Tuesday, 19 October 2010

Growl 2.0.5

Growl 2.0.5: "Growl lets you know when things happen. Files finished downloading, friends came online, new email has arrived - Growl can let you know when any event occurs with a subtle notification. The rest of the time, Growl stays out of your way.


"

AVG Free Edition 10.0.1144 (32-bit)

AVG Free Edition 10.0.1144 (32-bit): "AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition is trusted antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows available to download for free. In addition, the new included LinkScanner® Active Surf-Shield checks web pages for threats at the only time that matters - when you're about to click that link.

"

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Download Stamina Typing Tutor 2.5

                             Download Stamina Typing Tutor 2.5

                                                
Download


























Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Clean up after Windows Update

Clean up after Windows Update

When Windows Update runs under Windows XP it creates hidden folders named $NtUninstall... within the Windows folder containing the files needed in order to remove the update. These folders may be removed to save disk space.
It is important to understand that if you remove these folders then it will not be possible to uninstall the corresponding Windows updates. However, it is rarely necessary to remove Windows updates, and when it is necessary, this usually becomes apparent immediately after installation of the update. There is very little risk involved in removing updates that have been installed and in use for more than a couple of weeks.

Solution

You can simply delete the folders with names starting with $NtUninstall. However, Windows Update creates a log of the installation, as well as entries in the registry that allow the update to be removed using Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. These entries need to be removed as well, in order to avoid leaving invalid uninstall information.
Method 1
Removing the folders and registry entries manually.
  • In Windows Explorer, click on Tools, Folder Options and select the View tab.
  • Ensure that Show hidden files and folders is selected.
  • Open the Windows folder.
  • Locate a $NtUninstall... folder.
  • Note the name or KB number that follows Uninstall.
  • Delete the folder.
  • Delete the .log file with the name noted above.
  • Start the Registry Editor.
  • Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
  • Delete the subkey with the name noted above.
  • Expand SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Management\ARPCache
  • Delete the subkey with the name noted above.










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    Missing or corrupt hal.dll

    Missing or corrupt hal.dll

    At start-up, you receive the error message: "Missing or corrupt <Windows root>\system32\hal.dll" and Windows does not boot.



    This error message will occur if Windows does not find the critical system file hal.dll in the location specified in the boot.ini file. This usually occurs because something (such as Bios settings changes) may have changed the drive letter allocations so the Windows folder is no longer C:\Windows (or whatever it was.) Another possibility is that the boot.ini file has been corrupted or changed. A slight possibility is that the file hal.dll is corrupted.
    Method 1

    * Check the system Bios settings to ensure that the drive settings have not changed.

    If this does not resolve the problem, try Method 2.
    Method 2

    Repair using Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD. This is the easiest method.

    * Insert the Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD and start the computer.
    * Select Windows Recovery.
    * Select Windows NT/2000/XP/2003.
    * Select Recover HAL and SYSTEM.
    * Choose the correct Windows version, e.g. Windows XP.
    * Click Recover.





    Alternatively, try Method 3.
    Method 3

    This method requires a Windows XP
    CD-ROM.
    * Insert the Windows XP CD and start the computer
    * Press R to repair Windows when prompted to do so.
    * Select the Windows installation that you want to repair.
    * Type the administrator password when prompted to do so.
    * At the command prompt type bootcfg /rebuild and press Enter.
    * When Add installation to boot list? is displayed, type Y.
    * When Enter Load Identifier: is displayed, type the name of the operating system, e.g. Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home Edition.
    * When Enter OS Load options: is displayed, just press Enter, leaving the field blank.
    * Restart the computer and select the first item on the boot menu. Windows XP should now start normally.
    * Click Start, Run, type msconfig.exe and press Enter.
    * Select the Boot.ini tab.
    * Click Check All Boot Paths to remove the incorrect entry.











    Applies to

    * Microsoft Windows NT
    * Microsoft Windows 2000
    * Microsoft Windows XP






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    How to repair Windows

    How to repair Windows

    If Windows XP is behaving oddly, or you cannot boot the system or log in, the issues may be resolved by performing a repair installation.

