Posts by dasd

My XP machine was freezing after bootup and I could not access utilities to detemine the error. Could not access Sys restore, so my only option was to initiate a an XP repair using my Win XP SP3 disk. I messed up the first time as I missed entering the repair option, so when I noticed the disk was creating a separate install I immediately cancelled it. However, upon reboot I now had two XP installs on the same partition - the original and the incomplete one I had attempted to cancel.

At this point I could not edit the boot.ini file to correct that error, so I started the repair on the correct Win XP install and this completed without any errors. Or so I thought until I logged in and found a generic desktop with ALL icons gone AND Start/ All Programs was empty. My documents was also empty, so I navigated to the C drive and found the folders containing my files and programs and it appears everything is there...

So how do I get my start menu/ All Programs back AND restore the desktop icons for each user on this machine? I've heard about 'unhide.exe' to restore icons/ desktop shortcuts and even if that is a proven solution it does nothing to restore the 'All programs' issue. I also found a hotfix - #941248 (http://hotfixv4.microsoft.com/Windows%20XP/sp3/Fix204655/2600/free/322217_ENU_i386_zip.exe) - in the Microsoft knowledge base but it was desgned to restore the start menu after a malware attack. …

Hmmm...

Haven't played with ReactOS, so I'm in the same boat as Tcli. In the meantime, I'll be happy to stay with XP/ Linux!

Btw, I just talked with an MS buddy and he asked if I had upgraded to Win 7, I told him only on a test machine. He advised me to do a total wipe and go back to XP. Why? Because MS plans to implement updates designed to turn Win 7 into what he called 'Win 8 lite' and force the users into a situation where they would have to upgrade to Win 8.

Yes, I know this sounds all conspiratorial but then it would not be the first time MS and others have tried different schemes to control the market. Time will tell on that one.

As for Apple, it's okay. I just like the freedom to do what I want instead of being limited to what they think I should have.

Btw, did anyone ever see that one post about the sites/ apps that would keep XP healthy after support ends? I would like to know the locations/ names of those sites so we could have resources that would ensure XP remains viable until MS provides a better platform.

Hey, I can dream. Can't I? lol

I'm sticking with XP simply because I highly resent what MS has done with Win 8 and to be honest Win 7 doesn't offer that much to make me upgrade. I did notice more than a few posts where the writer stated there were sites offering apps that could keep XP secure and running after XP drops support. I would appreciate the names of those sites for future reference.

And by the way, my systems are firewalled and protected with NO malware or other issues whatsoever. So I guess I'm one of those 'heels dug in types' who don't have the need to get the so-called latest and greatest from MS. To be honest, the majority of my colleagues all have XP/ Linux machines because they can play with it and bypass the purchase of new hardware/ apps just to be compatible with Win 8. Not a cheap prospect, especially in this economy...

In my humble opinion, Win 8 is not worth the hassle and is fubared in many respects. You would think Redmond would learn a lesson after the Epic fails of Win Me and Vista. And from what my MS friends are saying, I'm better off waiting for MS to come to their senses in the next version (hopefully Win 9??).

I am on travel and was advised my Win Vista machine had supposedly been infected with the 'interpol' virus approximately one month ago. A family member noticed some odd behavior and took the PC to an 'in-store' tech center for a diagnostic. This center stated the machine was infected and made some general comments about resetting default setting but did not specify any changes they may or may not have applied.

Btw, this same place was all too eager to have this machine sent off to their repair facility for a hefty fee so they could further assess the situation. My relative declined and brought the machine back home but now he cannot access the most important item on that machine, which is an multi-year archive of family photos. I did not perform a backup (I know, I know...) as I was away on travel a great deal and this PC was basically used for image storage.

I am trying to investigate this virus and determine whether it truly is the cause for the loss of access to the images. I'm also curious as to how this virus penetrated Norton Security and was also not detected by my new install of McAfee?

