TJB-TS

Using your own router with BT Broadband - BT Router settings

2012-02-21T19:36:00.000Z

Used to configure a belkin Router to use BT Broadband. I used the following Router settings.

BT Settings

PP0A

bthomehub@btbroadband.com

0/38

VCMUX

1454

ip provided by ISP

DNS set automatically

The belkin router needed a password so I used bt as the password, according the BT forums the Password isn't needed but can be used and the user name can be anything@btbroadband.com.

You will have problems getting support from BT if using your Router / Hub so it will be worth keeping the BT Home Hub in case you have a problem so you can put it back on the line.

Asking for Support from BT

2012-02-20T12:36:00.002Z

Asking for Support from BT, I recently had to reconfigure a router for a client (their own) not a BT Hub, The router had been working for a good few months. The BT line looked hopeful (uploads and Download speed shown) but the router would not connect.
I asked the support representative to confirm the correct ADSL Parameters and whether I needed a login name and Password.
The Support rep was based in an offshore call center and was working of a script and was polite. She could not understand me and I could not understand her I asked to speak to a supervisor without success, but she would disappear and return with and answer to a question. Even after an hour I was no wiser but more frustrated, I asked for a test on the Broadband to make sure it was ok at the exchange, but she did not understand. I left frustrated and no closer to solving the BT Broadband issue.

I swapped to Plusnet a few years ago and there support is UK Based and they have been very helpful.
I guess until BT Broadband brings their support back into the UK or have the option of a UK call center for call escalation the situation will not improve for BT customers.
My advice if you just want to use broadband out of the Box BT Broadband should be ok, no configuration just connect and go. If you need to be able to use your own router use a different provider Plusnet worked for me and they have been helpful. Plusnet is Part of BT.
A work colleague has an issue with her new BT Home Broadband, this a new broadband setup out in a remote area. BT has sent the router but the broadband it has worked briefly. They have spent a good few hours with BT Home Broad band support at last an engineer is visiting to check the line. (Which may be too far from the exchange for Broadband)?

I have had to assist clients in proving that it is the BT installation that is faulty, this will normally involve connecting your broadband router directly to the BT line via the BT Master Socket, you need to carefully remove the front plate 2 Screws, this section should unplug, you need to be careful if there are extensions socket wired of the rear of this plate.

You can now plug into the exposed BT socket. This socket to the exchange is BT’s the cables from the unplugged face plate are normally your responsibility.
By unplugging face plate you are disconnecting all extensions and wired alarms systems!!

Why not give antivirus software a go!

2012-01-25T12:15:00.000Z

I have recently found a few clients with out up to date Antivirus software or none at all. Some have been very fortunate and have escaped without a major issue.

The most recent had bought a laptop from the High street and got straight down to using the laptop. McAfee was still there waiting for you to buy and activate. There is no reason now not to have basic Antivirus protection for free with the likes of AVG, Microsoft and others. I have always installed an antivirus product on all pc and laptop builds so the owner does not have to. It is easy to remove and add your own at a later stage.

Microsoft Security Essentials is easy to install and recently has found things that the well-known paid antivirus software products failed to find.

So install security software, keep up to date and allow scanning the system also apply windows updates when prompted.

How to stop a service in XP CMD Line

2012-01-16T19:13:00.001Z

Disable XP Service from XP Command Line
The service name is the name with out any spaces
sc config "browser" start= disabled
sc config "messenger" start= disabled
sc config "upnphost" start= disabled

Stop/ Start Service

NET STOP "my service"

Blackberry issues in October 2011

2011-10-17T09:25:00.000+01:00

With Blackberry issues last week I was reminded of a BBC sketch about Apple and blackberries.

(Windows 8) Windows Developer Preview

2011-09-27T13:54:00.000+01:00

Have just tested out the Developers windows 8 Preview. I installed it on a 4 year old HP laptop with 3 GB memory.

I just popped the DVD in the drive said yes to install and selected the region, about 30 minutes latter I was on line. So for me the first impression was very good from an install perspective.

The Wifi card and Graphics worked straight away without trying to find drivers.

I just popped in my windows live ID when asked, the idea is to use windows live to keep your settings so you can move about on different devices including mobile phones etc running windows 8.

All the security software is preinstalled; I am still trying to check out all the options on this and to see if there is a need for 3^rd party apps.

The look and feel is designed for a touch screen and with a bit of hunting around familiar windows options are available.

Preview Windows 8 at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/preview

Remote control scammer, taking control of your PC or Laptop

2011-06-24T08:18:00.000+01:00

Have you had some one phone and say that your pc is infected or has some issue?

I provide support to home pc and laptop users in Yeovil in Somerset. I have had three customers phone about their pc’s been taken over by a remote user (Scammer) and having a phone conversation trying to sell support.

Have you been contacted of suffered this problem, I am trying to piece together how this is happening and how generally only more senior PC and Laptop users are been targeted.

Thank fully the folks I have spoken to have not parted with their money.
I would always say never give credit card or bank details to any company that phones with out invitation and says you have a problem. This also applies if you have strange windows appear telling you that your computer is infected and that if you pay they will clean you pc.

Don't enter any codes or assist them in any way, turn your pc off and hang up.
Don’t be afraid of hanging up your phone or turning your pc off.
If you can make a note of any phone numbers, company or other names used. Let the local police and Trading standards know.
Has you pc been taken over by remote control with out your permission by these scammers?
Good article from Guy at another Yeovil Support company in the local paper. http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Security-scam-alert-issued-expert/story-12737167-detail/story.html

Extracting “Adobe Reader X” .MSI file from .exe file

2011-05-06T16:16:00.000+01:00

Extracting and tailoring the “Adobe Reader X” installation.

Down load the enterprise version of Adobe Reader X (you will need to sign up on the Adobe website)

Then in the folder containing the Adobe X .exe file run on the command line

AdbeRdr1001_en_US.exe -nos_oc:\AdobeReaderMSI -nos_ne

The created folder “AdobeReaderMSI” at the drive root should have the.msi file and other setup files. In my case c:\ AdobeReaderMSI.

You can now tailor the Adobe X installation using the “Adobe Customization Wizard”, the Adobe wizard allows a range of settings to be edited. I wanted to get the option of creating PDF’s on line removed from the main window. The last thing I wanted was people converting company documents on line?

There are still some online options connected with sharing and converting pdf’s but not as obvious.

I have found Cutepdf very good for creating a pdf file, if you can print it you can convert it.

First Steps into MAC computers

2011-04-30T14:02:00.002+01:00

My daughter has just bought her first MAC Book, I have never really ventured into Apple MAC's.

Being second hand and having lots of good software installed and no recovery dvd's for the Applications I decided it would be good to image / Clone the MAC hardisk to a fairly new larger disk. I also wanted to make sure if I messed up the installation I could just pop teh old disk in.

The windows software I normally use doesn't support OSX. I had a hunt on the web and found lowendmac. who had a great article on their site. I used shirt-pocket.com SuperDuper software to make an image.

I connected my new disk via a usb Caddy, I used the MAC Disk Utility to erase (format) the new disk.
I installed SuperDuper and followed the instruction at lowendmac. I opened up the MAC and popped the replcement disk in and it booted fine.

The previous owner had not installed any anti virus or updates, Sophos had a free MAC antivirus which was soon installed and a 1 trojan found.