    Solution

    Unfortunately, a repair installation can only be carried out if you have a Windows XP installation CD.
    • Insert the Windows installation CD in the drive and start the computer.
    • When prompted to do so, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.
    • When the message To setup Windows XP now appears, press Enter.
    • When the Welcome to Setup screen appears, press Enter.
    • When the Windows XP Licensing Agreement appears, press F8 to agree.
    • Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is selected, then press R to repair Windows XP.
    • Follow the instructions to complete the repair installation.
    Applies to
    • Microsoft Windows XP












      Cannot log in to Windows

      Cannot log in to Windows

      When you log in to Windows, the computer immediately saves your settings, logs off and returns to the login screen again.
      This is the result of a corrupt or invalid registry entry, which may have been changed by a virus or spyware. Therefore you are strongly advised to scan your computer for viruses and spyware as soon as possible.

      Solution

      Method 1
      Try this method if you can start Windows in safe mode:

      • Boot into safe mode.
      • Click Start, Run and enter regedit
      • Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft \Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
      • Select the Winlogon folder.
      • If the right-hand pane contains an entry named OldUserinit:
        - delete the entry named Userinit
        - rename OldUserinit to Userinit.
      • Check that the value of Userinit is "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe," (the comma at the end of the string is important.) Note: if your Windows folder is not C:\Windows, modify the path accordingly.
      Method 2
      If you have a Microsoft Windows installation CD:

      Method 3
      Try taking the hard drive and attaching it to another Windows XP computer as a slave, or by using a USB-to-IDE adapter. Alternatively you can try making a BartPE recovery CD and booting the computer from that. Any method can be used that gives you read/write access to the hard drive.
      Often, the registry entry referred to above has been changed from userinit.exe to wsaupdater.exe. Therefore you have a good chance of success if you just copy Windows\System32\userinit.exe to Windows\System32\wsaupdater.exe
      Method 4
      Gain read/write access to your hard drive from another computer running the same version of Windows.
      • Log in as administrator.
      • Ensure that Windows Explorer folder options have enabled Show hidden files and folders.
      • Click Start, Run and enter regedit
      • Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
      • Click File, Load Hive, then navigate to Windows\System32\Config on your hard drive (not the host system!)
      • Select system and click Open.
      • For Enter a Key name type anything.
      • Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft \Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
      • Select the Winlogon folder.
      • If the right-hand pane contains an entry named OldUserinit:
        - delete the entry named Userinit
        - rename OldUserinit to Userinit.
      • Check that the value of Userinit is "C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe," (the comma at the end of the string is important.) Note: if your Windows folder is not C:\Windows, modify the path accordingly. This is the Windows path when the drive is in use in your computer, not the drive letter it has currently.
      • When you have made the changes click File, Unload Hive.
      Applies to
      • Microsoft Windows 2000
      • Microsoft Windows XP
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        NTLDR is missing

        NTLDR is missing

        When you boot your computer you receive the message "NTLDR is missing".
        This message means that the Windows boot loader cannot be found. This is often the result of trying to boot from a disk that is not a boot disk. If not, it means that the boot loader file has been lost or corrupted.

        Solution

        Method 1
        Disonnect any removable drives, and check that there are no CDs or DVDs in the CD/DVD drives, then restart.
        If this does not resolve the problem, try Method 2.
        Method 2
        Repair using Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD.
        • Insert the Spotmau PowerSuite boot CD and start the computer.
        • Select Windows Recovery.
        • Select Windows NT/2000/XP/2003.
        • Select Recover NTLDR and NTDETECT.
        • Choose the correct Windows version, e.g. Windows XP.
        • Click Recover.


        Applies to
        • Microsoft Windows 2000
        • Microsoft Windows XP


         


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          Get a Security tab in XP Home file and folder properties

          Get a Security tab in XP Home file and folder properties

          Windows XP Home Edition doesn't have a Security tab on the Properties page of files and folders. The only way to change the access rights for files and folders is with the command line utility CACLS, which is not very easy to use. However, it's possible to get the Security tab, which provides a much easier way to change the access permissions for files and folders.

          Solution

          Method 1
          The Security tab is visible in Windows XP Home only when Safe mode is used.

          Method 2 
          Download and install the Security Configuration Manager from Microsoft.

          • Click on this link, and save the download somewhere handy.
          • Run the downloaded file, which is a self extracting archive.
          • Choose a suitable empty folder to hold the extracted files (by default the self-extractor uses the location it is run from) and click OK.
          • Open the folder containing the extracted files.
          • Locate the file named setup or setup.inf.
          • Right-click this file, and select Install.
          • A progress window will appear, and you will be prompted to restart the computer.
          • Restart Windows.
          Upon restart, file and folder properties dialogs should have a Security tab showing their access permissions.
          Applies to:
          • Windows XP Home Edition 

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            How to restore the registry when Windows XP won't boot at all

            How to restore the registry when Windows XP won't boot at all

            If the Windows XP registry is badly corrupted, you may be unable to start Windows even in safe mode, preventing you from using System Restore. However, you can restore the registry backups contained in a restore point using the Recovery Console.