BOTTOM LINE: The most important thing for me is to recover those images, so I'd like to know 1) If anyone reading this is familiar with the interpol virus? 2) Whether this virus would seem a likely suspect for this situation? and 3) Is there forensic tool/ data …

I'm interested in the HTC One. It is reported to have a 'hard to damage' polycarbonate case and seems to have great user reviews. My issue is with AT&T selling this phone for $549.00 without contract (* $199.00 with a 2 Year - which I do not want!*) when it appears to be the same as the HTC Google Nexus One phone which is selling online for much less.

After a little research I found the HTC One and the Google Nexus both came out at the same time in 2010. Google was selling this phone direct to customers for $249.00 but then closed the online stores in favor of marketing through vendors. Or in other words, it appears they got greedy and decided to rebrand and hike the price by almost 50%/

So now I see all the advertisements for this phone (that is basically two years old but is being touted as the newest thing on the market..) and I'd like to know is there any difference between the HTC One/ Google Nexus One that was created in 2010 and the phone being advertised today?? The form factor/ size is unchanged and at first look my guess would be the only difference might be in the OS version/ Chipset and camera.

Even if my assumption is correct, that still would not justify such a blatant rip-off in my opnion.

If you have the details, then hit me up.

Thanks again everyone! Sorry I have been absent due to illness and an unscheduled trip - fun, fun, fun. I will be checking the options this week and let you know what I find. I did look at Amazon but found most there were bulkier than what I wanted, so the search continues...

So many choices - (heavy sigh) lol

Thanks everyone - it's good to see such an positive response! (went to another site - rude, insulting people with nothing good to offer) I should have come to DaniWeb first!

I am checking into the information you provided. In regard to Dell; I'm a curious about their failure rate since tarael1 mentioned using the warranty multiple times. It's great Dell will stand behind their product and yet, since most warranties only last a year, your statement raises some questions.

The last thing I want is the potential for malfunction right out of the gate. I know what it's like to have a machine fail on a business trip and wait for repair. Thankfully, I had to wait only one day for Dell to send the replacement part BUT I was a corporate customer. The repair time would have been longer otherwise. That was 7 years ago, so I do not know if the customer support is better or worse today??.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

...and 'Wldlake' - thanks for the ASUS info. I'm checking that too!

Hi!

It's time to get another laptop but with all the changes and options available, I'm a little overwhelmed. I travel a good deal, so I need a unit that is built solid but does not resemble a brick or is overly heavy. I was considering an iPad but I do not think it would offer everything I would need and is too expensive for what it delivers. So Ideally, I need one that is great for business travel and entertainment purposes with great battery life, durable construction, great graphics/ audio and awesome processing speed. I currently have an Fujitsu lifebook that has a great display but it can get pretty heavy on long trips and the battery life is lousy.

I think I'd like to stick with a mid size 15.6 with an i5 processor and at least 6GB of RAM. I'm not stuck on brand and am more concerned with long battery life (6-7 hours on a single charge would be good...) and the construction being good!! Especially after my last trip when the TSA dropped and damaged the laptop (cosmetic only) which now has me considering models that have gorilla glass and aluminum cases...

I want to get the best bang for my buck, so please hit me up with your input.

Thanks!

I'd need good feedback, but not sure where to go beyond the obvious. Can you help?

Hey guys!

I deserve a 'D'oh as well. I found the option you specified!

Thanks for the help - you rock!

Thanks for the response folks! The funny thing is I tried getting info off the android forums but there was no response. So when I saw the forum here at Dani-web I thought it couldn't hurt to try. I work in IT and know there are experts in multiple IT apps or platforms but that is of no use to me when I have an android issue.:icon_wink:

Rubberman, I am a complete newbie to Android so can you tell me where that option is located?? After connecting my phone I searched for it under settings but cannot find it within Data manager or other options that seemed related. I will investigate the options on my phone and would appreciate your input.

