Computer Disaster Corner

[walpurgis]

Playing with my USB microscope. Can't find a way of saving still shots to file. Video I can do though. Blowed if I know why it's not cooperating. I give it a file to save still images to, but it just won't. May have to uninstall everything and reinstall I think. Weird. It works fine on my other PC.

[struth]

cannot understan it unless the program doesnt run right on that version of windows

[walpurgis]

Same as the other PC. W7.

(given the W10 PC to grand daughters)

May start again with the software installation. Could have missed an allocation bit for files. Athough I don't recall that from before.

[walpurgis]

Got the USB microscope working on the other PC (this one). Destination folder was not being recognised. After a bit of faffing about I figured how to sort it.

http://i67.tinypic.com/2n20gb4.jpg

The ZYX R100 H

[struth]

decent quality mate. im not very good at it.

[walpurgis]

Tricky getting focus right at that magnification. Slightest movement and it's out.

[struth]

Tablets I'm on i struggle to do anything fine now. These new ones especially doh!!!

[walpurgis]

Tried to play a YouTube video earlier. Got no sound. Went though all the sound management settings, couldn't find anything wrong. Did a reboot. Sound is back. Weird! Bloody computers :rolleyes:.

[struth]

One of mine took a dizzy today :lol: did a restore and cured it. Would set up in windows but frozen with no wifi or control. Had to start it in safe mode and restore

[spendorman]

I mentioned that I replaced my 7200 RPM 3.5" drive with a 2.5" 5400 RPM Hybrid, drive, and that the computer was very much faster. Boot time around half what it was.

I have just replaced the 2.5" 5400 RPM Hybrid drive with a 3.5" 7200 RPM Hybrid drive. Got a further reduction of the boot time, from 57 seconds to 47 seconds, and the machine is even snappier in use.

All the drives are Seagate. Got a good deal on eBay for the 7200 RPM Hybrid, (1TB), brand new, inc. postage, £50.

[struth]

Sounds like a result then. Cheaper than a new pc

[spendorman]

I just need a snappier brain to keep up with the computer.

Certainly I can recommend these Hybrid drives an economical way of speeding up a computer. Suspect that I will be fitting these for some friend's machines.

[struth]

Attempting Time Travel :D The vista pc I bought and put win 7 on has been playing up of late;think its the windows 7 updates that are screwing with it, so trying to put win 10 on it. It passed the test for compatibility and is still in update stage so it could be some time. Hoping it becomes more usable. I did take an image of it just in case.

[walpurgis]

I really don't like W10. I'll stick with W7 as long as possible. With luck I might squeeze another ten years out of it.

[struth]

i like it too, but on this one its not starting most of time properly and keeps installing a critical update that disables the pc once the fill windows screen is up. if you go to safe and uninstall it it works but it keeps installing even though its marked not to. Ive read win 7 is badly broken with all the latest updates so this may be why he updates are getting out of hand for some older pcs

[walpurgis]

I've blocked automatic updates and only install 'important' updates and not the loads of unnecessary stuff.

Gave my W10 PC to the grand daughters.

[struth]

not had any trouble with my win 8 pc on win 10 so far. Its just about there now I think; just checking the apps etc. dunno if it will work yet

[struth]

its up and im typing. so far so good. I will leave it for tomorrow re testing out. Pleased its at least going

[walpurgis]

its up and im typing. so far so good. I will leave it for tomorrow re testing out. Pleased its at least going

Fingers crossed mate. I take it the new O/S will want to download a whole load of updates now?

[struth]

Fingers crossed mate. I take it the new O/S will want to download a whole load of updates now?

it did that I think during the setup. Seems ok so far. Just letting the in house security do its first sweep as it was downloading something new, not sure what tbh.. I will go down shortly and witch it off. Tomorrow I will see if tunes works. might have to be updated... thats one of its duties lol, but hoping it will stream better than it did on 7.

[struth]

all checked ok and switched off ok too. Might have saved the old girl. :D

[struth]

Started testing programs.. jriver didnt work so had to find another download of 21, which i eventually found on their wiki page. Found a licence no in emails so its up for now. Hp assist didnt work so deleted it. Could be a lot of this, or ive maybe picked on the bad 2 straight away:scratch:

[walpurgis]

Check the HP site. There could be a later install there. I've had to do the same in the past.

[struth]

Cheers, i will.

[struth]

Plugged printer in and it just worked from windows driver, so a result there. Kindle, foobar and calibre ebook manager all work. Itunes needs updating...not too disasterous so far

[struth]

That one seems ok now. Ive done another problem win 7 one that was an old vista. seems to be working now, but had a lot of trouble getting the download to work, continually saying it was corrupted. Finally cleared all old win update files and temp files, and got it eventually. This is really, or was only used for streaming music occasionally, but this might give it a new lease of life. an old acer laptop

[walpurgis]

I like Acers. That's what I try to buy when I can. Got three and an old HP. All working well.

One of them is a tiny Acer Veriton. Might have a play at using it for music. Not sure the best way to go about it yet.

[struth]

I like Acers. That's what I try to buy when I can. Got three and an old HP. All working well.

One of them is a tiny Acer Veriton. Might have a play at using it for music. Not sure the best way to go about it yet.

pop foobar 2000 on and a few select addons of your choice. it can stream wirelessly via bubble to a chromecast dongle dac for example and its not half bad. or you can just stick a usb dac on end and use that. Wasapi out or asio are best to get better sound and control. add ons for that too. Ive got a hrt streamer on this one for local streaming and it can bubble upnp down to either of my chromecasts via a tablet of phone. its not the best looking etc but its basically free bar the bubble app

[struth]

Been further testing the toshiba that went to win 10. It seems fine and stable. A bit quicker than 7 too. Everything ive tried seems to be working well too so far. Not fully tested the acer yet. Some good disability features too make it easier to use. Dont use lappies so much but it gives me the option again, upstairs or down.
All my ebook readers and programs up to date too now so job well done.

[RobbieGong]

The right click seems to be playing up on my pc - Lenovo touch screen.
Basically the right click mouse options flicker and disappear instantly or dont show at all.
I get the same when I click on the show icons, nothing shows.
I've tried to copy a url but the right click option to paste etc wont show.

changed the battery in the mouse - no change.
changed the remote mouse for wired - no change.

Shift option on the keyboard now brings up a task manager box
changed the batteries in the keyboard - no change either.

All a bit odd and random - stops but then it starts playing up again suddenly :scratch:
Any help would be much appreciated.

[struth]

Try restarting pc

[RobbieGong]

Try restarting pc

Been random last few days, on and off but i'll restart now.

[struth]

Also try it in another usb slot too, preferably on another bus. Had that too..

[RobbieGong]

all still very random behaviour whilst typing.
Shift key acts odd, typing into certain places wont respond, sometimes yes sometimes no :steam:
i'm having to start sentences in lower case as the shift key brings up task manager box :scratch:
mouse and key board are remote. tried wired mouse no change.

[struth]

Is this win 10? Might be an update gone wrong and interferring. Seen it on a mac too. Maybe try and find another driver

[RobbieGong]

Windows 8.1 Grant

[struth]

nightmare... couldnt wait to get rid of it... win 10 is a lot better.

There can be lots of possibles alas. some securty programs can cause it. so thats one. logitech moice etc are prone to trouble on win 8. you can delete all of their drivers and start again as well... or update to win 10.. its still possible free if you need adaptive tech... most of us do;)

prob with win 8.1 is its broken by ms due to all their security attempts

[RobbieGong]

nightmare... couldnt wait to get rid of it... win 10 is a lot better.

There can be lots of possibles alas. some securty programs can cause it. so thats one. logitech moice etc are prone to trouble on win 8. you can delete all of their drivers and start again as well... or update to win 10.. its still possible free if you need adaptive tech... most of us do;)

prob with win 8.1 is its broken by ms due to all their security attempts

The highlighted bit is interesting and may be part of why mine is suddenly 'broken'
Never had any probs with Win 8 or the pc apart from when I downloaded Win 10 when it first launched.
My pc went into meltdown, became totally unstable - unusable.
Had to do restore, lost stuf but was delighted to go back to Win 8 and a pc that worked.

