with the ~?

Also, have you tried booting in normal mode, opening a command prompt, then opening task manager and killing explorer.exe? Then you can perform the delete command in the CP and restart explorer from task manager.

[SloYerRoll]

When you try to delete from command prompt are you using the full (long) file name or the short (-x) filename with the ~?

Also, have you tried booting in normal mode, opening a command prompt, then opening task manager and killing explorer.exe? Then you can perform the delete command in the CP and restart explorer from task manager.I don't really know about a short or long name in MS. The folder on my desktop is called "123".

I went into task manager, opened cmd prompt, closed explorer. Navigated to the folder and went to delete the file. It gave me the same rubbish filename, directory name or syntax is incorrect.

Is there anything in the MS world that will use command prompt like a linux shell and force delete a file? i.e. rm -rf directoryname

[Richard]

Is there anything in the MS world that will use command prompt like a linux shell and force delete a file? i.e. rm -rf directoryname

Try RMDIR /S your_directory_name from the command prompt while in the parent directory.

[SloYerRoll]

Try RMDIR /S your_directory_name from the command prompt while in the parent directory.Same thing as my previous post.

[Richard]

Same thing as my previous post.

Jon,

Hmmm...it looks like there is a <?> character in each of the filenames. I believe that is illegal in a Vista filename. So the thing that I wonder is, how were these files created originally? Can you access them (and perhaps delete them) from the program that put them on the machine in the first place? This is very strange.

Regards,

[SloYerRoll]

I'm pretty sure it was created w/ a bad scrape of a website via a dreamweaver third party plug in. I since re-installed the entire Web Premium CS3 suite and have had no problems. (I also don't use dreamweaver anymore since it's code SUCKS.

I've tried to open/remove/anything these files in quite a few applications. No love.

As a note. I can move the folder anywhere I want. It's only when I go to edit the contents that it get's all dumb on me.

[Richard]

As a note. I can move the folder anywhere I want. It's only when I go to edit the contents that it get's all dumb on me.

What happens when you move it to the recycle bin?

[SloYerRoll]

Same thing.

[StevenV]

how 'bout DIR /X in the cmd prompt, which should show the short name (Imagehan~01.ashx or something similar), then DEL using that filename?

[SloYerRoll]

Tried. didn't work.
I'm not heavy on DOS syntax. But the "=" sign is some sort of command that won't let me use that character.

i.e.
Goto remove the file by typing:
del Default.aspx?tabid=55 (this is one of the file names)

and it tells me it can't find:
Default.aspx?tabid (missing the =55 part of the filename)

So it's getting to the = sign and getting all mixed up.

FYI: This is the first time I actually tried to remove a file. I was trying to delete the entire directory up to this point.

I really appreciate your help guys. Any other ideas?

[Richard]

Any other ideas?

Try enclosing the filename in double quotes:

Del /F "stupid_illegal_filename"

I seem to recall reading about some little utility programs that can get rid of files that don't want to go away...I think they set up something to run at boot time, before Windows loads, but I am vague on the details. Google will know.

[cmason]

This is a tough one. I suspect that these files may be registered by some program in memory or somethings...just a WAG, but perhaps one problem is that you are still using the same instance of Vista whether it is DOS or not. I would suggest booting into another Windows instance. So options here are. 1) put this HD into another Windows machine as a second hard drive. Nav to the files and delete. 2) Boot with your Windows Install CD, find utilities there (dont know what Vista install CD offers), 3) use a Boot CD, such as Bart PE (http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/) or Ultimate Windows Boot disk (http://www.ubcd4win.com/index.htm). I use Bart myself. Bart does require that you have your Windows install CD. Then you can use Windows Explorer (from the windows booted from CD) to delete files on the HD.

Good luck!

[cmason]

OK just found this thru Google, and though it worth posting here: ONE of these has to work:

http://winhlp.com/node/39

By the way...have you tried renaming the files to something like "delete1.txt" then deleting?



Cannot delete file or folder

Tue, 2007-07-17 11:46 — admin
After trying the following methods, please click here to let us all know your results (http://winhlp.com/node/144).
Method 1

Reboot, then delete.
Method 2

Open a command line window (WindowsKey + R, enter: cmd). Move to the folder in question by means of CD commands like CD \ and CD foldername.
Delete the file or folder by using the DEL command to delete files or the RMDIR (remove directory) command to remove directories (folders).
Method 3

If this, on its own, is still not enough, then leave the command line window on the desktop, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), and kill all explorer.exe tasks. Your desktop will go blank, except for the windows already open.
Now try to delete the offending file by means of the DEL command, or folder by means of the RMDIR (remove directory) command, in the command line window, as described above.
After that, in the command line window enter:
explorer
to restart your desktop. If you closed the command line window, you can still restart explorer by opening the Task Manager by holding down the Ctrl and Shift keys and briefly pressing the Esc key. In Task Manager select Applications, New Task and enter: explorer
Method 4

If the previous method fails, particularly with multimedia files, log off, then log on again, but do not select the file in Windows Explorer. The safest way is not to open Windows Explorer in the first place.
Then try the previous method again.
Method 5

An even stronger measure would be to reboot, then try the previous methods again. This would work, for example, if a service has the file open.
Method 6

(Thanks to John Barrington.)
If you can't delete a problem file, try deleting the folder that contains the problem file. If this doesn't work, try this next item.
If the problem file and its folder, we'll call (A), is within another folder, we'll call (B), try to delete the folder (B) along with any troublesome contents.
Of course, you want to make sure, if you have any other important files or folders within either folder, that they are saved in another location first.
Method 7

Begin like the previous method, but try also
rmdir foldername /s
(replace foldernamewith the name of the folder to be deleted). This command should delete a folder with all its subfolders.
If the folder name contains one or more spaces, enclose it in quotes. Example:
rmdir "folder name" /s
Method 8

If the folder name contains strange characters, use a command line window again, but use the DIR /X command to find the short name (for example: PROGRA~1) and use the short name instead. The short name is DOS compatible and has no more than 8 characters for the main name, a period, then no more than 3 characters for the extension.
Retry the previous methods that use a command line window, but use the short name now.
Note: Sometimes an illegal file name can cause Windows Explorer to use nearly 100% of the CPU time.
Method 9

Boot into safe mode and try to delete the file or folder there.
Method 10

If you're trying to delete a program file, like one with the extension .exe, the cause could be that the program is currently running. Stop it, then delete the file.
If the program starts automatically, check the article Autorun causes (http://winhlp.com/node/44) on how to remove the start command. Do it, reboot, then delete the file.
Method 11

If this also doesn't work, there is a way to rename a file or folder during the boot process. For this you need to use the registry editor REGEDIT.EXE. See the Registry warning (http://winhlp.com/node/77) for a general warning.
Create an entry in
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Sessio n Manager\
named PendingFileRenameOperations of type REG_MULTI_SZ. In pre-XP Windows versions you have to use REGEDT32.EXE to create this value type.
The first line of each pair is the current file or folder path and name with \??\ in front of it.
The second line of each pair is the new file or folder path and name with !\??\ in front of it.
Example for one pair which moves the file mfc42.dll from the temp folder to the system32 folder and overwrites any existing file at the destination:
\??\C:\TEMP\mfc42.dll
!\??\C:\WINDOWS\system32\mfc42.dll
You can add as many pairs as you like. The move operation is performed directly after the next reboot. You can also give folder paths, so the folder will be renamed. But both paths have to be local.
There is a Windows API call for this, named MoveFileEx, and somebody in Germany has even written a utility named MoveEx for it. You can download it from http://wwwthep.physik.uni-mainz.de/~frink/nt.html (http://wwwthep.physik.uni-mainz.de/%7Efrink/nt.html). Use it if you need this function often. A Posix utility from a Windows Resource Kit named mv.exe also does it, just in case you still have the resource kit around.
Method 12

Boot into another operating system to delete the file from there. The other operating system can be, for example, another installation of Windows, BartPE, Knoppix, or any operating system that can read the file system used (NTFS or FAT32).
Method 13

Remove the hard disk from the computer and connect it to another computer. Delete the files or folders there.
Method 14

If you cannot delete a file or folder because it is in use, you can use one of the mostly free utilities, such as Unlocker (http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/).
Method 15

If the cause is that the path and file name is too long, you can use the following method, reported 2007-05-17 by Mark Briody:
Open a command line window and use the subst command to create a virtual drive to the folder containing the long file name, e.g.:
subst x: "C:\Documents and Settings\briodym\Favorites\Mark\Gadgets and
Hardware\Hardware\Stores\eBuyer"
Then change to the virtual drive x:, and you should be able to delete the file.
Finally, to clean up, remove the subst again with:
subst x: /d
That's it.
Results

[StevenV]

Tried. didn't work.
I'm not heavy on DOS syntax. But the "=" sign is some sort of command that won't let me use that character.

right, but the short name shouldn't include that character.

DIR /X

01/25/2008 10:40 AM 34 DEFAUL~1.ASP Default.aspx?tabid=55blahah

DEL DEFAUL~1.ASP

[Pupator]

RE: 15 methods of madness....

:jawdrop Good grief that's nuts. If deleting from command prompt with explorer closed and using the short name doesn't work, I'd skip straight to using one of the programs. All of those other options have to operate within the Windows shell, so if the above mentioned doesn't work, neither will they.

[SloYerRoll]

right, but the short name shouldn't include that character.

DIR /X

01/25/2008 10:40 AM 34 DEFAUL~1.ASP Default.aspx?tabid=55blahah

DEL DEFAUL~1.ASPDon't see a short name in there.

[Pupator]

Don't see a short name in there.

That's really weird. The giant void of black space in your picture should have shortened names. I can't help but wonder if the '.' in the filenames is messing it up because it thinks everything after that is part of the file extention. (Don't get me started on programmers who write filenames with spaces and symbols in them!)

[Richard]

That's really weird. The giant void of black space in your picture should have shortened names. I can't help but wonder if the '.' in the filenames is messing it up because it thinks everything after that is part of the file extention. (Don't get me started on programmers who write filenames with spaces and symbols in them!)
A period is legal in a DOS filename, though stupid to put there. DOS will take whatever comes after the last period as the extension, and extensions are not limited to 3 characters. However, a question mark is not legal in a file name, and I don't understand how Vista ever agreed to create a file with one in the name. Well, I do understand...it's a bug. The program that saved the file was defective, and Vista shouldn't have allowed it. The reason Jon is having so much trouble getting rid of them is that the commands he is using don't have the same bug that created the file, so they are saying, "that's an invalid name, so I'm not going to do anything other than complain." It might require the use of a very low-level utility to get rid of them.

Another solution would be to rename the folder to something like "Undeletable junk to be ignored forever" and bury it somewhere out of the way. This would be OK as long as you remember to include that folder in the list of things to ignore when doing a backup. Some backup programs will just barf if they encounter a bad file name, though others are smart enough to skip over the bad ones and do the good ones.

[Pupator]

Unrelated to Jon's problem --

I found this to be really helpful info: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/what-is-svchostexe-and-why-is-it-running/

Maybe some of you will as well. :D

[StevenV]

Don't see a short name in there.yea, that is odd.

I haven't found a way to generate files with illegal characters in it to test, but this program looks like a promising way to rename your files so you can get to them. http://www.findmysoft.com/download-MacNames.html

[SloYerRoll]

I'd skip straight to using one of the programs.Can you guys do a quick search and see what you'd use in this situation?
I just don't want to toss some crap on there that screws w/ my system.

I'm sure I'm being over protective. But I haven't had a major issue w/ any OS I've ever run. So I don't think my protective nature is a bad thing.

[cmason]

interesting thread: sounds like your situation

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=548320

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks. Almost the same thing. But I know how to use command prompt and already exhausted that.

I appreaciate all your help guys. But I'm gonna deep 6 this way into the guts of this machine and forget it exists. It's only a 5MB file.

I just hate knowing there's a file in my computer that's more stubborn than me.

Cheers,
-Jon

BTW if you do come across a good eraser app. I'll be happy to give it a shot. I tried the one in the pp google thread. It installed and just beeped when I tried to shred the file.

[ChrisJ]

How about booting up an Ubuntu CD-ROM (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu) and try removing it through a linux command prompt? I believe it can read/write NTFS now...

I've also used the System Rescue CD (http://www.sysresccd.org/Download).

[Pupator]

How about booting up an Ubuntu CD-ROM (http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu) and try removing it through a linux command prompt? I believe it can read/write NTFS now...

I've also used the System Rescue CD (http://www.sysresccd.org/Download).

Yeah, that's a good idea. The Unbuntu CD will create a folder on your desktop that gets you straight to the windows directory. Then you can sudo delete that thing into bad filename hell.

[SloYerRoll]

I used to have ubuntu on a dual boot partition. But deleted it since I just wiped an old laptop and loaded ubuntu on it for my *nix work so I don't have it on my main machine anymore.

Is there a way to boot from CD on ubuntu w/o reloading it as a second boot option?

I know how to change the boot order in BIOS. But am not sure about booting from ubuntu CD.

I have the ubuntu cd sitting in my case now and it sounds like a great idea if you can provide instruction or a link to instruction.

Cheers,
-Jon

[ChrisJ]

No install is necessary... the entire OS is on the CD. Just boot it, do what you need to do, shut it down, and eject!

I'll see if I can find something a bit more specific...

[ChrisJ]

I don't have my Ubuntu CDs here at home (or Knoppix or Rescue CD)... since this isn't critical, I may have to wait until Monday to write a simple how-to.

It should be something like:

Boot the CD (this takes a while)
[GUI should start]
Start a terminal window
sudo sh (this makes you all-powerful root, might not be necessary)
cd /mnt/[wherever the partition is mounted]/offendingDirectory
rm -rf * (be very sure you're in the right directory!!!!!)

If the partition isn't mounted automatically.... then you'd have to do something like this:
mkdir /mypartition
sudo mount /dev/hda1 /mypartition -t ntfs
cd /mypartition/offendingDirectory
rm -rf * (be very sure you're in the right directory!!!!!)

[SloYerRoll]

Thanks Chris. I'm comfortable in shell. Just didn't know how the boot to CD w/o being loaded on a HD worked.

I'll do this in a few days since I'm busy over the weekend. So feel free to append any steps in the boot process if you remember any :D

Cheers,
-Jon

[Pupator]

Thanks Chris. I'm comfortable in shell. Just didn't know how the boot to CD w/o being loaded on a HD worked.

I'll do this in a few days since I'm busy over the weekend. So feel free to append any steps in the boot process if you remember any :D

Cheers,
-Jon

When you boot to the CD it take a while to boot, but when it finishes you should be at the Ubuntu desktop with two icons. One will be "Install Ubuntu" (don't click) and the other should be the already mounted windows partition. At least that's how it goes for me.

[Andy]

Laugh with me, guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Tu5CPVoP8

And yes, I still run Vista every day. And XP.

[SloYerRoll]

Lol, some of the stuff in there was pretty funny!

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I've never had any blue screens or none of that. I'd probablyhate Vista as much as those dudes if I had half the problems in the PC forums though..

[Pupator]

Laugh with me, guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Tu5CPVoP8

And yes, I still run Vista every day. And XP.

Wow, a little too much anger and way too much time on that guy's hands! :rofl

The part about support at the end was great. Sometimes I fear I'll end up like that skeleton waiting on hold (usually HP, not MS, but still).

Thanks for sharing Andy!

[Mike Lane]

all in dazzling three deeee! :lol3

[ivar]

Laugh with me, guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Tu5CPVoP8

And yes, I still run Vista every day. And XP.:lol3 sweet

[DavidTO]

Laugh with me, guys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Tu5CPVoP8

And yes, I still run Vista every day. And XP.


That link is dead, this one's good:

http://blimptv.blogspot.com/2007/11/vista-sucks.html