Jingda/ Rubberman... Thanks again!:icon_smile:

The desktop can 'see' other phones, but that would be a band-aid solution at best. I will be needing to take pics with this device and I need it fully functional and able to connect to my PC.

And while I'm at it, I might as well ask why this 'community' is so slow (with Jingda being an exception...) to be of help?? DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOLUTION or is my question too mundane to merit a response?

Yes, I'm shouting because this thread has been posted for a while with only one reply. It is very unlikely I am the first person to submit this type of issue or query, so there must be a solution!

Thank you Jingda for the response; I just need a permanent fix for this problem. After all, it would be ridiculous to constantly remove the SD card so I could get music or DL pics...

Thanks anyway.

Hi,

I just got a Motorola Backflip (MB 300 - running Android 2.1) as a work phone two weeks ago. After purchase I uploaded some photos and music (which I scanned with NOD32) from my XP desktop using a mini-USB cable with no problems. After one issue with the phone that required a master reset, I cannot navigate to the phone when connected to the desktop.

The desktop now 'sees' the phone as a removable drive but when I click on it I get an error dialog that reads "Please insert disk into Drive 'G'":@

FYI, I have no third party apps on this phone, no data plan and have only connected to wi-fi twice to set up the motoblur account. Other than that, there has been no internet activity. I also would like to load a good AV on this such as AVG mobilation or Lookout, but can't with this going on.

Please hit me back with a solution; my provider is of no help at this point.

Thanks in advance!:icon_cool:

Hi Everyone!

I got spoiled the other day when I was asked to drive a Cadillac CTS -V for two days and it had the fully loaded satellite radio package. Needless to say, I loved it but did not care for the cost of subscription and installation for my car...

I discussed this with an Audio expert and he recommended I DL Pandora, which could be uploaded to my Android smartphone to get satellite radio. I would be using this in my car of course, by connecting my smartphone to the stereo via the Mp3 jack. My understanding however, is that Pandora basically allows users to build custom music 'stations' based on user input. That is great, but I was also looking to see if there were other apps that would let me access XM or Sirius content such as talk radio, et cetera.

I've heard they are out there, but don't know where to look. It also would be great to avoid any virus or malware by getting the 411 from those who have used the app in the manner I've described.

Hit me back with the info and Thanks!

Let me clarify this..

Because of the configuration of the house and the single network connection upstairs, I cannot lay a run through the house. I also know the owner would not appreciate having a cable snaking down the stairs and across the house. At this point, it appears the best option will be to install a Netgear 600 AV Dual-band Gigabit N-router which should provide the needed signal. It may be overkill in some respects, but it has been recommended as having great range and strength.

As I stated previously, both the printer and laptop are situated downstairs on the other side of the house from where the router is located upstairs. The laptop has zero connectivity at that location. Also, there is no Dell computer whatsoever - it was replaced by the laptop.

Thanks!

Hi! I've searched the forums but did not see a solution for my prob.

My friend has an old Victorian house built in 1901 and he is NOT tech savvy at all. The current setup is: Verizon FIOS as the provider/ an Actiontec wireless router installed upstairs/ a new Kodak A10 wireless printer and Toshiba Satellite laptop running Win 7 downstairs - wireless connection. (FYI, he had the only network connection installed upstairs because that's where their old Dell was...). He created a office downstairs where the laptop is but now there is no network connection and he cannot connect to the printer which is close by.

Just to troubleshoot, I took the laptop upstairs and had him try to print a document when he was close to the router - sure enough, the document printed downstairs. Based on what I've seen the issue appears to be with the router (It's probably poor signal) and/ or wireless card on the Toshiba. Because this is an older structure with both old gas lamp/ electrical utilities (inactive) and other things in the walls, it's certain any signal that does make it downstairs is highly attenuated. And location options for other equipment is limited because their are few electrical outlets in the house overall.

This is a fully restored, custom built Victorian inside and out, so I can't just put something anywhere I please. Also, because they are not tech savvy, I need a quick and effective solution that they …

Gerbil,

Thanks again for the assist. I will try that when I can get back to it.

