The "ask little questions not worth starting a thread about" thead.

[Scrotemeal]

How handy. So, I'm thinking of running boot camp on my macbook, but the main purpose is to play games. But I've heard that it might not be able to play games with any quality. I was able to install AOE (the first one) using crossover games that Prawn mentioned, but it was laggy and shitty as fuck. DOes this mean that even if I use bootcamp it'll still be shit?

Oh, and this is what it says in System Profiler about Graphics/Displays. Is it helpful? I have no idea what it means.
Chipset Model: GMA X3100
Type: Display
Bus: Built-In
VRAM (Total): 144 MB
Vendor: Intel (0x8086)
Device ID: 0x2a02
Revision ID: 0x0003
Displays:
Color LCD:
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Depth: 32-bit Color
Core Image: Hardware Accelerated
Main Display: Yes
Mirror: Off
Online: Yes
Quartz Extreme: Supported
Built-In: Yes
Display Connector:
Status: No display connected

e; only games like AOE, SimCity, etc. Nothing new or huge or good.

[opn4bzns]

Old stuff will run fine. My laptop's got similar, but slightly shittier, specs and it runs stuff like Monopoly Tycoon and Transport Tycoon as well as my desktop does.

[Oofie]

I use that messenger live plus! thing that has cool scripts and stuff for MSN and the latest update included myway mysearch or some shit and now I can't freakin get rid of it. Do I have to uninstall plus! altogether?

[opn4bzns]

I think mysearch is spyware, so uninstalling plus and doing a spyware scan should do it. Although if msn plus is like it used to be you can install it without mysearch, you just have to uncheck a box in the installer.

[Oofie]

Nah it's not optional. I thought when I unchecked the box asking if I wanted the toolbar I was opting out of downloading mysearch at all but spybot tells me otherwise.

I guess I'll uninstall the whole thing and check again. Thankya.

[Oofie]

Sorry for double post, but if I edited it wouldn't come up as a new post and it would get no attention.

Ok I uninstalled plus! and ran a scan and got this (http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd3/eeepha/Untitled-25.jpg), so I restarted and scanned again, and got the same thing.

I googled and kept getting
Look in your add/remove programs and uninstall any of these if found:

MyWebSearch
MyWebSearch Email Plugin
MyWebSearch Search Assistant
MySearchBar
My Way
My Way Speedbar
Search Assistant - My Way
Fun Web Products

Delete these folders if found:

C:\Program Files\FunWebProducts
C:\Program Files\MyWebSearch

but I don't appear to have any of that stuff, so I can't delete it. Someone else claims to have used 'xoftspy' to get rid of it, but it looks a bit dodgy. Does anyone else use it by any chance?

[opn4bzns]

Try using MBAM (http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button), it's good at removing troublesome stuff.

[Lissa]

If mbam doesn't do it for you, I've heard superantispyware (www.superantispyware.com) gets rid of it.

[Urser]

I put my USB drive into one of my front USB slots and left it there for a while without using it or my computer. I came back a couple of hours later and pulled out my USB and it was burning hot. Not just warm, but hot enough to hurt me. :wail: And earlier during the day it was in a separate computer and was unusually warm but I just shrugged it off.

It hasn't had the problem since, but I'm a bit weary of using it as much now since I'm paranoid it will get too hot and potentially ruin the files on it, or ruin my actual USB slots. Does anyone know why this may have happened?

[opn4bzns]

Weird, since it shouldn't have any moving parts and nothing much to generate heat except the led. It's not ideal, but if you take it out as soon as you're done with it it should be ok.

[Oofie]

mbam got it, thanks. If it weren't for this thread I think my computer would have died a long time ago.

[Astronaut]

I've just installed WoW and the patch keeps stopping or is going insanely slow. It says its because of my firewall, which I turned off I thought. Then my buddy said it was kindof a complicated process, so I dont think I did it right. I'm not very computer litterate but I'm not retaded, lil help?

[Spastic]

It's most likely because you don't have the correct ports open. I remember when I played WoW there was an option somewhere to turn off P2P downloading and turn on HTTP downloading, I can't remember how to do it, but it should be under the options in the downloader. Try that.

[lostos]

I've just installed WoW and the patch keeps stopping or is going insanely slow. It says its because of my firewall, which I turned off I thought. Then my buddy said it was kindof a complicated process, so I dont think I did it right. I'm not very computer litterate but I'm not retaded, lil help?

What router are you using? This (http://www.portforward.com) page might help you.

[Astronaut]

I'm using 2wire, and I found the model and everything, the site was very helpful. Though even when I opened the port and allowed it its still saying that I have a firewall up, maybe because I haven't restarted the patch but.. I dont think I should cause it's at 30% and if I'm wrong its a restart.

[Astronaut]

It's most likely because you don't have the correct ports open. I remember when I played WoW there was an option somewhere to turn off P2P downloading and turn on HTTP downloading, I can't remember how to do it, but it should be under the options in the downloader. Try that.
The only options on the downloader are to see the progress and disable "peer to peer networking" w/e that means.