            Solution

            To carry out the steps described below you must have access to a Microsoft Windows XP installation CD, which you can boot from to access the Recovery Console.
            If you don't have a Windows XP CD, you can carry out the same steps using a different boot CD such as Bart's Preinstalled Environment (BartPE) bootable live windows CD/DVD. The same principles, if not the same commands, could also be applied when using a Linux-based recovery disc such as the Ultimate Boot CD.

            • Check the boot priority in the Bios settings to ensure the computer will boot from CD-Rom.
            • Boot from your Windows XP CD.
            • Start Windows Setup.
            • Press R to access the recovery console.
            • Select your Windows installation.
            • Type the administrator password (just press enter if you don't have one.)
            • Enter the following commands:
              CD C:\
              CD "system volume information\_resto~1"
              DIR
            • Pick the restore point (RPx) you wish to use, using the folder date stamps to guide you.
            • Enter the commands:
              CD RPx (x is the restore point you chose)
              CD SNAPSHOT
            • Copy the registry backups so that they overwrite the existing registry files:
              COPY _registry_machine_system C:\Windows\System32\Config\System
              COPY _registry_machine_software C:\Windows\System32\Config\Software
              COPY _registry_machine_sam C:\Windows\System32\Config\Sam
              COPY _registry_machine_security C:\Windows\System32\Config\Security
              COPY _registry_user_.default C:\Windows\System32\Config\Default

            • Type the command exit to close the Recovery Console and restart the computer.
            Applies to
            • Microsoft Windows XP 
             




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              Boot straight to your desktop in Windows XP

              Boot straight to your desktop in Windows XP

              Do you find it annoying that Windows asks you to log in when you start your computer, even though you are the only user? Would you like to have Windows go straight to your desktop on startup?

              Solution

              • Click Start, Run, and enter control userpasswords2 .
              • Clear the check box captioned Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer.
              • Click OK.
              • Enter the user name and password for the account you want to log in to at start-up.
              Applies to
              • Microsoft Windows XP 






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                How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP

                Cleanmgr.exe is designed to clear unnecessary files from your computer's hard disk. You can use command-line options to specify that Cleanmgr.exe cleans up certain files. You can then schedule the task to run at a specific time by using the Scheduled Tasks tool.

                To start the Disk Cleanup tool, either run the Cleanmgr.exe command, or click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

                Disk Cleanup supports the following command-line options:
                • /d driveletter: - This option specifies the drive that you want Disk Cleanup to clean.

                  Note: The /d option is not utilized with /sagerun: n.
                • /sageset: n - This option displays the Disk Cleanup Settings dialog box and also creates a registry key to store the settings that you select. The n value, which is stored in the registry, allows you to specify tasks for Disk Cleanup to run. The n value can be any integer value from 0 to 65535. To have all of the options available when you use the /sageset option, you might need to specify the drive where Windows is installed.
                • /sagerun: n - This option runs the specified tasks that are assigned to the n value if you use the \sageset option. All drives on the computer are enumerated and the selected profile runs against each drive.