...and btw, why the screen name 'Gerbil'??? Just curious..:icon_smile:

Gerbil and Bal,

I tried one site for a DLL download and the result was not good. Thankfully I had taken precautions prior to this and minimized the threat. Since you have used the 'dll-files' site previously and the site admins have not flagged this post, I'll take that as a good recommendation.:icon_smile: Btw, I did try copying from another app and from a laptop but the effort did not succeed.

I'll have to go back up the mountain in a few days and try this out!

Thanks for the info - it is appreciated.:icon_wink:

Before anyone grouses - I searched the forum for similar posts and found none. So if I'm treading on old territory, my apologies...

The situation:

An older gateway tower system running Win XP that operates normally except for multiple ' application will not open because MSVCR71.dll was not found. Try reinstalling the application to fix this problem' errors.' The error dialogs usually appear after windows boot-up while the system is bringing up the desktop icons and system tray. This process literally 'drags' and I assume it is related to the same error!

I've noted the errors are most commonly associated with adobe flash, web mail (Verizon Yahoo) and the HP smart update for the attached HP printer. I've troubleshooted (won't bore you with the detail...), have defragged/ cleaned the registry, DL'd/ installed all the HP drivers from the HP site, reinstalled adobe flash since it had an outdated version anyway.

The most recent problem relates to viewing e-mail and attachments. Some of which will not open due to the same basic error relating to MSVCR71.dll

I do not have the installation CD for this PC and the errors have been ongoing for so long as to make a system restore out of the question. Some have suggested D/L-ing the DLL from third party site but that in my experience is an invitation for disaster.

As you can guess, this is not my PC and I am basically at a standstill with this …

Thanks for the reply but I didn't need to go that far. The troubleshooting I performed did the trick and if that hadn't worked I was just going to reinstall XP and add in all the service packs. As it is, I am doing fine now and appreciate the response.

Hi Folks!

I know I should know this but just had family emergency that has my mind in another place. Here's the deal... This ran smoothly until last Saturday when I noticed the boot sequence started to take more time and display all the post info which I had previously bypassed. It also was taking more time to display the windows splash screen but would then pause as if Windows was taking longer to load. Eventually Windows would load but I knew something was wrong.

The emergency hit later that day and I did not get to this until this morning. The same thing happened as before only this time the screen stayed dark and I was unable to access the login screen. I did notice my computer beeped once when I powered it on (I know that is significant, but as I said my mind has been pre-occupied). After three more attempts I was finally able to access windows and did proceed to troubleshoot the software end...

I know this is probably a simple fix that I am missing, but I would greatly appreciate any help. Thanks again and my apologies in advance for sounding like a doofus.

Hi All!

I've never posted in this forum before, so here goes. I am a 'webmaster' in that I build and maintain a site using a site builder program for my company. This utility is extremely limited and I would like to create a better site using a flash/ swish template. Here's the problem, I don't know how to upload the completed site (say I did in in Swish) and then publish it outside of the web builder I currrently use. :confused:

I've tried to ask for help in other places and have received no help and a lot of sarcastic remarks. I'm hoping this forum will be different. My website is hosted, active, and I'm being pressured to make it more interactive without any tools or training to do so. Time is an issue here, so I can't afford to waste it deciphering technospeak or reading 1000 page manuals. I do have some cool flash templates I could use, but the editing, uploading & publishing issues are still there. I'll admit it, in this case I'm a newbie :o

I need help, or direction to a good online resource that won't cost me. Can anybody help? For that matter, does anyone care :?

Your response is appreciated.

Thanks!

Here's the deal - A WinXP HD that was crashed (supposedly) by a virus. To date, one 'tech' attempted data recovery using some utility which confirmed the data was still intact on the HD. This utility crashed shortly thereafter, and the tech could do nothing further. :(

I know what needs to be done, but I am not able to go to Las Vegas at present - thus the reason for a COMPETENT pc tech who knows more than just Windows (Linux, for example..). If anyone reading this knows of someone in the area who can help, please send me their number.

