RTA Information Technology
Certified, Reliable Care for Computers and Networks

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Help Me!
Answers to your computer problems.

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Q: Spyware Removal
Q: Gigabit Routing with Wireless (WiFi)
Q: Hi-Definition (HDTV) TV Tuner Cards
Q: Best Antivirus Software
Q: Compaq Router
Q: MS Office Install Problem
Q: Neighbor using WiFi Connection
Q: Time Log
Q: MCE 2005 vs. XP Pro/Home
Q: XP File Sharing and Privacy
Q: Inexpensive XP OEM Version
Q: Search Engine Optimization - How to be found.
Q: Pop-up to fix Registry
Q: Networking without a NIC
Q: File Extensions
Q: Computer Runs Slowly
Q: 10K SCSI vs. 15K SCSI
Q: Moving OEM XP
Q: FAT32 vs. NTFS
Q: IE Inserting Stuff in Address Bar
Q: Encrypting Files
Q: XP File Permissions
Q: Hard Drive Noise
Q: Choppy Video After Re-Install of XP
Q: Photo Quality Laser Printer Paper
Q: Windows Black Screen of Death Stop Errors
Q: Motherboard Sound Not Working
Q: Web Pages Not Loading
Q: Exchange and Outlook Mailbox Size Limits
Q: Hooking Multiple PCs to DSL Modem
Q: Logging onto XP as Administrator
Q: Dell XP OEM Disks
Q: Dell OEM XP Ownership Transfer
Q: Network and Drive Data Transfer Rates
Q: Fix XP Networking
Q: Laptop Hard Drive is Failing and Won't Pass Chkdsk

Spyware Removal
Q: So, I'm usually the "go to" person when people have spyware/virus problems. My machines are usually spyware-free. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything, but I do usually know what I'm doing and I know my way around that stuff very well..

Anyway, that aside.. I've got something deep that's screwing me over. I've run Ad-Aware, Spybot, CWShredder, and Norton. (All had the newest updates). I even went through my HijackThis log and, item by item, researched whether it was bad or not.

Norton found a ton of stuff the first couple of times, as did all of the spyware programs. However, everything's coming up clean now, but I have these blasted popups everywhere (both from Firefox and IE)! I'm a Firefox user, and probably every couple of minutes, a new tab will open up or a bunch of ads with popup and cover my screen. Also, most of the time, it resizes the browser to a smaller size.

I'm completely at a loss. I'd be very appreciative of any help!

A: As I state frequently (probably too frequently!) here, consider just re-formatting and reinstalling your system. You can certainly copy critical files elsewhere (which, of course, you SHOULD already have done anyway ). But it can burn a LOT of hours trying to fix a spyware problem. And after you are all done, how can you be sure you haven't picked up a rootkit or unlisted trojan?

I'd re-install the system, be sure to enable Windows Firewall, an Antivirus program, and an anti-spyware program. And then follow safe surfing practices. As you noted, if you know the rules, it isn't that hard to stay uncontaminated. (At least so far.....).

And after you've gotten everything re-installed, consider making a one-time historical backup (using Ghost or another system-imaging tool). Next time you get contaminated, you can restore to a full, working system with all your programs intact, in an hour or two. Go Top

Gigabit Routing with Wireless (WiFi)
Q: I have 2 PCs I need to connect using a gigabit segment. One has 2 gigabit NICs (one connected to a wireless router, the other connected to the second PC using a crossover cable), the other has a gigabit NIC and a USB wireless adapter. They are already connected through the wireless network. I am not sure how I would add the gigabit segment to this network, so that the second PC can pull files off the first PC through the gigbit segment, but connect to the Internet through the wireless segment.
How should I assign IP addresses?
Any ideas?

A: How about this?

Let the Wireless Router the Default Gteway for the first Gigabit NIC on the first PC.
Let the Wireless Router automatically assign an IP address, subnet mask, DNS server, and Default Gteway to that NIC.

Let the Wireless Router the Default Gteway for the wireless NIC on the second PC.
Let the Wireless Router automatically assign an IP address, subnet mask, and DNS server, and Default Gteway to that NIC.

Assign a pair of static IP addresses and subnet masks (i.e. 10.0.100.1 and 10.0.100.2, both with subnet mask 255.255.255.0) to the two Gigabit NICs that are connected via crossover cable. Enter nothing for the DNS server and enter nothing for the Default Gteway for these two connected NICs. You can have only one Default Gteway for a PC. And you won't need DNS services for contacting the other PC located on the same subnet.

This will make the wireless router the Default Gteway for both PCs. This will be necessary when trying to contact "foreign" IP addresses (i.e. Internet addresses). So both PCs will use the wireless router when trying to find Internet addresses.
On the other hand, when trying to find addresses on your Gigabit network, the two PCs will use NetBIOS for name resolution and, since the IP addresses of the other PC is on the same subnet, should have no problem contacting the other PC via the Gigabit NIC.

Note that, upon first connection, it might take a while for the NetBIOS function to get the names of the two PCs. So you might not be able to browse the other PC for a few minutes. You should be able to immediately browse it using its IP address (i.e. \\10.0.100.1).


Q: Thanks a million! Awesome post.
It finally worked, I can now browse files over the gigabit connection.
Now the only problem is how I can make sure that Internet traffic gets sent over the wireless, and local traffic over the gigabit connection.

A:In this case, it should be automatic. The setting for the Default Gteway should ensure this.