                  For example, in Scheduled Tasks, you could run the following command after you run the cleanmgr /sageset:11 command:
                  cleanmgr /sagerun:11
                  This command runs Disk Cleanup and includes the options that you specified with the cleanmgr /sageset:11 command.
                The options for the files that you can specify for Disk Cleanup by using /sageset and /sagerun include:
                • Temporary Setup Files - These are files that were created by a Setup program that is no longer running.
                • Downloaded Program Files - Downloaded program files are ActiveX controls and Java programs that are downloaded automatically from the Internet when you view certain pages. These files are temporarily stored in the Downloaded Program Files folder on the hard disk. This option includes a View Files button so that you can see the files before Disk Cleanup removes them. The button opens the C:\Winnt\Downloaded Program Files folder.
                • Temporary Internet Files - The Temporary Internet Files folder contains Web pages that are stored on your hard disk for quick viewing. Disk Cleanup removes these page but leaves your personalized settings for Web pages intact. This option also includes a View Files button, which opens the C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 folder.
                • Old Chkdsk Files - When Chkdsk checks a disk for errors, Chkdsk might save lost file fragments as files in the root folder on the disk. These files are unnecessary.
                • Recycle Bin - The Recycle Bin contains files that you have deleted from the computer. These files are not permanently removed until you empty the Recycle Bin. This option includes a View Files button that opens the Recycle Bin.
                • Temporary Files - Programs sometimes store temporary information in a Temp folder. Before a program quits, the program usually deletes this information. You can safely delete temporary files that have not been modified within the last week.
                • Temporary Offline Files - Temporary offline files are local copies of recently used network files. These files are automatically cached so that you can use them after you disconnect from the network. A View Files button opens the Offline Files folder.
                • Offline Files - Offline files are local copies of network files that you specifically want to have available offline so that you can use them after you disconnect from the network. A View Files button opens the Offline Files folder.
                • Compress Old Files - Windows can compress files that you have not used recently. Compressing files saves disk space, but you can still use the files. No files are deleted. Because files are compressed at different rates, the displayed amount of disk space that you will gain is approximate. An Options button permits you to specify the number of days to wait before Disk Cleanup compresses an unused file.
                • Catalog Files for the Content Indexer - The Indexing service speeds up and improves file searches by maintaining an index of the files that are on the disk. These Catalog files remain from a previous indexing operation and can be deleted safely.
                If you specify cleaning up the drive that contains the Windows installation, all of these options are available on the Disk Cleanup tab. If you specify any other drive, only the Recycle Bin and the Catalog files for content index options are available on the Disk Cleanup tab.

                The More Options tab contains options for cleaning up Windows components or installed programs.
                • The Windows Components option creates free space by removing optional Windows components that you do not use. Clicking Clean Up starts the Windows Components Wizard.
                • The Installed Programs option frees more disk space by removing programs that you do not use. Clicking Clean Up starts the Change or Remove Programs option in the Add/Remove Programs tool.

                APPLIES TO
                • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
                • Microsoft Windows XP Professional






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                  Top 5 Common Computer Problems and Solutions

                  How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS

                  How to Convert FAT Disks to NTFS
                  This article describes how to convert FAT disks to NTFS. See the Terms sidebar for definitions of FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. Before you decide which file system to use, you should understand the benefits and limitations of each of them.
                  Changing a volume's existing file system can be time–consuming, so choose the file system that best suits your long–term needs. If you decide to use a different file system, you must back up your data and then reformat the volume using the new file system. However, you can convert a FAT or FAT32 volume to an NTFS volume without formatting the volume, though it is still a good idea to back up your data before you convert.
                  Note  Some older programs may not run on an NTFS volume, so you should research the current requirements for your software before converting.

                  Choosing Between NTFS, FAT, and FAT32

                  You can choose between three file systems for disk partitions on a computer running Windows XP: NTFS, FAT, and FAT32. NTFS is the recommended file system because it's is more powerful than FAT or FAT32, and includes features required for hosting Active Directory as well as other important security features. You can use features such as Active Directory and domain–based security only by choosing NTFS as your file system.

                  Converting to NTFS Using the Setup Program

                  The Setup program makes it easy to convert your partition to the new version of NTFS, even if it used FAT or FAT32 before. This kind of conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition).
                  Setup begins by checking the existing file system. If it is NTFS, conversion is not necessary. If it is FAT or FAT32, Setup gives you the choice of converting to NTFS. If you don't need to keep your files intact and you have a FAT or FAT32 partition, it is recommended that you format the partition with NTFS rather than converting from FAT or FAT32. (Formatting a partition erases all data on the partition and allows you to start fresh with a clean drive.) However, it is still advantageous to use NTFS, regardless of whether the partition was formatted with NTFS or converted.

                  Converting to NTFS Using Convert.exe

                  A partition can also be converted after Setup by using Convert.exe. For more information about Convert.exe, after completing Setup, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER. In the command window, type help convert, and then press ENTER.
                  It is easy to convert partitions to NTFS. The Setup program makes conversion easy, whether your partitions used FAT, FAT32, or the older version of NTFS. This kind of conversion keeps your files intact (unlike formatting a partition.

                  To find out more information about Convert.exe


                  1. After completing Setup, click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER.

                  2. In the command window, type help convert and then press ENTER. Information about converting FAT volumes to NTFS is made available as shown below.
                    Command window
                    Converting FAT volumes to NTFS

                  To convert a volume to NTFS from the command prompt


                  1. Open Command Prompt. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.

                  2. In the command prompt window, type: convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs
                  For example, typing convert D: /fs:ntfs would format drive D: with the ntfs format. You can convert FAT or FAT32 volumes to NTFS with this command.
                  Important  Once you convert a drive or partition to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will erase all data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.

