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March 2007
29/03/07
Old Movies to a PC and Beyond
Hi Rick, is it possible to transfer my "movies"
from an old Sony Video 8 Handycam to my L10 Toshiba laptop computer? I usually
show my movies through TV and then on to videotape. I would like to try and
keep up with all this new technology, rather difficult at my age, but it would
be good to be able to then copy them to disc. My old VCR is still in excellent
order, and I would prefer not to have to buy a new one.
Margaret. Smith
A. Your timing is impeccable and I have just finished off a six-part
Boot Camp series of articles (don’t worry, it’s not as long-winded as it sounds…) on
copying recordings and home movies on ageing VHS and camcorder tapes onto DVD,
using your PC. I mention some of the commercial packages available, and very
good they are too, but the object of the exercise was to do it using only
freeware.
Normally the only thing you will need to buy is a video
adaptor module, one end plugs into your PC’s USB port and the other one goes to
the analogue audio and video outputs of your camcorder. The actual procedures are
very straightforward and, depending on the amount of tmie and effort you spend
on editing out the wonky bits, the end results can look very professional.
28/03/07
Compatible Cartridge Maker Sued?
Rick - help! I print a lot of my own photographs and through
expensive trial and error in the past have settled on inks made by Printrite.
My supplier now tells me that Printrite has been sued by Epson and has stopped
making inks. I can find no reference to this on the web and wonder if it is
fact. Any comments - especially any that would enable me to carry buying
Printrite, or can you recommend other makes that are satisfactory?
Colin Baker
A. That’s a new one on me and I can’t find any
reference to it either, though I do know that from time to time printer
manufacturers can get a bit miffed by companies making ‘compatible’ cartridges.
It might just be a ploy by your supplier to steer you to another make. As far as I’m aware Printrite are still selling Epson carts on the web but you never know
and now might be a good time to put in a bulk order. It probably wouldn’t hurt
to try out a few more brands as well, so you have a backup in case they stop selling them.
26/03/07
Faster Vista With Flash Memory
I was persuaded when
I bought my new PC that Vista start up could be speeded up with the use of a
Memory Pen inserted in a USB drive. If this is correct,
how does this work and how do I go about it please?
D. Jenkins.
A. You are referring to
a Vista feature called ReadyBoost, it won’t make any difference to the time it takes
the PC to boot up since it doesn’t get involved until Windows has finished
booting but it can help speed up the PC thereafter. The idea is Vista uses a USB memory stick as a
temporary cache memory, to store files and data that it needs to get at in a
hurry. Solid-state memory is a lot faster than a disc drive, and it takes the
pressure off the PC’s RAM memory. The only caveats are that the PC requires a
USB 2.0 interface (not a problem as most PCs made in the last 2 years will have
it) and the Flash memory needs to be at least 512Mb and fast enough to handle
the data. That’s the catch, only the most recent Pen Drives are ReadyBoost capable, so unless you have one to hand you’ll probably have to buy a
new drive to take advantage of the facility. We covered ReadyBoost a few months
ago in the Vista section of PCTopTips and the MS Website
23/03/07
Monitor Resolution Won’t Stick
Hello Rick. I am running XP SP2 on two computers sharing
keyboard, monitor and mouse via a KVM switch.
I have just bought myself a nice shiny 19-inch LCD monitor and there is
a slight problem that if I don't switch to a particular computer when it boots
up the screen resolution is way off the screen. I have tried to resolve the
problem with the manufacturers of the monitor but to no avail. Incidentally the
same happens if I connect the monitor directly to the computer after it has
booted up. Any help would be appreciated.
Ted Wooller
A. For anyone that hasn’t heard of a KVM Switch, it stands
for Keyboard, Video Mouse, and is basically a little box that lets you control
two PCs with a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. The key feature is that it
tricks the PC into thinking a mouse, keyboard and monitor are connected to one
of the PC when the other one is using them, by mimicking the signals the PC
would normally expect to receive from these devices. However, although an early
suspect I am fairly sure this has nothing to do with it, since you say the
problem occurs when you connect the monitor directly to the PC. That narrows
the field significantly, to the graphics adaptor, its driver, Direct X, or the
monitor. The latter you can easily eliminate by substituting your old one (or
try your new monitor on another PC).
Assuming that gets a clean bill of health then I
would first update your video driver by visiting the graphics adaptor card
manufacturer’s website, (or the motherboard maker’s site, if the adaptor is an
integrated type). If that doesn’t work try updating to the latest version of
DirectX from the Microsoft website and as a last resort, try a new graphics
adaptor
21/03/07
System32 Folder Opens at Startup
Hi Rick, I have a minor but irritating problem, which I hope
you can help me resolve. Recently every time I load Windows XP the C: Windows
System32 folder also opens. I close it and everything is fine until the next
time I start up and bingo its back again. Can I stop this happening?