The office for MAC 2004 needed some updates and convertor to be installed so it can open .docx files.

Another home computer with another fake Antivirus!

2011-04-11T13:09:00.000+01:00

"MS Removal Tool" Removal
Another home computer with another fake Antivirus! “MS Removal Tool” on a Windows 7 laptop.

How did I remove it?
1. Boot safe mode

2. Checked in the registry under Local Machine and Current user for Runonce entries, found 1 entry with a random name.

3. Ran Microsoft security essentials (full scan) which found a Trojan and removed it.

4. Searched on the runonce entry name and found a folder under program data.

5. (Warnings do not edit the registry unless you know what you are doing.)
I deleted the random named file from runonce.

6. Rebooted logged in and ran Microsoft security essentials and Spybot search and destroy.

The Laptop is now clean, I managed to surf the web, rebooted a few times and scanned a few times to make sure all had gone.
So what does Runonce do, it allows a program to runonce when the laptop/pc is started and logged in. This is why the software will keep reinstalling even if you think you have removed it.
Free Computer and laptop Security software
I have been impressed with Microsoft security essentials, which is free for home use. I have been a fan of AVG free for quite few years. There is no reason why every pc and laptop should not have Security software installed.

I have started to set windows 7 pc’s /laptops with two accounts with passwords a general non privileged account and a Super user account. My thinking is if something wants to install you should have to enter the Super user password to allow it.

Do you have thoughts on the Free antivirus product?

"MS removal Tool" if you follow the prompts you will end up entering credit card details but still be unable to use you machine. It will be cheaper to get your local PC man to clean up.

Malware that won’t go even in Safemode

2011-04-01T13:43:00.001+01:00

I have recently seen a few computers with malware that won’t even go in safe mode.

Previously running in safemode has enabled me to remove startup entries and then start the clean up process.
I have found the following article which provides a starting point when you are unable to remove Malware in Safemode.
Good article on malwarehelp.org on removing malware

Getting to the command prompt
Press F8 when windows starts to boot, select “safe mode with Command Prompt”.

I am a keen fan of Spybot search and destroy and , Avg and some other tools and scanners.

Sophos Firewall on a windows 7

2011-03-29T15:53:00.001+01:00

How to install Sophos Firewall on a windows 7 client using SBE.
The remote registry service needs to be started on the client, by default ths windows 7 service is stopped.

Using services.msc start Remote Registry - Service. This assumes that the windows firewall is off, not to sure which ports need to be open.

Then using the Sophos SBE console push the firewll to the required windows 7 client.

Just need to see if I can deploy the Sophos Antivirus the same way, until now we have installed locally on the client and updated from Sophos SBE.

Fake Anti Virus System Tools

2011-03-19T21:24:00.001Z

Have just been removing Fake Anti virus from a clients PC.

Found this on You tube, worked like a dream

I used the "RogueKiller" software in safe mode, it removed the startup files for the "system Tools" fake av.

I then ran my antivirus to make sure that the system was clean. I have had the pc running for a while and used IE and still no fake AV.

Thanks

Roguekiller - http://www.sur-la-toile.com/RogueKiller/

Blackberry Express server IT Policy, trying to understand

2011-02-24T11:06:00.003Z

Version: 5.0.2.29 BlackBerry® Enterprise Server Express

Blackberry Express server IT Policy, trying to understand
We seem to have a few IT policies; I guess that the default is the one that was there by default with a standard set of options.

There may only be 35 policy options but it not an easy task to work out what each policy does. There is some help with the BlackBerry® Administration Service, but it appears to be more of an overview.
Apart from the obvious IT Policy which I guess covers the device as a whole, you can also set application control policies for the various applications to down load to the Blackberry device.

I am still unsure how quickly changes in policy are applied to each Blackberry?
On the whole the feedback from users has been positive, the ability to get corporate emails, view the intranet and not having to use desktop manager to keep the device synchronized.
We have managed to push some apps Google map and Bloomberg with no issues.

More specific Application Issue
The main Application I am having an issue with is Redfly by Celio, which consist of a device which looks like a notebook, Keyboard and Screen so you can type up documents on the Blackberry. The Redfly software for the blackberry has worked fine until we deployed BES express. Even with all the IT policy setting wide open and the Application policy wide open it won’t work.

The following policy restrictions are shown:-
Phone (Prompt), (Server Network Prompt), Location Data (Prompt), internet (Prompt), Recording (Prompt), Security (prompt) and Security Timer Reset.

RIM and Blackberry support
I have been looking through http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/BlackBerry-Professional-Software/bd-p/bps_unite and various other forums and support groups.

http://docs.blackberry.com/en/admin/deliverables/16606/Assigning_IT_policies_resolving_conflicts_1047601_11.jsp

Rim appears to have little help for the Free Blackberry Express software. If you have any advice on the IT policies please let me know.

"NTLDR missing error" XP

2011-02-22T13:11:00.001Z

Windows xp Boot error "NTLDR missing error"

Booted with Bartpe disk and copied in missing NTLDR file, checked that the NTdetect.com and boot.ini were still present.

Rebooted normally no boot cd,

error now NTLDR compressed.

Booted with XP install CD to recovery console.

Selected R to repair
Selected windows install to login to, thankfully administrator had no password.
Navigated to root of C:, and ran attrib -c ntldr
Not to sure what attrib -c does, apart from uncompress? Atrrib -c is only available from the restore console in XP.

Rebooted system, no error.

The question now is where did the original ntldr go, the disk has a few minor errors and plenty of malware.

My favourite boot cd Bartpe.

Sophos fire wall in SBE (Sophos Endpoint Security and Control)

2010-11-19T17:09:00.009Z

I have had a problem in the in last few days where Sophos Client Firewall has stopped our Netscreen client VPN working on client PC’s running windows XP sp3.

We have contacted Sophos for support, as always deny any problem and have now sent some diagnostics to see where our software has gone wrong.

We have use Sophos SBE for nearly 3 years and as yet not had to many problems.

Does any one have any ideas why Sohos Client Firewall should suddenly stop VPN traffic on all our remote workers?

At the moment we don't have a lot of good things to say about Sophos UK Support.

Will keep you updated if we find a solution, we are looking a installing a different firewall to get us thru until Sophos sends a fix.

Well the response from Sophos has been poor, I get a feeling that they think their product would not cause any problems. Sophos fire wall installed Netscreen client VPN will not connect Sophos firewall unistalled it does. Currently using Zone alarm as a stop gap. Our remote workers are not remote workers without a secure VPN!

So why does Sophos firewall Kill Netscreen VPN?

Have decided to remove the Sophos Client Firewall (SCF)

Now unable to unistall the Client Firewall by add remove programs or msiexec.exe /qn+ /x {12C00299-B8B4-40D3-9663-66ABEA3198AB} /norestart
Sophos Support sent Script to remove Sophos products i.e. the SCF (Sophos Client Firewall)

Have now run the Sophos product removal tool to get rid of the fire wall (SCF) guess what I still have a broken firewall and antivirus. Autoupdate and Remote manager have gone.

So back to Sophos. I am not to sure what Sophos will do next, if their script can't do the job how can you get rid of Sophos. We have already rebuilt a couple of machines to get folks working.

Will be 7 days since the call was logged with Sophos Support.

Still have a Sophos Firewall (SCF) we can’t uninstall or remove Sophos have said that they are still working on the case.

I have now gone for the rebuild option to remove Sophos products.

We are still waiting for some help on the VPN issue. I have asked if the call has been escalated and how the escalation system works, no response to that question.

Has any body had a similar experience with Sophos support?

Our contract is due next year may be a time for a change.

Remote workers still not working remotely.

Well a week since a call was logged with sophos, no solutions from Sophos. Still unable to force an uninstall of the Sophos Firewall. No feed back on teh VPN software issue.

I think the chap who is handling the call appearsto be none technical he seems unable to undertand basic IT. My current thoughts about Sophos UK support is very poor, Sophos have provided little feed back. I think Sophos Support are waiting for us to get fed up or fix the issue our selves.

My advice is if you want a supported Antivirus product don't get Sophos Firewall, as yet the support we have had has been very poor. I guess if we were a multi national with many desks the support from Sophos would have been better.

Well time to go no feed back today from Sophos Support, how hard can it be to provide advise on how to remove your own software.

2 Weeks since calling Sophos Support and I have resolved the issue my self

I think I have sorted the Sophos Vs Netscreen client VPN software problem.

Sophos Firewall creates some additional drivers when it detects the older version of Netscren VPN. These drivers can cause a blue screen (file reporting error SCFINT.SYS), if the XP machine blue screens go into Safe mode and stop the Sophos Fireall Services.

Restart normally.

Uninstall the Netscreen VPN client.

If you had to stop the Sophos Firewall services then restart them, and restart.

Hopefully will now restart.

To fix install the latest version of Netscreen Client VPN for your operating system.

Test to see if the VPN connection now works.

If all is well after a few Sophos updates you have fixed the issue.

As far as Sophos having a Sophos removal tool, it appears they don’t apart from add and remove programs.

I have been sent various things by email including and array of .reg files to remove reg keys.

I guess if you install Sophos software you are stuck with it until you rebuild.

Microsoft POC Jumpstart!

2010-11-04T12:59:00.000Z

I now have the "Microsoft POC Jumpstart Kit" and am getting ready to start looking at windows 2008 and windows 7 deployment.

Have you tried to login to the POC server PoCserver Win7poc.com Administrator account with the provided password and failed?

If you have a UK Keyboard replace the @ with”, and you should be able to login.

Provided *@*******
Use *”*******

I have installed Virtual PC 2007 sp1 on my windows XP pro desktop and the .VHD loaded fine.

I am now looking forward to getting a test environment setup to test some of the deployment options for windows 7 desktop.

There seems plenty of tools on the Microsoft site, some only for SA (Software Assurance) customers.

Looking in side ImageX and WIM files

2010-11-02T12:59:00.001Z

Remember a .wim file can contain more than one image (not a traditional block by block image) the number refers to the image in the wim.

These are just a few examples

Imagex /mountrw (read and write)
Imagex /unmount

/dir View files and directories inside .wim
/info shows xml description for the .wim

View Image information
-------------------------------------------------
C:\test>imagex /info test.wim 1

ImageX Tool for Windows
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved.
WIM Information:
----------------

GUID: {6eb66319-64a2-4205-b6e8-93357963508c}

Image Count: 1

Compression: LZX

Part Number: 1/1

Boot Index: 1

Attributes: 0x8

Relative path junction

Available Image Choices:

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

More stuff

The number 1 specifies which image to look at.
Directory of all files and directories in selected WIM image
--------------------------
C:\test>imagex /dir test.wim 1
--------------------------
Returns a directory listing of all files.

Mount WIM file Image and view contents
-----------------------------------
C:\test>imagex /mountrw test.wim 1 c:\test\mount

ImageX Tool for Windows
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved.

Mounting (RW): [C:\test\test.wim, 1] ->

[c:\test\mount]

Successfully mounted image (RW).

C:\test>cd mount
C:\test\mount>dir

Volume in drive C has no label.

Volume Serial Number is B0CB-1560

Directory of C:\test\mount

19/01/2008 12:05 0 File(s) 0 bytes

Program Files

19/01/2008 12:05
Users
23/01/2008 19:04
Windows

5 Dir(s) 27,895,529,472 bytes free
Unmount .wim

C:\test>imagex /unmount c:\test\mount

ImageX Tool for Windows

Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved.

Unmounting: [c:\test\mount]...

Successfully unmounted image.

C:\test>
-----------------------------------------
Microsoft Technet for further information on .wim files

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc507842.aspx

.

Dell Laptop Power Supplies (PSU)

2010-10-11T08:03:00.001+01:00

Have had a Dell Inspiron 1545 on the bench, with a few issues.

I managed to get the laptop to charge, then it started to report it didn't like the PSU and won't charge.

A bit of a google round and found that dell and may be other laptop manufactures powers upplies are a bitsmarter than I thought. The PSU sends an ID bit or other data to the laptop to say what type of Power Supply is fitted?

"The AC power adapter type cannot be determined. Your System will operate slower and the battery will not charge."

I tried another Dell psu and the message disappears.

The Dell laptop Power Supply plug has an outer and inner metal contact, but with a PIN in the middle which send ID DATA to teh Dell Laptop.

Tel domain names ?

2010-10-01T12:18:00.000+01:00

I have had a couple of tel domain names for a while now. I was curious as to what the tel domain name had to offer over standard .co.uk etc.

The main difference was no hosting needed a definite bonus but what could I do with them?

What I wanted was an easy way to advertise phone numbers and Business address’s for small business located around Yeovil and Somerset. So I bought my first bizuk.tel, I wanted a name which appeared top level (May not be the best Choice).

One of the best bits for me is just been able to add a new folder and populate with new subfolders including local business (these folders can contain Phone numbers, web address, notes heading, a small logo, Google map and most other forms of web based communication.

I have now created a new site called repairyeovil.co.uk using my tel domains to provide the information into my standard html web site.

I have used an Iframe to display the folders I need on each page. There are other options using cgi and PHP which I plan to look at soon. There is some useful advice on the telnic.org website for developers.

You can back your domain up into an xml file so you can restore etc if things go wrong.

The tel domain has saved me from creating mysql databases and a lot of PHP.

I am looking at the SEO advantages, the main obvious one is there is plenty of text and no flash graphics.

As with most domain names the cybersquatters have taken some of the better names but I am sure there are still some good combinations to have. I managed to get caravan.tel which lists some local caravan companies.

http://www.telnic.org/tour-hub.html

More Fake Antivirus

2010-09-23T12:45:00.000+01:00

More Fake antvirus

Have recently had a few laptops thru with a fake antivirus appearing on the screen, on the most recent case I found I could start spybot search and destroy and AVG scanning prior to the Fake av process starting.

Spy bot found some threats, which I removed and AVG found the Fake AV threat which was removed and cleaned up.
So if you have a fake av product appear, restart the PC / Laptop.
As soon as the system will let you set your real Antivirus to scan. The fake av screens may appear but hopefully your antivirus is doing a full scan.

Just to make sure I would normally boot to safe mode and scan again.

With the system logged in normally make sure all windows updates are applied and Antivirus updated.

Remember be very careful where you surf and which emails you open.

Fake Antivirus and security software removal tips

2010-09-01T08:50:00.000+01:00

I have seen an increase of Fake antivirus and security software, even PC’s and Laptops with Nortons and Mcafee products installed.

My standard fix which works in most cases is to boot to safe mode F8 and run Spybot Search and destroy. This normally finds the culprits, you may need to run a couple of times to make sure it is clean.

Run your AV product with latest updates just to make sure.

The dangerous bit for those that know what they are doing!!

I have had some which are more reluctant this normally involves using booting into windows and using Msconfig from the run box, check the startup tab, this displays all items that are set to run at startup via the registry.

I normal use this method when I have a hidden process that refuses to stop and keeps on recreating its self.

Look at the list for an entry that appears to be a random selection of letters and numbers, untick and apply. Wait a few seconds and refresh the startup list to see if another entry appears the same as the one unticked. If a new entry doesn’t appear then re tick, if a new entry appears you may have found the culprit start file.

I then normally go into safe mode and uncheck the file.

This is just my thoughts and don’t provide the full picture these are just some steps I take on the route to cleaning a pc / laptop.

For Sale: Fake POS Devices

2010-06-29T12:59:00.001+01:00

This is an article from Trend Micro.
For Sale: Fake POS Devices

My Thoughts
I have always been suspicious of chip and pin.

The banks will always say it is a more secure way of handling transactions. A chip and pin unit reads a card and relays your pin, albeit encrypted when it leaves the POS device.
I guess if you type your pin incorrectly you won’t get the pin fail but the same transaction error devised by the unscrupulous.
All this box needs to do is capture card information so it can be cloned and the all important PIN.

I am sure my local main brand shops in Yeovil are all squeaky clean.

This is an article from Trend Micro.
For Sale: Fake POS Devices

A small diversion from matters computing

2010-06-24T08:51:00.001+01:00

I have been nagged for a while by my son to build a water bottle rocket.

My son has made a video of progress so far. We have mastered a pressure system and pipes. We need to now make a stable base and sort out a release mechanism.

It certainly goes with a big bang when the bottle losses grip on the tube.

We have used a bike tyre valve, garden hose and various pipe fittings to get a 22mm launch tube (needed to reduce the 22mm down a little with sand paper and wire wool).

Recreating operating system partition from a Dell factory.wim

2010-06-11T08:30:00.000+01:00

Introduction
I had to replace the hard disk in a Dell XPS m1210 Laptop, I had made a copy of the recovery partition.

I used a vista install DVD to boot and sort partitions and copied the factory.wim file and imagex.exe from the Dell recovery files \tools\imagex.exe and dell\image\factory.wim
I created two partitions one for windows and a 10gb Partition for recovery files.
How I reinstalled the factory defaults from a Dell Factory.wim
Installed the new disk in Laptop, (only a 120gb)
Restoring the Del .wim
Boot the laptop with the Vista install dvd, you will need to go to the install option (this is after the country selections).
Follow the install until you arrive at the disk partition screen. If it is a new disk there will probably be no partitions. If there are partitions delete them (unless you need the data), and reformat each partition (in my case I created a first partition of 100gb and a second partition of 10gb).
Once the disk is partitioned and formatted I exited the install and returned to the repair options, go to the command prompt.

My cd was E:, first partition was C: and second D:

I popped the install DVD out of the drive and inserted my DVD with the factory.wim and Imagex.exe files.

I navigated to the DVD and imagex.exe file, at the command prompt I typed.

Imagex /apply factory.wim 1 c:\

After a short while the file was installed, I did one last step.

I popped the install DVD backing and ran repair to make sure that the boot records etc were in correct.

I restarted and I was back with a fresh install of Dell software on my Dell XPS M1210

My Dell XPS

Dell XPS M1210, 2ghz Proc, 1gb Mem, 12” screen, vista ratting 4.5

I now just need to sort the left touchpad button and replace the battery

The disk was £34.90, I am hoping that ebay will come to the rescue on the battery and touch pad.

My main concern at the moment is the heat that is coming out, but a quick blast of air will I am sure keep things in check.

Microsoft Exchange 2007 certificate expiry

2010-06-08T01:30:00.000+01:00

Microsoft Exchange 2007 certificate expiry, Error in Windows Application logs

The STARTTLS certificate will expire soon: subject: exchserv.local, hours remaining:

This will occur if you are relying on the default certificates, you will need to update yearly.

On the exchange server 2007 which need new certificate, to see current certificate

Get-ExchangeCertificate | List

You will need to make a note of the services, IMAP, POP, IIS and SMTP

Now to add a new certificate

New-ExchangeCertificate

You will see the expiry date and various options, say yes to all

Now check the new certificate

Get-ExchangeCertificate | List

And make sure all services are included; in my case IIS service never loads the new certificate, so you need to add the new certificate to the missing IIS service.

Get the Thumbprint value from the new certificate. “Get-ExchangeCertificate |
List”

Enable-ExchangeCertificate –Thumbprint 67666866126376newone -Service IIS

Now remove the old certificate

Remove-ExchangeCertificate –Thumbprint 26556556565657565675oldvalue

When you “Get-ExchangeCertificate | List” you should have the new certificate with the original services.

You can always buy a certificate, which will last longer than a year.

A view of a MacBook Screen Replacement by a muscian

2010-05-08T22:14:00.002+01:00

I have the pictures which Andy placed on Facebook.

My best tip is have a Guitar Plectrum in your tool box.

"...oh yeah, that would pop the surround off nicely! I've just got a replacement screen to put in after I cracked the last one." (Andy)

Apple Macbook with out a screen (looks like s normal laptop)

A working Screen on Apple Mac Book.

Well done Andy, Saved your self a packet.

Andysmithworship.com

Changing Broadband provider

2010-05-07T12:01:00.001+01:00

I decided to change provider from Tiscali (Talk Talk) to Plusnet.

I had problems finding a 5* rating for a UK broadband provider in all areas. I wanted a UK based company with UK call centre, that would have a short contract period in case it all went horribly wrong.

Tiscali provided the MAC code within an hour of my call, so can’t fault that. I used the code straight away. Within hours Talk Talk were on the phone trying to give me an even better deal, I just said the MAC code had been used, they just hung up.

(The last time Talk Talk Called I managed to keep the Sales person on the phone for 30 Mins at there cost I kept asking technical questions which the operator had to keep finding someone to answer.)

The switch over has happened with 10 days, so far so good. There has been excellent communication right thru the process.

Plus.net seem to have Broadband features which I couldn’t find with other ISP’s. The broad band control panel has options to monitor usage, type of traffic and a ISP based firewall which can block all inbound or allow ports for those techies with Mail servers and there own web server. I can have a Static IP address for a minimal one of £5 so I will be able to get my remote access sorted.
The overall speed seems quicker, I think that there is less throttling going on at Plusnet.

My broadband speed has increased in the last few years but the overall pc to the internet appears to have slowed since the Talk Talk takeover of Tiscali!
I am sure I have heard that Plus.net is part of BT.
My FON hotspot wifi spot is still working over Plus.net. I had a short period (about a day) with out broad band. But I was still able to surf using a neighbors BT_FON hot spot.
http://www.fon.com/en/

My local telephone exchange in Yeovil (WWYEOV) is a Market 2, which means that 2 or 3 providers provide broad band services. Market 3 (Cheaper) 4 or more including BT. I am trying to confirm that the exchange is Market 2 and not Market 3. We have 3 ISP's excluding BT, I assume BT provide Broadband as well.