Are you now saying that the initial horrible problems some people experienced downloaded Win 10 have been sorted ?
Reason I ask Grant (apart from the obvious is that this main pc si a family one, we all use it on a daily basis, girls for homework etc, Mrs and I for all manner of other stuf

[struth]

I have recently put 3 laptops onto win 10. a win 8 one, and 2 vista ones that were running win7. in all 3 cases its been stable and uses less resources. I know there were initial problems had by many but all mine were giving trouble tbh and decided initially to do the win 81 one. it went smoothly so after testing for a while did the others. The win 8.1 one is like a new pc, its so quick and its not blinked.

[RobbieGong]

CC Cleaner doesn't want to work now... fun and games !:steam:

[struth]

try it as administrator Robert. if that doesnt do it then You may have a malware/virus . might be connected to the mouse problem

[RobbieGong]

I had ran my Avast free earlier didn't pick anything up but you never know pc is acting very odd though doest want to do anything some of the time

[struth]

On my 2 main pcs i have malware bytes premium on. Ive had a lifetime license for many years and it just keeps getting better. I now use the windows defender and its own firewall with it. Maybe a good time to update to win 10 if it doesnt improve.think you get a month to trial it and go back. if all else fails for me mwb has a chameleon that can get past blocked access usually. Ive used it before and it worked.

[RobbieGong]

On my 2 main pcs i have malware bytes premium on. Ive had a lifetime license for many years and it just keeps getting better. I now use the windows defender and its own firewall with it. Maybe a good time to update to win 10 if it doesnt improve.think you get a month to trial it and go back. if all else fails for me mwb has a chameleon that can get past blocked access usually. Ive used it before and it worked.

Win 10 just woudnt work for me first time round way back when it was first free, would it work now ?
If I do take the chance how do I get it quickly - I know have to pay ?

Should i try spyware in safe mode or something ?
My last post was via phone but this one on the pc so you can see the problem is very randon for now

[walpurgis]

For the last few days, I'd thought my eyesight was playing up. Then just now I checked the monitor settings. Blasted thing had somehow set itself on minimum brightness. I can see it properly again!!

[struth]

For the last few days, I'd thought my eyesight was playing up. Then just now I checked the monitor settings. Blasted thing had somehow set itself on minimum brightness. I can see it properly again!!

:D

[Arkless Electronics]

HELP! My first computer issue in a long while.... I knew this was overdue.... PC seemed a wee bit slow today... was making online payments of bills and having a few issues with "oddities" shall we say.. like instructions for using secure key card reading "press the then the button" with the coluur of button left out... and this on HSBC's own site. I managed eventually to make the payments but then noticed 5 instances of Fire fox open in the bottom bar. I was only able to close 2 of them. The rest ignored the exit command.... I rebooted the computer and found I was unable to open Firefox at all (I'm using IE for the first time in years to do this...). The firefox logo comes on in the bottom bar but it appears to be maximising and minimisng to well off the right of the screen! I uninstalled and reinstalled firefox to no avail. I'm in the process of running several anti virus programs but nothing so far.. other than spybot search and destroy is saying it is corrupted...
I had a BSD for the first time in years about a week ago which I can't help but feel has something to do with it... it turned out to be related to locals1/temp/windows/system32 IIRC
I'm generally pretty good with computers but this has me beat... so far... any ideas folks?

[spendorman]

Sounds strange, how about using System Restore to go back to a time when everything worked.

Malwarebytes might be better than Spybot.

[struth]

First clear the firefox cache and any cookies. Depends what security you use as to if there is infection, but cache is most likely. Reinstalling wont clear cache

[Arkless Electronics]

First clear the firefox cache and any cookies. Depends what security you use as to if there is infection, but cache is most likely. Reinstalling wont clear cache

I can't open firefox to clear cache... is it in locals or somewhere like that?

[struth]

Try holding shift down while starting firefox..should take you to firefox safe mode. If that doesnt work you could try starting pc in safe mode and no network and see if you get in that way

[struth]

Typing %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\ into the pc search tab after start etc will take you to your profile. Should be a tab there marked read only which could also be accidentilly checked.

As for finding the cache, ..good luck lol. Its spread over various points, and not marked....

[spendorman]

There is Firefox Refresh:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-firefox-reset-add-ons-and-settings

[walpurgis]

What about uninstalling Firefox and reinstalling?

[struth]

There is Firefox Refresh:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-firefox-reset-add-ons-and-settings

Yup, its accessable via safe mode if memory serves Alex.

You might be able to clear it in a full uninstall maybe using wise program which will either give that option or if you use the deep clean or whatever its called in wise program it will search for remnants. May clear it

[walpurgis]

Yeah. 'Wise Program Uninstaller' is what I use. If you use its 'safe uninstall' it will leave Firefox traces. The only way to get rid of all of it is to go for 'forced uninstall', but afterwards, on rare occasions, some programs won't install and function properly. It's a toss up!!

[struth]

yeah just tried the shift firefox and there is 2 options safe mode and refresh

[Arkless Electronics]

Shift firefox doesnt work. I've already started manually finding all traces of it and deleting them...(after deleting firefox itself of course)

[walpurgis]

You are unlikely to find every trace Jez. Download Wise Program Uninstaller and run 'forced uninstall'. That'll get it all.

[Arkless Electronics]

A pyrrhic victory... back on firefox after manually uninstalling all references to it on hard drive and reinstalling... years of bookmarks lost.... Ah well, all the important ones which I use all he time I can obviously remember and re bookmark...
Fingers crossed now that some obscure but important DLL hasn't been deleted and Windows won't restart later :eek:

[walpurgis]

Right. Just given my Windows 7 PC its routine going over. Cleared the browsers of temp files. Ran the MS 'Disc Cleanup'. Did a one click sweep with Toolwiz Care and the same with Cache Cleaner. Did a scan with 'Free Window Registry Repair'. A full scan with 'OneClick Spyware Expert' (found one trojan---goldun). Wiped the hard drive free space with 'No File Recovery' and ran the 'SlimCleaner' intelligent disc defrag. All good to go now! :D

[struth]

Old tech...;). Win 10 is the one :ner:

[Pieoftheday]

Afternoon all, I wonder if anyone has any suggestions re my Toshiba satellite l300 d laptop. I press the on button and I can hear the customery wirr as it attempts to come alive but nothing,diddly,nowt, bugger all apart from the wirr!! Is it buggered? Jim

[struth]

Afternoon all, I wonder if anyone has any suggestions re my Toshiba satellite l300 d laptop. I press the on button and I can hear the customery wirr as it attempts to come alive but nothing,diddly,nowt, bugger all apart from the wirr!! Is it buggered? Jim

Could be lots of things tbh.. cpu, motherboard, hdd, graphics card etc. If its fairly recent machine and good spec then worth putting it in shop for estimate. If old then may be cost effective to replace it

You should be able to get what you want off hdd. Several programs available to remove it

[Pieoftheday]

Could be lots of things tbh.. cpu, motherboard, hdd, graphics card etc. If its fairly recent machine and good spec then worth putting it in shop for estimate. If old then may be cost effective to replace it

You should be able to get what you want off hdd. Several programs available to remove it

Hi Grant, it is getting on a bit so don't want to go spending lots on it, the HDD is removable, can i plug it in another laptop assuming theres easy access as there is with the Toshiba?

[struth]

Various sate to usb adaptor cables you can use . Ebay amazon etc. Then pull what you want off it before wiping ..testing drive etc. Clone units too.. just remember to find out what type it is..if laptop it will likely be sata ide 2.5" unless its really old

[spendorman]

BIOS battery?

[Arkless Electronics]

Afternoon all, I wonder if anyone has any suggestions re my Toshiba satellite l300 d laptop. I press the on button and I can hear the customery wirr as it attempts to come alive but nothing,diddly,nowt, bugger all apart from the wirr!! Is it buggered? Jim

I have a Toshiba satellite laptop (can't remember which model) which did exactly the same. Working fine when switched off. Switched on two days later and nothing but "Power On" led lit... Absolutely nothing else happens.... I never got round to having a look at it but may do some day!

[Pieoftheday]

BIOS battery?

I think something like that appeared on the screen the last time it booted up, it was so quick and I wasn't looking for anything at the time so wasn't sure. What is it? Cheers jim

[Pieoftheday]

I have a Toshiba satellite laptop (can't remember which model) which did exactly the same. Working fine when switched off. Switched on two days later and nothing but "Power On" led lit... Absolutely nothing else happens.... I never got round to having a look at it but may do some day!

It's a bugger Jez, I was going to remove the back but I don't know what I'm looking for:scratch: or at for that matter!!

[Pieoftheday]

BIOS battery?

Alex, you may well have put your finger on it, my laptop had been losing the correct date and time for ages and a quick search shows this often means the BIOS battery needs replacing, I'll have that back off after all, thank you

[struth]

Could be bios battery is us. Some pcs just say the time is gone etc and if you reset they go again but the battery usually needs changed. If its a tosh l300 laptop its a decent age and they were not overly well specced. Could be worth fixing if you know someone who wont charge £40 hr. otherwise just wait till theres a sale on in a shop and get best specced one you can afford
Chould try leaving it plugged in overnight.. might recharge the battery

[spendorman]

I think something like that appeared on the screen the last time it booted up, it was so quick and I wasn't looking for anything at the time so wasn't sure. What is it? Cheers jim

Most, nearly all PC's have a small lithium cell that powers the BIOS. BIOS stores the information to enable the system to run, also the clock time.

Google your pc model + BIOS battery replacement.

[Arkless Electronics]

BIOS battery won't leave it completely dead other than power led and/or cooling fan!

[spendorman]

BIOS battery won't leave it completely dead other than power led and/or cooling fan!

I'm, no expert, but different motherboards react quite differently to a low BIOS cell.

[struth]

Some wont work. All you will get is the fans running. Changing battery and resetting the cmos oft fixes.. sometimes just lifting battey for 10 min than putting it back will be enough to cick up and then reset settings and off you go ...

[walpurgis]

Try booting and tapping the F12 button continually. If you're lucky that could take you into the boot menu. From there you may be able to select 'safe mode' and do a system restore. If it's a bug that stopping the start up that may sort it. You'd probably be best off selecting the earliest restore date option.

[walpurgis]

BIOS battery?

Might be. Easy fix if you can reach it. Probably a CR2025 cell.

[walpurgis]

By the way. I hate laptops! :D


I've had several and without exception, they've had problems. My first computer was an Acer laptop, bought new in 2004 for over £800, which I thought was a fortune back then. I got about three years out of it then it did exactly the same as yours. I binned it and went for desktops instead as my main computer. Had no more bother apart from my own cock ups. A good highish spec ex business desktop costs about £100. Bargain!!

[walpurgis]

A laptop bios battery is shown here:

http://i63.tinypic.com/egvluo.jpg

It's the silver disc like object almost central. They are cheap and usually easy to reach.

[Pieoftheday]

Usually easy to reach!!! I removed every screw I could find and got the back to come away about an inch, bum!! I've a local repair shop, I'll ask him to look but if it's over £50 it's for the bin, thanks for your replies and help, jim

[Arkless Electronics]

Maybe. All the cases of flat BIOS battery I've seen have still allowed a BIOS start up screen or at very least an error code and some bleeps... I bow to those of greater experience in these matters though:)

[Pieoftheday]

Maybe. All the cases of flat BIOS battery I've seen have still allowed a BIOS start up screen or at very least an error code and some bleeps... I bow to those of greater experience in these matters though:)

Me too Jez, I was getting to that point where something was going to snap:steam::)

[spendorman]

I watch this guy's videos on car body repairs, he seems to do a good job, but beware of four letter words.

Here he talks of buying a new computer, again, beware of the four letter words!

https://youtu.be/JqyAMFYjrpw

[struth]

If its an l300 laptop you have to remove keyboard and some plugs and screws from top as well. Not just the bottom. The trim above the keyboard comes off (unclips) and there are screws in corners then keys come off. Then a few screws under it plus plugs

[Pieoftheday]

I watch this guy's videos on car body repairs, he seems to do a good job, but beware of four letter words.

Here he talks of buying a new computer, again, beware of the four letter words!

https://youtu.be/JqyAMFYjrpw

I get where he's coming from, dunt alf go on though!!

[nthall]

Maybe. All the cases of flat BIOS battery I've seen have still allowed a BIOS start up screen or at very least an error code and some bleeps... I bow to those of greater experience in these matters though:)
I don't think I've changed one since the 90s. They always had an error code, or BIOS warning.

try it as administrator Robert. if that doesnt do it then You may have a malware/virus . might be connected to the mouse problem


Most, nearly all PC's have a small lithium cell that powers the BIOS. BIOS stores the information to enable the system to run, also the clock time.

Google your pc model + BIOS battery replacement.


Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[monkey.nut]

I don't think it is the BIOS battery as others have said the machine should come alive even with a flat BIOS battery. However you'll need to go into the BIOS to tell it the date/time and your disk info.

If you don't get the computer into POST then it isn't getting any (or enough) power or its a duff motherboard. Have you tried to power up without the battery pack? Sometimes if this goes duff it takes all the juice from the power supply. Try to power on without the battery pack.

BTW the BIOS battery is soldered in and as others have said you have to tear down the laptop until you have removed the motherboard. There are plenty of vids on t'web.

So you'll get nowhere until the machine can enter POST. This should happen even with a duff screen or dead memory and the machine will tell you of faulty hardware using a series of beeps.

Unless your disk is duff you'll be able to get the data off on another machine with the correct cable. Its a SATA to USB cable and they are around £6 from places like Amazon and EvilPay.

MN

[walpurgis]

I've had a minor issue with my Windows 7 Acer PC for about a year. Occasionally, when booting it gets to the second screen showing 'starting windows' but then stops and the central Windows flag logo does not appear. I have to restart and am then offered options including 'start up repair' which does not cure this, so I just select 'start windows normally' and then I can use the PC.

A while back I reinstalled the W7 O/S in an attempt to stop this happening, but it still does. The motherboard battery has been replaced and I've reset the bios to manufacturer default. Still no cure.

It's not a big deal really, as it only happens now and then. I'm just curious to know what causes it.

I'm wondering if a bios update from Acer might help. Not tried that yet.

[struth]

I would first suspect the Ram on the pc. maybe check it with memtest. Then maybe test the c drive for problems. Sometimes the boot order cn cause things like that too, so could check that C is first.

[nthall]

RAM, or a hard drive that's about to die would be my guesses too. Is it clicking, or making any weird noises.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

I would first suspect the Ram on the pc. maybe check it with memtest. Then maybe test the c drive for problems. Sometimes the boot order cn cause things like that too, so could check that C is first.

Yeah. I checked the boot order Grant.

I may try a RAM test.

[walpurgis]

RAM, or a hard drive that's about to die would be my guesses too. Is it clicking, or making any weird noises.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

No. The PC is very quiet.

As I said, it's been doing this for about a year, but not very often. I mentioned it because it didn't boot properly tobnight.

[nthall]

No. The PC is very quiet.

As I said, it's been doing this for about a year, but not very often. I mentioned it because it didn't boot properly tobnight.
You could try turning on verbose mode in the BIOS so it echos everything it's doing. You would know when it locked up that way.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[nthall]

I've seen them not start because a CD was in the drive, or some other storage was attached too. SD card, USB stick, etc. Sometimes they'll do it if they're connected to another screen.

I had one that wouldn't start because one of the standoffs for the monitor cable had fallen off.

They do some weird stuff sometimes.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

I've seen them not start because a CD was in the drive, or some other storage was attached too. SD card, USB stick, etc. Sometimes they'll do it if they're connected to another screen.

I had one that wouldn't start because one of the standoffs for the monitor cable had fallen off.

They do some weird stuff sometimes.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

Hmm. I usually have one of my cameras permanently plugged in a USB socket to keep it charged up. I'll keep it unplugged for a while and see what happens.

[walpurgis]

You could try turning on verbose mode in the BIOS so it echos everything it's doing. You would know when it locked up that way.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

I'll have a look at that.

[monkey.nut]

Random events points the finger at hardware. However you could try using diagnostic startup. This can be configured in the config.sys (yeh its still there from the old MSDOS days). Press the Windows key and in the search box type config.sys and press return. In the first box you can select diagnostic startup. Incidentally I never use normal startup rather I use selective startup as I like to be in control.

Don't mess around with other features of config.sys as if you don't know what you are doing you can cause Windows fail to boot.

Cheers,

DV

[system7]

When you are not too sure what the problem is, it's a very good idea to use a live DVD to boot Linux.
https://www.ubuntu.com/download

You bypass Windows that way. FWIW, it's a very good recovery disk too. You can access all your Windows files from Ubuntu. You can access the internet. I do all my online banking from Linux. It's more secure.

You don't even have to install Ubuntu. It boots anyway. :)

[walpurgis]

When you are not too sure what the problem is, it's a very good idea to use a live DVD to boot Linux.
https://www.ubuntu.com/download

You bypass Windows that way. FWIW, it's a very good recovery disk too. You can access all your Windows files from Ubuntu. You can access the internet. I do all my online banking from Linux. It's more secure.

You don't even have to install Ubuntu. It boots anyway. :)

Might try that. I've got half dozen or so Linux CDs including Ubuntu.

[walpurgis]

Just ran the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool. No issues shown.

I'll have another look at the BIOS to see if anything has 'reset' itself wrongly.

[nthall]

Just ran the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool. No issues shown.

I'll have another look at the BIOS to see if anything has 'reset' itself wrongly.
Some Asus laptops won't let you set the boot order in the BIOS after flashing it. You can change it but it doesn't make a difference.

You can hit escape when it restarts and pull it up.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[Arkless Electronics]

Not sure if laptop still being discussed here but one of the biggest faults effecting PC's after years of use is the electrolytic caps around the CPU (mainly) and other sensitive areas... I've resurrected a few computers that either died or started to do so many weird , unpredictable things as to be useless, just by replacing these caps ;)

[walpurgis]

I'll keep tinkering. I've a few suggestions to go on with and a few ideas in mind.

It's only an occasional thing anyway and may not get worse. It hasn't over a year or so. If the HDD packs up, I'll just bung another in and install another copy of Windows. Might uprate the RAM and processor while I'm about it.

[walpurgis]

Noticing more and more little glitches with the PC recently. Looks like an O/S reinstallation would be a sensible option. That'll be another half day spent bunging Windows 7 back on, plus all the attendant third party software! :rolleyes:

(no, I don't want Windows 10)

I might even have a look around for a higher spec computer. This one is fairly quick, but it can be improved on.

[nthall]

Noticing more and more little glitches with the PC recently. Looks like an O/S reinstallation would be a sensible option. That'll be another half day spent bunging Windows 7 back on, plus all the attendant third party software! :rolleyes:

(no, I don't want Windows 10)

I might even have a look around for a higher spec computer. This one is fairly quick, but it can be improved on.
The parts have gotten so cheap building a nice one isn't really that expensive anymore, unless you want a high end gaming system.

I went back to Windows 10. I hated it for a long time because it crashed my machine everytime it updated. It's more stable now.

I prefer Linux, but there are still too many programs I don't want to give up to not have at least one machine with Windows.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Win 10 has been totally stable here on all machines. Uses less ram and cpu too. Glad i made move now as win 7 is a bit broken now with all their tampering. It not safe either apparently but if you dont go anywhere bad it wont be a problem. You should take an image every now and then geoff when its running good. If you get problems then just copy it over. A lot easier than reinstalling

[nthall]

I still don't like Edge, but I'm not having to reinstall all of the drivers 3-4 times a week anymore. I went back a few months ago and haven't had any problems.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[struth]

I still don't like Edge, but I'm not having to reinstall all of the drivers 3-4 times a week anymore. I went back a few months ago and haven't had any problems.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

Everything worked out of box with me. Only got it end of year so all bugs gone i think. Edge ive not used much tbh but its better than their old one. Use firefox mostly, with opera as backup. Chrome for when i want to use chromecast etc.

[nthall]

Everything worked out of box with me. Only got it end of year so all bugs gone i think. Edge ive not used much tbh but its better than their old one. Use firefox mostly, with opera as backup. Chrome for when i want to use chromecast etc.
It didn't like my video cards, and audio interface. I got it when it first came out and everything was fine. Then after about 6 months they started doing updates almost every day and my PC would be crashed when I got home. I use Chrome most of the time, but I use Firefox too. Chrome carries everything across all of my systems and phones. It's easier for me. I think Firefox is better overall.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

I had Windows 8.1 on a brand new Acer and took the free W10 'upgrade'. That PC is in the living room for the grand daughters to use. It works fine and they use Chrome for everything online. I gave it to them to use as I just don't like W10 and didn't like the 8.1 that was on previously.

I use Maxthon Cloud browser on this PC (in my den). It has its quirks, but I like the way it opens a new tab from each item on the favourites bar.

[nthall]

I've never even heard of that browser. I'll have to check it out.

I never found anything about Windows 8 that I thought was an improvement over 7. It was OK on a phone, but didn't fit the PC workflow very well. 7 is unsupported now so it doesn't get driver updates for some of my hardware anymore.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[walpurgis]

All Windows 7 support ends in 2020. No doubt, like XP, it will continue to be usable after that. Keeping security up to scratch becomes trickier and functioning browsers get thinner on the ground. If you load XP these days, the Internet Explorer 8 that comes with it won't work, so you need a browser on a memory stick to get online. Then you can download one that does work. SRWare Iron is a good portable browser.

[nthall]

They've already stopped updating DirectX. I think it has been backported, but it's becoming a hacked together system. I think commercial licences are still being updated.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[struth]

All bar win 10 are pretty much car wrecks now. They found them to be leaky and the fixes broke them, so they decided to move folk on. If you can get service pack 1 and the other one ive forgot its name and then shut off everything else update wise then it works mostly. But its got gaping holes in and needs a very good set of security options fitted. That slows it a lot. I got fed up with it all and gave in. Tbh glad i did..waiting was a good move though til they got all the trials over with

[walpurgis]

I suppose this is computer related. I've tried a few recent digital compact cameras and they take crap photos. My current Lumix DMC-LF1 is nice enough to use, but the images are nothing special to say the least. Its 12.1 mp count should deliver sharp enough photos but they really aren't great. My old Kodak P880 with a mere 8.0 mp runs circles around it. All down to lens quality I guess.

[struth]

its mostly sensor size that makes the difference, and lens of course. charged-coupled device ones are generally better but cmos have caught up now mostly. in compacts pixels are not overly important, but the size of the pixels does.

[walpurgis]

Just tried to open Google and Google News from the favourites bar on Maxthon Browser. Just get a blank page. Internet Explorer works fine though. Weird. Two things spring to mind. Maybe Maxthon has just received updates that have wied the Google addresses. Or these two sites have changed addresses.

Hmm. Copied the addresses from I.E. Did a 'paste & go' into Maxthon. No joy. I'll reboot and see if that sorts it.

[walpurgis]

Yup. That worked! Strange.

This PC is a bit cranky. The Windows 7 installation is from a genuine OEM disc bought new by myself.

When I've got nothing better to do I'll reinstall.

[struth]

used to get that occasionally. restarting pc often cleared it

[nthall]

Weird. It was probably a DNS issue if rebooting fixed it.

The number of megapixels on the camera don't necessarily correlate to picture quality. They all usually do OK under natural lighting, but indoors, or in dim places the difference always shows up. I use a few of those cheap studio lights with umbrellas on them when I'm taking pictures of stuff I'm listing online. They make a big difference. The price has came down on them a lot too. I think I paid around $50 for 3 of them with the stands and bulbs on Amazon.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Ive only got one win 7 laptop left and pulled out today. Not been on for a while. Taken a couple of hrs to set it up with updates and get the headphone dac, jriver and spotify to work with it.. Going now though. Its a bit slower than win 10 but works. Might be better to update it too but think i might leave it a while. Nice to see its still working

[walpurgis]

One of my W7 PC's is quicker than the W10 one. All down to spec no doubt.

I might have a look around for something even quicker though.

[struth]

This is my slowest one i guess. Its a lovely pc but short of eerything bar hdd. Can do a basic job of streaming and browsing so does enough. Not got any modern ones i guess now. The best being my i5 processor one

[spendorman]

Been using Glary Utilities free for some years, pretty good. About 3 months ago I got the Pro version, has a few more features, but a big bonus is that one can set it to autorun at a pre-set day / time. I have it run at 9:00 am every morning. My PC seems much better for this, as with the free version, I often forgot to run the program.

http://www.glarysoft.com/

[walpurgis]

Been using this for years. It works well, has loads of facilities and is free. It doesn't keep pestering you to upgrade to a paid version either.

http://i64.tinypic.com/fyl43l.png


If you want an effective spyware finder. There's this.

http://i65.tinypic.com/juzp0g.png

It's an old piece of software, but still works extremely well on every Windows O/S I've used.

[nthall]

I never use any type of anti-virus software. I just reformat it if it's acting weird. I really only use Windows for image/video editing and games. I use Linux most of the time.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

[struth]

Malwarebytes here. good program

[spendorman]

Been using this for years. It works well, has loads of facilities and is free. It doesn't keep pestering you to upgrade to a paid version either.

http://i64.tinypic.com/fyl43l.png


If you want an effective spyware finder. There's this.

http://i65.tinypic.com/juzp0g.png

It's an old piece of software, but still works extremely well on every Windows O/S I've used.

Not tried Toolwiz Care before, might give it a go.

Think I tried Onecllick Spyware Expert some time ago and it seemed good, but had a problem updating it.

[struth]

Yeah, the Cary program is good. Not tried that one Geoff. Cary is on one of mine. Been shuffling pcs yesterday as i was having an interuption in my streaming from the one i was using every now and then using jriver. Thought id bring the faster one down and try it here and put a slower one upstairs for evening browsing. Was a faff butwill give it a whirl for a while.

[walpurgis]

Not had any disasters, but I thought I'd post to bump the thread! :D

[struth]

Not had any disasters, but I thought I'd post to bump the thread! :D

not had any either. all pc's running A ok ...so far....

[walpurgis]

PC's been playing up today. Reluctant to boot without 'startup repair' being used (which does not work) and webpages not displaying properly. Not down to anything I've done. Bet it's yesterday's Windows Update. I've done a system restore to a date prior and all seems OK at the moment.

[struth]

Aye some of those updates for win 7 and 8 are horrendous

[spendorman]

Opera browser now has a built in free VPN, I have tried it on Windows 7, and it seems to work pretty well.


Download http://www.opera.com/

[struth]

it does indeed ;)

[spendorman]

Doesn't seem to work with XP, though the browser does.

[struth]

its a bit slower in loading complex pages etc but does work. first time i tried it i signed in to my amazon account and it wouldnt recognise me until i passed some other tests. lol. nice to see amazons security is working. Handy perhaps if you wish to watch a us based show in di interweb

[spendorman]

its a bit slower in loading complex pages etc but does work. first time i tried it i signed in to my amazon account and it wouldnt recognise me until i passed some other tests. lol. nice to see amazons security is working. Handy perhaps if you wish to watch a us based show in di interweb

It's certainly faster than some other VPN's that I tried.

[struth]

keep it quiet and it may stay that way ;) Opera and me go back a long way.

[spendorman]

I quite like the new Opera, but I can't find how to show a home page button.

[struth]

exactly what o you mean? setting an opening homepage

[struth]

sorry, yes I'm with you.....Right-click the toolbar and select "Customize". Select "Appearance". The toolbar is highlighted by a yellow border. Select the Buttons tab in the resulting dialog and drag the Home button to the highlighted toolbar.

[walpurgis]

SRWare Iron Browser Portable works in XP and has a VPN I believe. It's based on Chrome and works very well.

[spendorman]

sorry, yes I'm with you.....Right-click the toolbar and select "Customize". Select "Appearance". The toolbar is highlighted by a yellow border. Select the Buttons tab in the resulting dialog and drag the Home button to the highlighted toolbar.

Thank you, but not getting those options here, this is an XP installation. I will go to my W7 machine and see if I have them there.

[spendorman]

SRWare Iron Browser Portable works in XP and has a VPN I believe. It's based on Chrome and works very well.

I have than on this XP machine, will see if VPN is available.

[spendorman]

SRWare Iron Browser Portable works in XP and has a VPN I believe. It's based on Chrome and works very well.

Found ZenMate extension, but it's only a free trial.

[struth]

Thank you, but not getting those options here, this is an XP installation. I will go to my W7 machine and see if I have them there.

used to work on win 7. they have maybe changed it or removed the option now. it doesnt work on win10

[spendorman]

used to work on win 7. they have maybe changed it or removed the option now. it doesnt work on win10

On Win 7 machine now, still can't find it, not to worry the speed dial thing is not bad.

[struth]

i will try it on my win7 tomorrow

[struth]

On Win 7 machine now, still can't find it, not to worry the speed dial thing is not bad.

ive always used speed dials. find them best

[spendorman]

I was just thiinking, wonder if there is a Firefox free VPN extension, there does appear to be; Hotspot Shield Free VPN Proxy just trying it, seems OK so far.

[struth]

Think i remember reading that somewhere, is it hoxx plugin? Not tried it though.. i dont really have much need of one tbh, or cant think of one

[spendorman]

Not sure what "hoxx plugin" is, will have to lookup. But the Hot Spot extension changes my location and IP address.

My friend in another country can use the extensions to watch BC Iplayer etc. when blocked otherwise. This is excellent for him, I can't use Iplayer because I don't have a TV license.

[spendorman]

Ah, Hoxx VPN, found it:

[struth]

Tried opera on w7. They have changed it.. there is a series of dots at top on left they take you to set up of home page etc. Not quite same but is i think what you need

[spendorman]

Tried opera on w7. They have changed it.. there is a series of dots at top on left they take you to set up of home page etc. Not quite same but is i think what you need

Thanks, but this seems to set up Speed Dial, still can't find how to insert a Home Page button/ icon. I did it OK in older versions of Opera.

[struth]

It takes you there initially but in settings you can change it to go to where you want it to show like aos etc

Edit...i think:D

[spendorman]

Still can't find it, I give up!

[walpurgis]

Not unexpected!

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/microsoft-sued-court-windows-10-update-destroyed-peoples-data-damaged-pcs-a7651351.html



And this is a complete 'whopper'! The idea is that W10 garners more profiling info which can then be sold. It's about the money!!!

http://i63.tinypic.com/2itngqu.png

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Not unexpected!

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/microsoft-sued-court-windows-10-update-destroyed-peoples-data-damaged-pcs-a7651351.html



And this is a complete 'whopper'! The idea is that W10 garners more profiling info which can then be sold. It's about the money!!!

http://i63.tinypic.com/2itngqu.png

....and its always been about the money.


plenty of alternatives here: http://distrowatch.com

Cheers / Chris

[walpurgis]

plenty of alternatives here: http://distrowatch.com

Cheers / Chris

I know. I've used many distros. They vary a lot in 'user friendliness' and capability. I may end up going there again.

[spendorman]

....and its always been about the money.


plenty of alternatives here: http://distrowatch.com

Cheers / Chris

Been quite a fan of Linux Mint for some years, downloaded Mint Xfce 32 bit yesterday, seem to run OK.

There are just too many distros to choose from, very confusing for the user, especially the new user.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Been quite a fan of Linux Mint for some years, downloaded Mint Xfce 32 bit yesterday, seem to run OK.

There are just too many distros to choose from, very confusing for the user, especially the new user.

Yes Mint is great and an easy place to start with Linux. I am writing this on Mint xfce
on a salvaged computer that cost me $20.00, now running like a charm.

All the different desktop versions of Mint are here: http://www.linuxmint.com
IMO it is great there is choice.

[willbewill]

Another Mint fan here, recently loaded it on an Asus laptop with touchscreen, installed on an SSD and everything ran straight out of the box. Mint KDE 64bit.

[struth]

Liked mint when i ran it myself. Found i needed windows too much so had to go back alas.

[willbewill]

Liked mint when i ran it myself. Found i needed windows too much so had to go back alas.

Yep i know how you feel, i also have to run a Windows 10 laptop as well as there are a few programs that are essential to me and only available on that platform.

[walpurgis]

Getting a few broadband 'dropouts' in the last few days. Seems a moderately regular thing. It can be OK for months then go through phases of it. It's normally me that reports it and gets told I may be subject to fees if it's not a BT line fault. I'll let somebody else report it this time. It must affect many around here. On every occasion that I've been informed of the outcome, the fault has (allegedly) been located at a phone line junction well up the road from me.

[walpurgis]

Just received a huge Windows 7 update. Nearly 33,000 items. I just hope it doesn't cock anything up, as has been known to happen.

[spendorman]

I've just been fixing a Lenovo laptop with 7 on it for a neighbour, was dead, an easy one, the charger was dead, new one arrived this morning. Machine came to life but I could not log on because it was password protected, however got a warning not to turn off, updates (24, I think) were being performed. This took ages.

The owner got the machine back about half an hour ago, tells me that they cannot get on to gmail and that the desktop background has changed. I told them it wasn't anything I've done as I could not log on.

They went on to Teamviewer, looks like their home page had been changed as well as background. Put it all right. Perhaps it was the updates that changed this stuff.

[walpurgis]

More manipulation by Microsoft.

https://arstechnica.co.uk/information-technology/2017/04/windows-7-8-old-cpu-updates-blocked/

[Light Dependant Resistor]

More manipulation by Microsoft.

https://arstechnica.co.uk/information-technology/2017/04/windows-7-8-old-cpu-updates-blocked/

and here: http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/

The choice is clear I would have thought http://www.distrowatch.com
I cannot imagine anyone having transition aches if they simply choose Linux Mint http://www.linuxmint.com
it presents as easy to use and having all the features you need. For those who cannot be divorced install Wine
which enables .exe programs to run. The world of proper software is here, just take a look.

[spendorman]

My main machine seems to refuse to boot to a memory stick created with Universal USB Installer https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/ with Mint. I have tried many times, yesterday I used Rufus http://rufus.akeo.ie/ instead. It worked. I was amazed how well the machine performed, fast.

This was a physically tiny 8 GB USB memory stick. Only trouble with Rufus is that I don't think one can create a Persistent file.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

My main machine seems to refuse to boot to a memory stick created with Universal USB Installer https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/ with Mint. I have tried many times, yesterday I used Rufus http://rufus.akeo.ie/ instead. It worked. I was amazed how well the machine performed, fast.

This was a physically tiny 8 GB USB memory stick. Only trouble with Rufus is that I don't think one can create a Persistent file.

Once you have Mint running on a USB you have choice to install it to the hard drive. If you need to keep your existing
operating system, you can by selecting the side by side option during install - just read the prompts carefully
and select appropriately. There is a really nice USB writer already in Mint. But a guide is here to get Mint on
a drive https://mintguide.org/tools/317-make-a-bootable-flash-drive-from-an-iso-image-on-linux-mint.html

Mint will create a proper journal system called ext4 and update what is called GRUB ( Grand Unified Booting ) )
to display each operating system, or just Mint if transitioning properly ie abandoning the other.
As I did in 2003, and never looked back. .

[spendorman]

Once you have Mint running on a USB you have choice to install it to the hard drive. If you need to keep your existing
operating system, you can by selecting the side by side option during install - just read the prompts carefully
and select appropriately. There is a really nice USB writer already in Mint. But a guide is here to get Mint on
a drive https://mintguide.org/tools/317-make-a-bootable-flash-drive-from-an-iso-image-on-linux-mint.html

Mint will create a proper journal system called ext4 and update what is called GRUB ( Grand Unified Booting ) )
to display each operating system, or just Mint if transitioning properly ie abandoning the other.
As I did in 2003, and never looked back. .

Done all that ages ago too, but I have decided that generally, I only want one operating system on a particular hard drive.

Correction, have not tried https://mintguide.org/tools/317-make-a-bootable-flash-drive-from-an-iso-image-on-linux-mint.html will give it a go.

[spendorman]

Yes, Linux Live USB Creator worked, thank you. Going to do it again as I only made a small persistent file.

19980

[struth]

Picked up a laptop table and got it built today and trying out. Using an old pc ive just popped win 10 on as well. Its a bit slow but it was anyway. More for browsing with safely, and maybe muzac too. This one was the wifes originally, and had been a bit of a basket case due to her shall we say unorthodox usage lol. Was a good un mind, it cost a lot in day a presario

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170416/d8954926784399a51539f335ffd872e7.jpg

[walpurgis]

Looks a handy angle to work at.

[struth]

Looks a handy angle to work at.

Pretty pleased with it for money. stays put but moves when you want. plent adjustment and uses. was on sale and its pretty decent made, considering price

[spendorman]

Last few days getting a warning from Malwarebytes, see attachment.
20085

[brian2957]

I'm getting that too Alex , on my home computer and also the one at work , when I sign in to AOS .

[spendorman]

I'm getting that too Alex , on my home computer and also the one at work , when I sign in to AOS .

Yes, only had it on AOS, strange.

[struth]

Not had a malwarbytes message. Im using premium

[spendorman]

Yes, using Premium

[struth]

if I ever see one I will report it. but not on any of my pcs so far and they all run the latest premium

[walpurgis]

Global ransomware epidemic.

This can affect anybody, so I have decided that for the time being, when online, I will employ the 'timefreeze' facility in the Toolwiz Care maintenance utility I keep on my PC. This prevents any changes being made to the operating system and works rather like an behaviour based anti-virus app.

I've had a ransomware attack in the past and removed it from the PC and cured a mate's computer too. But it's a lot of aggro!

[spendorman]

The Toolwiz Timefreeze sound like a good idea seems a good idea, I'll have to check it out, all I have done so far is to backups more often.

[spendorman]

Ref. the latest ransomeware epidemic, just heard on the radio that Microsoft are going to supply a patch, even for XP users.

[struth]

Ive got win patrol on all my pcs. well actually for some reason its not on this one? not sure why I removed it...it doesnt let any program change anything without asking you first if its ok.

[walpurgis]

Ive got win patrol on all my pcs. well actually for some reason its not on this one? not sure why I removed it...it doesnt let any program change anything without asking you first if its ok.

Hmm. I was using winpatrol last time my PC was hijacked. I still have it on every computer I get, but it rarely flags anything up.

[walpurgis]

Tool Wiz 'timefreeze' is available on its own without the whole maintenance package. Details and free download here: http://www.toolwiz.com/lead/toolwiz_time_freeze/

[struth]

Ive got the plus version. Dunno if thats the one youve got... mine flags lots of things. Everytime a program tries to change anything it asks me first. If i say no, it doesnt happen.

The new full malwarebytes is on the ball with most ransomware now too. In fact i got an email today saying the latest global ransomware is covered by the premium version.

[walpurgis]

I'm happier using 'timefreeze' I think. It makes the computer run from a virtual copy of the existing O/S and everything done via the vitual copy is sandboxed and restarting the computer deletes everything that was done with 'timefreeze' in operation. Needless to say, you do have to turn it off if you work on anything you want to save, but that's just a button click.

In theory, your computer is safe forever if 'timefreeze' is used, regardless of how old or outdated the O/S and any third party security software is.

Much the same applies to the behaviour based ThreatFire anti-virus software, which I have also used. Downloads are hard to find though as it was discontinued, but Softonic still list it: https://threatfire.en.softonic.com/ it can run alongside normal A/V software, as it is not definition file dependant and it never needs updates.

I believe there's 'whitelisting' protection available too, but the last time I tried any, it slowed the PC quite a bit.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

The 9AM news here this morning was carrying a story about ransom ware
Here it is on the ABC Australian news
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-13/dont-pay-ransom-cyber-expert-warns-amid-ransomware-outbreak/8523758

I would recommend using a Linux based distribution http://distrowatch.com
as the climate and frequency of ransom ware is only going to get worse.

Linux Mint is arguably the easiest to transition to.

[struth]

I'm happier using 'timefreeze' I think. It makes the computer run from a virtual copy of the existing O/S and everything done via the vitual copy is sandboxed and restarting the computer deletes everything that was done with 'timefreeze' in operation. Needless to say, you do have to turn it off if you work on anything you want to save, but that's just a button click.

In theory, your computer is safe forever if 'timefreeze' is used, regardless of how old or outdated the O/S and any third party security software is.

Much the same applies to the behaviour based ThreatFire anti-virus software, which I have also used. Downloads are hard to find though as it was discontinued, but Softonic still list it: https://threatfire.en.softonic.com/ it can run alongside normal A/V software, as it is not definition file dependant and it never needs updates.

I believe there's 'whitelisting' protection available too, but the last time I tried any, it slowed the PC quite a bit.

Its a sandbox, yes.. i like sandboxes. used to use sandboxie but it became a pain so discontinued it.. Ive downloaded it. seems to work well so far.:)

[walpurgis]

Ive downloaded it. seems to work well so far.:)

'timefreeze' seems to have no effect on computer speed. I find it easy to use. Need to remember to select it for web use each time.

[struth]

Ive green lighted a few programs like malware and windows updates etc so they will go though even when on. Will do more as they come up. Handy when doing other things on web.or testing programs etc

[walpurgis]

I just tested it by creating a desktop note and a document whilst on. They vanished after restart, so obviously no changes are kept.

[walpurgis]

Ive green lighted a few programs like malware and windows updates etc so they will go though even when on. Will do more as they come up. Handy when doing other things on web.or testing programs etc

I don't have that facility. Mine is in a download of the complete ToolWiz Care 'one click' mantenance package. Presumably the 'timefreeze' included in that is a pared down version.

[struth]

I just tested it by creating a desktop note and a document whilst on. They vanished after restart, so obviously no changes are kept.

yup, me too.... your right too, its quick.. sandboxie was slower.. nice find:thumbsup:

[struth]

I don't have that facility. Mine is in a download of the complete ToolWiz Care 'one click' mantenance package. Presumably the 'timefreeze' included in that is a pared down version.

maybe.. I clicked in the box at bottom,, to open program right click and select the open. there is a switch on/off too...its hidden but there if you click on the arrow, show hidden icons

[walpurgis]

maybe.. I clicked in the box at bottom,, to open program right click and select the open. there is a switch on/off too...its hidden but there if you click on the arrow, show hidden icons

I don't have that. I may download the separate 'timefreeze' and see what's on there.

(best I don't do it while the existing 'timefreeze' is running.....it won't save it! :))

[walpurgis]

If anybody is interested in what Threatfire behaviour based A/V can do, there's a review here: http://uk.pcmag.com/threatfire-45/23391/review/threatfire-45

This can run alongside regular A/V software and if used with the previously discussed 'timefreeze' should make a pretty foolproof means of avoiding vulnerability to ransomware attacks and other zero day nasties and more.

[spendorman]

I was playing around with a spare machine with Windows 7 on it, accidentally knocked the IEC mains connector and interrupted the mains. On restarting the machine got the Window repair screen. Let it run, it said it could not repair the system. I have had this situation several times with W7, XP seems more resistant to power interruptions.

I have found several times with W7, if power is interrupted and the repair screen does not work, just going into safe mode and then normal boot, seems to put things right.

[walpurgis]

I have found several times with W7, if power is interrupted and the repair screen does not work, just going into safe mode and then normal boot, seems to put things right.

That's handy to know. I'd probably try it anyway, but knowing in advance could be useful, because I'm fitting my PC mains lead with a plug that has an 'on/off' switch. I'm doing this because I've occasionally spotted bugs start loading and kill the computer by pressing and holding the off button, but an immediate switch off would be more successful in stopping nasties.

I just did something silly. I downloaded and installed Threatfire, but forgot to turn off 'Timefreeze'. Needless to say, it was missing on reboot! :lol:

I'll do it again right now!

[walpurgis]

PC running well with Threatfire anti virus and 'timefreeze' activated on top of the usual Microsoft Security Essentials. Can't see any infections getting through that lot! Scan done with Spyware Expert as well. All is 'tickety-boo' for now.

[spendorman]

I help an elderly (older than me!) neighbour with his computer on occasions, he's visually impaired and is finding reading text on his old Dell 19" monitor difficult. In Windows 7 I have tried adjusting the text size and resolution, but I think was is really needed is a bigger and better monitor. Any suggestions for something that is not too expensive?

My own 24" widecreen BenQ GL2450H is good, but not really any bigger measured top to bottom of screen, than his old Dell 19".

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Yes he should look at using http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=vinux
which has support for both Braille and visually impaired persons.

and it is free

Hope this helps.

Cheers / Chris

[walpurgis]

Hard to say. I always buy second hand monitors. My current 22" HP has given good service for years. May go for something bigger soon. I also have crap eyesight. :)

There's a used 24" Asus on ebay for £80 in Harrow. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ASUS-VW247H-24-Widescreen-LED-LCD-Monitor-built-in-Speakers-/152546138302?hash=item23847558be:g:69kAAOSwtGlZFa7 7

[struth]

Win 10 has better things for visually impared.. he will get a free upgrade from 7.

[spendorman]

Yes he should look at using http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=vinux
which has support for both Braille and visually impaired persons.

and it is free

Hope this helps.


Cheers / Chris

Thanks Chris, only yesterday I was talking to him about using him using Linux, I will look at Vinux.

[spendorman]

Hard to say. I always buy second hand monitors. My current 22" HP has given good service for years. May go for something bigger soon. I also have crap eyesight. :)

There's a used 24" Asus on ebay for £80 in Harrow. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ASUS-VW247H-24-Widescreen-LED-LCD-Monitor-built-in-Speakers-/152546138302?hash=item23847558be:g:69kAAOSwtGlZFa7 7

Actually, my 24" BenQ is the first brand new monitor that I have bought, was just over £100 about 3 years ago, all others have been used, some good, some not so good. My eyesight is not brilliant either. First noticed the reduction about 17 years ago when I could not read the writing on fuses without an aid. I will look at the 24" Asus listing, but I'm really tempted to recommend new for this neighbour. Thanks for the link, have just sent it to the him.

[spendorman]

Win 10 has better things for visually impared.. he will get a free upgrade from 7.

Thanks, did not know that, thought that the free upgrade had finished.

[spendorman]

My BenQ 24" monitor is still sold today, gets good reviews:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Monitors/BenQ-GL2450HM-Widescreen-Multimedia-Monitor-DVI-D-Speakers/B005OPLG0O/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1494848752&sr=1-5&keywords=24+inch+monitor

Has HDMI, DVI, VGA, and headphone connections, I find the picture quality very good, minor niggles, built in speakers could be better, adjustment buttons a little difficult to use, but once set, don't really need to touch them.

[struth]

Thanks, did not know that, thought that the free upgrade had finished.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/accessibility/windows10upgrade

[spendorman]

Thanks, I probably qualify too.

[spendorman]

This might be good for the neighbour:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/BenQ-GL2760H-27-inch-Monitor-1920/dp/B00IZBIMLK/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1494849248&sr=1-6&keywords=27+inch+monitor

But price increases a fair bit for this next size up from mine.

[spendorman]

Been messing around with an old HP DC5800 machine, core 2 duo 2.93 GHz, 4Gb RAM, Toshiba 500GB hybrid hard drive.

Put Linux Mint 18.1 Mate on it, runs well, but can’t seem to get the screen resolutions I need, suspect it’s a graphics driver problem, haven’t sorted it.

Thought I’d try Windows 8.1 pro. Installed it and a fair bit of other software inc. Sophos, Malwarebytes Premium, VLC Player, XN View, Firefox, Glary Utilities Pro, Office 2007 Pro and RadioSure.

All devices including a PCIe USB 3.0 card and a USB Wi-Fi adapter were recognised and worked fine, no searching around for any drivers

Seems to run well. Boots in around 23 seconds, not bad.

I was looking for the end of support date for 8.1, didn’t find it, anyone know?

Also 8.1 boots to the Start Page, tried the usual adjustment (https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-boot-to-the-desktop-in-windows-8-1-2626240) to make it boot to the desktop, doesn’t seem to work, any suggestions? Thanks.

[struth]

Used to just tick a box in the navigation panel i think. Might have changed. Win 10 is better tbh. Its pretty stable too. Ive not had any probs

[spendorman]

Thanks, I tried that, didn't seem to work. Don't think I'd ever use 10 for the Big Brother reasons.

[walpurgis]

Still using 'timefreeze' for all internet work, apart from when I want to save something (rarely). I feel more reassured with this security facility in place. Not had any hacks that I'm aware of, but knowing that any 'nasties' that get onto my PC should immediately be deleted from the 'timefreeze' virtual environment when I turn off is rather good.

[struth]

Ive got it on a couple of pcs but had to make sure it didnt come on by itself on switch on. Only want it for occasions. Win 10 updates itself etc and i rip music too so you can lose stuff too easy if you dont realise its on. Doh! Already done that:D. Still its a useful bit of kit

[walpurgis]

The 'tinypic' image hosting site has been playing up today and yesterday. Images failing to upload. Hope they sort it out soon, as it's the one I like to use.

[spendorman]

Good price for a hybrid drive, had to pay about £40 for a similar drive a few days ago for a neighbour.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112417797960

[spendorman]

Been messing around with an old HP DC5800 machine, core 2 duo 2.93 GHz, 4Gb RAM, Toshiba 500GB hybrid hard drive.

Put Linux Mint 18.1 Mate on it, runs well, but can’t seem to get the screen resolutions I need, suspect it’s a graphics driver problem, haven’t sorted it.

This may be of use to someone, I've sorted the problem of Linux not recognising my monitor. Saw the solution on a Linux forum.

They suggested trying a different VGA cable, I did, solved the problem. Monitor recognised. I would never have thought of this. The VGA cable I was using was very old, probably from 386 days.

[spendorman]

Scammer called today, missed recording the beginning of the call. He claimed to be from Talktalk. I didn't turn the router off as he requested.

https://youtu.be/OxSnX3qvTA0

[struth]

My son gets them a lot.. telling him various stories... he isnt even on the internet :D
Ive had it a couple of times I guess... told them F off.

[spendorman]

Did you hear near the end where I told him I was running Linux, he had to improvise!

[struth]

Did you hear near the end where I told him I was running Linux, he had to improvise!

aye, he went kinda silent

[walpurgis]

I get a few claiming to be Microsoft and telling me they've detected a problem on my computer.

[hifilover]

Can't believe that this still happens, but I know it does :(

My business is all about Digital Media and I also recruit into GCHQ, the Home Office and a few UK Defence companies re IT Security people etc...

I work on a Mac so always laughed when we got these calls; would string them along and then once I got bored, mentioned the Mac and they hung up, so rude :lol:

We bought the BT 8500 Enhanced Call Blocker handsets mid last year; we're on the TPS register, but still got calls! We haven't had ONE bogus call/recorded call etc since we got the handsets and we don't even get the full usability of these phones as we're with Virgin and not BT. So, if you do get these calls, these handsets are very much a good way to rid them once and for all... I'd highly recommend them!

[walpurgis]

This is interesting. And it shows how dumb the government (May) can be.

http://boingboing.net/2017/06/04/theresa-may-king-canute.html

[Bjork67]

Monday and Tuesday they have phoned here , only know it was them by typing the number of the call on net. Says it comes from a microsoft scam site . Yesterday it was just a silent phonecall.

[spendorman]

Had another scam call a couple of days ago, a nice Indian lady phoned, same sort of thing, errors on my router, but a little different here, she wanted to replace it.

I asked her what make and model the replacement would be, she said she didn't know. I said that I need a good make, she said hold on she'd check, a few sec later she said it was a DCT. I said that that's OK.

Next she asked my to press CTRL and the windows key on my keyboard.

Now for my plan, I said that I detected something evil coming from her end and that I was going to put a curse on her. Unfortunately, I don't speak any other language other than English, I said some Mumbo Jumbo stuff based on about four Hebrew words that I know (but not the meanings!).

The nice lady seemed surprised, I added that the curse would take effect from tomorrow. She said that it will be reversed back on me. I said that that would not work as I'm a good person. (only partly true!).

She then cut off.

[struth]

Had a silent one yesterday too. someone must have lifted before me. I would have volleyed off some vernacular I guess. must try the curse

[spendorman]

I was told that the silent ones are often just a machine dialling automatically, when an answer is not received after a short time one just gets the silence.

[walpurgis]

I was told that the silent ones are often just a machine dialling automatically, when an answer is not received after a short time one just gets the silence.

I get a few of those. I also get many where somebody babbles at me in Punjabi. Wrong numbers no doubt.

[spendorman]

As both my scam calls were claiming falsely to be from Taltalk, I phoned Talktalk. They were quite helpful, I have noticed an improvement in the last year or so, well, let's face it they have been pretty poor on occasions in the past.

Talktalk asked me about the calls, said that they would investigate, advised me of the free last caller barring service and put me on it. If a scammer calls, at the end of the call I just dial in a code and that number is blocked.

[struth]

I was told that the silent ones are often just a machine dialling automatically, when an answer is not received after a short time one just gets the silence.

could be.. I was under impression the machine dialed several numbers at once and when someone answers the others just go silent as there was only one accepted call on other end. yours sounds like it could be accurate.

[spendorman]

The worry I had years ago was that a burglar was testing to see if one was in.

[struth]

The worry I had years ago was that a burglar was testing to see if one was in.

that was a dodge as well. you just never know

[struth]

Just got the latest "creators" update to win 10. seems to be working so far. must have been big as it took an age

[walpurgis]

Had a couple of big W7 updates recently. At least they don't seem to have buggered anything up on my PC so far. They have in the past.

[spendorman]

Watching this at the moment, about Windows and Linux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE4SwkJ0Fys

[mikeyb]

Just got the latest "creators" update to win 10. seems to be working so far. must have been big as it took an age
It's huge and worthless, best removed, it takes up about 70-80gb and gives you nothing in return.

[struth]

It's huge and worthless, best removed, it takes up about 70-80gb and gives you nothing in return.

once your happy its working fine then just do a clean up and the old version will be removed. its stored on hd. the creators has a lot of security updates etc.... some older pcs might not handle it though so it wont be given to everyone.

[walpurgis]

Microsoft had to do a big security patch for W10. Apparently much of the source code has been leaked.

[struth]

Microsoft had to do a big security patch for W10. Apparently much of the source code has been leaked.

I read something about that. Heads will ly I'm sure. MS take these things rightly seriously.

[walpurgis]

http://fortune.com/2017/06/24/windows-10-source-code-leak/

[struth]

think that was roughly what I heard. This pc isnt on the latest version; must be too old I guess or they have not got to it. My newer one has it though... it has a revamped ntivirus built in