John Clark
A. A not uncommon problem and it is usually due to a corrupt Registry entry, or
the tail end of a ‘malware’ infection that has been removed. I’m afraid the
only way to fix it is to delve into the Registry, it’s not difficult but it is
imperative that you make a backup first, and there’s details of how to do just
that in this Top
Tip.
Once that is done open the Registry Editor (type ‘regedit’ –
without the quotes – in Run on the Start menu) and work your way to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Run.
Double click each key in the right-hand pane and make sure
that in the ‘Value Data’ fields there are no nonsense entries, in particular a
single double quotes (“”), if so remove it. Do the same with the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Run
Failing that there are some more suggestions in Microsoft Knowledgebase
article 170086
19/03/07
Failed Backup Installation
Hi Rick, I've installed EZ BackItUp on my personal laptop
three different times now, from three different sources (all reputable). Each
time I've gone to launch the installed program; it seems to launch for a
millisecond then disappears. Each time this has happened, I've un-installed it,
restarted, and tried downloading and launching again. Same thing, over and over.
I had no problem with installation or use of this program on
my business laptop; but on my personal laptop it continues to occur. Both
systems are ThinkPads running XP. Any ideas?
Katie Krayer
A. I can’t say for sure what has gone wrong in
this case but I can give you some generic advice for when a program repeatedly
fails to install.
Much of the time it’s due to remnants left behind in the
first installation (log files, configuration settings etc.), which do not get
removed when the program is uninstalled. When you install the program a second
time whatever caused the problem is often still there. The solution is to
uninstall, then run a Registry cleaning program (I recommend the freeware
utility RegSeeker). After that open Windows Explorer and make
sure that there are no folders – put there by the program you’ve
uninstalled -- still there, if so
remove them too, then try re-installing.
16/03/07
Webcams and Birdboxes
Hi Rick, we've just installed a miniature webcam in a
birdbox. At the moment we're using PY Software's trial version of Active
Webcam. However this has annoying
banners, various restrictions and isn't entirely reliable. Do you know of any other free software that
includes motion detection and ftp upload facilities?
Caroline O'Callaghan
A. Not as such, however, Googling ‘webcam
freeware’ brought up several promising sites, and at the top of the list was
the ever-reliable Tucows
site, which lists several promising programs. Sharewareconnection,
also listed more than 20 freeware and shareware titles, but even if you can’t
find a freebie I note that Active Webcam, which is excellent piece of software,
only costs around £15.00, which isn’t exactly a lot to pay for something that
useful.
14/03/07
Changing Drive Letters
Hello Rick, my large main drive is designated as C:\ drive.
My small second hard drive has the letter: E:\ . I wish to buy a new large
drive. Could I designate the new drive as C:\ and, could I copy the whole contents of the present C:\ drive on
to the new drive? Could I then delete the contents of the 'old' C:\ drive and
re-designate it as the new E:\ drive, having removed the 'old' E:\ drive?
Brian Robinson
A. Yes, yes, and yes. However, and there had to be one of
those, I would take this opportunity to make a fresh start. I would whip out
the old C: drive and switch the jumpers to Slave mode. Set the new large drive
to Master mode and connect it up, you now have a clean drive on which to
install Windows and all of your major applications. Yes it’s going to take a
while but afterwards it will be like owning a new computer – for a while at
least… When it has finished you can connect up your old C: (and E: drives) copy
across all of the data you need then reformat it and use them as you will.
The problem with copying the contents of a drive
– even using commercial programs like Acronis -- is that there is a small risk
that data on one or both drives could be lost so never try it unless you have
all of your irreplaceable data securely backed up. The other, more fundamental
problem is that if your installation is more than a year or two old then it is
almost certainly carrying a lot of excess baggage. You will just end up copying
all of the Registry errors. Corrupt files, infections and myriad of things that
slows a PC down across to the new drive.
12/03/07
Surfing in Florida
I usually holiday once a year in Naples, Florida. We stay in
a private villa. I take my laptop with me, for accessing the Internet and
company and personal emails. At home I am a subscriber to BT broadband.
On previous visits to Florida, just before leaving the UK I
have downloaded AOL and joined as a dialup subscriber on a one month free
basis. When returning from USA I have telephoned to cancel the contract.
However, usage in the states has been expensive (it’s something like £2.50 or
$2.50 per hour when in the USA). Is
there a cheaper way I can do this?
Mel Gunn
A. I did a little research and found that Florida is awash
with rental villas and following the recent security alerts and downturn in
tourism owners are having a tough time attracting customers. In an effort to
drum up business a growing number are now offering wireless broadband, or even
the use of a PC in with the package. It would seem this adds little or nothing
to the price so if you have the option to choose, get one with Internet
access.