A good source of Telephone exchange information.
http://www.samknows.com/broadband/

Mcafee Antivirus removing SVCHOST File DAT 5958

2010-04-27T08:57:00.004+01:00

Mcafee AV products have falseley detected a problem with svchost.exe and then removes the false threat.
The updates since Wednesday, April 21st (DAT 5958).

How to Fix Mcafee DAT 5958 False detection
The Mcafee fix available from Mcafee's website http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100969&cid=77152, boot to safe mode and run the the downloaded file!
This involves downloading to another machine and using a cd etc to take to the affected machine. The fix worked a treat.

All the fix does is clear the problem update and reinstates the SVCHOST.exe file.

This is a major issue for Mcafee, but they have put their hands up, it is going to cost customers time and money to rectify. The fix worked a treat on a single user home pc I am glad I haven't to fix a whole corporate network.

Mcafee offer free support for those users effected, it appears a link has been made available in the on line support area (once you have logged in).

There may be an offer to get a free extension on the product, but you will need to apply within 30 days of the released update Wednesday, April 21st (DAT 5958).

If you need support from Mcafee they have contact details ref this DAT 5958 issue.
http://www.mcafee.com/us/about/letter_from_ceo.html

http://siblog.mcafee.com/ceo-perspectives/moving-to-help-customers/

The symptom I saw were no network, windows defender error, Mcafee woud not open, internet explorer and other network applications

The scare merchants are now trying to cash in on the issue with a range of spam emails been sent.

I use sophos at work and AVG antivirus at home.
Link to Graham Cluley’s blog at Sophos a great source of Security information

Windows File no applications associated with file

2010-04-05T19:57:00.000+01:00

Windows losing file associations, windows XP and Vista.

I have seen two systems lose file associations with .exe after being on line in the last few days one windows XP and a windows Vista.

There was a loss of some applications at startup and applications requiring a .exe would not run.

Microsoft had a fix for windows vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950505#LetMeFixItMyselfAlways

I managed to find a reg file to repair windows XP registry settings for file associations I used "xp_exe_fix.reg" downloaded from http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm.

Neither user said that they had been prompted to download a file, which they had tried to stop.

Compaq Evo620 - Windows 7

2010-04-03T13:07:00.000+01:00

Compaq Evo laptop install Windows 7

What an easy task installing windows 7 on this old Compaq EVO laptop.

I set the bios default settings, connected network cable, loaded the trial windows 7 dvd in the drive, said yes to all the questions (I formatted the existing drive).

When the install had finished the only hardware not working was the sound card (I did not try the wireless card, they won't work with xp correctly). I went to device manager and selected the sound card hardware and said update, and it did update.

For wifi I popped in a random Belkin pcmia card and few seconds later had installed it self and is working fine.

I added AVG Antivirus so I can test out for a few weeks.
http://free.avg.com/gb-en/download?prd=afg

The laptop is running reasonably well
The laptop spec is:-

I can't say will be as easy as this for all systems, I have installed on an old Del D600 which involved alot more effort

Adding an update to WSUS prior to release to WSUS

2010-03-29T17:44:00.002+01:00

Selecting updates that are in the Microsoft Update Catalog but have yet not been released to WSUS. The Microsoft Update Catalog will also allow you to search for a specific update, then download the update so it can be installed at a later stage.

(Make sure auto approval is disabled)

Open up the WSUS console

Head to the bottom of the WSUS console page and select under the Resources tab, Microsoft Update Catalog.

Microsoft Update Catalog page http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Home.aspx
A browser window opens and prompts for you to install an activex, install and proceed to the “Microsoft Update Catalog page”

Enter update number in search box

Add updates, and the select basket (top page), Select import, and select wsus server

WSUS Console
In WSUS console, approve / disapprove the new updates

If Auto approve was set to on, then now reset to Auto approve

Microsoft Browser Choice update, Prevent Browser Choice running on startup and WSUS

2010-03-13T16:00:00.001Z

Microsoft Browser Choice update KB976002

Have just noticed "Browser Choice update" appear on some client pc's. Very nice of Microsoft to give us the choice! I could not see an easy way of removing it, it didn't disappear on its own, in the end I had to edit the registry to remove the RUN entry at startup.

KB976002 – Browser Choice, This KB976002 is classified by Microsoft as: High Priority, Non-Security

I think this is in rsponse to EU regulations.

BBC News "Browser Choice"

Microsoft on The Issues Blog

what-is-the-browser-choice-update (Microsoft explanation)

What does the browser Choice screen look like? It is a web based process, which displays the following screen.
(link to browser Choice Screen) http://www.browserchoice.eu/BrowserChoice/browserchoice_en.htm

How to prevent the Browser Choice window opening on startup,

If you have a different browser set as default (not Internet explorer) the choice window should not open.

I ran "Msconfig" to see where the correct key was in the registry (under Run) and then used "regedit" to remove it.
HCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\run and remove the key for BrowserChoice, "C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\browserchoice.exe" /run

(editing the registry is dangerous please only do it if you understand the risks)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976002

Like many I thought it was a potential malware attack! It is nearly has hard to get rid of as some fake AV products.

I would have thought Microsoft would have had more press releases prior to release. Unfortunately like many business we are stuck with Microsoft.

A removal option and a large legal page to accept would have been a good option. To actually install this update in a way it can’t be removed is an abuse of their position, I am sure there will be some fall out.

The IT dept in the European courts are having an interesting time.

I would hate to have go around and disable this on a lot of pc’s, thank fully we use WSUS.

How to Remove Browser Choice Update KB 976002

The Browser Choice update can not be removed by using add remove programs. You can only stop it starting at startup see above.
WSUS deployment of the Browser Update KB 976002
Have been looking at how to avoid WSUS deployment of Browser Update, have set it to manually authorize updates, and now will need to keep checking until it arrives. We can then disallow the update

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2019411

Microsoft Resource Centre Article on saying that the Browser Choice Update KB 976002 will be available to WSUS in April 2010! (took some finding)
http://www.microsoft.com/uk/nhs/content/articles/the-eu-browser-choice.aspx

A good idea From Alex, to stop WSUS installing Browser Choice Update KB 976002.
http://alexharrington.co.uk/2010/03/15/microsoft-browser-choice-update-wsus/

Related articles on the Browser Choice
The fall out of the browser update goes on, the Makers of the Smaller browser want to get noticed. It is not to obvious that there are more choices than visible in the main Choice Window.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8551317.stm

Ther are bowsers listed that I have never heard of, but I am sure fill there own need. I prefer not to use Internet Explorer, but have no choice really in the corporate setting.

Upgrade vista to Windows 7 Dell XPS 1730 laptop

2010-03-08T12:01:00.001Z

Upgrade vista to Windows 7 Dell XPS 1730 laptop

I had the advantage of doing a clean install of Vista Ultimate. The Dell website didn’t give any windows 7 upgrade or driver advice for this model.

I reinstalled vista with original drivers and a couple of the original apps and made sure it worked ok in its original state (no anti virus).

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/
Compare differing version of Windows 7 (Microsoft website)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/versions.aspx

I then ran the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see what it would find, the only item it reported that may cause a problem was the intel pro wireless card (this had cause a problem with the vista install getting the correct driver from Dell (several different one listed).

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

From the vista screen I inserted the Windows 7 Ultimate CD and followed the install and the Upgrade existing version options (numerous reboots). Once it had finished, cant remember entering to much information apart from the CD Key.

The only item which caused a problem was the Intel Pro Wifi, I just reinstalled the vista drivers and it worked!

I was expecting a lot more pain, but was pleasantly surprised how straight forward it had gone. I have seen a few horror stories, but if you follow a logical path do the pre upgrade checks and make sure all is working prior to upgrade.

Dell Advise if there is no Windows 7 Driver, then try a Windows Vista driver
For driver support from dell for windows 7
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/document?c=us&docid=361553&l=en&s=gen#Step3

HP Pavilion Entertainment PC (Laptop) 9700 Series

2010-02-24T08:27:00.000Z

Have been trying to get to the bottom of the BSOD on a HP DV 9705ea laptop.

1. The system has been restored from recovery cd's, but will not fully finish install without a Blue Screen (BSOD).
2. Have tried to do a basic install of vista home premium which works fine in Safe mode (most of the time) until it has do some work or gets warm. (will some time boot normally, unless it gets warm then BSOD).

Have read numerous feed back on the HP 9700 series having a heat problem caused by poor design, insufficient heat sink and a small fan.

I have seen a video of a chap in the states repairing a over heated Graphics chip. The Nvidia Graphics chip is soldered on the board so can't just be reseated.

Have you had a similar problem?

HP Forum comments

FAke AV on windows

2010-02-03T07:11:00.001Z

Another PC infected with Fake AV! The machine was running windows xp fully patched and with Mcafee security suite installed.

I have taken some screen shots.I manged to boot with only essential drivers and services (msconfig) I found a process called "av.exe" once this was stopped the Fake AV stopped appearing. I then removed entries from registry (Deleting keys etc from the registry can kill your system).

Reset ie8 to defaults and deleted all temp files etc.

Ran spybot search and destroy, which found a few trojans and registry keys which had been adjusted, I just accepted the fix for all items (some probably had been changed by Mcafee).

Not to sure what Mcafee does, but there are a few obvious flaws!!

The AV.EXE had placed itself in "C:\Documents and Settings\user\Local Settings\Application Data\av.exe"

Screen Shots:-

Bleeping Computers have a good article on this problem

Key words on screen shots to bring on panic and a want to get the card out and pay for these software vendors to fix your none existant problem.
Attention danger
Detected 25 critical system objects
Alert system scans for spyware, adware,trojans.
XP Internet security
Activate your copy right now and get full real-time protection with internet security
xp internet security - unregistred version

Adding the tools to view your .tel in another webpage.

2010-01-30T12:39:00.002Z

It the finally worked for me, the issues I had initially were down to file paths and that I did not have dns.php. Follow the install readme from telnic.

I installed as follows.

1.    I copied the .tel tools to my cgi-bin folder (as per the telnic instructions)

2.    I created a folder called “Net” in my cgi-bin which I copied the net_dns files and folders.

3.    I edit my .htaccess file to add: AddOutputFilter INCLUDES .html

I use shared hosting using Apache.

The software can be downloaded from the telnic. Web site. http://www2.telnic.org/tools-website-integration.html

The basic requirements are PHP 5, DNS resolver (I used the Pear Net_DNS-1.0.1. http://pear.php.net/package/Net_DNS/download)

There are many other tools available on the telnic tools page.

The .tel domain names certainly provide a good way of indexing business information, I am still learning.

bizuk.tel
caravan.tel

A lot of .tel domains have been bought but are still not active. Check the telnic.org website

Face Book

2009-12-15T14:49:00.001Z

What is all fuss, me I can probably list all my friends on an A4 sheet, people I know would take a few more pages.
So who would you give access to your sensitive information?
Paul Ducklin of Sophos has some very useful advice and comments on Friends on his Sophos Blog "Be careful when getting into social networking. In particular:
Don't blindly accept friends. Treat a friend as the dictionary does, namely "someone whom you know, like and trust." A friend is not merely a button you click on. You don't need, and can't realistically claim to have, 932 true friends. Learn the privacy system of any social networking site you join. Use restrictive settings by default. You can open up to true friends later. Don't give away too much too soon.
Assume that everything you reveal on a social networking site will be visible on the internet for ever. Once it has been searched, and indexed, and cached, it may later turn up on-line no matter what steps you take to delete it. " (Paul Ducklin, Sophos)
http://www.sophos.com/blogs/duck/
I wonder if that is his real name! Sophos have some great Security Blogs, which have a serious message but sometimes in a humorous way.
Another Blogger from Sophos has some advice on the new Face book security settings
http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2009/12/10/facebook-privacy/

Make Live recordings on Your Laptop or PC

2009-11-24T12:05:00.000Z

How can you use your laptop to record from your Mixing desk?

I have been using audacity it free to download software, and a 2 port USB sound adaptor which has 2 x XLR balanced inputs and 2 x phono out (£25 from CPC - Farnel). (there are numerous adaptors with a range of inputs, normally only stereo).

1. Connect up the usb adaptor (mine doesn't require additional drivers, uses the standard window susb Drivers).

2. Start up Audacity

3. You may need to change the sound source with in audacity (File Preferences or edit - Options)

4. Click the record button and it should record.

There are many options and settings within the software which makes it very versatile.

Home PC security need not be Rocket Science

2009-11-17T13:59:00.002Z

Home pc security need not be rocket science; I have stumbled across “Get Safe on Line” its founding partners are UK government, Banks, Microsoft, SOCA…

It gives simple advise.

http://www.getsafeonline.org/

Imaging disks with Microsoft Vista installed with Ghost 8.0

2009-11-09T12:06:00.001Z

Vista and Ghost 8.0
I have had to image two failing disks with vista Home basic on. The process even using Ghost 8.0 was not as easy as XP!! I have imaged many disk over the years as an IT pro, this was the first time with Vista.

Connect up the new disk along side the disk to be imaged (using sata, IDE, usb caddies etc)

Boot the system using a Boot environment, Ghost or other.
I use BartPe boot disks with the Ghost 8.0 plugin, and Intel sata drivers added (see BartPe for information)

Open Ghost, and select the options box.
Set option within Ghost 8 gui –FRO, and then image all disk partitions.
(If you need more information on Ghost look on the web)
Wait a while the disk is imaged, swap old and new disks.
(Laptop PC now has the freshly imaged disk installed, old disk removed)

Boot from vista install DVD (set language) and then select repair option, if prompted to repair say no, we don’t want to repair at this stage.
You should see the Vista install you wish to sort listed, select with mouse (now highlighted)
Now select Next
Select Command Prompt from list of options.

Type bcdedit (press return)
This will show the contents of the BCD file (the new boot.ini)

Look at the device boot and osdevice

If the imaged disk is failing to boot the following can be run at the command prompt.

BCDEDIT /set {bootmgr} device boot

BCDEDIT /set {default} device boot

BCDEDIT /set {default} osdevice boot

This worked for me, there are other references to vista failing to boot on the web following disk imaging using Ghost 8.0

I also ran Bootrec from the command prompt
Bootrec /fixmbr

Bootrec /rebuildBCD
(plenty of advise on line about bootrec)

Vista should now boot, as with all advise online search around and verify that other folks have done some thing similar. Data is important back it up prior to imaging etc.