                  Terms
                  File Allocation Table (FAT)
                  A file system used by MS-DOS and other Windows-based operating systems to organize and manage files. The file allocation table (FAT) is a data structure that Windows creates when you format a volume by using the FAT or FAT32 file systems. Windows stores information about each file in the FAT so that it can retrieve the file later.
                  FAT32
                  A derivative of the file allocation table (FAT) file system. FAT32 supports smaller cluster sizes and larger volumes than FAT, which results in more efficient space allocation on FAT32 volumes.
                  NTFS File System
                  An advanced file system that provides performance, security, reliability, and advanced features that are not found in any version of FAT. For example, NTFS guarantees volume consistency by using standard transaction logging and recovery techniques. If a system fails, NTFS uses its log file and checkpoint information to restore the consistency of the file system. In Windows 2000 and Windows XP, NTFS also provides advanced features such as file and folder permissions, encryption, disk quotas, and compression.








                  How to make long URLs shorter

                  How to make long URLs shorter

                  If you need to give a link to a long web address full of gobbledygook in an email, forum post or blog entry, you often find that the link doesn't work when you click it because word wrap has broken it.
                  Even normal web addresses can be a problem if you have to read them over the phone, or put them in an ad or print article. People may type them incorrectly, and perhaps end up at another site entirely.

                  Solution

                  The answer is to use an URL shortener like imraninfo.co.cc.  This is a service that converts any web address to one that's much shorter, like this http://imraninfo.co.cc and then redirects people who use this short address to the original one.
                  There are many URL shortening services on the Internet. The best-known is TinyURL.com. However, unscrupulous people have exploited the fact that short addresses hide the true identity of a site, to trick people into visiting sites infested with pop-ups, spyware and offensive content. Some URL shorteners now offer an option of a preview page that lets you see where you are going to be taken before you go there. But you still need to know about this option before you can use it, and those who are most vulnerable to such trickery are often the least knowledgeable computer users.
                  The imraninfo.co.cc URL shortening service is provided by Tech-Pro.net, creators of The PC Guru. It aims to create safer short URLs that you can trust in several ways. Addresses are screened before creation so that links to spam advertised sites are prevented. The short URLs created by xaddr.com always open a preview page, and the user must click on the link on the preview page to reach the destination. The address is checked a second time, and users are also given a link that will show them the SiteAdvisor rating for the destination.
                  Applies to:
                  • all platforms






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                  Outlook Express sends two copies of message

                  Outlook Express sends two copies of message

                  Emails that you send using Outlook Express have an attachment containing a copy of the message.

                  Solution

                  This effect is observed if you have configured Outlook Express Read options to Read all messages in plain text, but are still sending messages in HTML format. Outlook Express creates a dummy attachment with the formatted (HTML) copy of the message, so that you can easily view it if needed. It does this for incoming messages as well.
                  To resolve the issue, configure Outlook Express to send messages using plain text.
                  • Open Outlook Express.
                  • Click on Tools, Options and select the Send tab.
                  • Deselect Reply to messages using the format in which they were sent.
                  • Set Mail Sending Format to Plain Text.
                  Applies to
                  • Microsoft Outlook Express 6  

                    






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                    How to repair Internet Explorer

                    How to repair Internet Explorer

                    If you experience problems when using Microsoft Internet Explorer, the first thing you should do is scan your system for spyware using a good anti-spyware product. Spyware can interfere with the operation of the browser and cause unexpected problems.
                    If this does not help, then many problems are most easily resolved by reinstalling or repairing Microsoft Internet Explorer. There are two ways to achieve this.
                    Method 1
                    • Using Windows Explorer, open the Windows folder
                    • Open the subfolder Inf
                    • Locate the file named ie.inf
                    • Right-click ie.inf and select Install.
                    If Windows was installed from CD, you will be prompted to insert the CD during the repair.
                    Method 2
                    If you receive the message "Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system.
                    Setup cannot continue."when you try to reinstall Internet Explorer, then you must modify the Registry to make it appear that Internet Explorer is not already installed. To do this:
                    • Open the Registry Editor.
                    • Expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}.
                    • Select the {89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383} folder.
                    • In the right-hand pane, double-click the value IsInstalled and change it from 1 to 0.
                    • Try reinstalling IE6 again. 
                    Applies to
                    • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
                    • Microsoft Windows XP 

                     




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