MS OS Technical Knowledge Repository

Disable Devices from Commandline

2009-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

REF:
http://en.kioskea.net/faq/sujet-1886-enable-disable-a-device-from-the-command-line#install-devcon

WinXP - RDP with three concurrent connections to XP

2009-11-18T18:53:00.001-08:00

Hi there,

This solution is not secure by any means, so run it at your own risk. This solution effectively allows your mum, your dad, and you to use Remote Desktop to your computer all at the same time. Why do you want to do this? Maybe because their computers are slow and yours is fast..

I refer you to:
http://www.raneri.it/blog/eng/index.php/2006/04/24/windows-xp-multiuser-remote-desktop/

Cheers, josh

Windows 7 - Customise to look like WinXP

2009-11-06T16:28:00.000-08:00

You know people who know Windows XP, just want to keep knowing how to use Windows.. funny that. Here is a brief overview on how to customise Windows 7 to look like Windows XP. It will also give you a few ideas on what else to change. Don't forget to change Control Panel to small icons as opposed to category.

REF: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-7/make-the-windows-7-taskbar-work-more-like-windows-xp-or-vista/

Cheers, josh

Adobe Acrobat Standard 8 - Not Converting Files

2009-10-28T01:21:00.000-07:00

If you find your Adobe Acrobat Standard 8.xx isn't converting files, here is my fix. It has worked every time so far.

Delete all the Adobe Acrobat printers from your printer control panel (make sure to delete any jobs outstanding so far).

Run the setup tool from the CD and choose Repair.. it might take up to 50 minutes to complete, but then it asks you to reboot, do so.

Now try converting files :) Should work.,

Cheers, josh

Internet Explorer - Repair Browsing problems

2009-10-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

I have found the following solutions fix internet browsing issues, when using Internet Explorer.

Reset IE7 / IE8 - http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/06/12/628499.aspx

Add "c:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" to the Firewall Exceptions Rule

The following commands need Command Prompt with Administrative privaledges:

ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset catalog
netsh int ip reset reset.log

Disable any addon's you don't need.
Disable any toolbars, that you don't need.

Run full anti-spyware, anti-virus on computer, with system restore disabled

RESTART COMPUTER

Cheers, josh

WinXP - Redirect Folders ie My Documents

2009-10-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

USE THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK, BACKUP ALL DATA FIRST!

So your C: is running out of disk space, and you desperately need to move your documents to another drive..

Easy, just edit your registry here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer \User Shell Folders

Change your documents folder to it's new location.

You may need to change it at HKLM as above also.

Now log off and logon and whalla!

cheers, josh

WinXP - Slow PC, Slow Network Drives

2009-10-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

If you have a slow computer, or you have network drives that you think are slowing down your computer, then try these solutions. Back up everything first! Use these fixes at your own risk.

GENERAL SPEED ISSUE
+ Run CCleaner on all PC's to clean dodgy files and registry entries
+ C:\WINDOWS\system32\fxssvc.exe: disable the microsoft fax service
+ Run msconfig> startup> uncheck installshield
+ In msconfig> in startup locate and uncheck: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Adobe\SHOCKW~1\SWHELP~1.EXE
+ Run rootkit revealer> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897445.aspx
+ Defrag the computer

SLOW DRIVES, and SLOW PC

+ Uninstall Spybot and any registry correction software, then repair Windows and update with SP3 (Prob: reg changes from sp's banned by Spybot!)
+ Disable computer browser on all computers and reboot, one by itself wil slow network!!
+ http://forums.msrportal.com/showthread.php?t=46135&highlight=explorer+slow
+ check antivirus is set not to scan network folders
+ check Windows View Options settings carefully (off/ show popup descriptions... off/ use Classic Windows Folders)
+ update network drivers on all computers
+ Uninstall Spybot (Teatime incompatibility with IE8)
+ Turn off all indexing, including Google (indexing network drives.. ugg)
+ Make sure all Pc's are running the same Service Pack 3
+ http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1b286e6d-8912-4e18-b570-42470e2f3582&displaylang=en
+ http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=840309
+ http://www.wikihow.com/Clear-the-Thumbnail-Cache-in-Windows
+ Check to see if disable NetBIOS over TCP/IP helps out?
+ Are you using 802.1x? If not try turning of this off might help hereTurn of folder options here
+ Check the crypto registry settings: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/829700/
+ Apply these changes http://ss64.com/nt/slow_browsing.html
+ Stop and Disable Service "Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)" - this affects scanners appearing in my computer apparently
+ Try reserving IP address's for workstations and then adding an LMHOST file to each computer containing the names of PC and servers you connect to with thier IP address's.
-- LHHOST - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314108 (Don't forget to run flush and load commands, see ref link)
+ Check your DNS and WINS settings
+ Anti-virus policy... scanning of directory depth, scanning of zip files.(limit the depth of scanning
+ GPO disable "launch explorer windows is seperate process"
+ Turn off services "Security center" "Firewall" "MS Defender" and Disable them.
+ Enable Guest account on all PC's
+ Check your sharing type (Simple File Sharing OR our Security List way..)
+ CACLS tool - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/897103/en-us?FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH
+ Add "/persistent:no" to your batch files for network shares

Sync Toy - mirrored backups for SBS2003 or PC's

2009-10-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

My favourite solution at the moment for backing up data is as follows.

Use NT Backup to copy files to an external drive that does not get disconnected from my server/host PC.

Then use Sync Toy V2 to copy files (schedules task using batch file) to the drive which I take offsite everyday.

It's important to make sure your Server Monitoring reports are setup to notify you of backup errors. Also you will need a tool like SENDEMAIL, so that you can email yourself the log file when the Sync tool completes.

First Download and install Synctoy, and create a pair between the two folders source and destination. The source will be the primary onsite backup drive. The destination is your offsite backup drive. Note the name of your pair, as you will need it later.

Create a batch file on the desktop, and copy in the following contents:

c:
cd\
cd program files
cd synctoy 2.0
synctoycmd -R "SVRBCKUP"
c:
cd\
cd %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\SyncToy\2.0\
sendemail -f administrator@yourserver.com.au -t manager@yourserver.com.au -cc otherperson@yourserver.com.au -u SYNCTOYLOG -s smtp.outgoingmail.com.au:25 -a syncto~1.log -m PleaseReadLog

Edit the above batch script at the synctoycmd line, and modify the "SVRBCKUP" text to the name of your pair; make sure to maintain the " " on either side of your name.

Also edit the above script on the SENDEMAIL line with the following modifications:
a) administrator@yourserver.com.au CHANGE TO your administrator email account
b) manager@yourserver.com.au CHANGE TO your manager's / owners email account
c) otherperson@yourserver.com.au CHANGE TO your own email account
d) smtp.outgoingmail.com.au CHANGE TO your outgoing mail server SMTP

Save As a batch file on your desktop (keep filename under 8 chars long).

Now Create a scheduled task, and call the new batch file you created and saved on the desktop. Set it to run at say 9:45AM daily Monday to Friday.

NB. You will need to download SENDEMAIL into your tools folder, and set the PATH environment variable to include your tools folder, so you can call it from anywhere.

SEND EMAIL: http://caspian.dotconf.net/menu/Software/SendEmail/

All complete, now run a test, and fix your mistakes if you have any.

SUMMARY:

This tool will sync your onsite backup drive, with your offsite backup drive, and send an email containing the SyncToy Log file to your client's email address and your email address. This is so they can investigate whether the sync is working or not.

The assumption here is that you have two backup drives. The primary drive is your onsite backup drive, which is never disconnected from the server. The secondary drive is your offsite drive, which is disconnected at the end of business day and taken home by the owner / manager. They will reconnect it at 8:30AM ready to download the newest update of the system backup.

Don't forget to setup Monitoring on the SBS2003 server to include your clients address so they can manage their own backup logs for the primary backup.

Enjoy,

josh mitchell

WinXP - SM Bus Controller

2009-10-19T19:11:00.000-07:00

In your device manager you will probably find this after an install of Windows XP.

Download the Intel INF tool and run it to fix this problem in most cases:

http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/inf/

Cheers, josh

Print Spooler Crashing - sdimf32.dll

2009-10-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

If your getting this error, then your print spooler is probably crashing frequently, and making all the printers disappear.

Here is my solution. Use at your own risk, this may cause problems on your PC. Back up everything and confirm backup before applying this fix.

Click Start then Run, then type in:
regsvr32 /u C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\SDIMF32.DLL
Press OK

Browser to C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\
and rename file to SDIMF32.dll.old

Cheers, josh

PS. Keep an eye on your applications for faults, but I do not think SDMIF32.dll is a dependancy for any other program.

SBS2003 - Out of Disk Space

2009-10-19T15:08:00.000-07:00

SBS 2003 needs disk space all the time when you start with a small partition.

Here is some things that will help:

1. Move the Print Spool folder

(Printers and Faxes, then Right click, Server Properties, then Advanced)
REF: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/314105
Restart the Print Spooler Service

2. Delete files from:

C:\Windows\Temp
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Temp (Check all user folders)

3. Check your WMI logs (can grow large)

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/836605

4. Clean out the Windows Distribution Folder

Stop Automatic Updates service
Clean out this folder: %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\download

Then start the service again

5. Purge Monitoring folders by re-running the Monitoring Wizard

6. Move Data folders from C:

WARNING!

NB. Make sure to set your exclusions from antivirus scanning if you move things!!!!