Thanks in advance! ;)

Hi All!

I found that my automatic updates feature was activated and to my surprise SP2 was installed on my Win XP machine. I have heard all kinds of horror stories from users warning not to update, so I was waiting until the dust settled. Unfortunately, someone turned the auto update on and now I can't get the os to load properly.

When I boot the machine, the windows logo appears and the the blue bar is scrolling. The machine just hangs at that point, so I have to use the reset to reboot and then use the LKGC option to bring up the os. I have already scanned my system with both Anti-virus/ spyware (made sure they were current as well) with negative results. I even deleted a Java-based web app because I know that MS can have issues with some Java apps. Despite this I am still having the same issue, which didn't exist prior to installation of SP2.

Have any of you run into this issue, and if so could you please recommend a solution. The MS knowledge base was of no help - big surprise :mad:

Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm in So Cal and the temp is pushing 105 in the L.A. area. So it's bad enough here, and there's NO WAY that I'd want to go there unless it was air conditioned all the way. I will keep you informed.

Thanks Folks, I am going to try and walk him through this. Then again, I'll get someone to employ the method you described. No way am I going to Vegas in 120+ degree heat. :eek:

You two are pretty crazy, and I like that. So keep in touch, and I'll let you know what the results are. Thanks again! :)

Yo Double M!

Thanks for the response, and to be honest I didn't even consider the Linux option. That shows you how busy I've been rebuilding a website and all.. :mad:

The hd is now in Las Vegas, and I did have a local tech go there to check this out. All I got from him was that the drive would not boot up due to a virus. He stating trying to boot up as a slave, but that didn't work as well. So there you have it.

And don't worry, I wouldn't even think of trying to mail ya :p Thanks for the assist though. And btw, that comment "May the Wombat of Happiness snuffle through your underbrush." - That could be mighty uncomfortable :cheesy:

Take care..

Yo Caperjack,

I wish it was that easy. The drive is no longer with me, and the person who has it is not pc literate at all. He might do more harm than good, and since the data on the HD belongs to him all I can do is recommend a solution. He doesn't know how to backup either, so at this point I was wanting to send him to the professionals. He doesn't want to hassle with the alternative. :(

Thanks for the link, I'll check it for myself. If anyone has a personal referral I would definitely appreciate it. Thanks again! :D

HELLLLP! :-|

I need a good referral for HD data recovery. The firewall failed on machine, got a virus and the disk crashed ( No backup either - Grrrrr :mad: ). I've tried every software solution I know of and even got a specialist to check it for me. We both came to the same conclusion - send the HD to a data recovery specialist. The only one I knew of was going to charge between $2 - 3,000.00 for the process :eek: , so I'm hoping someone here can refer me based on their personal experience.

I realize that this may not be the right forum, but I figure the more I ask, the better the results. If you can help, then please hit me back and pass on the 411!

Thanks :)

HELLLLP! :-|

I need a good referral for data recovery. My firewall failed on machine, got a virus and the disk crashed. I've tried every software solution I know of and even got a tech to check it for me. We both came to the same conclusion - send the HD to a data recovery specialist. The only one knew of was going to charge between $2 - 3,000.00 for the process :eek: , so I'm hoping someone here can refer me based on their personal experience.

Can you help? Then please hit me back and pass on the 411!

Thanks :)

Hi All!

I came here looking for some good direction and advice. I am a Corporate Trainer/ Systems Engineer who has now been put into the role of webmaster. I really don't care for HTML and some of it's drawbacks, hence my interest in PHP. I don't know squat about php (Yes, a Total Newbie :rolleyes: ), but would like to learn and implement it on my site. Can you recommend the best way to learn with the fastest learning curve? The last thing I want is wasting time/ money on 'how to..' books that provide little information. :(

I want to learn, but don't know where to go. Help! :confused: