Monday, June 29, 2009
Looking for more Idea's to post
If anyone has anything they'd like to share please send me your suggestions. Everything will be looked at by Ken and myself, the more the merrier.Our email address is keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com or kkr@texband.net
Monday, June 22, 2009
How to access the BIOS
BIOS List
Acer Ctrl-Alt-Esc F1, F2
ALR PC Ctrl-Alt-Esc or F2
AMI BIOS Del or F1 or F2
Aptiva F1
AST, Advantage Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Award BIOS Del or Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Compaq F10 ( when the cursor is blinking in the top right corner of the screen)
Dell F1 or Del or Ctrl-Alt-Enter (Some require pressing reset twice )
DTK BIOS Esc
Gateway 2000 F1
Hewlett Packard F1
IBM Older models hold down both mouse buttons
IBM PS/1 late model Value Point and 330s F1
IBM PS/2 Ctrl-Alt-InsIBM PS/2 with reference partition Ins
IBM Some PS/2s, such as 75 and 90 Ctrl-Alt
IBM Some PS/2s when pointer at top right of screen Ctrl-Ins
Fortiva 5000 Ctrl-Alt-A
NEC F2
Packard Bell F1 or F2
Phoenix BIOS F1 or F2 or Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S or Ctrl-S or Ctrl-Alt-Ins
Sharp Laptop 9020 F2
Sony F3 while you are starting the PC, then F2 or F1
Tandon Ctrl-Shift-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Toshiba Laptops Toshiba Utility
Toshiba Esc or F1
Olivetti PC Pro Shift-Ctrl-Alt + “NumericPadDel”
Miscellaneous PC's Ctrl-Esc or Ctrl-Alt and +
Zenith Ctrl-Alt-Ins
Acer Ctrl-Alt-Esc F1, F2
ALR PC Ctrl-Alt-Esc or F2
AMI BIOS Del or F1 or F2
Aptiva F1
AST, Advantage Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Award BIOS Del or Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Compaq F10 ( when the cursor is blinking in the top right corner of the screen)
Dell F1 or Del or Ctrl-Alt-Enter (Some require pressing reset twice )
DTK BIOS Esc
Gateway 2000 F1
Hewlett Packard F1
IBM Older models hold down both mouse buttons
IBM PS/1 late model Value Point and 330s F1
IBM PS/2 Ctrl-Alt-InsIBM PS/2 with reference partition Ins
IBM Some PS/2s, such as 75 and 90 Ctrl-Alt
IBM Some PS/2s when pointer at top right of screen Ctrl-Ins
Fortiva 5000 Ctrl-Alt-A
NEC F2
Packard Bell F1 or F2
Phoenix BIOS F1 or F2 or Ctrl-Alt-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-S or Ctrl-S or Ctrl-Alt-Ins
Sharp Laptop 9020 F2
Sony F3 while you are starting the PC, then F2 or F1
Tandon Ctrl-Shift-Esc or Ctrl-Alt-Esc
Toshiba Laptops Toshiba Utility
Toshiba Esc or F1
Olivetti PC Pro Shift-Ctrl-Alt + “NumericPadDel”
Miscellaneous PC's Ctrl-Esc or Ctrl-Alt and +
Zenith Ctrl-Alt-Ins
Friday, June 19, 2009
What to do about Outlook's huge PST Con't
To create a new .pst, select File, New, Outlook Data File..., then select "Office Outlook Personal Folders File (.pst)", and OK. In the next dialog box specify the location and name of your new .pst. I tend to place my archive .pst files in a common mail directory on another machine on my network, but keeping it along side your existing personal folders is also common. Pick something that reflects how you'll organize your email, and press OK.
In the next dialog, specify the display name (I usually just use the file's name). Leave the other settings as they are for now, and press OK.Once you've created your new .pst, it will show up at the bottom of your email or file folders list. You can expand it, create sub folders in it, and drag and drop messages from your old .pst into your new one.
Your new pst will automatically show up each time you open Outlook. You can explicitly close it, if you like, (Right click on it, and select "Close") which will speed up Outlook's start time somewhat. To open it again later, select File->Open->Outlook Data File....As it turns out it is possible to create a PST that's larger than 2 gigabytes. Unfortunately that's where the trouble starts.The problem manifests when you start Outlook, and it complains about the PST, typically instructing you to use the Inbox Repair Tool.
Step one, then is to do exactly that. You can read more about the Inbox Repair Tool, called scanpst in http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=197316
If scanpst fails, and the PST file is at or over 2 gigabytes (2,147,483,648 bytes) in size, then you have a problem; you are going to lose some email.Microsoft has made available an Oversized PST and OST Crop Tool (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=296088)
The crop tool does just that ... it crops, or cuts, the size of the PST file by a specified amount to make it smaller. Small enough to run scanpst on, which can recover the contents of the PST. Any messages in the portion of the PST that was cut is lost.
The lesson here, of course, is to keep an eye on the size of your PST. While it would be nice if Outlook actually prevented PSTs from growing beyond the limits Outlook can handle, it may not, and obviously it can result in lost messages. Make sure to have a decent backup strategy, and keep an eye on your PST size
In the next dialog, specify the display name (I usually just use the file's name). Leave the other settings as they are for now, and press OK.Once you've created your new .pst, it will show up at the bottom of your email or file folders list. You can expand it, create sub folders in it, and drag and drop messages from your old .pst into your new one.
Your new pst will automatically show up each time you open Outlook. You can explicitly close it, if you like, (Right click on it, and select "Close") which will speed up Outlook's start time somewhat. To open it again later, select File->Open->Outlook Data File....As it turns out it is possible to create a PST that's larger than 2 gigabytes. Unfortunately that's where the trouble starts.The problem manifests when you start Outlook, and it complains about the PST, typically instructing you to use the Inbox Repair Tool.
Step one, then is to do exactly that. You can read more about the Inbox Repair Tool, called scanpst in http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=197316
If scanpst fails, and the PST file is at or over 2 gigabytes (2,147,483,648 bytes) in size, then you have a problem; you are going to lose some email.Microsoft has made available an Oversized PST and OST Crop Tool (http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=296088)
The crop tool does just that ... it crops, or cuts, the size of the PST file by a specified amount to make it smaller. Small enough to run scanpst on, which can recover the contents of the PST. Any messages in the portion of the PST that was cut is lost.
The lesson here, of course, is to keep an eye on the size of your PST. While it would be nice if Outlook actually prevented PSTs from growing beyond the limits Outlook can handle, it may not, and obviously it can result in lost messages. Make sure to have a decent backup strategy, and keep an eye on your PST size
Thursday, June 18, 2009
What to do about Outlook's huge PST
.pst files are one of Outlook's repositories for email, contacts, calendar information and quite often much, much more. There's a physical limit on .pst size that's up around 2 gigabytes, but more practical considerations like speed often make us want to control the size well before reaching that stage.
Step one is pretty obvious: delete what you can. Remember, though, that when you delete an item in Outlook, it is simply moved to the Deleted Items folder, which doesn't actually free the space until you empty it. So right click on the Deleted Items folder and select the Empty "Deleted Items" Folder to permanently delete its contents. This will free up the space that the delete items took. But it will not, immediately, make the file smaller.
Step two: after you've permanently deleted what you can, it's time to compress. Microsoft has a knowledge base article about compressing your .pst. (see this KB http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=289987 )
In short: File->Data File Management, select your Personal Folders, Settings, and then Compact Now.If the resulting file is still too big, then it might be time to create an additional .pst. Outlook supports having multiple .pst's open at the same time. Your existing "Personal Folders" will remain the destination for email, but you can easily move items into another .pst file.
Step one is pretty obvious: delete what you can. Remember, though, that when you delete an item in Outlook, it is simply moved to the Deleted Items folder, which doesn't actually free the space until you empty it. So right click on the Deleted Items folder and select the Empty "Deleted Items" Folder to permanently delete its contents. This will free up the space that the delete items took. But it will not, immediately, make the file smaller.
Step two: after you've permanently deleted what you can, it's time to compress. Microsoft has a knowledge base article about compressing your .pst. (see this KB http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=289987 )
In short: File->Data File Management, select your Personal Folders, Settings, and then Compact Now.If the resulting file is still too big, then it might be time to create an additional .pst. Outlook supports having multiple .pst's open at the same time. Your existing "Personal Folders" will remain the destination for email, but you can easily move items into another .pst file.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Don't Leave Home Without Your Tunes
We haven't covered audio CDs yet. Windows XP supports the creation of audio CDs through the Media Player. But you can initiate it from Windows XP folders too. If you have a folder open with media files such as .WMA, .MP3, or .WAV, select the files to record and then click Record to audio CD in the task bar. Windows Media Player opens with your selected files in the list of audio files to be recorded.
You can continue to add files, either from Windows XP folders or through the Windows Media Player interface. When you're ready to record your audio CD, click the Copy Music button in Media Player. It converts the audio files to the required format for audio recording in a temporary location, and then begins the CD recording process.
The integrated CD burning capabilities in Windows XP do not perform every task the third–party applications do, only the most commonly needed ones. There are still certain tasks such as full CD duplication for bootable CDs and creating CDs from images (such as an .ISO file) that will require a third–party tool.
This link is to shareware cost $29.95
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Utilities/Backup_and_Copy_Utilities/PowerISO.html
I know I'll be installing my favorite tool, but I'm also finding it delightfully refreshing to use the integrated CD recording for most of my recording tasks.
You can continue to add files, either from Windows XP folders or through the Windows Media Player interface. When you're ready to record your audio CD, click the Copy Music button in Media Player. It converts the audio files to the required format for audio recording in a temporary location, and then begins the CD recording process.
The integrated CD burning capabilities in Windows XP do not perform every task the third–party applications do, only the most commonly needed ones. There are still certain tasks such as full CD duplication for bootable CDs and creating CDs from images (such as an .ISO file) that will require a third–party tool.
This link is to shareware cost $29.95
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Utilities/Backup_and_Copy_Utilities/PowerISO.html
I know I'll be installing my favorite tool, but I'm also finding it delightfully refreshing to use the integrated CD recording for most of my recording tasks.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rewritable CDs Supported Too
Depending on your recording needs, the slightly more expensive rewritable (CD–RW) format may be appealing to you. I did notice that the recording speed was slightly slower than with CD–discs, but it is nice to simply erase and reuse the media instead of tossing it into the trash when it's no longer relevant.
But be careful about using CD–RW media if you don't know the target machine. Generally, CD–RWs play in CD–ROM drives. Some CD drives have difficulty reading CD–RW discs. When you want to erase a CD–RW disc, insert it into your recorder drive and click Erase the CD–RW in the task bar.
If you want to make some adjustments to Windows XP's default settings for recording options, navigate to a folder showing the drive of your CD recorder. Right–click it, click Properties, and then click the Recording tab. There are four options you can change here, including the staging drive it should use, and the default recording speed to use. The default speed is Fastest, which means the fastest speed supported by your drive.
But be careful about using CD–RW media if you don't know the target machine. Generally, CD–RWs play in CD–ROM drives. Some CD drives have difficulty reading CD–RW discs. When you want to erase a CD–RW disc, insert it into your recorder drive and click Erase the CD–RW in the task bar.
If you want to make some adjustments to Windows XP's default settings for recording options, navigate to a folder showing the drive of your CD recorder. Right–click it, click Properties, and then click the Recording tab. There are four options you can change here, including the staging drive it should use, and the default recording speed to use. The default speed is Fastest, which means the fastest speed supported by your drive.
Monday, June 15, 2009
CD Burning in Windows XP
How to Burn CDs Using Windows XP, you can copy tracks either to a compact disk–recorder (CD–R) or to a compact disk–rewritable (CD–RW).When you first insert a blank CD into your CD recorder drive, Windows XP opens a dialog box asking if you want to open a writable CD folder. Depending on what your needs are, you can choose to open a folder or not. The Always do the selected action check box remembers your choice if you don't want to be prompted every time.
With the folder open, you can drag and drop files and/or directories into it. Windows XP makes a copy of these files in a special staging area until it is time to burn the CD, and displays a list of the contents waiting to be recorded. At this point, you can still change your mind about any of the contents in the folder. Simply select and delete any files or directories you don't want copied.
They are removed from the staging area only, and your original files are not deleted.
If you attempt to place more content on the CD than its capacity allows, you will be notified. Typically, a standard CD holds 650 MB, a high capacity CD holds 850 MB. When you're ready to record, just click Write these files to CD in the task bar to the left. The CD Writing Wizard opens and prompts you for a label for the CD. You can enter up to 16 characters. Click Next and the wizard displays a progress bar indicating the status. If you did not select the Close the wizard after the files have been written check box, then a final dialog box opens, asking if you'd like to make an additional copy of the same files.
When you're actually doing this for the first time, by this point you're saying "Wow!," or "Cool!," or "Groovy!," or whatever vernacular your generation uses. But wait! There's more!
Let's say you forgot a file. Or better yet, let's say you put a mere 200 MB on the CD, and it's really bugging you that there's 500 MB going unused. Penny–pinchers never fear, it's not too late to add more!
Simply drag and drop more files into the folder and they will be added to the waiting list for the next recording session. Windows XP fully supports creating multi–session CDs. Just be aware of the fact that adding a file or folder of the same name replaces the prior version.
With the folder open, you can drag and drop files and/or directories into it. Windows XP makes a copy of these files in a special staging area until it is time to burn the CD, and displays a list of the contents waiting to be recorded. At this point, you can still change your mind about any of the contents in the folder. Simply select and delete any files or directories you don't want copied.
They are removed from the staging area only, and your original files are not deleted.