Say, for instance, you request a connection to 40.28.44.233 (an Internet address). Since your PC doesn't know how to reach this address, it will send the request to the Default Gteway, which is the Wireless Router that is connected to the Internet.

On the other hand, a request to 10.0.100.x will be considered part of the local network and will go out on the local (Gigabit) interface. There's no way that your PC would send a request to 40.28.44.233 (an Internet address) over the 10.0.100.x interface, since there's guarantee of a router there to route the request beyond the 10.0.100.x subnet. Go Top

Hi-Definition (HDTV) TV Tuner Cards
Q:Is buying a standard tv tuner card (for mce2005) a bad investment as HDTV is coming out? All I want to do is to record shows off of standard cable. I do not use a set top box or have digital cable, I just use coaxial input.

Basically there is a deal for a avermedia m150 (standard analog tuner with hardware encoder) for $40 at snapgone.com. I am wondering if this will work for around 3 years or if it is basically becoming unusable. The whole hdtv thing confuses me.

thanks

A:There AREN'T any HDTV PCI tuner cards that will work with commercial HDTV Satellite or Cable TV. There may NEVER be. So the available HDTV tuners are, basically, only for "off-the-air" (free) television. Which hardly seems worth bothering with to me, but YMMV.

To decode encrypted (i.e. most cable and satellite) signals, an HDTV tuner card would have to be able to read a smartcard and handle the encryption used by the signal providers. Those providers (DirectTV, DISH, Cox, etc.) don't seem to be in any hurry to provide such tuner cards. Go Top

Best Antivirus Software
Q: What's the BEST antivirus? Price doesn't matter.

A:All of the majors work pretty well. I doubt you are going to get agreement about which one is "best". Each has its pros and cons. Most virus infections are the result of NO antivirus software, or running without current virus definition updates. Go Top

Compaq Router
Q:I currently am using an old Compaq CP1 router because it supports HPNA, but it limits computers using the internet to five ( it's not a matter of connections, but something built into the firmware). One of the reasons I use it is that I have two Compaq MC1s which are hard drive based music players that do CDDB lookups via an HPNA connection. I just got a DLink wireless G router with my FIOS installation. I was wondering if I can get around the five PC limit of the Compaq router by also using the Dlink router.

A:Make the new router the Gateway. Turn off DHCP on the new router.
Assign static IP addresses to all the PCs that aren't attached to CP1 (choosing IP addresses and subnet masks that are compatible with those being issued by CP1).
Attach CP1 to the new router. It will act as a DHCP server for those PCs that are attached to it (HPNA or Ethernet). Go Top

MS Office Install Problem
Q:when i try and install microsoft office 2003, in the middle of the installation it comes up with an error which says:
"Error 1402. Setup cannot open the registry key UNKNOWN\MSComctlLib.TabStrip.2\CLSID. Verify that you have sufficient permissions to access the registry or contact your Information Technology department for assistance."
after that the whole installation is cancelled. how do i fix this?

A: I've installed maybe 100 copies of Office 2003 and I've never seen this particular problem. You may have a corrupted Registry. I can't figure out what key it's looking for, and neither can Windows. "Unknown" is a bit of a problem.

If it's a corrupted Registry, you may be in for a re-install of XP. You could consider doing a full backup of all critical data and settings, and then seeing if you can roll back the Registry using System Restores far enough to "fix" the problem. You may lose a lot of installed programs and settings in the process. If that fails, then I guess you'll be reinstalling Windows and your applications and your data.

Sorry, but that's the best I can offer. Go Top

Neighbor using WiFi Connection
Q: Noticed significant decrease in bandwith yesterday at certain times. Live in so.fl and some snowbirds have returned to my apt. condo complex. Know it's not the cable company. Have secured my router now. Know there's someone near me with wireless because last winter my wireless laptop was able to access his router.I would like to find out who it is. Maybe we can split the cost of the connection.

A:Well, unless the other user is encrypting all the traffic (via SSL or IPSec), you could pick up a network monitor program and just read their transmissions. Eventually you'll probably figure out who they are, along with their Credit Card and Bank Account numbers. Go Top

Time Log
Q: Hello.

I was wondering if there are any free programs on the net that will log for me the time I turn on the computer and the time I turn it off.

I would like to somehow keep track of how many hours I'm at the office, and writing down my time doesn't seem to work (since I forget), plus we don't have a time clock that I could punch, so I'm looking for a computer program that might do it for me based upon the computer turning on and turning off.

Does anyone know of such a program?

Thank you very much!

A: In the System Event Log of XP, Event ID 6005 occurs every time you shut down Windows XP and Event ID 6006 occurs every time you start up Windows XP.

The /View/Filter menu option will let you view ONLY those events (6005 or 6006).

The 365 day request could be a problem. There's a limit to the default size of the System Event Log. The whole Event Log behavior depends upon several Local Policy settings (or Domain Policy, if you are in a Domain). MY System Event Log, for instance, only has events back to May, 2005. If you are in a Workgroup, the Event Log behavior can be easily changed to increase the size limits of the various event logs. Or you can have Windows archive the old Event Logs.

Instructions on how to export the Event Log to a .txt or .csv file:
Open Event Viewer.
In the console tree, click the log you want to archive.
On the Action menu, click Save Log File As.
In File name, enter a name for the archived log file.
In Save as type, select a file format, and then click Save.