REF: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=a1d0af69-1287-4225-bd8b-59c89f44984b&displaylang=en

REF: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sbs/2003/maintain/movedata.mspx

MOVE Exchange folders

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/821915

How to Move Small Business Server 2000 Company and Users Shared Folders

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;329640

How to Move the Client Programs Folder to Another Location in Windows Small
Business Server 2003

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;830254

Move WSUS folders

REF: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=E26BCDB4-EF0B-4399-8A71-9B3B00C4F4CD&displaylang=en

I can't find any other ways to free disk space.

Cheers, josh

GPOL - Windows Server 2003

2009-10-18T08:50:00.000-07:00

This post is only a list of links I use for setting up Group Policy.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307882

http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/w2k3/services/terminal_services_group_policy.htm#Terminal_Server_Fallback_printer_driver_behavior*

Cheers, josh

RDP - Default Printer problem - Myob on SBS2003 - Printer Error 5

2009-10-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

If your getting printer error no 5 in Myob, and your using TS on an SBS2003 box, then chances are this will help you.

You need to create a batch file in your users startup folder, or call it how you want.

The batch files contents should read:

NET STOP SPOOLER
NET START SPOOLER
E:\defprn.vbs

Obviously you need to tell us where the VBS file is.
The VBS file needs to read as follows (change name of default printer to what you want, or it will not work):

strComputer = "."
Set objWMIService = GetObject("winmgmts:" _
& "{impersonationLevel=impersonate}!\\" & strComputer & "\root\cimv2")

Set colInstalledPrinters = objWMIService.ExecQuery _
("Select * from Win32_Printer Where Name = 'Kyocera Mita KM-4035 KX'")

For Each objPrinter in colInstalledPrinters
objPrinter.SetDefaultPrinter()
Next

Don't forget get to save the VBS file somewhere and call it in your start up batch file.

This fix forces the Printer Spooler to restart, and then calls a script to set a default printer, so that MYOB won't give you the error you are getting.

Credit for the VBS script and idea to: http://windows.ittoolbox.com/groups/technical-functional/windows-xp-pro-l/batch-file-to-set-default-printer-1324021

Cheers, josh

WIN XP - Map folder as Drive Letter

2009-10-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

Neat trick, but no failsafe on deleting files from mount points!

http://lifehacker.com/software/windows-tip/give-a-folder-its-very-own-drive-letter-267728.php

Cheers, josh

PSTools - Enable Remote Access (Remotely)

2009-10-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love PSTOOLS, they have saved me more than once for an onsite trip to enable rdp on a workstation.

Download PSTools from: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896649.aspx

psexec \\workstation netsh firewall set service remoteadmin enable
psexec \\workstation netsh firewall set service remotedesktop enable

Then remote on in!

Cheers, josh

Internet Explorer 8 Issues

2009-10-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

So Internet Explorer 8 isn't working probably. It's probably your fault, but that's ok, we should be able to get things sorted.

Check out this link and check to see if you have installed any incompatible software packages.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/dd441788.aspx

Cheers, josh

AntiVirus / AntiMalware Tools

2009-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

These days if someone gets infected I almost always prone to wipe the hard disk and reload applications. Rootkits have made extremely painful, causing virus's to appear out of seemingly nowhere after the virus was removed from System folders and the like.

WARNING: USE THESE TOOLS AT YOUR OWN RISK. READ THE DOCUMENTATION, DO YOUR RESEARCH FROM THIRD PARTY'S DOCUMENTATION AND LOGGING - You may lose all your data and have problems afterwards. I haven't yet, but that doesn't mean you won't. Your computer is not the same as mine and it's configuration.

None the less here is a list of my favourite tools for users to run:

MS Malicious Software remover
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/results.aspx?pocId=&freetext=Malicious%20Software%20Removal%20Tool%20&DisplayLang=en

ComboFix (AntiMalware)
http://www.combofix.org/

McAfee Stinger
http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/

F-Secure EasyClean
http://www.f-secure.com/en_EMEA/security/security-lab/tools-and-services/removal-tools/

SPECIFIC VIRUS REMOVAL TOOLS

AVG
http://free.avg.com/au-en/virus-removal

AVAST
http://www.avast.com/eng/avast-virus-cleaner.html

BitDefender
http://www.bitdefender.com/site/Downloads/browseFreeRemovalTool/

McAfee
http://home.mcafee.com/VirusInfo/VirusRemovalTools.aspx?ctst=1

Kapersky
http://www.kaspersky.com/removaltools

Symantec
http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/removaltools.jsp

Cheers, josh

IIS6 - Setup FTP User Isolation mode

2009-10-09T05:43:00.001-07:00

I found this the quickest and easiest way to lock up FTP so that only users I want to access the Server can, and so they can't mess with each other.

http://www.simongibson.com/intranet/ftp2003/ Very good walk through!

Cheers, josh

Locking down networks on a site

2009-10-04T21:42:00.000-07:00

PSS. By the way I thought about you wanting control over the stability of a network, and could suggest a few things to help exercise more control than is presently exercised:

• Windows XP Professional workstations are all installed with Service Pack 3, and no further patches permitted to install
• Windows Vista Business workstations are all installed with Service Pack 1, and no further patches permitted to install
• Same version of Microsoft Office is used across the network, with the latest Service pack installed, and no other patches permitted to install.
• All workstations use the same hardware; other workstations are not considered part of the stable network, as they each have their own peculiar differences, making it difficult to ascertain why a problem occurs on those workstations and not on others (it effectively increases the support cost).
• Additional programs are not permitted to be installed
• Free DNS software is deployed across the network, stopping visits to websites which may be compromised with rootkits, malware and virus’s ie. Porn sites, hacker sites etc
www.opendns.com is my favourite.
• Roaming profiles are used, so that users can login at any PC with their normal settings.
• Printers are only installed if setup first on the server, and shared to workstations. This eliminates USB, LPT and other issues cuts down service time, as we only need to fix one point to correct the others.
• Antivirus software is deployed with a Central management server: ie Symantec Endpoint. This way all workstations are managed, reported on, and receive definition updates simultaneously inside of two hours of being deployed on internet antivirus servers around the world.
• Server and firewall are deployed which make use of SPI Firewalls. Prefer to use Microsoft Small Business Server Premium Edition, as this contains a special firewall package, which not only stops incoming traffic, but also stops programs installed on workstations from accessing the internet, without approved access.
• Control of domain names, and Exchange server are administered strictly by us, (we change the passwords and have the domain key delivery address), so that we can control incoming emails to the site.
• Patches from Microsoft are permitted to be installed on the server for security reasons, however we do research on the patches before implementation. This has the least service work on our part, since we don’t need to research workstation patches for Office and Windows XP / Vista. Also if Databases are hosted on another server, then users are less likely to be affected by changes made on our central SBS server.
• No access provided to server for staff/owners.
• Any access needed by third party contractors, must be in tandem with the following requirements:
o All service patches that need installing must be researched and approved by tech support staff
o Contractor’s must log every change made on the server, including settings made during installation of applications
o Support staff must be present to oversee contractor modifications to server and workstations.
• Server is locked in a cabinet that cannot be accessed by staff or owner (air conditioning needed, of course)
• Every workstation that staff want us to support, must be backed up, wiped and reinstalled with Windows, Office and thirdy party apps according to our specification. This is the only way to ensure that other programs, registry changes, virus damage etc, is avoided and that we have a workstation which is consistent with the setup of all the other workstations on the network.

This sort of implementation is used in many sites, but does get annoying for users who want to install programs and use them, without having to have technical support assist them, and approve the installation. It doesn’t give you 100% control over a network, nothing can, but it does stop a lot of “mysterious” problems appearing as the result of patches, hardware faults, and programs installed by users.

Can anyone suggest other changes?

Cheers, josh

Microsoft Software Diagnostics

2009-10-04T19:50:00.001-07:00

Use these tools to check on programs for issues

Microsoft Product Information
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=CEBF3C7C-7CA5-408F-88B7-F9C79B7306C0&displaylang=en#filelist

Microsoft Powershell 1.1
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/management/powershell/download.mspx

Cheers, josh

Exchange Server stopped!

2009-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am running Windows Small Business Server 2003, and occasionally the Exchange services (the three basic core ones MSExchangeSA, MSExchangeIS, MSExchangeMGMT) don't start. This means mail is unavailable.

Other software that is running which might be involved:

a) Symantec Endpoint Antivirus
b) Symantec Information Foundation Mail Security for Microsoft Exchange
c) EFS Full Version (POP3 Mail downloader: www.chimera.co.nz)

I have run the MS Diagnostic Tools (see post entitled: Microsoft Software Diagnostics), but this came up all clear.

I haven't quite worked out how to resolve this issue, though it does appear that program is at fault somewhere. The error log reflects this (though who can trust error logs.. they only report what the programmer wants you to see; and sometimes they are logged for errors unanticipated by the programmer, meaning they don't necessarily reflect truly on the problem).

The error log says: "A service process other than the one launched by the Service Control Manager connected when starting the Microsoft Exchange Management service. The Service Control Manager launched process 3704 and process 3380 connected instead." PID's 3704 and 3380 did not exist when I checked on the server.

However for now, this is what I have done.

A. Set the three core exchange services, when failed to restart three times.
B. Set a batch file with net start commands, to run as scheduled task 6:30AM Daily.
C. Have a batch file with net start commands on desktop for office manager to run, if need be.

I suspect that something along the following lines is causing the problem.

i. Exchange is stopped for Antivirus tasks, and then can't start because AV still has a hold on the EXCH DB files.

2. EFS is using the DB files before EXCH has started, causing it to now be allowed to start.

For the rest of you still searching for a solution:

MS Forums are a great place to leave your problem for experts to respond to.

EXCH Forum
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/exchangesvrgeneral/threads

Reasons Exchange 2003 doesn't start:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/316710 (Service: Kerebos not set to automatic)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312945 (Lexmark printer software causing stops)

Hints for sorting it:
http://forums.msexchange.org/m_150582700/mpage_1/key_/tm.htm#150582711

Cheers, josh

WinXp - Show Hidden USB Devices

2009-10-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

USB problems. can't find the device; want to delete them all muhahahaa.. coff splutter

Well follow this walkthrough from Microsoft:

To work around this behavior and display devices when you click Show hidden devices:

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

2. At a command prompt, type the following command , and then press ENTER:
set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

3. Type the following command a command prompt, and then press ENTER:
start devmgmt.msc

4. Troubleshoot the devices and drivers in Device Manager.

NOTE: Click Show hidden devices on the View menu in Device Managers before you can see devices that are not connected to the computer.

5. When you finish troubleshooting, close Device Manager.

6. Type exit at the command prompt.

Note that when you close the command prompt window, Window clears the devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 variable that you set in step 2 and prevents ghosted devices from being displayed when you click Show hidden devices.

Credit: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315539

Cheers, josh

Enable Remote Access by Remote

2009-09-29T06:42:00.001-07:00

Download PS Tools to your Server: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/bb897553.aspx

You might want to add them to the Environment Variables, path..

Run these commands:

psexec \\remotecomputername netsh firewall set service remoteadmin enable

psexec \\remotecomputername netsh firewall set service remotedesktop enable

You should now be able to remote the computer.

This thanks to: http://thebackroomtech.com/2007/05/18/how-to-enable-remote-desktop-on-a-windows-xp-machine-remotely/

Cheers, josh

WIN XP - Disable Private Folders

2009-09-27T21:23:00.001-07:00

Private folders are a bad idea, unless you have backed up your data and credentials in a safe place (offline).

To disable them, follow this walk through:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/undoprivate.htm

Cheers, josh

MS Small Business Server 2003 / 2008

2009-09-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

Microsoft say that you cannot have to Small Business Server installations on the same network. This is part of the deal that created the product we know as Small Business Server. See the following links:

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884453

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/842690/

REF: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/700455.html

Cheers, josh

POP 3 Connector Logs

2009-09-23T19:30:00.001-07:00

C:\Program Files\Windows Small Business Server\Logs\pop3connector\

Cheers, josh

Exchange SMTP size limitations Send and Recieve

2009-09-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

For those using Chimera, you shouldn't have a problem; until the mail gets delivered to the Exchange server.. there's the problem.

To increase the size limit for emails being received (to stop them bouncing, for being to big) do this:

Exchange System Manager >> Global Settings >> Message Delivery >> Right Click - Properties

Click Defaults tab, and then set the limits to something more suitable: I use unlimited for the first two options. Click apply and ok.

Done

Cheers, josh

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322679

Do Not Disable IPv6

2009-09-16T19:20:00.001-07:00

If you thought about it, as a good idea for a minute or two.. and then unticked it.. may God have mercy on your soul.

Microsoft boys and girls, are saying it is necessary for many things when deploying SBS2003.. so hands off people :)

REF: http://blogs.technet.com/sbs/archive/2008/10/24/issues-after-disabling-ipv6-on-your-nic-on-sbs-2008.aspx

Cheers, josh

SBS2008 - Pop3 Connector

2009-09-14T17:45:00.001-07:00

Technet on the new Pop3 Connector for Exchange 2008

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc546479%28WS.10%29.aspx

Cheers, josh

Failed Mail Folder

2009-09-14T17:35:00.001-07:00

Hmm so you want to find the failed mail folder?

http://forums.techarena.in/small-business-server/182292.htm

\Program Files\Microsoft Windows Small Business Server\Networking\POP3\Failed Mail

Cheers, josh

NB. Generally to my knowledge the reason mail cannot be delivered to mailboxes is because the recipient on your mail server was included on a Blind Carbon Copy; therefore since the address is not apparent Exchange does not deliver the email. Mostly you end up with Spams and forward's in this folder, so it's no real loss.

POP 3 Connector

2009-09-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

Pop3 connector for SBS2003 Server in all it's glory:

http://blogs.technet.com/sbs/archive/2009/07/01/sbs-2008-introducing-the-pop3-connector.aspx

Cheers, josh

TPG FAQ's - www.tpg.com.au

2009-09-13T20:25:00.001-07:00

This is a much fuller version of TPG's FAQ responses:

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=232090#r35

Cheers, josh

Why Hard Drive temperatures are important for disk life and performance!

2009-09-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

REF: http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/storage/hddpower.html

Cheers, josh

Setting up IIS 6.0 FTP server (Non-Secure)

2009-09-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/WindowsServer2003/Library/IIS/7744106d-dd08-4352-bdb3-c2a65c474d5d.mspx?mfr=true

http://www.smallbizserver.net/Articles/tabid/266/articleType/ArticleView/ArticleID/123/PageID/220/Default.aspx

Problems I found, and fixed:

1) Was using folder on another machine for FTP, and recieved errors at client end of 425. Fixed by using local Server folder C:\inetpub\ftproot\

2) DLINK DSL-502T router had port forwards setup correctly, but the Firewall components under ADVANCED, needed to be turned off for FTP services.

3) IIS6 port set to port 29 didn't work, set back to port 21 ok.

Most of you will know how to fix some of the above, but this is posted for newbs, so they can get up and running and then tweak later.

VPN Connection causes problems with other networked PC's

2009-09-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

If you are referring to downloading files over a VPN, and this causes other machines not to be able to browse; it could be caused by a few things.

1. The VPN network you are connected to might be using the same IP range you are on; which means you need to change your IP range (including router / modem / printer and other network devices to sit on a different range. This will fix that conflict.

2. Otherwise it could be caused by the default gateway being changed when you connect by VPN. This will fix it:

To disable the Use Default Gateway on Remote Network setting in the VPN dial-up connection item on the client computer:

1. Double-click My Computer, and then click the Network and Dial-up Connections link.
2. Right-click the VPN connection that you want to change, and then click Properties.
3. Click the Networking tab, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in the Components checked are used by this connection list, and then click Properties.
4. Click Advanced, and then click to clear the Use default gateway on remote network check box.
5. Click OK, click OK, and then click OK.

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317025

Windows Explorer takes SO LONG to open

2009-09-05T04:55:00.000-07:00

Doesn't that just annoy you so much! Explorer just hangs for ages, and you can't browse for a while: here is my solution.

NB. Make sure no dodgy CD's or floppies are in their bays!

There are a couple things to bear in mind here.

When My computer is opened (Windows Explorer), Windows XP will attempt to check each drive for volume information (space free etc), so that it can display it to you.
As a result, when you have drives mapped to resources on networks that you are not connected to.. it will take a while to realise this (time out) and move on to the next drive. Once it completes this “check” the drives will display for you.

NB. The more networked drives one adds, the slower explorer will take to open up.

The way around this is, to manually run a script from the desktop, and make sure that drive letters are not persistent. This way when you reboot, if the computer can’t find those resources (ie VPN is not running), then no drives will be mapped for it.

The catch here, is that when you do need those drive letters, you need to run the script AFTER you connect to that network (ie. Over vpn etc).

REF: http://blogs.zdnet.com/askbloggie/?p=16
REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/313937
REF: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=841978

To re-emphasise, the solution is to:
1. leave the current script running (removing persistent connections) at start up.
2. Put a script on your desktop, which you can run to temporarily map drives you need, after you connect to your VPN.

NB. These recently added drive letters will only last until your next reboot.

Other things which are unlikely to be affecting the drives, but are possibly worth trying:

- try disable antivirus and see if it makes a difference - create exception for network drives
- try disable firewall, if makes difference: research ports and make amendments

Cheers, josh

For Technically Illiterate.. BigTime

2009-09-04T04:42:00.000-07:00

This program is great to help people who don't wait for all the services and applications to start during bootup, but open stuff immediately and then complain the PC is going slow..

Download big time, and configure it to count down for a few minutes during startup.

When the timer is up, then the user can start work!

http://www.hahntech.com/BigTim12.exe

Credits to Hahntech for a great program!

josh

SBS2003 - Mailbox rename problem

2009-09-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

So you created a user, and then later realised the name was misspelt. No problem you renamed the user and change his / her name. But for some reason the email addreess keeps changing back to your original misspelt form. aaaargh.

Solution:

Export mail to PST
Delete mailbox
Create new mailbox with correct spelling.
Set Outlook up to connect to new mailbox
Import mail to PST.

Problem solved. No other solution is available that I am aware of.

j

SBS2003 - Microsoft Exchange - SMTP Server Problems

2009-09-02T17:33:00.000-07:00

NB. For people with ISP Mail servers, used in place of internet SMTP mail server

If your mail server is not working properly, make certain to rerun your CEICW wizard, and ensure the outgoing mail server is set correctly.

Otherwise look into your Exchange console, and ensure the Virtual SMTP mail server, has correct DNS settings, and the smart host is correctly entered.

NB. The smart host is your ISP's outgoing mail server.

Data Recovery

2009-08-26T19:46:00.000-07:00

We all hate the feeling when we look at our computers and the storage drive has become faulty or the data corrupted.

There are some avenues you can take.

1. There is a company called DataCent, which recovers data from disks for about $500USD you can check them out at www.datacent.com - tell them Josh from Mitchell IT sent you.

2. Download some of the following programs and install them to your USB disk. Make sure you do not install them to your problem hard disk!!!

A. Stellar Phoenix Recovery http://www.stellarinfo.com/
B. GetDataBack http://www.runtime.org/data-recovery-software.htm
C. R-Studio Recovery Products: http://www.data-recovery-software.net/Data_Recovery_Download.shtml

Try these, and if you can find your files, buy the product to do the recovery!

Best wishes to you all, cheers, josh

WinXP - Setup Remote Desktop (& Web)

2009-08-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, if you want to setup Remote Desktop, that's cool, here is how:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/enableremote.mspx

DO NOT FORGET, to setup your router, for port forward.

ie. Port 3389 to a reserved DHCP address for your host PC, which you want to control!

But if you want to setup Remote Desktop over the web, use this config (WIN XP PRO only):
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/expert/northrup_03may16.mspx

Cheers, josh

WinXP - Backup / Transfer Files and Settings to New PC

2009-08-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well some of you need this.. like me; and so I have added the link for how to transfer files and settings to a New Windows XP PC.

This can also be used for backing up your Windows XP Settings and data.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/293118

Cheers, josh

Parental Controls #02 - OpenDNS

2009-08-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

OpenDNS is a good option for filtering out known Domain porn sites, but it does have some limitations like for example not being able to filter out Search Engine Image site like Google's Image search, the thumbnails will still appear. However it is a good module to add as part of your family secure setup.

OpenDNS1: 208.67.222.222
OpenDNS2: 208.67.220.220.

You will probably want to use the Dynamic IP updater, and setup stats, so you can monitor what is going on in your internet connection.

1. Login to webpage www.opendns.com, go to SETTINGS Tab
2. Choose Advanced settings (Left menu), and TICK the "Dynamic IP Update", scroll down and click APPLY.
3. Choose Stats (Left menu), and TICK "Enable Stats and Logs" and click APPLY.
4. Close your Internet Browser.
5. Download: http://www.opendns.com/download/windows/
6. Install the Updater
7. Login to program with your account, and install it as a service.
8. Reboot your computer.

It's helpful to setup an account, add your IP (or else add Dynamic DNS), and then set the filtering level. I set my computer to moderate settings to filter out adult sites.

Remember this is not a complete service, in that it will not filter everything, but it will improve your safety level when browsing the internet.

Cheers, josh

Family Safety - Windows XP / Vista

2009-08-19T16:46:00.000-07:00

So you want to manage your home computer, and apply your parenting principles to a seemingly formidable world of internet use. Most kids run circles around thier parents (probably), but now you can take back that slack, and help focus kids during thier development.

The requirements for this software, is that you have a Windows Live account (aka hotmail account). You can create one here: http://login.live.com/ (Click SIGN UP FOR A NEW ACCOUNT).

You will need this so that you can change your internet settings later.

Download Family Safety: http://download.live.com/familysafety

Once you have downloaded this install the program and then run it. You will find it in START >> ALL PROGRAMS >> Windows Live >> Windows Live Family Safety.

Ok, now you need to login in to Family Safety, and some of you may get an error about not having reviewed some terms of use. You can view them here, and accept them, before proceeding: https://account.live.com/AuthTou.aspx

Once you have accepted the terms of use, you can come back to the login screen on Windows Live Family Safety, and login!

Now click on the "Go to Family Safety Website".

If the webpage takes ages to load, you may need to Refresh the page. Be patient while it loads all the nececsary softwares.

Now you should be able to use your MS Passport (Hotmail account etc), to login and configure your family settings.

The program will run and block webpages you have denied, in your config. Your account login details will be required to permit access to material flagged as conflicting with your ban list.

This does require some social interaction, as you will need to ask your children to avoid looking at the screen while you type in your credentials to access material. Otherwise you will need to simply tell them they cannot see what the software has banned, even if they persist in arguing that it is valid for them to look at it.

Also you need to keep your password secret from your children. I recommend changing it reguarly, and hiding a copy in a place only you know about. Remember thier are tools for recovering passwords from a computer that it has been used on. But some kids will never figure this out.

Other tools that you might find useful are:

Download meters:

Bandwidth Meter: http://www.shaplus.com/bandwidth-meter
NB. I recommend Bandwidth Meter, as it makes obvious to the users, how much data has been downloaded so far.

NSL: http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/nsl.htm

Rokario: http://www.rokario.com/products/bandmon/2-0/

WatchWAN: http://download.cnet.com/WatchWAN/3000-2381_4-10520334.html

Other resources:

If you want to read up more on internet safety for children and family, check this out: http://www.netalert.gov.au/advice/publications.html

Quick ref for installers:

1. a) Setup Open DNS: https://www.opendns.com/start/
1. b) Follow Open DNS Guide here: http://mitchellit.blogspot.com/2009/07/parental-controls-02-opendns.html
2. Setup Family Safety Live: http://download.live.com/familysafety
3. Setup bandwidth meter on each computer: http://www.shaplus.com/bandwidth-meter/

NB. You will need a parent's account to manage this software (Family Live), they can set one up here if needed: https://accountservices.passport.net/ppnetworkhome.srf?vv=650&lc=3081

DSL Speed Test

2009-08-17T22:00:00.000-07:00

All these tools are freeware:

Web Check me Now Tool: http://www.speedtest.net/results.php

Alternate Web Check Me Now Tool: http://www.zdnet.com.au/broadband/speedtest.htm

Historically take tests and record them online: http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest

If you want to run a tool that will make schedule tests, and report results to you, then this tool is the one for you: http://www.broadbandspeedtest.net/

Network Speed Test Tool Freeware: http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/Network/nsl/Freeware.htm

Cheers, josh

Backup List for Windows Vista Business / WinXP PC

2009-08-17T20:01:00.000-07:00

So you want to backup your PC's Data and settings.. hahaha.. sorry, I get a bit sarcastic with age. One thing I can tell you, is that unless you stick to the most basic setup, you probably are going to miss something in your backup. There will be some little program you rarely use (and therefore have forgotten), which has an IP address and password which is critical to your once a month business process.. and you will forget to back it up. My advice, follow this backup list, and then modify it to suit you as you use your computer over the next few years. Update the list and add what you think you need.. then back it up.

Keep a Printed record for each PC; so that when disaster strikes.. and it will trust me! You will have almost everything you need to get yourself up and running again.

Another bit of advice is use an offsite backup package, as well as your normal external hard drive to store your data and settings. These days they are cheap, and are inescapably useful when things go wrong. Some good ones like Carbonite, will restore data and some settings, while you are connected, so you can get to work, while waiting for other data to arive. Ref: http://www.carbonite.com.au (Unlimited backup for under $7 a month (per PC).

Another (Extra) bit of advice, for those users who expect only thier software to fail and not their hardware components, might like to investigate Symantec Norton's Ghost application. This program will backup the whole disk; and can restore it sometimes in less than hour right back to the "state" your software was in at the last backup! This is a very handy solution for people who need to rollback thier software after installing a virus or other nasty program. Ref: http://www.symantec.com/norton/ghost

Business users with a server, might want to try PineTree for thier backup solutions. Warning: This blog post, does not provide backup lists for Server computers!!! Client PC's and Home PC's only.. and further it does not provide a full backup list for use; you must ensure that you everything.. this is only a helpful starting out guide.

My last bit of advice before you chug on through this guide / list, is make sure you do not back up to your local hard disk! I cannot emphasise this enough. Spend the money and buy a good quality external hard disk (USB 2 Preferable for speed), and backup to that. Far too many people backup to C:\ somewhere.. and then the hard drive fails mechanically. Now what are you going to backup from?

Let's begin:

PC AUDIT:
PERSONAL HOME USERS ONLY: http://www.belarc.com (Free)
BUSINESS USERS: http://www.theonesoftware.com/computer_inventory.php
NB. The One Reports: General / Hardware / Software (All needed)

SERIAL NUMBERS / CD KEYS:
Microsoft Windows Version / SP LEVEL / CD KEY
Microsoft Office Version / SP LEVEL / CD KEY
Other Software Versions / SP LEVEL / CD KEYS (See Software Report for list)

SYSTEM SETTINGS:
PC NAME
WORKGROUP / DOMAIN NAME
DEP Settings List
Pagefile Settings
Performance Settings
Remote Desktop Settings
Display Resolution / Colours
Remote Access settings ie. VNC / Logmein etc
Scheduled Tasks (Apps and thier settings, with calendaring settings)
Default Username and Password for Login - http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/network_password_recovery.html

REMOTE ACCESS VIEWER:
RDP IP Address's or DNS Names List
Passwords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/remote_desktop_password.html
VNC IP Address's or DNS Names List
VNC Passwords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/vnc_password.html

SOFTWARE - Use Audit software listed above to create a list
Ensure that for all Programs installed on the system, you have the following:
1. Original Install CD or a downloaded version of the installer
2. All of the service packs downloaded
3. CD Key needed to reinstall Software package.

COMMUNICATION CLIENTS
MS Outlook General: Printscreen arrangement of Toolbar and email display (reading)
PST Passwords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/pst_password.html
Mail Account Passwords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/mailpv.html
MS Outlook 2003 Mail Rules
MS Outlook 2003 Mail Accounts
MS Outlook 2003 Data Files (PST / OST / File Location)
MS Outlook 2003 Addins (List modules / Locate Installers)
MS Outlook 2007 Mail Rules / Alerts
MS Outlook 2007 Mail Accounts
MS Outlook 2007 Data Files (PST / OST / File Location)
MS Outlook 2007 RSS Feeds (RSS Links only)
MS Outlook 2007 Sharepoint Lists
MS Outlook 2007 Internet Calendars
MS Outlook 2007 Published Calendars
MS Outlook 2007 Address Books
MS Outlook 2007 Addins (List modules / Locate Installers)
MS Outlook Express (Accounts / Rules / Version of OE)
MS Outlook Express Mail Store / Mail Store Location

INTERNET BROWSERS
MS Internet Explorer Favourites
MS Internet Explorer Home Page settings
MS Internet Explorer Plugins Installed
MS Internet Explorer Toolbar Configuration (Modules List / Print Screen on Open)
Firefox Favourites
Firefox Home Page settings
Firefox Toolbar Configuration (Modules List / Print Screen on Open)
Google Chrome Favourites
Google Chrome Home Page settings
Google Chrome Toolbar Configuration (Modules List / Print Screen on Open)

DESKTOP
Print Screen display of Icons
Record Start Menu options
Record Date and Time format (GMT, HH:MM etc)
Backup Background Image
: Windows Vista: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows Photo Gallery
: Windows XP see: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/background.htm

DOCUMENTS (Windows VISTA)
USERS\USERNAME\CONTACTS
USERS\USERNAME\DESKTOP
USERS\USERNAME\DOCUMENTS
USERS\USERNAME\DOWNLOADS
USERS\USERNAME\FAVOURITES
USERS\USERNAME\LINKS
USERS\USERNAME\MUSIC
USERS\USERNAME\PICTURES
USERS\USERNAME\VIDEOS
USERS\USERNAME\Look for other folders you want to backup

DOCUMENTS (Windows XP)
DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS\USERNAME\MY DOCUMENTS

NETWORK CONFIGURATION
Dialup / VPN Connections (IP Address, dialup numbers settings etc)
Paswords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/dialupass2.html
Network Adapters Installed
IP configuration
Protocols Enabled / Configuration
Firewalled / Shared

PRINTER CONFIGURATION
Printer Name
Connected (NO / YES: USB/ETHERNET/LPT? )
Sharing (NO / YES: Shared Name)
Port (Port name / Port Description / Printer)
Configure Port Details
: Port Name
: Printer name or IP Address
: RAW Off / ON (Port Number) or
: LPR Off / On (LPR Queue Name, LPR Byte Counting Enabled (Off / On)
: SNMP Status Enabled (OFF / ON: Community Name / SNMP Device Index)

Passwords (Snapshots)
Domain Username / Password / Domain NAME: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/network_password_recovery.html
Wireless Key Password: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/wireless_key.html
Messenger Passwords: http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/mspass.html
Protected Storage (Iexplore.exe): http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/pspv.html

Additional Notes:
If your in a business environment, it would be worth taking the time to create a naming convention and then apply it to all PC's in the form of a new PC name for each PC. Have your technician apply a sticker to the PC, with the PC Name, and it will help remote support a lot!

Other things you might want to review are:
Router Settings
Router MAC Address DHCP Reservations
Router DSL Settings
Router External IP Address
Router Port Forward settings
Router Firewall Settings
Router DMZ Settings

That's all for now folks, it's not complete, but it should help.

Have a good life, josh

PS. Check out http://www.sgmin.org if your interested in the Good Person test.

Want to count your downloads?

2009-08-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

If you want to monitor the downloads on a computer, then try one of these freeware solutions. Remember if you have more than one computer, you will need to install a program on each, and then add thier totals up at the end of the month.

Bandwidth Meter: http://www.shaplus.com/bandwidth-meter
NB. I recommend Bandwidth Meter, as it makes obvious to the users, how much data has been downloaded so far.

NSL: http://www.analogx.com/contents/download/network/nsl.htm

Rokario: http://www.rokario.com/products/bandmon/2-0/

WatchWAN: http://download.cnet.com/WatchWAN/3000-2381_4-10520334.html

Cheers, j

Windows Vista VPN Server, with Netgear Router Troubleshooting

2009-08-16T00:03:00.000-07:00

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/966

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/191

http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1088

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;241251

http://theillustratednetwork.mvps.org/Vista/PPTP/PPTPVPN.html

Basically make sure your router supports VPN Passthrough, before you decide to setup a Vista VPN Server :)

Cheers, josh

Setup up Windows XP - Remote Desktop

2009-08-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Microsoft's very well written support website:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315328

Cheers, josh

If your connected to a machine over the internet you might want to install DynDNS or some other free service so you have access to the latest IP address for the computer you want to connect to. Don't forget to setup DHCP reservation for your host computers IP and IP forwarding for the external address to the local one! :)

http://www.dyndns.org/
http://www.portforward.com/

MS Outlook - Not able to close MSN Messenger, without Closing Outlook

2009-08-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Argh.. how annoying!

But there is a solution.

Microsoft to the Rescue again.. but didn't they design the problem in the first place? Well it comes down to preference as to what is best.. Microsoft guesses as always :)

Option 1 - Rename the Install folder, and it never works :D C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger, to C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger-OLD

Option 2 - Uninstall it - START >> RUN >> Type: RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove [PRESS ENTER]

Option 3 - Read the MS Article and follow it: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302089

Option 4 - Install the latest version of Live Messenger http://messenger.live.com

Cheers, josh

WinXP - System Restore.. how to

2009-08-05T21:03:00.001-07:00

To Restore system, follow this simple walk through:

1. Log on to Windows as Administrator.

2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.

3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time (if it is not already selected), and then click Next.

4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system restore point in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next.

Note A System Restore message may appear that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.

5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then restarts the computer.

6. Log on to the computer as Administrator. The System Restore Restoration Complete page is displayed.

7. Click OK.

If you successfully restored your computer to a previous state, and the computer is performing as it should be, you are finished.

This walk through is a cut down version of Microsoft’s document on System Restore found here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084

Other document references:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/getstarted/ballew_03may19.mspx

Cheers, j

WinXP - troubleshooting Network Problems

2009-08-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

If your having network troubles on a workstation running Windows XP, then this Microsoft Troubleshooting article should help you resolve it.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/maintain/troubleshoot.mspx?pf=true

Cheers, j

USB Problems?

2009-08-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Well the other day, I connected a USB printer to a Windows Vista workstation, and I heard the USB Connected sound.. but nothing appeared in the system tray to show it had connected. AND.. the Device manager didn't display anything either..

How did I find it?

I used a little tool from the helpful people at www.nirsoft.net << Very helpful!

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html

Once I knew the device was connected and on what port.. I downloaded the drivers, installed them, and let the setup utility finish it off.

Also remember to check your power settings for USB devices.. sometimes they cause havoc!

j

Get WinXP Pro workstations responding the same when pressing CTR ALT DEL

2009-08-05T20:02:00.001-07:00

So you want your Windows XP Professional workstations (which are not connected to a domain), to respond the same when pressing CTR ALT DEL. No problems :)

To get your computers running the same way, when you press Control Alt Delete, just follow these walk throughs:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/281980

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308226

Cheers, josh

Trouble PC - IP / DNS resolving tools

2009-08-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Resolving a specific PC problem with IP networking.

Reset TCP/IP Stack (This is a cmd to run): netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt

Ethereal to monitor IP Traffic: http://www.ethereal.com/

TCPVIEW to monitor applications use of IP Traffic: http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/TcpView.html

Make your own CAT5E Network Cable

2009-08-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

Well this is an article I have used for a long time, and successfully created many good working network cables. It's tried and true.. oh and you probably need to buy some tools. You can probably get a box of cable, heads and tools for under $100AUD

http://www.lanshack.com/make-cat5E.aspx

Have a good day! josh

RDP and printers not redirecting

2009-07-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

If you want printers to redirect from your local machine onto your host RDP server, so that you can print documents back home.. and it doesn't work. This page then is for you.

CRITICAL COMPONENTS:

1. You need to install the drivers onto the server.
a. Right click on whitespace in the servers Printer Control Panel. Choose Server properties.
b. Click on the Drivers Tab, and choose Add. Finish the wizard off. You may need to also use, Have Disk, to ensure you install the same driver as your remote PC's are using.

2. Ensure your Terminal Services software is allowing printer redirection. (See further down page, for how to).

If this is setup right, then when your clients connect, they should see thier printers on the host server.

NB. You should be using the same driver printer drivers, so that it works properly.

More info on TS Printers: http://www.brianmadden.com/blogs/brianmadden/archive/2004/02/02/the-ultimate-guide-to-terminal-server-printing-design-and-configuration.aspx

OTHER HELPFUL HINTS:

First thing to know, is that network printers installed on your HOME PC, WILL NOT map to your RDP host, only USB, COM and LPT printers will.

Things to check First:

Am I using a HP DOT4 Printer driver, if so there is a fix for you:

Solution to this problem can be found here: http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9663636
Document Ref: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q302361

Does my group policy disable printer redirection?

Have I turned Printer Redirection of in TS COnfiguration menu?

Start >> All Programs >> Administrative Tools >> Terminal Services Configuration >> Right CLick on RDP-TCP, and then choose the TAB named "Client Settings".
Make sure nothng is disabled except maybe audio mapping.

Cheers, josh

How to Connect to "Username" UNC shares

2009-07-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

This is a simple task..

Click Start, Run, and then type in your address, and modify as per below:

\\SERVER\users\%username%
(Press ENTER)

Whalla..

This can be used for your Active Directory "Profile" tab, setup for each user, to map H: to the UNC pathname.

Cheers, josh

Outlook 2003 / 2007 - Increase PST OST File Size limits

2009-07-25T02:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody,

There is a solution for all those people that keep donwloading mail and never want to delete any.. :D

Welcome to my club. This will require some registry editing. It has been suggested the file size limit, is up on the Terabytes by an unknown commentor.

WARNING: As always, if you do not know what you are doing, with respect to Registry Editing in general, then do not modify your registry. A wrong change, can disable your machine or destroy data. Get a professional to help you!

Here is the link: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/832925

Cheers, josh

Freeware VPN Servers

2009-07-23T19:11:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of some freeware VPN applications I have found, which look pretty good.

Remobo (FREE) - http://www.remobo.com/

OpenVPN App: http://www.openvpn.se/
Open VPN help - http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/OpenVPN#Download_OpenVPN

Leaf - http://www.leafnetworks.net/download.html

Cheers, josh mitchell

All my printers disappeared!?

2009-07-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Your Print spooler service has probably crashed.

To fix this you need to either reboot your computer, or restart the spooler service.

Here is one way to do it in Windows Vista (Scroll down for Windows XP walkthrough):

1. Right click the desktop, choose NEW, then shortcut
2. In the "Type the location of the item" field type in CMD and click NEXT
3. In the "Type the name for this shortcut" field, type Command Prompt, and click Finish
4. Find the icon called "Command Prompt" on your desktop, then right click on it, and chose "Run as Administrator"
5. Click on the button that says continue, and the black command box will appear.
6. Click on the black window that opened, and type in NET STOP SPOOLER then press the Enter button
7. The black window will display the status of your command, and then you need to start the spooler again.
8. Type in NET START SPOOLER and press the ENTER button.
9. Watch the status and when it says "The Print Spooler service was started successfully", you have done it all correctly.
10. Type in EXIT and press the ENTER button to close the black window.
11. Check on your printers folder, and all your printers should be back.
NB. You may need to delete old jobs, and print them again.

For Windows XP, it is much simpler:

1. Click START button, then Click on RUN, then type in CMD and press the enter key.
2. A black window called a Command Prompt will open, and you need to type NET STOP SPOOLER and then press the ENTER button on your keyboard.
3. Then when it finishes running that command, type in NET START SPOOLER, and press the ENTER Key.
4. Now its complete, and your printers should work, so type in EXIT and press Enter again.

Cheers, josh mitchell

Kyocera CS-1650 NW-FAX - Setup for PC Faxing

2009-07-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Setup Fax software on computers

Major stages to setup:

1. Install Software

2. Configure Software

3. Test Fax

INSTALL SOFTWARE

NB. You need to have downloaded the fax driver, and unzip it, ready for use, before proceeding with this manual.

Open the Fax driver folders and locate “Setup.exe” and run it/

Alternately you could copy this to your RUN window, and click OK

See the drives folder: \Win2K_XP\setup.exe

You may get a security warning, just click RUN

The install window should open, and you then need to follow the prompts:

Click NEXT

Choose the KM 1650 Fax Driver and click Next

Untick the option which says “Do you want Windows based computers to use this Network Fax as the default?” (NO) Click Next

Click Install

Click (NO) to the last option and then Finish. Now move onto the configure software part of this manual.

CONFIGURE THE SOFTWARE

Click START, select PRINTERS AND FAXES

Right-Click on “Kyocera Mita CS-1650 NW-FAX” and choose PROPERTIES

Click on the ADVANCED TAB (Fourth from the left), and click ADVANCED button.

Click the FAX TX SETTING button.

Click on the “Sender Information” Tab, and then setup with your information:

Click on the “Machine Setting” Tab, and type the Fax devices IP Address in here

Click Ok, and now you can try to send a fax.

Click Ok, and close the Printer Control Panel.

Test Fax

Open Word, and type something onto a blank page.. ie. Blah blah

Click File and then PRINT

Choose the “Kyocera Mita CS-1650 NW-FAX” fax driver and click PRINT.

Type the following number into the “FAX Number” field: 1300368999 then click SEND button.

NB. Above is for Australia lines only! 1300 368 999 is a Telstra faxback feature.

Your fax should now be transmitted, and you can watch it being sent in the box that opens. Also an email should come back with a report (it will arrive at the inbox you setup during configuration).

Manual Created by Josh Mitchell 0412 759 536 josh@Mitchellit.net on 03/07/09.

Remote Control - Create your own support tool

2009-07-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

So, you want to help your mate get his computer back up and running again. Spend a bit of time completing this wizard, and you will have a Remote Control utility all ready to go!

Ultra VNC Support Tool Wizard:

http://www.simply-postcode-lookup.com/SingleClickUltraVNC/SingleClickVNC.htm

Dynamic DNS Clients:

http://www.no-ip.com/downloads.php?page=win

http://www.dyndns.org/

Webcam quality issues, and fixing them

2009-07-13T00:10:00.000-07:00

The only three things I can find to improve the quality of the webcam broadcast is, as follows:

>> 1 <<

Put the cam in a place with good lighting. A helpful experiment is to install the webcam on a notebook, and take photos of yourself with it, at different places in the house. Also do the same experiment, in the morning, in the afternoon and night. Compare the photos, and you will see the differences, helping you decide where the best place for web cam conversations will be had.

>> 2 <<

Try using different programs for video conferencing. Some programs will use low-res, as recipients may not be able to see a smooth video representation of you, due to their slower download speed.

>> 3 <<

Upgrade your internet speed, and ask that your friends do the same.

For more information, try visiting your webcams support forum, to find out what other users have found.

Cheers, josh

PHP Editor

2009-07-11T02:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, so you probably don't use PHP much on a Windows system, but there are plenty of you web workers, that users your Windows workstations to create websites and backends.

So, you will want a program that can save your cfg and php files with the right encoding.

This little invention will do just that: Notepad ++

http://sourceforge.net/projects/notepad-plus/files/

Cheers,

josh

Install MSN Messenger

2009-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to download any of the MSN Messenger (Now called Live Messenger):

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/results.aspx?pocId=&freetext=msn%20messenger&DisplayLang=en

Troubleshooting Internet Explorer crashes

2009-07-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

Is Error Reporting turned on? This will tell you what module caused the crash, so that you can turn it off, or search for a solution.

Are you logged in with a administrator account?

Have you tried viewing page in Compatibility mode?

a. Open Internet Explorer.
b. On the Tools menu, click Compatibility View Settings.
c. In the Compatibility View Settings dialog box, click to select the Display all websites in Compatibility View box.
d. Click Close.

Internet Explorer 8 will now display like Internet Explorer 7.

Have you tried tried checking for malware:
http://onecare.live.com/scan

Have you tried disabling Script debugging?
1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the "Advanced" tab, click to select the "Disable Script Debugging" check box in the "Browsing" section.
4. Click OK, and then restart Windows.

Have you tried disabling all the add-on modules?

Check this Microsoft link for help there: http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/e85a03aa-c7c6-428e-9891-67ea76df9b7e1033.mspx

Have you tried downloading and installing the latest Internet Explorer?
1. http://www.microsoft.com/australia/windows/internet-explorer/welcome.aspx
2. http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

Have you tried re-registering the Internet Explorer dll files?
See my blog under "category" Internet Explorer for a script to do this automatically.

Have you tried repairing Internet Explorer?
See my blog under Internet Explorer to find out how.

Repair Internet Explorer 8

2009-07-09T15:42:00.001-07:00

Repair Internet Explorer by Re-registering it's DLL files in Windows XP. Just create a batch file and execute!

regsvr32 /u /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32 /u /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32 /u /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /u /s browseui.dll
regsvr32 /u /s jscript.dll
regsvr32 /u /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32 /u /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32 /u /s msxml.dll
regsvr32 /u /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /u /s softpub.dll
regsvr32 /u /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /u /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /u /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /u /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /u /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /u /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 /u /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 /u /s ole32.dll
regsvr32 /u /s shell32.dll
regsvr32 /u /s initpki.dll
regsvr32 /u /s msjava.dll
regsvr32 /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32 /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 /s browseui.dll
regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
regsvr32 /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32 /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 /s ole32.dll
regsvr32 /s shell32.dll
regsvr32 /s initpki.dll
regsvr32 /s msjava.dll

Save batch file as:

%userprofile%\desktop\iefix.cmd

Then run it:

START then RUN then type in:

%userprofile%\desktop\iefix.cmd

Let it run, click all the OK's and then reboot your PC. Try to run your internet explorer.

Lock down Windows XP

2009-07-09T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is a good basic guide for locking down a Windows XP Workstation, however I would recommend you only do this, if you know what you are doing.

Warning: If you don't your computer might not boot when your done, and you could lose your data.

Link: http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Windows_XP_Your_Definitive_Lockdown_Guide.html

Redirecting User Folders to something else.. a UNC path for certain

2009-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

So you want to have your users click on a familiar folder (ie. My Documents, My Pictures etc), and instead be delivered to a folder of your choosing. Very hand you say. Yes, I agree.

First read an overview so you understand what this is, and therefore eliminate wrong assumptions.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc778976(WS.10).aspx

HOW TO:

Microsoft have written an article on how to do this with GP (Group Policy):

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc782799(WS.10).aspx

Here is the article to read when it doesn't work (ie. you didn't follow the article above properly..) hehe:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321805

Cheers, josh

Force your Group Policy to be broadcast to DC's and workstations

2009-07-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

So you want your little world controlling Group Policy to descend upon your minion workstations, programming them to do you will. Ok, but say thankyou.

Click start, then RUN, type in:

gpupdate /force

Then press OK or hit the Enter key, and the broadcast shall begin.

Yes, sometimes you need to log the PC's off and log them in again to see a result.

Mapping Printers for network use

2009-07-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

This is what you need to put in your batch script.

You can call the batch file from your SBS2003 User properties setup, or just copy it into your Startup folder on the users computer.

net use lpt2: /delete
net use lpt3: /delete
net use lpt2: \\ServerName\printersharename /persistent:yes
net use lpt3: \\ServerName\otherprintersharename /persistent:yes

Happy Printing

Roaming profiles which follow users to any computer they login at

2009-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

So you want to have your users profiles, follow them around no matter which PC they log into? No problem, here is how to do it.

Warning 1: Make sure the profile is kept to a small size, otherwise it is too slow.
Warning 2: This is not a good idea for WAN users, as retrieving profile is SLOW!

Here is how to do it:

Create a shared folder and call it profile$

It's unc is then \\server\profile$\

In the user properties box in the profile enter \\server\profile$\%username%
This will create a profile folder for that user on the server ensure the permissions for the profile folder and share are enabled for everyone.

Windows secures the user folder separatly.

Log on to the workstation which you wish to store the profile from and when you logoff the profile will copy over.

CREDIT

Credit for this solution goes to Datamonkey who posted at this blog:

http://www.winforums.com/showthread.php?t=9123

Thanks buddy whoever you are.

Group Policy Explains (Basic)

2009-07-09T07:29:00.001-07:00

This website has a good overview of how Group Policy works on Windows XP:

http://vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/group_policy_editor.htm

This is Microsoft's basic "How to use GP for Windows XP":

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307882

This one is Microsoft's "Deploying GP in different scenario's" document:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc758350(WS.10).aspx

How to make a message appear at Logon

2009-07-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you want all your beloved users/staff members, to read the same message when the login to thier computers. An excellent way to remind them of how you graciously employ them despite thier failings.. *coff* and also to remind them why they hate you.

Microsoft have a document on how to do this.. make a message appear that is:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310430/en-us

List: Port Forwarding for SBS2003

2009-07-09T06:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you need to forward a number of ports on your router, so that various functions of your SBS2003 setup will actually work. Those poor users out there on the internet, just can't get to your server's facilities, if you don't let them in through specific holes in your firewall.. now can they!

Here is the Microsoft Official document:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/f/1/1f15a874-f696-4992-b5ad-b1e7b258de1c/SecuringSBSnetwork.doc

Here is the MSMVPS blog link, which displays the table if you are lazy, and not going to read the whole document:

http://msmvps.com/blogs/kwsupport/archive/2004/10/31/17438.aspx

And for the super lazy people, here is a quick list of ports:

25 Email
80 HTTP port for your website
443 HTTPS for SSL access to your website
444 Windows SharePoint Services Intranet site
4125 Remote Web Workplace
1723 Virtual Private Network (VPN)
3389 Terminal Services (RDP Port)
21 File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

For the really really lazy people, you probably only want remote web access to your server, then enable port 443, 3389 and 4125.

For the ignorant (it's not a bad thing, its the state we all are in before someone explains it to us), you need to set your router to forward requests coming from the outside, on these ports, to the same ports on your server.

Happy port forwarding.

josh

Backup your MySQL Database

2009-07-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you have a MySQL installation, and you want to backup your precious data, but you don't know how.

My Solution has some dependancies.

a.
Install your SQL application as a Service, so that you can start and stop it on scheduled command. You will need to do your own research to learn how to do this.

b. Create a folder on your hard disk C:\Backup

c. know what the Service Name of your SQL Application is

d. Know the path to your SQL Database files ie. C:\program files\SQL APP\database

Ok lets do this:

1.
Create a batch file in notepad START >> RUN >> NOTEPAD (ok)

2. Copy this script and paste it into notepad, and then modify it so that it represents your ServiceName, and database location.

START COPY HERE >>

net stop SQL_SERVICENAME_HERE
c:
cd\
cd progra~1\SQL_APPLICATION_HERE\database
copy *.db c:\backup
copy *.log c:\backup
net start SQL_SERVICENAME_HERE

<< END COPY HERE

3. Save the script to your hard disk as C:\sqlbckp.bat

4. Check in Windows Explorer that the script file has saved with the right name and suffix. you may need to rename it, if you didn't turn off the .TXT part.

START >> RUN >> C:\ (ok)

5.
Open up your Scheduled Tasks and create a new task. The program will be the batch file you just created C:\sqlbckp.bat and you can set the schedule at a regular time interval. Make sure to set it for a time, when no one else will need to access the SQL Database. The reason is that, this script will shutdown the SQL Server in order to back itself up. It will restart the service after backup, but during the backup no one will have access.

NB. Also make sure that you use a login with administrative privaledges to set this scheduled task, as anything lower will likely fail when run.

6. Once you have saved your task, run it, and make sure that it copied the files for you. Also check that you can login to SQL after it is done.

Well done! :)

If you have problems, call me, or even better email me, and I will do my best to help you.

Cheers, josh

START >> PROGRAM FILES >> ACCESSORIES >> SYSTEM TOOLS >> SCHEDULED TASKS

End of Media encountered while backing up to non-removable media.

2009-07-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

So your backup is failing.. and this is the error in the event log: "End of Media encountered while backing up to non-removable media."

NB. I am referring to an error caused, when writing to hard disks (as backup), as opposed to tapes. Tape users, may find little to no help from this post.

It could be caused by a few different things, but here is what I have found to be successful solutions.

1.

Make sure your backup drive is formattted in NTFS mode. FAT32 has a 4GB File size limitation, which is often the cause for this problem. Once your backup exceeds 4GB, the backup will fail over and over again.

To fix this you can open Command Prompt START >> RUN >> CMD (OK)

Then run these commands one at a time:
chkdsk drive_letter: /x
convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs

If this fails, then you might want to move your backup data to a different rive and just format it normally to NTFS format.

REF: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb456984.aspx

2.

The problem could be caused by NT Backup miscalculating the size of the backup. In the case that the backup is calculated at a size that would fit on the backup drive, but actually exceeds the available space on the backup drive, it would then fail during operation.

Manually check your Exchange database files C:\Program Files\Exchsrvr\MDBDATA and manually work out if the size of this data, plus your other data, will fit on the backup drive.

Solution: Get a bigger backup drive, or back up less data.

REF: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/840754

Cheers, josh

Keyboard problems argh!

2009-06-29T18:29:00.000-07:00

So you have keyboard problems in Windows Vista.. ie. you type one thing, and get another on screen.

Here is a couple of things to try.

1) Buy a cheap USB keyboard and see if that works, if so the old is likely faulty.
2) Use a can of compressed air to clean out keyboard buttons
3) Change your keyboard layout in Control Panel:

START >> CONTROL PANEL >> REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE OPTIONS >> (Tab) Keyboards and Languages >> CHANGE KEYBOARDS

You might need to add a new service, like: "English (Australia) Keyboard US". I have found that setting this keyboard fixes most problems. The UK one sometimes creates wierdness for users.

Click ADD then select English (Australia) >> Keyboard >> US Default (You may need to click SHOW MORE, to see this option. Select it, then click OK.

At the top of the page, choose English (Australia) - US, as the DEFAULT INPUT LANGUAGE.

Click OK, OK. Done

4) Turn NUM LOCK Off
5) Turn Scroll Lock Off

These should sort you, otherwise call me.

josh mitchell

Repair Windows XP

2009-06-24T18:31:00.001-07:00

Use this to repair your Windows XP installation. Don't forget to download service packs when you are done.

1. Put your Windows XP CD into the CDROM drive
2. When the "Press any key to boot..." message appears, do so. (Press keyboard button)
3. Press ENTER when blue menu appears (Do NOT press R for recovery console)
4. Press F8 to accept license agreement (read first, if unfamiliar)
5. Press R, to repair Windows installation.

Let it finish, and make sure you have your windows key on hand.

Microsoft Ref Link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

Download Service Pack 2 for Windows XP:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

REVIEW: HTC Dream vs Samsung i900

2009-06-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

My review, is basically a comparison of technologies, with a view to decide which phone is best suited to business environment with Exchange compatibility.

My Introduction and Conclusion:

For now I would probably avoid purchasing either phone, and wait until something more compatible with Exchange mail / calendar’s is released.

If you just want to play with a phone, I would probably go with the Dream, but if your more serious, you might want to look at the Blackberry Range, for Calendaring and mail.
Bear in mind though that the HTC Dream unless patched, is not going to support Microsoft Calendaring.

My summary of reviews below:

HTC Dream

At this point, it looks like a great phone, but if you waited six months you probably find an even better HTC Android phone, which doesn’t have the annoyances of this first model.
A few people complain that Optus support for this phone is really poor, possibly due to it being so new on the market. Also they mentioned that Optus have not yet permitting purchasers use of the new upgrades, which might include ability in the future to use Microsoft Calendaring and mail.

It also does not have integration with Exchange yet, which is not good for business, but an update might be in the works to add this feature.

The battery life on this device is a big downer for a lot of customers, however the third party battery could be a good solution to this.
I would avoid buying this phone, and look for a future model.

CNET REVIEW: http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-dream-339294414.htm (Definitely watch the video review)

Reviews on CNET by people who have already bought the phone: http://www.cnet.com.au/htc-dream-339294414.htm#comment-1
The good:
• Android interface
• Responsive touchscreen
• HSDPA
• Wi-Fi and GPS
• QWERTY keypad
The bad:
• Could look better
• Lack of 3.5mm headphone jack
• Lack of video recording
• Lack of stereo Bluetooth

APCMAG: http://apcmag.com/australian-review-htc-dream-optus.htm
APCMAG provides a fairly good review on each function of the first HTC Android phone.

Points of interest:

• Battery under Heavy usage lasts seven hours
• Batter under normal usage, lasts approx. 23 hours

Bhart’s Review: http://www.bhatt.id.au/blog/htc-dream-google-android-smart-phone-review/

Points of interest:

• ADDON: Screen is easily scratched, so it’s worth using the boxed skin that comes with the phone, or purchasing a third party one.

• ADDON: A third party battery is available, which will extend life up to three days on heavy usage according to Bhart

Other Reviews:

SMH: http://www.smh.com.au/news/digital-life/mobiles--handhelds/reviews/review-htc-dream/2009/02/16/1234632734554.html

Samsung Omnia i900

Not unlike the HTC Dream, I would probably avoid this phone at this time. One reason is that it is hard to find an official review on this device, by a well known consumer technology reviewer.

The Dream has a slide out keyboard, but the Omnia has a touch screen interface. Many people found the touch screen quite annoying to work with when calendaring or emailing people. You would probably end up using the stylus rather than your fingers when emailing due to the small touch screen “keyboard”. Some reviewers also mentioned that the business programs were a bit clunky to use.

CNET Pre-release Review: http://www.cnet.com.au/samsung-omnia-339291821.htm (definitely watch the video review)
http://www.cnet.com.au/hands-on-with-samsung-s-i900-339289662.htm

Reviews on CNET by people who have already bought the phone: http://www.cnet.com.au/samsung-omnia-339291821.htm#comment-1
Good:
• More tech than you'll know what to do with
• Great display
• Excellent media codec recognition
• DLNA networking
Bad:
• Windows Mobile makes it sluggish
• Poor battery life
• Only parts of the interface are finger-friendly
• No 3.5mm input on handset
Smarter Device Central Review: http://www.smartdevicecentral.com/article/Samsung+Omnia+SGHi900/232301_1.aspx

Bad:
• Clunky Windows 6.1 interface

Canon LBP-1120 - Printing Small versions of page?

2009-06-16T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the scenario, you are printing with your beloved Canon LBP-1120 printer, and all of a sudden something changes..

Now when you print, everything is tiny, and a small version of what it was.

Well it was probably caused by updating your drivers using Windows Update, but here is the solution.

Uninstall the printer driver and then install the latest driver in its place.

Download Page Canon LBP-1120: http://support-au.canon.com.au/contents/AU/EN/0900784901.htm

Cheers, josh

PS.

This may have occurred if your Windows Update program downloaded and installed a newer printer driver. This normally only happens manually though.

It could be that a printer driver file is/was corrupt also. Corruption occurs through power damage, in-proper shutdowns etc.

Sync Toy - Not Syncing all files

2009-06-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

The question was why doesn’t SyncToy always copy all the files i.e. Some photos.

So here is the scenario, you love using Sync Toy for syncing your files, but sometimes it misses some files / folders. You Repeat the sync but the same thing occurs. Here is my solution. Remember use SYNCHRONISATION not ECHO for this solution.

Firstly, the quick solution is to run a Preview, and then tick all the boxes and click RUN. This will solve the problem.

I suspect the only way it could get to this state, is if:

• The files are read only
• The program was crashed (forcibly shutdown) during a sync
• The Computer lost power during a sync
• A past preview, was established without the Italy photos, and then run. The resulting consequence could be, that this selection was retained for future synchronisations.

In any event the solution is, to:
• Disable the read only attributes on your data files
• always run a preview, and select all boxes. (This can be done by right clicking on a box and selecting).

NB. You can download the latest Sync Toy 2.0 Here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=c26efa36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5-98d0592d8c52&displaylang=en

Cheers, josh

MSN Virus

2009-06-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

If you have a "virus" in your MSN messenger I would recommend you do the following things. Bear in mind that virus's change, and this course of correction may not help with future virus strains.

1. Change your password (Someone may have gained it, and is using a bot with ur login)
2. Run a full antivirus scan, and repair/ remove infections
3. Download HiJackThis, run a scan with logfile, and post results here: http://www.hijackthis.de/en#anl

Anything suspicious should be removed, if you know for certain that it does not belong on your computer. Be wary though, that if you do not know what the program is, it could be critical for the operation of your computer. You May need technical assistance, if you are uncertain.

Microsoft Wireless Keyboard or Mouse Not Responding?

2009-06-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

This is a very annoying problem, however there are a few quick solutions that work for me.

1. Check your batteries, and replace old ones with High Quality Long Life Known Brand batteries.

2. Resync with the reciever. (Normally push the button the reciever, then click the Sync/Connect buttons on your keyboard and mouse).

It almost always works.

Alt. Ref: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/838398

Can't play Videos or audios on Windows OS?

2009-05-27T00:51:00.000-07:00

Download these codec packs. It should help solve most of your playing problems.

http://www.codecguide.com/download_mega.htm

Can't play WMA files in Windows Vista? Fix here..

2009-05-27T00:26:00.001-07:00

Your probably like me, so glad you got your audio's in a super small size format, but upset that no one can play them.. uggh.

You will have recorded your files in the following format:
"RealAudio SIPR 8000Hz mono 6Kbps" but can't play them.. so sad..
Ref: http://wiki.multimedia.cx/index.php?title=RealAudio_sipr

Well never fear, because we found the solution.

The answer is: http://www.free-codecs.com/Acelp_net_Codec_download.htm

NB. Make sure you download the one appropriate for your Operating System or you will find Windows Media Player may still manifest the codec problem.

Comparing Duplicate Folder sizes

2009-05-24T18:10:00.001-07:00

Comparing folders or files for changes is simple with WinMerge (Open Source)!

http://winmerge.org/ - An excellent differencing and merging tool.

PABXSoft - No incoming calls being reported

2009-03-23T22:45:00.000-07:00

There is a problem with the installer file for v8, prior to the 22nd March 2009.

If the daily file is recording all the calls, but they do not appear in the PABXSoft Reports, then install the new version from here:

http://www.pabxsoft.com/eng/fulldownload.htm

Sharing PABXSoft on Windows Clients

2009-03-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Check this article out for all the info:

http://www.pabxsoft.com/eng/networkingv8.htm

Editing MSI files

2009-03-23T16:01:00.000-07:00

Orca is a Microsoft tool for editing MSI files, useful for turning on things like silent installs, when a script fails.

http://www.technipages.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/orca.Msi

Logmein Silent Installs

2009-03-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

Somethings you can do:

Download Orca http://www.technipages.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/orca.Msi

Use this program to edit the msi in order to allow silent installs.

See this article for more information: http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showtopic=101432

PABXSoft and Port Speeds

2009-03-23T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ok Baud rates are:

Panasonic 1816 (the old ones): 9600
Panasonic 30 TDA etc: 19200
NEC: 9600
Sumsung: 9600

WMS Idle Error on Shutdown

2009-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you get this error, the quickest solution I have found is to simply disable Nero Scout, and it disapears. Otherwise if you have your Nero disks, you might try uninstalling the application, rebooting, and then reinstalling it.

Video problems on Aten KVM Switches

2009-02-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

Apparently a firmware upgrade will fix some models.

We had an ATEN PS/2 Two Port switch which was doing the following:

PC in low res, and PC2 in very high resolution. When switching to PC2 after booting up, the resolution dropped down to a low res, which was very annoying for the user.

Need further research to confirm if this solution always works with ATEN products.

Spooler Service is not started? Printer not working?

2009-02-10T19:28:00.000-08:00

To fix that printer problem:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open Administrative Tools
3. Open Services
4. Scroll down and select Printer Spooler
5. Right click on Printer Spooler, choose All Tasks, then Restart
6. When the restarting window disappears, the job is done.
7. If you get an error, try rebooting, as sometimes a DLL for a printer will crash but stay in memory.

This should fix the problem.

SSL (GoDaddy) & SBS2003

2009-02-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

So you want to secure your server, so that users know they are connecting to the right server?

Here are the steps:

1. Create an account with GoDaddy (it may be worth surfing around, to be certain that you are getting the best deal).
2. Login to the SBS server and run CEICW and confirm that the correct domain name that you want is listed (secure.DOMAINNAME.com.au).
3. FInish the wizard, to it installs the domain name in the proper places.
4. Open IIS, and right click the website that runs your port 80/443 service.
5. Choose Properties, then Directory Security Tab.
6. Click Server Certificate, and next
7. I would recommend removing the certificate, then re-running this wizard, to create a new certificate. Make sure you will it out accurately!!!!! Or the certificate will be denied by the vendor. Store the certreq.txt somewhere handy.
8. Login to Go Daddy, and manage certificates, request one, and use the contents of the certreq file to continue.
9. Confirm the details are correct, and then continue.
10. When the email comes back with your new certificate, we can install it. :)

NB. REMEMBER to store the certreq.txt with your request files in case you need them later!

Control Panel

2009-02-09T22:12:00.000-08:00

If you want to know what the command line for each control panel applet, then check out this page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/149648

e.g. Netcpl.cpl Network properties

Scrolling Screen, scrolling mouse, scrolling window

2009-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Some people have this issue manifest on thier computer. The following is a selection of fixes that might help you:

<> change batteries in mouse (if locally powered)
<> update mouse driver
<> plug mouse into a different USB port, and avoid using USB hub
<> buy a mouse trap - jokes

It could be a sign your port or mouse is faulty.

SPAM from me?

2009-02-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

This chap has a good explanation for SPAM emails that appear to come from your own email address. Very annoying issue, but he explains it well.

http://www.addme.com/newsletters/issue270.htm