If you attempt to place more content on the CD than its capacity allows, you will be notified. Typically, a standard CD holds 650 MB, a high capacity CD holds 850 MB. When you're ready to record, just click Write these files to CD in the task bar to the left. The CD Writing Wizard opens and prompts you for a label for the CD. You can enter up to 16 characters. Click Next and the wizard displays a progress bar indicating the status. If you did not select the Close the wizard after the files have been written check box, then a final dialog box opens, asking if you'd like to make an additional copy of the same files.
When you're actually doing this for the first time, by this point you're saying "Wow!," or "Cool!," or "Groovy!," or whatever vernacular your generation uses. But wait! There's more!
Let's say you forgot a file. Or better yet, let's say you put a mere 200 MB on the CD, and it's really bugging you that there's 500 MB going unused. Penny–pinchers never fear, it's not too late to add more!
Simply drag and drop more files into the folder and they will be added to the waiting list for the next recording session. Windows XP fully supports creating multi–session CDs. Just be aware of the fact that adding a file or folder of the same name replaces the prior version.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Backing Up Your Registry
On many sites you will be told to backup your registry before making any changes to your system. However as the registry isn't an easily identifiable file this can be a little daunting. Microsoft has an article in their knowledgebase that describes the registry, but more importantly tells you how to backup and restore your registry.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=256986
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=256986
Saturday, June 13, 2009
How to share internet connection via Bluetooth to iPAQ
The objective of this quick refererence guide is to show how to configure your desktop to accept incoming LAN Access over Bluetooth, and how to use this connection to access the internet from your Pocket PC.
In this example I'm using a computer running Windows 2000, a TDK USB Bluetooth dongle (version 1.3.2.7), and an iPAQ H3970 with builtin Bluetooth.
We will assume that the customer’s devices are already paired. If not, do it first!
First, let's open My Network Places by right-clicking in the icon and selecting Properties.
We want to change the properties for our connection to the internet. This is the adapter we want to share "from". Just right-click in the corresponding icon and select Properties.
The Bluetooth Network adapter was automatically created during the Bluetooth installation.
There's a bug in Windows 2000 before SP3 where changing the sharing option may change IP configurations in this adapter. To make sure you're safe, we will note the current configuration.
In the General tab select the Internet Protocol components and click Properties.
Write down all the information from the next dialog, and click Cancel.
Back in the Adapter properties, select the "Sharing" tab and tick "Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection".
Now, to configure the Bluetooth USB, right- click the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and select Advanced Configuration.
Change to the Local Services tab and double click "Network Access".
Change the type of service to "Allow other devices to acces the Internet/LAN via this computer".
The alternative to this option will allow your device to connect to your computer as part of a LAN, but will not have internet access.
Note the Configure Connection Sharing button: it'll open the configuration screens we've visited before. But some Bluetooth software will not have this button, hence I guided you through the other route .
Now, on your Pocket PC... Tap the Bluetooth icon the the status bar and select Bluetooth Manager.
You'll see your notebook or desktop here, and if it's out of range a question mark (like in the mobile icon in the picture).
Tap the icon corresponding to your computer or notebook.
If the computer does not show here, the devices are not paired! Go back and pair then.
Tap the Actions menu option.
Tap the "Connect to Network Access" option.
If all is ok, you'll see the message "Connected for Network Access" here !
Just start using your favorite programs... ICQ, Pocket Outlook, MSN Messenge, Pocket Internet Explorer .
Yes, visit the Geekzone mobile, or browse the internet from the sofa...
"Hmmm, what's on the movies tonight?"
If you tap the Bluetooth icon in the status bar again...
You'll see the computer or notebook is connected .
To disconnect, simply tap the connection icon in the status bar, and tap the Disconnect button.
And this is the result of disconnecting...
To check your connection from the desktop or notebook, double-click My Bluetooth Places, and open My Device.
The icon in green show which Bluetooth profile is in use right now. Right-click My Network Access, and select Properties to see its current status.
That's it!
In this example I'm using a computer running Windows 2000, a TDK USB Bluetooth dongle (version 1.3.2.7), and an iPAQ H3970 with builtin Bluetooth.
We will assume that the customer’s devices are already paired. If not, do it first!
First, let's open My Network Places by right-clicking in the icon and selecting Properties.
We want to change the properties for our connection to the internet. This is the adapter we want to share "from". Just right-click in the corresponding icon and select Properties.
The Bluetooth Network adapter was automatically created during the Bluetooth installation.
There's a bug in Windows 2000 before SP3 where changing the sharing option may change IP configurations in this adapter. To make sure you're safe, we will note the current configuration.
In the General tab select the Internet Protocol components and click Properties.
Write down all the information from the next dialog, and click Cancel.
Back in the Adapter properties, select the "Sharing" tab and tick "Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection".
Now, to configure the Bluetooth USB, right- click the Bluetooth icon in the system tray and select Advanced Configuration.
Change to the Local Services tab and double click "Network Access".
Change the type of service to "Allow other devices to acces the Internet/LAN via this computer".
The alternative to this option will allow your device to connect to your computer as part of a LAN, but will not have internet access.
Note the Configure Connection Sharing button: it'll open the configuration screens we've visited before. But some Bluetooth software will not have this button, hence I guided you through the other route .
Now, on your Pocket PC... Tap the Bluetooth icon the the status bar and select Bluetooth Manager.
You'll see your notebook or desktop here, and if it's out of range a question mark (like in the mobile icon in the picture).
Tap the icon corresponding to your computer or notebook.
If the computer does not show here, the devices are not paired! Go back and pair then.
Tap the Actions menu option.
Tap the "Connect to Network Access" option.
If all is ok, you'll see the message "Connected for Network Access" here !
Just start using your favorite programs... ICQ, Pocket Outlook, MSN Messenge, Pocket Internet Explorer .
Yes, visit the Geekzone mobile, or browse the internet from the sofa...
"Hmmm, what's on the movies tonight?"
If you tap the Bluetooth icon in the status bar again...
You'll see the computer or notebook is connected .
To disconnect, simply tap the connection icon in the status bar, and tap the Disconnect button.
And this is the result of disconnecting...
To check your connection from the desktop or notebook, double-click My Bluetooth Places, and open My Device.
The icon in green show which Bluetooth profile is in use right now. Right-click My Network Access, and select Properties to see its current status.
That's it!
First configure the Windows XP SP2 Computer.
1.Open Active Sync Connection Settings from the "File" menu.
2.Adjust the settings on
"Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port:" and choose the COM port that is indicated as being "Incoming" on the Bluetooth Devices configuration screen.
In the example shown in the screenshots below the COM port is 5. All other options should be left alone. Click OK to accept the changes
Pocket PC Settings
The changes required on the Pocket PC are a little more complex.
1.Start the Bluetooth ManagerTap on "New" and then "Connect" A choice of connection types will be presented.
Scroll down until you reach "ActiveSync via Bluetooth". Tab "Next" in the lower right corner to continue. You will be shown two screens with advice on how to prepare the PC.