Helpful Sources on Ghost 8.0 and Vista

http://www.bobnedved.com/post/2007/11/How-to-restore-Vista-Ghost-Image-(Ghost-80-or-82).aspx

http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/windowsgeneraldevelopmentissues/thread/443251a3-46e6-4868-8f9d-5fdc5b838343/

Can't open DOCX Office 2007 files

2009-11-05T13:09:00.002Z

Have you just received a .DOCX attachment or .DOCX file on a memory stick?

When Microsoft released Office 2007 the default document format became .DOCX, these new file may have additional office formatting which is only available to office 2007.

So what can you do with your office 97 and no intention of buying Office 2007?

Microsoft has some free software which can easily be downloaded and installed. The “Office 2007 compatibility pack” this will allow you to open these new files in an older version of office (2000 upwards), some new features will not be carried over, but 99% of the time the document will look fine.

Once the Office 2007 compatibility pack has been installed (Just a few clicks) you will be able to open up the new .DOCX files with your current Microsoft Office software and then save as .DOC. If there was any special formatting this may be lost when it is saved.

If you don’t want to buy Microsoft Office of any version or have office 97, Microsoft has a range of office Reader software which will enable you to open and print Word Documents. (You can get a reader for most Microsoft Office applications) MS Word Viewer upto 2007

If you are a student or work in Education you may be able to get a good deal on a student package. Lesser known is that the majority of Registered Charities may be able to buy Microsoft software cheaply as well. (Check the Microsoft.com site)

Note:- As with all software downloads, check you are happy with the source.

Acer Aspire L320

2009-11-05T08:00:00.001Z

How to get into a Acer Aspire L320 Case

1. Remove Screw from rear of Case

2. Slide the top to the rear. (Should come off)

3. Removing the disk Caddy, remove the single screw (see screw driver)

4. Remove the front Bezel, Release black tabs(highlighted by paper), The bezel will tilt forward, mind the locating lugs at the bottom.

5. The caddy will lift , may need to slide slightly (The sata hardisk cables will need to be released prior to lifting to far) The disk unscews with 4 screws.

mp3 - upload to Blog - podcast

2009-11-02T08:59:00.004Z

Put mp3's on your blog (remember copyright)
You can upload video's and pictures to Blogger, but what if you want to upload an mp3?

To covert the mp3 file to a video,

You need
Your mp3 file
Windows Movie maker (or equivalent)
May be some pictures

How to
Open Movie maker and import the audio mp3 file.
Drag audio to "Audio time line"
You can add text caption (you can drag this along the time line so it is visible for the whole Video.
(You can now add pictures etc if you wish)
Now you need to save to "my computer", when saved movie make will play the video.

Post into Blog
Now login to your blog and upload the video (may take a while, there are size limits)

Remember copyright, and make sure that the mp3 is yours to use and make available on line.

Upgrading to Windows 7 from Vista or clean install from windows XP

2009-10-22T13:10:00.002+01:00

Check the current system prior to upgrade to check compatibility, Microsoft has a Windows 7 upgrade advisor tool to run on the system prior to upgrade.
You will be best to remove antivirus and any other application suggested by the Upgrade Advisory tool (remember to reinstall latter)

If you wish to preserve all user settings then use the Windows Easy Transfer to copy all your settings to a removable storage device. (Windows Vista) (Windows XP)

With XP you will need to do a clean install of Windows 7 (The disk will be wiped), you can then use Windows easy transfer to re load your user data and settings.

Upgrading from Vista, if all goes well then all your settings and data should be already in place.

You will now need to get on line, if your wifi card is not working try the Ethernet cable, you may have had some warnings from the advisory tool about device drivers, the initial connection to windows update may fix some of these driver issues (I couldn’t believe it the first time I installed on an aging laptop)
I have seen reports of the upgrade hanging at 62%, guess what Microsoft have a fix! (you will need to edit a system Variable) KB975253

There are many guides and loads of advice on windows 7 on the web.

Windows 7 is coming

2009-10-21T13:07:00.003+01:00

Release day 22nd Oct 2009, will Microsoft have got it right first time?

I have tried the prerelease version on an old Laptop and Home brewed PC, both worked only missing a couple of drivers, as soon as Windows 7 connected to the internet any driver issued resolved them selves by magic!

I am looking at buying, I have sent of for the MS training book MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-680): Configuring Windows 7 Book/CD Package

There are numerous versions of Windows 7 you need to make sure that you get the correct one! Nothing with Microsoft is simple.

An Aladins cave of tools in Yeovil

2009-10-21T12:58:00.000+01:00

I haven't been in the "The Tool Shop" in Yeovil since it moved a few years back to take away alley, Middle street, there were small tools, power tools and accessories for every job. I just went in to browse and ended up buying.

They were most helpful.
"The Tool Shop" 105 Middle Street, Yeovil, 412333

Scareware has finally made the news

2009-10-19T12:11:00.002+01:00

Scareware: Pop ups telling you that your computer has hundreds of virus problems , but all will be fine if you use your credit card to download their Software to clean up your PC.

Scareware will try and sell you a solution to a problem and it will sound very convincing.

Exit your web browser and run you own antivirus software, (assuming you have some, some free links).
Don't allow the software to download.
Don't pay by credit card or anyother means.

For the Techie's
If you see one of these popups showing you the drives that have been scanned, does it actually match the drive you have, probably not, what you see is a bit of flash graphics showing you the most likely drive combination. C:,D: and A:.

How to hide Email address’ in email header and avoid upsetting customers, clients etc

2009-10-16T17:06:00.001+01:00

Good email Practice Tip

How to hide Email address’ in email header and avoid upsetting customers, clients etc

1. Create the email

2. Add your email address to the TO: address box (you always need a TO address)

3. Click on the TO: to left of the address box, this will normally display TO Address Box, CC Address Box. BCC Address Box

4. We need to add the address list or individual email address to the Bcc Address Box.

5. When the email is sent the recipients will only see the address that was put in the TO Box.

TO: yourself

CC:

BCC: Mailinglist;otherpeople

Why bother?

If you place all the email address’ in the TO box all recipients will see all the address, you may not want every body to be able to see all your customers.

If one of your email recipients has a PC infected with a Virus, spyware etc this could cause spam email to sent to any email address that can be found in address books, emails and documents.

Looks more professional.

People may forward the email on to another person; you may not want them to see your email address list.

Notes:

TO: Main recipient

CC: Carbon Copy, copy some one in so they can see the email but not as the main recipient, email address visible to other recipients.

BCC: Blind Carbon Copy, copy some one in but not make there address visible to other recipients.

Church of England Confirmation Service

2009-10-16T12:07:00.003+01:00

C of E Confirmation Service

The highlights of the service for me were the straight to the point Christian Message from the Bishop and the folks who were confirming their faith. Personal testament can mean more than lots of sermons when it is from the heart.

The service included baptism for those that couldn’t remember if they were baptised as infants (Infant baptism another story).

The folks who were baptized were signed with the cross using water and then the confirmation included signing them selves with the cross using oil.

There was the unease of not knowing what to do next, I am in this church most weeks and I didn’t know what to expect.

I know all the songs were chosen so that folks would feel at home, but looking around folks were struggling with the more traditional, I just stood and focused on the words.

I am not one for loads of paper, there was none; this was one of those times I wish I had a service sheet so I could keep up with the proceedings.

It was a very good evening and it is always good to see folks growing and standing and making a declaration of Christian faith and their belief in a risen Lord.

The evening was followed in a traditional Church of England time to meet and talk with Cake and soft drinks.
All clergy and Choir were in their robes, the majority of Music was played by the Organ with the Band playing songs during Communion and as the Clergy, Choir, Wardens and Bishop processed out.

The C of E has moved on over the years, but I have a feeling the words used and sung responses may need a little adjustment (not changing the biblical importance) may be a different tune? The Sung Lords Prayer really confused everyone.

There were plenty of responses to make, If I have to make a response I like to understood what I am responding to.

St James is known for its variety of styles and service types and in some areas a bit cutting edge.

Protect you home PC or Laptop,

2009-10-13T12:42:00.007+01:00

Protection
I still find PC’s and Laptops with no Anti Virus product or not with latest updates installed and the fire wall turned off!

As a minimum you need to have an up to date Antivirus product and an active firewall. These alone are not now adequate to cope with all the online threats. The majority of issues are now malware related so the Antivirus software now needs to include Malware/ Spyware removal and detection. Allow all Microsoft Updates to install and other software product updates to install (office, Adobe, Java etc)

Once you have all the good security stuff in place you may need to change your online habits.

I am a bit skeptical about anything which is free, no such thing as free lunch. It may appear to be free, but may well cost you latter.

Free online anti Virus popups saying that your system is badly infected and that you need to buy their software, you will end up with software which will down load adverts and use the credit card details you have provided.

Software protection need not cost:
Microsoft XP, Vista and windows 7 all have an inbuilt Firewall, Microsoft now also have a free Antivirus / Malware software.

I have been using AVG free and Zone alarm Basic (free for Home use).

Some customers have been using Comodo Fire Wall and Avast antivirus (Free for Home users).
Some links via my website

Spybot Search and Destroy
Spybot Search and destroy is very usefull for finding spyware and malware and can be run when needed along side the other products, it is very good at finding and removing problems.

Virus Scans
Scan your system regularly to check for problems, most will automatically scan, let them scan.

If you think you have a Virus / malware then Don’t do online transaction which may expose personal information (Bank details).

The links are provided for information (check that you are happy where the download is coming from).

Microsoft Free Security Software

2009-10-06T12:52:00.002+01:00

Microsoft Security Essentials :- Has now been released Anti Virus and Malware, how good will it be. I am planing to give it a go on a spare pc.

I have been a fan of AVG Free and Zone Alarm Free, but may be time for a change (May be not, I always have a mistrust of Microsoft).

Three Mobile Phone Reception Yeovil

2009-09-24T09:00:00.006+01:00

I have been with Three since March this year, using the phones (3g) in Yeovil (When signal quality has allowed).

My experience has been that the Three Mobile, (3 Mobile) network coverage in the Yeovil area is poor. I have had 2 x INQ1 phones which I have been advised work as well as any other model, time will tell as I am now using a different model.

My other phones are on O2 (Tesco PAYG Mobile) and Vodafone and have never lost a signal in the Yeovil area or as I have travelled around unlike Three.

I have called Three customer services numerous times and have found the process frustrating and costly in time (need to have your mobile on the charger).

I have been looking for reviews on the Three Mobile Network, I have listed some below:-
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews12640.html

http://www.ciao.co.uk/Reviews/3_Three_mobile__5334406

Three's own map of coverage in yeovil shows that your phone may only work outside
http://www.three.co.uk/Help_Support/Coverage/Mobile_coverage?maptypeForm=mobile&placename=&postcode=ba21

Three have actually admitted that the reception on INQ1 phones is not as good as it ought to be (this cause the phone to work harder and discharge the battery). INQ are bringing out a new version of the INQ phone some time soon.

Finding windows Keys on your system

2009-09-02T23:31:00.003+01:00

I have repaired a few pc's where the XP key has been damaged on the case, Jelly Bean keyfinder returns a list of software keys.

Imaging Disk on Compaq nx 6310 LAptop

2009-09-02T23:26:00.003+01:00

Needed to upgrade the hardisk from 40gb to 160gb, used Symantec Ghost to image the old disk to the new with the -ID switch to copy all partitions bootblocks etc.
The laptop would not boot to the xp partition, it would boot to recovery partition OK.

Used Bootit NG to re jig the boot partitions, laptop now boots fine. Nifty bit of software.

The new disk now has the old partitions, and 120gb of space for a new partition.

Exchange 2007 Public Folder Permissions

2009-08-25T12:01:00.003+01:00

Found this on this website, looks good, uses the CMD Shell, check out their site

Add-PublicFolderClientPermission -Identity "\public folder name" -AccessRights Owner -User username

Multiport W200 WLAN card Compaq EVO N620

2009-08-13T09:32:00.006+01:00

Compaq Evo Laptop fitted with the W200 Wireless Network card (Under silver case on Lid).

Problem / History
When the Laptop is powered up with the wireless card enabled or Fn + F2 keys are pressed the laptop "Blue Screen of Death" BSOD. The Laptop was running win xp pro with correct drivers, it worked fine at the customers premise (no bsod). I started the laptop to carry out work and BSOD appeared.

Cause
After reinstalling the drivers etc numerous times the fault was still present, Then I found this article on the HP website, The Multiport W200 card can't handle new wireless (WIFI) Access points (AP) with new extensions and features. The bottom line is get a PCMIA wifi card if you want to move around.
When some AP's are found the laptop installs a USB driver (don't know why) this is what causes the problem. (Xp can't handle this usb device driver and BSOD's)

Outcome
Laptop back with customer and working fine on his Netgear Router (AP), who would believe it, I was a bit sceptical.

DVD / CD sound jittery or broken up

2009-06-25T13:03:00.000+01:00

DVD / CD sound jittery or broken up - Check DMA settings on IDE port used by CD, Dell have a small utillity to reset the DMA settings (I have used on a Compaq Presario R3000 link to Dell Download Area or search on Dell for PIOtoDMA.exe.

Can't remove Mcafee Security Software - Mcafee tool to remove Mcafee home security -Mcafee site

2009-06-25T13:02:00.000+01:00

Can't remove Mcafee Security Software - Mcafee tool to remove Mcafee home security -Mcafee site- Mcafee tool to remove Mcafee home security -Mcafee site

Can't remove Nortons Security Software

2009-06-25T13:01:00.000+01:00

Can't remove Nortons Security Software - Norton tool to remove all software and settings on Symatec site

xbox360 and Dazzle video creator Platinum

2009-06-25T06:53:00.004+01:00

My son has just bought the Dazzle Video creator video capture card for his laptop.
He will be using it to capture his Xbox 360 session.

UK TV use PAL as the video format, the Pinnacle studio software appears to support PAL, but not PAL 60.

After a bit of a search on Google I found the following link which solved the problem.

http://pokeh.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/how-to-get-around-the-pal-60-problem/

A good clear explanation. Installed AMcap and with the studio software capturing all appears well.