To open Event Viewer, click Start, click Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, click Administrative Tools, and then double-click Event Viewer.
If you archive a log in log-file format, you can reopen it in Event Viewer. Logs saved as event log files (.evt) retain the binary data for each event recorded.
If you archive a log in text (.txt) or comma-delimited (.csv) format, you can reopen the log in other programs, such as word processing or spreadsheet programs. Logs saved in text or comma-delimited format do not retain the binary data.
When you archive a log file, the entire log is saved, regardless of filtering options.
The sort order is not retained when logs are saved.

Edit:
Microsoft also has an Event Log Parsing Tool that says it will run on XP Professional. It will read log files, query them for specific entries, and write the results in various file formats.

I don't know if it runs on XP Home or not. I don't know if there's a difference between the Event Logs in XP Home and XP Pro, since I don't have any installed copies of XP Home around.

Event Log Parser 2.0

For future use, you could also write a .bat file that would run every time your computer booted (as part of the "Startup" set of files. It would append a simple .txt file with the date and time the computer started up. And then write another .bat file to append that same .txt file with the date/time that the computer is shut down. This "shutdown.bat" file could use the "shutdown" command line program that Microsoft provides (instead of using the normal Windows interface). Go Top

MCE 2005 vs. XP Pro/Home
Q: Alright this should be an easy google search but I am not finding it. Based on what I see XP Media Center Edition (MCE) is more like PRO than HOME. but Dell will give you XP MCE for the same price as home for OS options. I need to buy some PC for my BIL and they require XP PRO OS but I am thinking I can save me some money in just getting XPMCE. I just emailed his vendor with the same question

A:Windows MCE 2004 was XP Pro with enhancements, according to Microsoft.
Windows MCE 2005 is XP Home with enhancements, according to Microsoft.

As you'll see in the links given above, the main functional difference between MCE 2005 and XP Pro is the inability to join a domain. There are hacks to enable the domain-joining function. Also, if you UPGRADE MCE 2004 to MCE 2005, you keep the domain-joining ability. Go Top

XP File Sharing and Privacy
Q: I have some files shared on my computer for my home network, but i realized that people can get on my comp at school. how can i password protect these files?

A: If you are running Windows XP SP2, simply go to "Windows Firewall", make sure that the Firewall is turned "On", and click the "Don't Allow Exceptions" checkbox. That will disable file sharing and any other incoming packets. When you go home, uncheck the "Don't allow Exceptions" box.

If you are running Windows XP Professional, you can completely control all file access from the Network using the NTFS Sharing and Security Permissions. You'll want to turn "Simple File Sharing" off, so that the proper permissions can be set.

If you are running Windows Me, 98, or 95, it'd be best to not hook your PC up to the school's network.

===================================================================
How to set sharing and file permissions in XP Professional:

In Windows Explorer, open the
/Tools/Folder Options.../View
At the bottom of the "View" menu is "Use Simple File Sharing (Recommended)".
UNCHECK this box.

Now go to your shared folders:
In the "Sharing" settings tab, I recommend simply setting the permissions for "Everyone" to "Full Control".
Sharing is half of what's needed to allow file sharing. To simplify life, many people (including network administrators) simply enable full sharing rights for everyone. The REAL sharing rights are then set (with a much finer degree of control) in the "Security" settings. Even if someone has full sharing rights, they STILL can't see or access a folder unless they've been give the appropriate "Security" settings.

In "Security" settings tab, make sure that the only people with rights to the folders are accounts that you want to give access to the data. To give someone access to a shared folder, they have to have an ACCOUNT on your PC, the account has to have a password, and the account has to be given permission to access the folder. Any files that you create inside the folders should inherit these sharing permissions.

In short, there's two easy ways keep schoolmates from your file shares with XP Professional:
1) Keep your simple file sharing, but tell the Windows XP SP2 firewall to NOT allow any file sharing when you are on the school's network.
2) Disable "Simple File Sharing" and set NTFS Sharing and Security permissions to only allow users with accounts on your PC to access the files. Then set the appropriate user access permissions via the "Sharing" and "Security" tabs. Go Top

Inexpensive XP OEM Version
Q: I build my own computers and am currently running Windows 2000 and am curious what the cheapest way to get Windows xp would be. I would like to hear your suggestions.

A: Unless you are a LARGE OEM (read "Dell"), there IS no "cheap", legal, way to get XP. If you only need a couple of copies, you'd best watch out for sales at places like Staples or Newegg.com. I've seen Retail XP Home for around $60, minimum, from an office-supply store. The cheapest I've seen legitimate forms of XP Pro is, maybe, $135.

You can't do an in-place Upgrade of Windows 2000 Professional to Windows XP Home. You can upgrade it to XP Pro. Go Top

Search Engine Optimization - How to be found.
Q: Hello

I recently registered my domain at yahoo 2.99/yr deal and also set webpage with 1and1 offer.

Unfortunately, I can not see it when I search for the site using google/yahoo

Do I have to register for it or load some information on there database so it could include my site when searched for particular topic that's on my site.

A:There are many web sites that discuss getting your web site listed in search engines. I just re-did my company site and I submitted the URL to Google. Within two days, Google had re-indexed my site.

Almost any site will get indexed eventually. It can take over a month to get indexed for the first time by one of the major search engines. Getting high rankings in searches depends on many factors which are best read in a web tutorial.

Personally, I wouldn't give any money to companies offering to get you listed quickly. You are welcome to pay a premium to Google or Microsoft or others if you want an immediate listing. But that still won't give you a high ranking. That depends on web site design, content, and links to your site. Go Top

Pop-up to fix Registry
Q: Need help! A box comes up once a minute or so and says to fix the registry. How do I stop it? It leads to a site fixms.org

A: There isn't even a site named fixms.org or www.fixms.org. You are being invited to install Spyware or a Trojan. I'm sure that the site you are being sent to will "fix" you, but in a very unwelcome way! Go Top

Networking without a NIC
Q: Hi

I apologize if this has been asked before.

I was wondering if it is possible to hook up a computer to a hub without having a NIC Card installed? I am wired not wireless.
I have a hub with 2 computers hooked to it. Just wanting to update someone's computer that doesn't have DSL and doesn't have a NIC Card installed. Is there another option instead of going and buying a NIC card.

Thank You
Jodie

A: They really aren't going to survive long in this world without a NIC, though. It's become pretty much a necessity.

If there's no built-in NIC, it probably only has USB 1.0 ports. Almost all motherboards made in the past few years (since the introduction of USB 2) have Ethernet ports.

If you use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter with USB 1.0 ports, that'll REALLY slow down file transfers. The best you'll do is 10mbps transfers.

If you are going to open it up anyway, consider tossing in a $10 USB 2.0 card, too. Then they can use an inexpensive USB 2.0 hard drive to make backups, which they OUGHT to do. That Dell hard drive will fail eventually, and then you'll get the job of trying to recover their data. Go Top

File Extensions
Q: How do I stop programs like Nero or Tugzip from putting their icons on every program they come in contact with and how do I change them back now?

A: There's not much you can do about it. Nero seems to have a LOT Of file extensions that conflict with others.

Icon/file associations in Explorer are based solely on the filename extension. Those are set in the file association menus in Explorer/Tools/Folder Options.../File Types. You only get to choose one icon for each file extension. Go Top

Computer Runs Slowly
Q: My boss's laptop is running extremely slow if it is on the internet. He has been complaining it for a while.
So for I have run symantec, spybot, ad-aware, nothing seems working. I am gussing there are certain processes running when this laptop gets online. I don't know how this becomes a slave, and how to pinpoint the problem, and get rid of these bad processes.

Anyone has ever been through this?

A: The simplest and safest route is to copy all important data to another computer or external hard drive and use the system restoration CD that (hopefully) came with the laptop to restore it to "as-new" condition. Microsoft also has a built-in program (in XP) called File and Settings Transfer (FAST), that will make a copy of important files and settings.

The total time to restore a laptop to "as-new" condition is probably an hour. Then it'll need to be patched and any applications that have been added will have to be-re-installed. Also, it may take a while to make copies of important data. It depends on how much data there is.

The good thing about doing it this way (versus trying to remove any viruses, worms, spyware, trojans, or rootkits) is that it's GUARANTEED to work and doesn't require an expert and hours of scans.

ALSO, have your boss go to Microsoft's Security Site and learn how to use the Internet safely next time. There's absolutely no reason to get contaminated if you know the rules and pay attention. You should also have a pop-up blocker installed (Windows XP SP2 comes with a good one built in), an antivirus program (there are tons of low-cost or free ones around), and an antispyware program (Microsoft's Antispyware works well, but only runs on XP). Go Top

10K SCSI vs. 15K SCSI
Q: I am buying a bigger SCSI HDD.
A 147GB, and 15,000 RPM HDD costs more than a 300GB, and 10,000 RPM HDD.
Is there a big difference among them? Or 10,000 RPM one is good enough to do the work?
Thanks!!!

A: You didn't say WHAT kind of server you are running.

If it's a typical office server, running a mail server and storing user files, you certainly DON'T need a 15K rpm drive for ten users. I have lot of clients who have 20-50 clients using 10K rpm SCSI drives and they work just fine.

If you have ten people doing software development or constantly updating large SQL databases or running lots of streaming video, then it's possible you could tell the difference between a 10K and a 15K drive. But it's doubtful. If you don't have 1 Gigabit networking, it's even less likely. Go Top

Moving OEM XP
Q: I've seen a lot of discussion regarding installing Dell OEM Windows XP on Dell and non Dell computers. In my experience, it is possible to re-install XP on any Dell without needing to activate. It even validates with the Genuine Advantage stuff. It doesn't look like the BIOS activation is tied to a particular Dell.

Does anyone know if the same is true with Office when purchased with a Dell? I need to know if anyone has re-installed the Dell OEM Microsoft Office on thier Dell without needing a product key or re-activation.

A: OEM versions of MS Office are only to be installed on the original PCs that they came with. Only RETAIL versions of Office, Volume licensed versions, or versions for which Software Assurance has been purchased, can be installed on a second computer for non-simultaneous use by the same user.

Microsoft.com/piracy Do's and Don'ts
"OEM software licenses cannot be transferred from one computer system to another, even if the computer system on which it was originally installed is no longer in use."
This DEFINTELY rules out installing a second copy on another PC.

The following article discusses Office XP, but the OEM policy hasn't changed.
Microsoft Knowledge Base - Cannot activate OEM edition more than once in Office XP.

Microsoft software installs a EULA.TXT file on every PC when software is installed, spelling out what Microsoft considers the terms of the license. Go Top

FAT32 vs. NTFS
Q: I have a new computer that is Fat 32. It gives me the option to convert to NTFS file system. I have an external hard drive that has been converted to FAT 32 to use in an older system but want to use it on this new one now. Should I convert both to the NTFS file system? What is the advantage? Will Fat32 files work with NTFS? Thanks

A: NTFS is considered to be more reliable than FAT32. Also, it allows MUCH larger files, which is a consideration for many. FAT32 is limited to a 4GB file size. I have NEVER seen a messed up directory or directory entry with NTFS, unlike FAT32, where it was quite common. NTFS also allows security settings for files, which are not present in FAT32.

FAT32-formatted drives will work fine with XP/2000/2003. Many people will keep an external drive FAT32 if they think they might be using it with an older system (like Windows 98). Go Top

IE Inserting Stuff in Address Bar
Q: I have an issue with IE. Whenever I enter an invalid web site addy such as www.crowne.com IE changes it to www.www.crowne.com.org which ends up being a webs site with just a bunch of ads. I am pretty sure this is a "feature" of IE to automatically add the www and com in the event a url is invalid.

Anyone know where in settings i can change this, so it will search google, or I get page not found?

thanks.

A: You've infected yourself with spyware, at the least..... Go Top

Encrypting Files
Q: I've started keeping all my passwords on my computer in a file (right now its excel). I have added a password to the excel file, but a quick google search revealed that that security is a joke. I then encrypted the folder that the file resides in. How to you keep your files secure? I have virus / anti spyware stuff running, but I would like to take extra caution with this file...

A: If you are using XP Professional, you can encrypt a file with EFS. It's free (with XP Pro) and reliable: I guarantee that nobody will be decrypting that file any time in the near future. But neither will YOU unless you take precautions to back up the security certificate associated with EFS.

If you decide to use EFS for encryption, make SURE you read about how it works and how to restore the file in case your computer crashes or you have to reset your password. If your PC goes down, you aren't going to just be able to load that file onto another PC and read it..... Go Top

XP File Permissions
Q: I have a weird issue. I cut and paste a folder from one folder to another folder on the same hard drive and now the folder says empty and when I double click it, it says access denied. I can't rename or delte the folder.

Any ideas?

A: Something similar could occur with a file permission issues with NTFS, although that normally wouldn't happen with a "move" on the same partition.
Certain folders have different default permissions than other folders in XP and 2000.
If this is the problem, you will probably have to "take ownership" of the files/folders. Go Top

Hard Drive Noise
Q: Hello,

I have a Dell Dimension 4700 and have begun having a problem over the last 24 hours with my hard drive. While moving from place to place while on the internet, my hard drive gives out a "chirp".

I have plenty of ram (1gb) and over 45% of the 80GB hard drive left.

Has anybody ever experienced a problem like that?

Thanks for any help you could give me.

A: If you haven't already done so, I'd advise running to the store, getting an external USB hard drive, and doing a full backup of your system to that drive. At least copy any files that are of any importance to you. Of course, this should be done EVEN IF YOU DON'T hear chirping noises from your hard drive.

Drives that start making noises that they never made before are NEVER a good sign.

AFTER making backups, you can check out your System Log files and see if there are any drive error messages. The drive manufacturer will also have drive diagnostics programs that you can run to see if anything is amiss. Go Top

Choppy Video After Re-Install of XP
Q: I finally got so fed up with the spyware, viruses and other garbage on my comp so I reformatted my hard drive. I reinstalled Windows XP and the computer is running so much better. I'm just running into one problem:

When browsing the internet, if I attempt to scroll down on a web page, its very very choppy. By choppy, I mean that it appears to be "waving". It takes significantly longer to try and find the point of the webpage I would like.

Can anyone help me with this?? I tried looking for a solution on the internet to no avail.

Thanks, your help is appreciated!!!

A: You may need to install drivers for the video card or built-in video on the motherboard. The Windows XP install CD doesn't have drivers for every possible video card or other device in a PC. It'll use the closest it can find, but in the case of video cards, that could be a generic VGA driver that is VERY slow and very limited in function.

Generally, after installing XP you should download and install the latest drivers for the following devices:

1) System drivers (for the system chipset on the motherboard). You can get these either from the motherboard maker's site, or from the chipset manufacturer's site.
2) Video drivers for your video card or chipset. Again, get these from either the motherboard maker, the chipset maker, or the video card maker.
3) Audio drivers. Same thing...
4) Any other specialty card or chips that are on your system (Firewire, RAID, etc....)

Q: Thank you all for your help. I finally downloaded the new driver from Compaq's website. The comp is running great now.

Thank you!

A: Glad you got it working properly! Go Top

Photo Quality Laser Printer Paper
Q: Dell 3100cn for $265 (Problems?)
There's been many deals for this printer, and many complained of not able to print on photo paper. Has anyone has sucessfully printed on photo paper, and if so, whuch settings. I'm sure that this thread will help out many.

A: What kind of photo paper? Hopefully not INKJET photo paper. The emulsion melts at laser printer temperatures and can damage things

Q: Thank you for your post. I was using INKJET photopaper (w/o realizing it). When it came out the picture had burns on it, and you can clearly tell where all the rollers are, and the picture melted. Go Top

Windows Black Screen of Death Stop Errors
Q: Alright, lately, my machine gives me bsod and shows messages like Stop 0xA. So I decided that I need to first test my memory. I download Memtest86 (memtest.org); and run it for an entire night with both me 512mb Geil PC3200 chip on. I see an error after about 8 passes.

Next night, I remove one chip, and keep one; run memtest for the entire night - no error, nada!

3rd night, I remove the first chip and put in the 2nd chip; run memtest for the entire night - no error, nada!

How do i figure out which memory chip was bad? I have a lifetime warranty on the Geil RAM, so I may be able to get them replaced if I can prove they are faulty.

Any ideas?

A: In the past, Geil was a known seller of memory modules with under-specification chips. Geil was selling PC3200 modules with "lifetime warranty" that contained PC2700-rated chips.

It isn't uncommon to have marginal memory modules that pass tests when tested alone, but fail when tested in pairs. Especially if "Dual Channel" mode is in use. I've seen this type of failure myself. It makes it nearly impossible to know which module is "bad".  Go Top

Motherboard Sound Not Working
Q: I just did an install of windows XP on a nec gt100 (AMD-K6) machine I had mentioned in an earlier post, now there is no sound, even though nothing is telling me that anything is wrong. What do I need to do to fix this. I'm running the home version on this computer.


A: The first thing to do when installing XP on a new (or old) motherboard is to go to the motherboard (or PC) manufacturer's web site and download any applicable system drivers (chipset, video, sound, etc.). Since this is an older motherboard, it's possible there aren't any XP drivers. You can either try Windows 2000 drivers or check the web sites of the individual chip makers (like Realtek, perhaps, for an AC97 sound chip).

XP has a lot of drivers built in, but doesn't have drivers for EVERY device that you might come up with.  Go Top

Web Pages Not Loading
Q: Some webpages aren't being loaded (or just really slowly) on IE recently. The only thing i changed since then was windows updates. this is only if i use a wired connection. using a wireless LAN, there's no problem. anyone with this problem or know a quick fix? thanks!

A: I recently dealt with a similar situation with Fedex.com. Some of their images come from another webserver. You probably have a DNS problem - i.e. you aren't getting DNS services from your ISP, for whatever reason. Since wireless IS working, it's probably a problem with how you are getting the TCP configuration for your wired connection.

As I mentioned, you may have a networking setup problem.
To find out, I suggest:

1) Connect through the (working) wireless connection.
Disconnect the wired connection.
Open a Command Prompt window, and type:
"ipconfig /flushdns" [enter]
"ipconfig /release" [enter]
"ipconfig /renew" [enter]
"Ping Yahoo.com" [enter] <===record response
"Ping 216.109.112.135" [enter] <====record response
"ipconfig /all" [enter] <====record response (DNS Servers, the IP Address, the Subnet Mask, and the Default Gateway)

2) Then do the same thing after disconnecting the wireless connection and establishing the wired connection.
Then have a networking-knowledgeable friend examine the results. Or do some reading about TCP and DNS. Go Top

Exchange and Outlook Mailbox Size Limits
Q Anyone know at what point the mailbox size, even with externally saved personal folders, is for Exchange/Outlook?

We have a user with over 15 gigs of mail (both on the exchange server and a personal folder saved on a second server), and needless to say there are performance issues. Is there a finite limit, or is it simply based on system resources?

A: You didn't say what version of Exchange and Outlook you are running. There are some differences.

For Exchange 2003/Outlook 2003:

Local Outlook PST files are limited to 2GB each. I believe there is a 20GB limit for local OST files (local Exchange cached mailboxes).

The total sizes of your (server-based) mail stores in Exchange (for the ENTIRE STORE) will depend on your version of Exchange. Exchange Standard Edition is limited to 16GB TOTAL. That means the sum of ALL mailboxes can't exceed 16GB. If the limit is exceeded, Exchange will dismount the mail store. Exterprise version stores are pretty-much unlimited. Exchange SP2 (just released last week) increases the mail store of Standard Edition to 75GB. Go Top

Hooking Multiple PCs to DSL Modem
Q: Hi, I've been looking over the network configuration pages at PortForward.com for help on this. For some reason, I can't get things to work & need help. Searched many posts but all I see if for wireLESS networks.

I have two computers, a switch (D-Link DSS-5+), and a cable modem (Scientific Atlanta DPC-2100). Let's call computer#1, PC1. And computer#2 is PC2.
The modem ties into port 1 on the back of the switch.
PC1 ties into port 2 of the switch.
PC2 ties into port 3 of the switch.

I've been able to access the Internet from one OR the other computer successfully. The computer that turns on first is getting the Internet access, the second one does not.

The first time around, PC#1 was able to get online but PC#2 was not.

After looking through PortForward.com, I came across the notes on IP addresses, DNS servers (primary and secondary), as well as how an external IP address (the cable modem) works vs. the internal address of the computer. Now, when you have TWO computers you need to have a separate IP address for each one. Any networking person knows this. Apparently the tech staff at Shlockhouse (TimeWarner) do not!

Using ipconfig/all from the command prompt, I see that TW assigned the modem an (external) IP address of 72.**.**.1

Now from reading PortForward.com, and my own experience with networking, I realized that I had to find my Cable provider's DNS addresses (two of them). After requesting a supervisor, they finally gave them to me. So I had those. By going to DNS Stuff I was able to confirm the DNS addresses of TimeWarner.

So, I did the next logical thing. This is for PC#1:

I went into my Networking settings, for the LAN, and then the TCP/IP settings. I switched to assign my IP address. I chose 72.**.**.60 as the (internal) IP address, the netmask of 255.255.255.0. Finally input the Gateway of 72.**.**.1. Of course the Subnet mask & Gateway are going to be the same on both computers. A different IP address, with the first three parts (the 72.**.** in this case) being the same, and the final part being different for each computer, has to be assigned.

On PC#2 I repeated the above. Chose an (internal) IP address of 72.**.**.61

After checking the DNS range, I see that I fell outside their inclusive range. So I know I am working with a good IP address. I locked in the settings, Windows did not ask me to reboot, and I tried to access the Internet on PC#2. It did not work. PC#1 was accessing things OK.

After doing all of that, I turned off both PCs, switched the cables around (just to make sure one cable wasn't bad), unplugged both the switch & modem, and then waiting 2 minutes...I plugged it all back in.

I rebooted. The first PC to boot was PC#2. PC#1 was online just minutes ago, it just so happens that PC#1 booted quicker. PC#2 was about 10 seconds slower. So guess what happened this time?

PC#2 was able to access the Internet but PC#1 was not.

I turned off both computers and let PC#1 boot first this third time. I let PC#2 boot second. This time around, PC#1 was able to access the Internet but PC#2 was not.

I tried things a fourth time, again lettings PC#1 boot first. PC#2 was unable to access the Internet.

A friggin fifth time around, let PC#2 boot first. PC#1 was unable to access the Internet.

What am I doing wrong? I want to learn how to set this up, without the help of a router. I know it's possible, because I have seen at work someone did the same thing using a cable modem. It was also TimeWarner, and yes this particular cable modem has the routing capabilities built in. Don't know how to access the router configuration page, though.

This webpage is very helpful in understanding the concept of external IP addresses (your modem + router or modem/router combined) versus internal IP addresses (your computers, inside of the NAT/Firewall of your modem/router).

Any help with this?

A: The Scientific Atlanta DPC-2100 does not contain a router. There's no mention of routing in the User's Manual. Nor is there any mention of setting up DHCP, NAT, Firewall, or any other functions that would be expected of a router.

You have three choices if you want more than one computer on your Internet connection:
1) Install a real router. (Which is BY FAR the cheapest and safest way).
2) Rent more IP addresses from your ISP, if they will provide as many as you need.
3) Use ICS in Windows XP or 98 to share your Internet connection. This is another form of routing, but it's not terribly reliable or easy to troubleshoot, and requires the routing PC to be turned on whenever you need an Internet connnection.

Scientific Atlanta DOES make a modem with built-in router, the DPR2320 Cable Modem Gateway. THAT one features an "Integrated router featuring NAT, a DHCP server, and parental control technology". There's no mention of any routing features on the DPC2100 on this same feature sheet. And the word "Router" does not exist in the User's Guide. Go Top

Logging onto XP as Administrator
Q: i created a new account on my window xp professional....and now when i turn on my comp it doesnt show the admin account which i used before and it only show the new account and a guest acccount and when im in my new accoutn i cant acess the admin folders. the only way i've been able to acess the admin account is to go into safe mode.

A: /Start/Settings/Control Panel/Change-the-way-users-log-on-or-off
UN-CHECK "Use-the-Welcome-Screen"

Now, when you boot, you'll get User/Password boxes to fill in that will accept the Administrator account name.  Go Top

Dell XP OEM Disks
Q: I see a lot of web sites selling these CD's along with the SOA sticker from the side of the case. My question is, aren't these pre-activated when you buy them from Dell? Can I buy a Dell computer with windows XP, install linux on it, and install that windows XP on another computer that I have?

The real reason I ask is that i'm on a non-piracy binge. Are these old cd's that I've never used any good to me? How are they useful to sellers if they are already activated?

Thanks

A: Here's the current situation with Dell XP CDs:

Dell versions of XP are BIOS-locked OEM. They install on a Dell computer without requiring activation.

If you try to install them on a non-Dell computer, they will either:
1) Refuse to install (I haven't tried this, so I don't know for sure)
or, more likely
2) Ask for a valid PID (serial number).

If you successfully install Dell OEM XP on a non-Dell PC using a Dell OEM serial number, when you attempt to perform activation you will find that Internet Activation doesn't work. You will be required to call Microsoft and explain why you are using a Dell OEM serial number on a non-Dell PC, since it is in violation of Microsoft's licensing terms.

If you successfully install Dell OEM XP on a non-Dell PC using a non-Dell OEM serial number, you will be subject to Microsoft's OEM licensing terms which state that an OEM version of XP can only be installed on the original PC that it was sold with.

If you successfully install Dell OEM XP on a Dell PC, it will work without activation.

Microsoft initiated the new policy of not allowing Internet activation of BIOS-locked OEM software because there was wide-scale theft of the serial numbers from Dell (and other BIOS-locked) OEM computers. Vendors were counterfeiting Dell CDs and COA stickers and selling them illegally. Nobody cared because the serial numbers on the COAs DID activate, since they'd never actually been used for an activation. Factory Dell computers with XP NEVER have to be activated, so the serial numbers were virgin as far as Microsoft's activation database was concerned.

Under the new no-Internet-Activation rule, a Dell XP COA isn't useful for a non-Dell computer. And a Dell computer doesn't need a COA or serial number for an XP install to work. Go Top

Dell OEM XP Ownership Transfer
Q: My buddy's computer broke and he bought a new Dell which came with XP home. He purchased the full version for his older computer that had Windows 98. He obviously had to register it. He said if I sell it for him, he would give me half.

My question is:
1. Can I sell it even if it was regiestered? What preparations would I have to do to sell it (unregister?)

Thanks

A: You can sell (transfer the license) of a Retail (non-OEM) version of Windows XP. In the case of a Retail license, you cannot retain any copy of the Software. In theory, you can even transfer an OEM license, as long as it sells with the computer that it's installed on. In the case of an OEM license, what the purchaser does with the hardware and license you sold him is his problem, not yours.