Some villa companies and private rentals offer
free or very low cost local telephone calls, in which case it’s worth signing
up with AOL or CompuServe (now the same company) who provide local dial up access
numbers. If your laptop has a Wi-Fi adaptor you’ll find plenty of free wireless
hotspots in Florida. It’s also worth knowing that all US libraries provide free
Internet access, and the good news for you is that the Collier County Public
Library on Airport Pulling Road and Orange Blossom in Naples operates a free
wireless hotspot during opening hours, which you can use inside or outside (but
apparently not in the car park…).
09/03/07
Monitor Power Down Not Working
Hi Rick, the monitor connected to my XP computer has
recently decided not to go into Standby mode after 15 minutes, as set by me
using the Power Options in Control Panel. It always used to do this without
fail, but although I can press the sleep button on the keyboard and get the
monitor to power down OK, it refuses to do so automatically. I've tried
resetting the time period in Power Options, but to no avail. It has me baffled.
Geoff Lawn
A. It would have been helpful to know if it was only the
monitor Standby that was affected but in any event Windows Power Management
problems can be quite tricky to troubleshoot as seemingly unrelated and obscure
things, like mouse drivers and BIOS settings can wreak havoc with it. It might
also be prevented from switching off by a program running in the background,
maybe your screensaver or email program checking for messages. Reset the off
time to 5 minutes, exit all running programs and see if it still refuses to
power down, if so press Ctrl + Alt + Del, select Applications to see what’s
running and End Task anything showing.
A fault with the monitor is a long way down the list of
possibilities but if you have another one handy try swapping it. A change to
the BIOS power management also seems unlikely if you haven’t opened it
recently, but investigate anyway. If you have installed any hardware or
software at or around the time the problem started try uninstalling or removing
it/them. Video drivers have been know to cause this sort of problem, so try
updating to the latest version and see what that does. Finally, if all else
fails try the Microsoft Power Management
Troubleshooter Tool ‘pmtshoot’ which you can download from the Microsoft
website, which might be able to identify a rogue driver.
07/03/07
Stuck With 800 x 600 Display
Hello Rick, I recently did a fresh install of XP Pro and
everything is fine except one irritating thing. When I switch on my laptop
first thing or after it being off for a couple of hours everything on the
display is too large for my liking, namely 800x600. Checking display settings
there is no option to change to my preferred 1024x768. When I reboot everything
is
back to normal and display settings offer the full range. I
hope that this something that I have missed during my reinstall or subsequently
and not a hardware failure. I would be grateful for your assistance.
Dave Woodham
A. My guess would be that you haven’t installed
the correct video driver and its falteringly running on one of Windows’s
default drivers. This should be easy to put right and all you need is the
original driver. It’s usually on an utilities/driver disc that came with your
PC, or the motherboard disc, if you have an integrated graphics adaptor. Better
still, download the most up to date driver from the graphics adaptor
manufacturer’s website. Occasionally Windows XP will do this for you from
Device Manager (Winkey + Break or System in Control Panel then Hardware >
Device Manager). Right click on your display adaptor, select Update Driver, but
this is not a very reliable method.
05/03/07
Cannot Delete Emails
in Outlook Express
Rick, I have a problem in OE in that I can no
longer delete received emails. Highlight and delete - nothing! I have Windows ME, which otherwise runs well.
David Thompson
A. This is usually caused by a corrupt Deleted
Items.dbx file, which lives alongside all of your other mailbox files. If you
haven’t moved your store folder then in XP you will normally find it in: C:\Documents and Settings\<yourname>\Local
Settings\Application Data\Identities\{GUID}\Microsoft\Outlook Express (where
GUID or Global Unique Identifier is a long strong of characters). If it doesn’t
show up you will need open Windows Explorer then go to Tools > Folder
Options > View tab and deselect ‘Do not show Hidden Files and Folders’.
Delete or rename Deleted Items.dbx and the next time OE is opened the file will
be automatically recreated.
02/03/07
XP and Vista Dual Boot?
Hi Rick, do you know if it will be possible to run XP
and Vista on the same PC? The reason I ask is that having run the Vista Upgrade
Advisor, several of my old programs are not being fixed to work on Vista. If
so, would you think it advisable to place XP and the associated programs on a
separate drive as I have heard that Vista will not tolerate a mixture of XP
only programs on the same drive as Vista?
Alan Fitzjohn
A.
Dual-booting XP and Vista is certainly possible. My work PC currently
has XP, Vista and Linux, all living happily side by side on one drive but
unless you have prepared the ground and have a clean drive or an empty
partition in which to load Vista you will need to re-partition your drive, and
that can be a messy and risky business, even with one of the commercial
partitioning tools. Your best bet is to start over; format and partition the
drive then install XP first, followed by Vista. Incidentally, I wouldn’t give
up on programs that are being flagged up by the Upgrade Advisor as not Vista
compatible; several I’ve tried actually work just fine. Even if they do not at
the moment there’s a fair chance a patch or fix will become available,
especially if it has a large user base and there’s sufficient demand.
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