This has already been covered above, so you can skip past these by tapping "Next" on each on.
You will then reach a point where you have the option of selecting a device, but there will be no device selected.Tap in the box to start the process of finding the device. After a moment the Pocket PC will find your Bluetooth device. Tap on it to select.
(In the screenshot the PC is called "Clark-Gable")
You will then be asked to create a shortcut. The defaults are fine, so tap "Finish" in the lower right corner. The wizard will then attempt an ActiveSync immediately.In "Bluetooth Manager" you will see the ActiveSync shortcut selected. Adjusting ActiveSync to use the Bluetooth Connection
After making the connection, you can adjust ActiveSync to use the Bluetooth Connection when it is cradled. This is useful if you want to remove the USB cable.
1. Start ActiveSync, then choose "Options". On the first tab "PC" change the default "USB Default" to "Bluetooth ActiveSync" as per the screenshots below.
Tap "OK" in the top right corner to accept the change.
2.Adjust the settings on
"Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port:" and choose the COM port that is indicated as being "Incoming" on the Bluetooth Devices configuration screen.
In the example shown in the screenshots below the COM port is 5. All other options should be left alone. Click OK to accept the changes
Pocket PC Settings
The changes required on the Pocket PC are a little more complex.
1.Start the Bluetooth ManagerTap on "New" and then "Connect" A choice of connection types will be presented.
Scroll down until you reach "ActiveSync via Bluetooth". Tab "Next" in the lower right corner to continue. You will be shown two screens with advice on how to prepare the PC.
This has already been covered above, so you can skip past these by tapping "Next" on each on.
You will then reach a point where you have the option of selecting a device, but there will be no device selected.Tap in the box to start the process of finding the device. After a moment the Pocket PC will find your Bluetooth device. Tap on it to select.
(In the screenshot the PC is called "Clark-Gable")
You will then be asked to create a shortcut. The defaults are fine, so tap "Finish" in the lower right corner. The wizard will then attempt an ActiveSync immediately.In "Bluetooth Manager" you will see the ActiveSync shortcut selected. Adjusting ActiveSync to use the Bluetooth Connection
After making the connection, you can adjust ActiveSync to use the Bluetooth Connection when it is cradled. This is useful if you want to remove the USB cable.
1. Start ActiveSync, then choose "Options". On the first tab "PC" change the default "USB Default" to "Bluetooth ActiveSync" as per the screenshots below.
Tap "OK" in the top right corner to accept the change.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
ActiveSync with Bluetooth and Windows XP SP2
The latest update for Windows XP - Service Pack 2 introduced Microsoft built-in drivers for Bluetooth. This makes synchronising over Bluetooth very easy to setup, and this section will guide you through it. Requirements You will needPocket PC with Bluetooth Computer with Bluetooth module Windows XP SP2 Microsoft ActiveSync 3.7.1 or higher
The new Microsoft supplied drivers should be installed. If the screenshots below do not look like your screens then you don't have the native drivers installed or activated.
Installing or Activating the Microsoft Drivers
1.Install Windows XP SP2
2.Remove your existing drivers using Add/Remove Programs.
3.Reboot
4.Windows XP should detect the Bluetooth module and install a number of components automatically via Plug and Play.
Setting up ActiveSync to Use BluetoothThis is a three stage process
1.Pair the devices
2.Configure ActiveSync on the PC
3.Configure ActiveSync on the Pocket PC.
Pair a Pocket PC and a Windows XP SP2To carryout an ActiveSync over Bluetooth the devices need to be paired. This is where they are connected to each other and have a relationship. Pairing should be initiated from the computer.
The screenshots on this page may differ slightly from your system. They were taken from a HP iPAQ 5450 running Pocket PC 2002 as that was what we were working with at the time.
1.Enable Bluetooth on your Pocket PC.
2.Allow the Pocket PC to be discovered, by entering Bluetooth Settings
Choose the "Accessibility" tab and adjust the options as appropriate. Then tap "OK" to accept them.
Next, go on to the PC. Open Bluetooth Settings using one of these two methods
1.Start, Settings, Control Panel, Bluetooth Devices
2.Right click on the Bluetooth icon and choose "Show Bluetooth Devices.
Either Option should bring up a box similar to below:
Click "Add" to start the wizard. Enable the option "My device is set up and ready to be found." and click next.
The Bluetooth software will search for any Bluetooth devices in the area that are discoverable. The screenshot below finds that it has found one called "Simon-PPC". Click on it and click next.
The wizard will next ask if you need a passkey for your device. You need one to pair the computer with the Pocket PC, so select the option "Let me choose my own passkey:" Enter something short in to the box (despite Microsoft's recommendation), such as 1234 as shown in the screenshot below and click next.
Two things will happen now. On the PC, a screen will appear asking you to enter the passkey on your device now.
On the Pocket PC it will pop up a window asking you to enter the passkey.Enter the key that you set during the wizard in to the relevant box on the Pocket PC and then tap "OK" in the top right corner Windows will then install the device in to its configuration.
On the complete screen it will show what it has recorded. The key information you need for ActiveSync is the COM port number that it has used for Incoming. In the screenshot below it is COM5. Click Finish to close the wizard.You can find the settings on the Bluetooth Devices page.
On the Pocket PC you will get prompts for two types of connection to be made, which should be accepted.
Configure ActiveSync for use with Bluetooth
The new Microsoft supplied drivers should be installed. If the screenshots below do not look like your screens then you don't have the native drivers installed or activated.
Installing or Activating the Microsoft Drivers
1.Install Windows XP SP2
2.Remove your existing drivers using Add/Remove Programs.
3.Reboot
4.Windows XP should detect the Bluetooth module and install a number of components automatically via Plug and Play.
Setting up ActiveSync to Use BluetoothThis is a three stage process
1.Pair the devices
2.Configure ActiveSync on the PC
3.Configure ActiveSync on the Pocket PC.
Pair a Pocket PC and a Windows XP SP2To carryout an ActiveSync over Bluetooth the devices need to be paired. This is where they are connected to each other and have a relationship. Pairing should be initiated from the computer.
The screenshots on this page may differ slightly from your system. They were taken from a HP iPAQ 5450 running Pocket PC 2002 as that was what we were working with at the time.
1.Enable Bluetooth on your Pocket PC.
2.Allow the Pocket PC to be discovered, by entering Bluetooth Settings
Choose the "Accessibility" tab and adjust the options as appropriate. Then tap "OK" to accept them.
Next, go on to the PC. Open Bluetooth Settings using one of these two methods
1.Start, Settings, Control Panel, Bluetooth Devices
2.Right click on the Bluetooth icon and choose "Show Bluetooth Devices.
Either Option should bring up a box similar to below:
Click "Add" to start the wizard. Enable the option "My device is set up and ready to be found." and click next.
The Bluetooth software will search for any Bluetooth devices in the area that are discoverable. The screenshot below finds that it has found one called "Simon-PPC". Click on it and click next.