Microsoft XP Home Edition (Retail) EULA
13. SOFTWARE TRANSFER. Internal. You may move the Software to a different Workstation Computer. After the transfer, you must completely remove the Software from the former Workstation Computer. Transfer to Third Party. The initial user of the Software may make a one-time permanent transfer of this EULA and Software to another end user, provided the initial user retains no copies of the Software. This transfer must include all of the Software (including all component parts, the media and printed materials, any upgrades, this EULA, and, if applicable, the Certificate of Authenticity). The transfer may not be an indirect transfer, such as a consignment. Prior to the transfer, the end user receiving the Software must agree to all the EULA terms.

Interesting....I never noticed the "one-time permanent transfer" part. Go Top

Network and Drive Data Transfer Rates
Q: Seagate "GAVE" me a 200GB external hard drive
PN9W2874-500
I know the box says USB or firewire port; but will it
be more efficient with this firewire card?

IF so, which card do you suggest (NOT looking for top of
the line) just a good sound card.....

Thank you for any help!

A:
HomePNA 1.0------1Mbps
Ethernet------------10Mbps
HomePNA 2.0----10Mbps
802.11b-------------11Mbps
USB 1.0-------------12Mbps
Token Ring---------16Mbps
802.11a-------------22Mbps
802.11g-------------54Mbps
Fast Ethernet-----100Mbps
802.11g Turbo-----108Mbps
Firewire 1-----------400Mbps
USB 2.0-------------480Mbps
Firewire 2-----------800Mbps
Gigabit Ethernet--1000Mbps

ATA 7200RPM Hard Drive (typical): 400Mbps (varies widely depending upon read/write/burst/sustained/etc.)
SCSI 10,000RPM Hard Drive (typical): 480Mbps (again, varies depending on what you are doing with it)

Yes, I know that I missed a couple of standards. There's a couple of versions of Token Ring, as well as some non-standard wireless. All of these rates are "maximum theoretical" values and actual results may be less.
For all: Your transmission rate may vary. Go Top

Fix XP Networking
Q: I pulled my son's ethernet cable out of the linksys 4 port router as part of punishment for a week.
Now I cannot seem to get him back online (runnning xp home sp1)
What it seems to do is grab the IP address from the cable modem rather than what the router assigns..
We have done allthe power cycling resetting,rebooting,unplugging re-plugging the ehternet,pretty much done it all.
THe other three computers running off the router all get properly NAT assigned addressing and work fine.
This one is giving me fits.
Tried everything-reset tcp/ip et all.aarrgghh.
any tips as to why just having it unplugged and then trying to re-connect would cause all these issues?
worked fine before smarty pants lost his net connection for a week.
Now it grabs my public IP addie that RR gives me intead of the usual 192.168.xxx yada yada-tried the repair et all. won't budge.even removed the network card and rebooted and let it "be found" again.
NADA!

HELP!Can't figure out the reason.

Thanks, Kathy

A: Assuming you are using XP (although these comments should apply to Windows 98, also):

A networking device (ethernet card) with bound TCP/IP protocol only has four choices of IP address when it comes up:

In order of priority:
1) Manually-assigned IP (Manually set in the TCP/IP settings dialogs)
2) DHCP-assigned IP (Automatically assigned to it by a DHCP server)
3) Alternate IP Address (If a DHCP-assigned address is requested, but DHCP server was found. Set in the Alternate Configuration tab of the TCP/IP Properties dialog box)
4) APIPA address: 169.xxx.xxx.xxx to 172.xxx.xxx.xxx (If no other IP address is available)
----Note: If an APIPA address is assigned, you aren't going to be connecting to ANYBODY except for other computers with similar APIPA addresses in your own network.

That's how the addresses are assigned. The IP is coming from one of those four sources.

It shouldn't be possible for the NIC to get a RoadRunner IP address if it's only connected to the Internet via a router with NAT implemented. If you are connected to the router's outputs, the router is going to offer a DHCP address to any PC that asks for one (which is going to be a 192.xxx.xxx.xxx). Did you double-check that your cabling is correct? Go Top

Laptop Hard Drive is Failing and Won't Pass Chkdsk
Q: My laptop's hard drive won't boot. It keeps trying to run a chkdsk, but never completes it. I have important data on my laptop, so I can't just re-format the drive and start over. Help!

A: Realize that any attempts to repair the drive risk losing more data.

If you have another PC:
1) remove the laptop hard drive and:
a) Insert it into a 2.5-inch USB external housing
or
b) Pick up a 2.5-inch-to-3.5-inch IDE adapter and temporarily attach the laptop's drive to your other PC.
2) Boot the other PC and copy your important data to a working hard drive.
3) Re-install the laptop drive into the laptop and re-install your OS. Verify that the drive is functional.
4) Make backups of critical data on an ongoing basis to your other PC, so you don't risk losing all your data again.
----------------------------------------------------------
If the laptop is your only PC:
1) Buy a new 2.5-inch hard drive. A 40GB drive is about $65.
2) Remove the current drive and install the new drive.
3) Install your OS on the new hard drive.
4) Buy a USB housing for the old drive. Insert the old drive into the housing and attach it to your laptop and copy your important data.
5) Re-format the old drive, verify that it's functional, and use it as a backup drive so that you don't risk losing all your data again. Go Top