The wizard will next ask if you need a passkey for your device. You need one to pair the computer with the Pocket PC, so select the option "Let me choose my own passkey:" Enter something short in to the box (despite Microsoft's recommendation), such as 1234 as shown in the screenshot below and click next.
Two things will happen now. On the PC, a screen will appear asking you to enter the passkey on your device now.
On the Pocket PC it will pop up a window asking you to enter the passkey.Enter the key that you set during the wizard in to the relevant box on the Pocket PC and then tap "OK" in the top right corner Windows will then install the device in to its configuration.
On the complete screen it will show what it has recorded. The key information you need for ActiveSync is the COM port number that it has used for Incoming. In the screenshot below it is COM5. Click Finish to close the wizard.You can find the settings on the Bluetooth Devices page.
On the Pocket PC you will get prompts for two types of connection to be made, which should be accepted.
Configure ActiveSync for use with Bluetooth
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Activate or Deactivate Windows Shutdown Reason Tracker (Windows XP only)
If you have used Windows 2003 server you will have seen the new screen where you can indicate the reason for a shutdown or restart of the computer. This is then added to the event log for viewing later. If you wish, you can add this to Windows XP as well you can also disable it once you have enabled it.
For Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP you can control this feature by the group policy functionality, either local or domain.
To disable or enable the feature via the Group Policy, open the group policy editor and navigate to: Local Computer Policy, Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, where you will find it under "display event tracker".
On Windows XP only you can also make a registry change. To enable or disable it, open the registry editor and navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReliabilityYou should find a key called "Shutdown Reason UI" (without the spaces - spaces added for readability).
If the value is "0" then the reason tracker is turned off. If the value is "1" then the reason tracker is turned on. If you do not wish to modify the registry directly, then you can use these two registry files instead.
Registry File - Turn On (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")
Registry File - Turn Off (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")Important information on "Amset.info" registry files.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
For Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP you can control this feature by the group policy functionality, either local or domain.
To disable or enable the feature via the Group Policy, open the group policy editor and navigate to: Local Computer Policy, Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, where you will find it under "display event tracker".
On Windows XP only you can also make a registry change. To enable or disable it, open the registry editor and navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReliabilityYou should find a key called "Shutdown Reason UI" (without the spaces - spaces added for readability).
If the value is "0" then the reason tracker is turned off. If the value is "1" then the reason tracker is turned on. If you do not wish to modify the registry directly, then you can use these two registry files instead.
Registry File - Turn On (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")
Registry File - Turn Off (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")Important information on "Amset.info" registry files.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
Activate or Deactivate Windows Shutdown Reason Tracker (Windows XP only)
If you have used Windows 2003 server you will have seen the new screen where you can indicate the reason for a shutdown or restart of the computer. This is then added to the event log for viewing later. If you wish, you can add this to Windows XP as well you can also disable it once you have enabled it.
For Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP you can control this feature by the group policy functionality, either local or domain.
To disable or enable the feature via the Group Policy, open the group policy editor and navigate to: Local Computer Policy, Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, where you will find it under "display event tracker".
On Windows XP only you can also make a registry change. To enable or disable it, open the registry editor and navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ReliabilityYou should find a key called "Shutdown Reason UI" (without the spaces - spaces added for readability).
If the value is "0" then the reason tracker is turned off. If the value is "1" then the reason tracker is turned on. If you do not wish to modify the registry directly, then you can use these two registry files instead.
Registry File - Turn On (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")
Registry File - Turn Off (right click and save to your machine then rename the file from ".txt" to ".reg")Important information on "Amset.info" registry files.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Defragment your pagefile
Defragmenting your hard drive regularly is an important part of general system maintenance for Windows XP machines, and the Disk Defragmenter tool in Computer Management lets you do this easily. But what about defragmenting your pagefile?
Windows dynamically resizes your pagefile as needed to ensure there is sufficient virtual memory to meet the needs of running applications, and as a result of this resizing, it is possible that your pagefile can become fragmented over time, which can slow performance of your machine. Unfortunately, the Disk Defragmenter tool doesn't defragment the pagefile, and you might be tempted to buy a third-party disk defragmenter to do this. However, you can save your money by following this simple procedure to defragment your pagefile. If you're willing to spend a few dollars, read about Diskeeper at the Executive Software International, Inc site. Diskeeper is actually the defragmenter utility that ships with XP. If you're wondering why you'd pay good money for something you already have, the version that ships with XP is a stripped down version that doesn't include a fraction of the features that the full Diskeeper product contains, including the ability to defragment paging files using a method called Boot-Time Defragmentation. The links below will convince you of the desirability of upgrading the included XP defragmenter utility.
The Limitations of the Disk Defragmenter Tool in Windows XP (Q314848)Diskeeper vs. Built-In Defragmenter
First, here's a look at the fragmentation of the C: drive on my XP machine just before I defragmented it:
After running Disk Defragmenter, the fragmentation of this drive is much reduced:
Let's look at the report generated by Disk Defragmenter to see the condition of the pagefile:Volume (C:) Volume size = 4.00 GB Cluster size = 4 KB Used space = 2.59 GB Free space = 1.41 GB Percent free space = 35 % Volume fragmentation Total fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation = 0 % Free space fragmentation = 1 % File fragmentation Total files = 12,927 Average file size = 259 KB Total fragmented files = 0 Total excess fragments = 0 Average fragments per file = 1.00 Pagefile fragmentation Pagefile size = 767 MB Total fragments = 3 Folder fragmentation Total folders = 863 Fragmented folders = 1 Excess folder fragments = 0 Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation Total MFT size = 14 MB MFT record count = 13,815 Percent MFT in use = 99 % Total MFT fragments = 4
Note the small degree of pagefile fragmentation (3 fragments). Because of the way Windows XP manages the pagefile swapping large blocks of data, the pagefile usually doesn't become very fragmented, even on heavily used machines. It can become defragmented enough, though, to affect system performance.
To defragment the pagefile, we first have to remove the pagefile, then defragment the machine, and finally recreate the pagefile. To do this, start by opening the System utility in Control Panel. (You may have to get there by clicking Performance and Maintenance from the Control Panel and then clicking System.) Then select the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance, select the Advanced tab of Performance Options, and click Change to view your Virtual Memory settings:
Now select the No Paging File option and click Set. This will disable paging entirely and should also remove the pagefile (pagefile.sys) from the hard drive the next time you reboot your system. (If it doesn't do this, you can delete this file manually after rebooting. It's normally found in C:\.)
Reboot your machine, and when Windows comes up, use Disk Defragmenter to defragment the volume where your pagefile was previously (C: drive in my example). Once your system is defragmented, open the Virtual Memory box again, and change the pagefile back to System Managed Size. Then, reboot your machine again. This time, when you run Disk Defragmenter, it should say your pagefile has only one fragment. When I ran Disk Defragmenter on my machine after performing these steps, the result was this:
Note that the pagefile (green area) has been moved to the end of the volume (an added bonus to reduce future file fragmentation). Also, as expected, the report generated by Disk Defragmenter indicates there is now no fragmentation of the pagefile:Volume (C:) Volume size = 4.00 GB Cluster size = 4 KB Used space = 2.59 GB Free space = 1.41 GB Percent free space = 35 % Volume fragmentation Total fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation = 0 % Free space fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation Total files = 13,194 Average file size = 254 KB Total fragmented files = 10 Total excess fragments = 32 Average fragments per file = 1.00 Pagefile fragmentation Pagefile size = 767 MB Total fragments = 1 Folder fragmentation Total folders = 865 Fragmented folders = 1 Excess folder fragments = 0 Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation Total MFT size = 14 MB MFT record count = 14,084 Percent MFT in use = 99 % Total MFT fragments
Windows dynamically resizes your pagefile as needed to ensure there is sufficient virtual memory to meet the needs of running applications, and as a result of this resizing, it is possible that your pagefile can become fragmented over time, which can slow performance of your machine. Unfortunately, the Disk Defragmenter tool doesn't defragment the pagefile, and you might be tempted to buy a third-party disk defragmenter to do this. However, you can save your money by following this simple procedure to defragment your pagefile. If you're willing to spend a few dollars, read about Diskeeper at the Executive Software International, Inc site. Diskeeper is actually the defragmenter utility that ships with XP. If you're wondering why you'd pay good money for something you already have, the version that ships with XP is a stripped down version that doesn't include a fraction of the features that the full Diskeeper product contains, including the ability to defragment paging files using a method called Boot-Time Defragmentation. The links below will convince you of the desirability of upgrading the included XP defragmenter utility.
The Limitations of the Disk Defragmenter Tool in Windows XP (Q314848)Diskeeper vs. Built-In Defragmenter
First, here's a look at the fragmentation of the C: drive on my XP machine just before I defragmented it:
After running Disk Defragmenter, the fragmentation of this drive is much reduced:
Let's look at the report generated by Disk Defragmenter to see the condition of the pagefile:Volume (C:) Volume size = 4.00 GB Cluster size = 4 KB Used space = 2.59 GB Free space = 1.41 GB Percent free space = 35 % Volume fragmentation Total fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation = 0 % Free space fragmentation = 1 % File fragmentation Total files = 12,927 Average file size = 259 KB Total fragmented files = 0 Total excess fragments = 0 Average fragments per file = 1.00 Pagefile fragmentation Pagefile size = 767 MB Total fragments = 3 Folder fragmentation Total folders = 863 Fragmented folders = 1 Excess folder fragments = 0 Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation Total MFT size = 14 MB MFT record count = 13,815 Percent MFT in use = 99 % Total MFT fragments = 4
Note the small degree of pagefile fragmentation (3 fragments). Because of the way Windows XP manages the pagefile swapping large blocks of data, the pagefile usually doesn't become very fragmented, even on heavily used machines. It can become defragmented enough, though, to affect system performance.
To defragment the pagefile, we first have to remove the pagefile, then defragment the machine, and finally recreate the pagefile. To do this, start by opening the System utility in Control Panel. (You may have to get there by clicking Performance and Maintenance from the Control Panel and then clicking System.) Then select the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance, select the Advanced tab of Performance Options, and click Change to view your Virtual Memory settings:
Now select the No Paging File option and click Set. This will disable paging entirely and should also remove the pagefile (pagefile.sys) from the hard drive the next time you reboot your system. (If it doesn't do this, you can delete this file manually after rebooting. It's normally found in C:\.)
Reboot your machine, and when Windows comes up, use Disk Defragmenter to defragment the volume where your pagefile was previously (C: drive in my example). Once your system is defragmented, open the Virtual Memory box again, and change the pagefile back to System Managed Size. Then, reboot your machine again. This time, when you run Disk Defragmenter, it should say your pagefile has only one fragment. When I ran Disk Defragmenter on my machine after performing these steps, the result was this:
Note that the pagefile (green area) has been moved to the end of the volume (an added bonus to reduce future file fragmentation). Also, as expected, the report generated by Disk Defragmenter indicates there is now no fragmentation of the pagefile:Volume (C:) Volume size = 4.00 GB Cluster size = 4 KB Used space = 2.59 GB Free space = 1.41 GB Percent free space = 35 % Volume fragmentation Total fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation = 0 % Free space fragmentation = 0 % File fragmentation Total files = 13,194 Average file size = 254 KB Total fragmented files = 10 Total excess fragments = 32 Average fragments per file = 1.00 Pagefile fragmentation Pagefile size = 767 MB Total fragments = 1 Folder fragmentation Total folders = 865 Fragmented folders = 1 Excess folder fragments = 0 Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation Total MFT size = 14 MB MFT record count = 14,084 Percent MFT in use = 99 % Total MFT fragments
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Where to download a copy of our tips and tricks
If anyone would like a copy of our tips and tricks that has screen shots of what you should be seeing please feel free to download them from our business site. If you go to the following site on the Home Tab at the bottom look in our Knowledge Base and there you will find Quick Tips doc, Basic House Cleaning doc, and many others. Just click this link and it will take you there http://futureunlimitedcomputerrepair.com. Also feel free to check out other things we do its all there on the web site.
Friday, June 5, 2009
6: Online Virus and Trojan Scanning
Please run one of the below online scanning tools.
From step 5 you should already be in safe mode but you will need to reconnect your cable now and possibly reboot and choose Safe Mode with Networking Support. If you cannot connect in safe mode for any reason (like dial-up users), run the online scanners in normal boot mode.You will need to use Internet Explorer to run these online scans.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST SUN JAVA Version installed (currently 5.0 Update 6)
This may help prevent some problems in trying to get these online scanners to run.Get Sun Java here: http://java.com/en/
Bitdefender Bitdefender
agree to the license and then select Scan. Once Bitdefender completes the scan:
Panda ActiveScan Panda ActiveScan
It will only fix certain viruses and trojans. Most items found will not be fixed.
Trend Micro's Free Online Virus Scan Trend Micro's Free Online Virus Scan
McAfee AVERT Stinger McAfee AVERT Stinger
No installation required! Ready to run as is.
TrojanScan TrojanScan
After running all the tools and fixing what they find, reboot in normal mode.
From step 5 you should already be in safe mode but you will need to reconnect your cable now and possibly reboot and choose Safe Mode with Networking Support. If you cannot connect in safe mode for any reason (like dial-up users), run the online scanners in normal boot mode.You will need to use Internet Explorer to run these online scans.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE LATEST SUN JAVA Version installed (currently 5.0 Update 6)
This may help prevent some problems in trying to get these online scanners to run.Get Sun Java here: http://java.com/en/
Bitdefender Bitdefender
agree to the license and then select Scan. Once Bitdefender completes the scan:
Panda ActiveScan Panda ActiveScan
It will only fix certain viruses and trojans. Most items found will not be fixed.
Trend Micro's Free Online Virus Scan Trend Micro's Free Online Virus Scan
McAfee AVERT Stinger McAfee AVERT Stinger
No installation required! Ready to run as is.
TrojanScan TrojanScan
After running all the tools and fixing what they find, reboot in normal mode.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Step 5: Cleaning Malware
Important Note Before continuing with the below scans:
The best method to remove malware is to do it after booting in Safe Mode with no connection to the internet possible and no browsers running. Booting in safe mode is important because best results are achieved since safe mode disables most drivers and running programs. If you cannot boot in safe mode due to the malware problem then run the scans in normal boot mode but make sure you tell us when you call.
Thus you will need to print or save these instructions locally in a text file so you can refer to them while offline. Do this before continuing!
Reboot into safe mode:
Windows 98/Me
We recommend that you use the System Configuration Utility to get into Safe mode, however, the F8 key can also be used.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me in Safe mode
Close all open programs.
Click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and then click OK.
On the General tab, click Advanced
Windows Me will look a bit different than the picture below.
In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, check Enable Startup Menu, and then click OK.
Click OK again when the System Configuration Utility reappears.
When you are asked to restart the computer, click Yes.
When the Windows 98 (or Me) Startup Menu appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
The computer restarts with Windows in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.) When you are finished working in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me in normal mode.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows Me in normal mode
Finish what you need to do in Safe mode.
In the section "To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me" above, repeat 1-6, but in step 5, uncheck Enable Start-up Menu.
Close all programs, and restart the computer.
To use the F8 key to start Windows 98/Me in Safe mode
Restart the computer.
As the computer restarts, press and hold down the F8 key until the Windows 98/Me Startup menu appears.
When the Windows 98 (or Me) Startup Menu appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
Windows starts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)
Windows 2000
The F8 key is the only way to get into Safe mode.
To use the F8 key to start Windows 2000 in Safe mode
Restart the computer.
When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start tapping the F8 key.
In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, select Safe mode if it is not selected.
If it is not selected, use the arrow keys to select it.
Press Enter.
Windows starts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)
Windows XP
We recommend that you use the System Configuration Utility to get into Safe mode, however, the F8 key can also be used.
To use the System Configuration Utility, you must log on to Windows XP with an Administrator account.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Safe mode
Close all open programs.
Click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and then click OK.
In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT and click Network as shown here:
Click OK.
When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.
The computer restarts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.) When you are finished working in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in normal mode.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in normal mode
Finish what you need to do in Safe mode.
In the section "To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP" above, repeat steps 1-7, but in step 4, uncheck /SAFEBOOT.
Close all programs, and restart the computer.
Physically unplug your cable to the internet (even if you have dial-up, unplug modem)
Shut down ALL unrequired applications including browsers
Run Ccleaner with the default options to clean out temporary files. Only use the Default Scan on the Windows Tab and select Run Cleaner. Do not run any other options from other tabs.
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and clean all that it finds.
Run Ad-Aware SE and select Perform full system scan box and allow it to fix all that it finds
Run Spybot Search & Destroy and allow it to fix all that it finds. Make sure you use the Immunize feature and use the SDHelper function but do not use Teatimer.
Run Microsoft Windows Defender and allow it to fix all that it finds
Optional tools to scan with:
• CWShredder – run if you seem to have any CWS type infections. Make sure you select Fix
• Kill2Me – run if you have indications of a Look 2 Me parasite
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
The best method to remove malware is to do it after booting in Safe Mode with no connection to the internet possible and no browsers running. Booting in safe mode is important because best results are achieved since safe mode disables most drivers and running programs. If you cannot boot in safe mode due to the malware problem then run the scans in normal boot mode but make sure you tell us when you call.
Thus you will need to print or save these instructions locally in a text file so you can refer to them while offline. Do this before continuing!
Reboot into safe mode:
Windows 98/Me
We recommend that you use the System Configuration Utility to get into Safe mode, however, the F8 key can also be used.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me in Safe mode
Close all open programs.
Click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and then click OK.
On the General tab, click Advanced
Windows Me will look a bit different than the picture below.
In the Advanced Troubleshooting Settings dialog box, check Enable Startup Menu, and then click OK.
Click OK again when the System Configuration Utility reappears.
When you are asked to restart the computer, click Yes.
When the Windows 98 (or Me) Startup Menu appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
The computer restarts with Windows in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.) When you are finished working in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me in normal mode.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows Me in normal mode
Finish what you need to do in Safe mode.
In the section "To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows 98/Me" above, repeat 1-6, but in step 5, uncheck Enable Start-up Menu.
Close all programs, and restart the computer.
To use the F8 key to start Windows 98/Me in Safe mode
Restart the computer.
As the computer restarts, press and hold down the F8 key until the Windows 98/Me Startup menu appears.
When the Windows 98 (or Me) Startup Menu appears, select Safe Mode and press Enter.
Windows starts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)
Windows 2000
The F8 key is the only way to get into Safe mode.
To use the F8 key to start Windows 2000 in Safe mode
Restart the computer.
When you see the black-and-white Starting Windows bar at the bottom of the screen, start tapping the F8 key.
In the Windows 2000 Advanced Options Menu, select Safe mode if it is not selected.
If it is not selected, use the arrow keys to select it.
Press Enter.
Windows starts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.)
Windows XP
We recommend that you use the System Configuration Utility to get into Safe mode, however, the F8 key can also be used.
To use the System Configuration Utility, you must log on to Windows XP with an Administrator account.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in Safe mode
Close all open programs.
Click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type msconfig and then click OK.
In the System Configuration Utility, on the BOOT.INI tab, check /SAFEBOOT and click Network as shown here:
Click OK.
When you are asked to restart the computer, click Restart.
The computer restarts in Safe mode. (This can take several minutes.) When you are finished working in Safe mode, use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in normal mode.
To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP in normal mode
Finish what you need to do in Safe mode.
In the section "To use the System Configuration Utility to start Windows XP" above, repeat steps 1-7, but in step 4, uncheck /SAFEBOOT.
Close all programs, and restart the computer.
Physically unplug your cable to the internet (even if you have dial-up, unplug modem)
Shut down ALL unrequired applications including browsers
Run Ccleaner with the default options to clean out temporary files. Only use the Default Scan on the Windows Tab and select Run Cleaner. Do not run any other options from other tabs.
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool and clean all that it finds.
Run Ad-Aware SE and select Perform full system scan box and allow it to fix all that it finds
Run Spybot Search & Destroy and allow it to fix all that it finds. Make sure you use the Immunize feature and use the SDHelper function but do not use Teatimer.
Run Microsoft Windows Defender and allow it to fix all that it finds
Optional tools to scan with:
• CWShredder – run if you seem to have any CWS type infections. Make sure you select Fix
• Kill2Me – run if you have indications of a Look 2 Me parasite
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Step 4: Downloading Tools
Download the following tools and save in your favorite download folder or create one, for example C:\Spyware Tools or C:\Downloads. ( It is not a good idea to download them to any folder within C:\Documents and Settings.) And then install, update, and configure as indicated below.
Do not run the scans until later when indicated.
CCleaner(click on link) CCleaner
Install only, then exit. We will run tools later. MAKE SURE you uncheck the option to install the Yahoo Toolbar when installing CCleaner. We do not want ot install any unnecessary baggage. It will install by default unless unchecked.
Also it is recommended to login to any other User Accounts on the Computer and run CCleaner on each on.
Ad-Aware SE (click on link) Ad-Aware SE
Install, click Check for Updates now and get any updates, then exit.
SpyBot - Search & Destroy(click on link) SpyBot - Search & Destroy
PLEASE leave all settings at default!!!! Install, do the search for updates now and get any updates, then fix the below problem with Spybot default products. If you get an error message about "bad checksum" when trying to update, just choose a different server location. Also look for the Immunize feature in Spybot and use it. Do not use the Teatimer function. It can be a resource hog and also makes removal of certain problems more difficult. Make sure you leave the SDhelper ( IE bad download blocker) checked to install (this is the default).Fixing SpyBot's Ignore Products Bug: Please run SpyBot and get into the Advanced mode by selecting Mode and then Advanced mode. Then select Settings and the in the left column select Ignore Products. In the right window pane make sure the All products tab is selected. Then in that window, right click your mouse and choose "Deselect all". Now exit Spybot. We will run a scan later.
Microsoft Windows Defender 1051 (Beta 2) (click on link) Microsoft Windows Defender 1051 (Beta 2)
Install it and update it (this can only be used with Windows 2000 SP4/XP SP2 /2003 SP1)
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (click on link) Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
(this can only be used with Windows 2000/XP/2003)
CounterSpy(click on link) CounterSpy
Only install and run CounterSpy if you cannot run Microsoft Windows Defender which is only for Windows 2000 SP4/XP SP2 /2003 SP1. So all you Win98Se and Win Me users should use CounterSpy. Win95 and Win98 users are out of luck. Also, if you do not have the correct SP levels for Win 2K/XP/2003, you should use CounterSpy. Time for you to get updated to a newer OS.Optional tools (not required for all cases):
CWShredder (click on link) CWShredder
No installation required! Just unzip it to a folder.
Kill2me(click on link) Kill2me
No installation required! Just unzip it to a folder.
Your system is now ready to be properly scanned for spyware, trojans and viruses. So let’s start the cleaning phase. Do not skip any of these procedures covered in steps 5 and 6 below!
Do not run the scans until later when indicated.
CCleaner(click on link) CCleaner
Install only, then exit. We will run tools later. MAKE SURE you uncheck the option to install the Yahoo Toolbar when installing CCleaner. We do not want ot install any unnecessary baggage. It will install by default unless unchecked.
Also it is recommended to login to any other User Accounts on the Computer and run CCleaner on each on.
Ad-Aware SE (click on link) Ad-Aware SE
Install, click Check for Updates now and get any updates, then exit.
SpyBot - Search & Destroy(click on link) SpyBot - Search & Destroy
PLEASE leave all settings at default!!!! Install, do the search for updates now and get any updates, then fix the below problem with Spybot default products. If you get an error message about "bad checksum" when trying to update, just choose a different server location. Also look for the Immunize feature in Spybot and use it. Do not use the Teatimer function. It can be a resource hog and also makes removal of certain problems more difficult. Make sure you leave the SDhelper ( IE bad download blocker) checked to install (this is the default).Fixing SpyBot's Ignore Products Bug: Please run SpyBot and get into the Advanced mode by selecting Mode and then Advanced mode. Then select Settings and the in the left column select Ignore Products. In the right window pane make sure the All products tab is selected. Then in that window, right click your mouse and choose "Deselect all". Now exit Spybot. We will run a scan later.
Microsoft Windows Defender 1051 (Beta 2) (click on link) Microsoft Windows Defender 1051 (Beta 2)
Install it and update it (this can only be used with Windows 2000 SP4/XP SP2 /2003 SP1)
Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (click on link) Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool
(this can only be used with Windows 2000/XP/2003)
CounterSpy(click on link) CounterSpy
Only install and run CounterSpy if you cannot run Microsoft Windows Defender which is only for Windows 2000 SP4/XP SP2 /2003 SP1. So all you Win98Se and Win Me users should use CounterSpy. Win95 and Win98 users are out of luck. Also, if you do not have the correct SP levels for Win 2K/XP/2003, you should use CounterSpy. Time for you to get updated to a newer OS.Optional tools (not required for all cases):
CWShredder (click on link) CWShredder
No installation required! Just unzip it to a folder.
Kill2me(click on link) Kill2me
No installation required! Just unzip it to a folder.
Your system is now ready to be properly scanned for spyware, trojans and viruses. So let’s start the cleaning phase. Do not skip any of these procedures covered in steps 5 and 6 below!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Do not use Multiple Antivirus Applications
If you have multiple antivirus applications installed on your Computer, please choose the one you prefer and uninstall all others. Do this now before continuing because you will only be asked to do it later if not done now. This does not mean online scanners. It is only referring to full antivirus applications like McAfee, Symantec, AVG, Avast, AntiVir, Kaspersky, etc.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Enable viewing of hidden files, system files and file extensions
Some programs hide themselves by making their files invisible in normal Windows settings. Run the steps below to make them easier to find.
Windows ME,2000, XP;
Right click on the Start button and select ExploreSelect the Tools menu and click Folder OptionsSelect the View TabUnder the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and foldersUncheck the Hide extensions for know file types option.Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files Click (Yes to confirm ME,2000) (Apply XP)Click OK
Windows 98
Right click on the Start button and select ExploreSelect the Tools menu and click Folder OptionsSelect the View TabIn the Hidden files section select Show all Files.Click OKSome malware programs can hide themselves from being visible. The instructions will allow you to configure your system to show all files and file extensions. Not doing this could allow file extensions commonly used by trojans and spyware to be hidden.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
Windows ME,2000, XP;
Right click on the Start button and select ExploreSelect the Tools menu and click Folder OptionsSelect the View TabUnder the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and foldersUncheck the Hide extensions for know file types option.Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files Click (Yes to confirm ME,2000) (Apply XP)Click OK
Windows 98
Right click on the Start button and select ExploreSelect the Tools menu and click Folder OptionsSelect the View TabIn the Hidden files section select Show all Files.Click OKSome malware programs can hide themselves from being visible. The instructions will allow you to configure your system to show all files and file extensions. Not doing this could allow file extensions commonly used by trojans and spyware to be hidden.
If any of these Topics seem complicated we can remote into your computer and you can watch us do these steps for you without you having to unhook your computer and take it anywhere. Just send us an email to keepyourcomputerrunningsmooth@gmail.com include your home phone number and we will contact you and setup a time for this.
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