[Spastic]

Yeah, do that.

[lostos]

disable "peer to peer networking" w/e that means.

Try disabling peer to peer networking, see how that works.
Also, did you get you Internal IP correct? Most people trying to portforward fail because of this. To find your internal IP, assuming you're using Windows, go to Run -> cmd then type "ipconfig" without the quotation marks and see what IP you get from there, that is it. Before you try opening a new port, delete the previous not-working one.
Also p2p networking is a bad idea in games, I remember downloading an update for an MMO for 5 days. The game sucked by the way.

[Astronaut]

http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/2wire/2701HG-B/World_of_Warcraft_Downloader.htm

I got to this and did everything it told me.
And nothing has changed.

[MistyTehMoose]

It's nothing wrong with your computer, the Blizzard Downloader is just retarded. I had that too, and all of my ports, etc were fine. Other people had the same issue.

[WoeStorm]

So when I get the notification that someone sent me a PM, and I go to open it from the notification window the new window appears but it's just white with the text File/Directory does not exist. It's not that much of a big deal, it's just annoying.

[opn4bzns]

I don't think there's anything you can do about that, except maybe opening in the current window, but that might not help.

[Iceshade]

My college's firewall doesn't let me use uTorrent anymore. I open the program and my internet connection is stopped until about five minutes after i close the program. Any way around this?

[lostos]

My college's firewall doesn't let me use uTorrent anymore. I open the program and my internet connection is stopped until about five minutes after i close the program. Any way around this?

Have you tried working with other programs?

[CharlieH]

No. It's been blocked. I can't tell you how to get round it here, but my MSN is on my profile.

[lostos]

I guess you could use a proxy or scan for open ports, see if you''re lucky. Have encryption enabled too.

[kayaspacejar]

Uhmm, got a problem here.
Sometimes when I boot my computer, it hangs right after the Windows load screen. A black screen and I can't do anything but turn off the main switch reboot and hope things work out.
Any ideas on how to solve this?

[Beefynick]

Try booting into safe mode. It may be that something that is loading when Windows starts is causing it to freeze.

[Ercoledi]

My wireless internet is pathetic, due to how far away I am to the router. It's probably only 50m away, but with about 5 walls in between. Whenever people are moving around the house, it seems to break the wireless, just due to them being there as an obstruction. Is there a solution other than drilling a hole in my wall, dragging a telephone wire into my room and setting up a new router?

Also, everytime the microwave is used it cuts my internet off. Heh.

[CharlieH]

50m is actually quite a distance. I'm not surpirised. You must live in some sort of mansion. If you want to do it wirelessly, you might have to go for that mains things that was mentioned.

Try getting the device mentioned in this thread. (http://forums.explosm.net/showthread.php?t=46005)

[CharlieH]

stupid DP

[Ercoledi]

Whoops, my guess of 50m was horrible (no, I don't live in a mansion). After looking through the floor plans, I've determined it's only 10m, and 6 walls, away. Still normal?

[opn4bzns]

You can get signal boosters/bigger antennae for your router at places like Dick Smith. I'm not sure what else you can do other than move the router, it might have settings to let you increase the range.

e: oh yeah, changing the router's channel (should have a setting of 1-11) should help with the interference a bit.

[Chips]

Urgh. My 360 keeps freezing up randomly. Not to a point that it's unplayable, but every once in a while it will just freeze right in the middle of a loading screen. It also tends to hang when viewing things on the Xbox Marketplace.

I don't think it's overheating, I've given it plenty of room. Any ideas?

[Beefynick]

My wireless internet is pathetic, due to how far away I am to the router. It's probably only 50m away, but with about 5 walls in between. Whenever people are moving around the house, it seems to break the wireless, just due to them being there as an obstruction. Is there a solution other than drilling a hole in my wall, dragging a telephone wire into my room and setting up a new router?

Also, everytime the microwave is used it cuts my internet off. Heh.

10m is not that far a distance, but with 5 walls in between you are just begging for signal problems. What you may consider is a signal booster and putting it somewhere between your room and the router. A signal booster will relay the signal from the router and boost it, making it stronger in your room. A signal booster should run you around $50-$100USD.

Urgh. My 360 keeps freezing up randomly. Not to a point that it's unplayable, but every once in a while it will just freeze right in the middle of a loading screen. It also tends to hang when viewing things on the Xbox Marketplace.

I don't think it's overheating, I've given it plenty of room. Any ideas?

If your 360 is one of the older ones you may be experiencing the start of the RROD. It sound like the graphics chip gets too hot which is causing it to freeze. You may consider putting the 360 in a place that is more open and which allows the 360 to get more air. Even though you do not think it is overheating and have given it enough room, try giving it more and see what that does. Especially keep things away from the back where the fans are.

[Ercoledi]

I've looked at a few alternatives, including a doohickey called a wireless repeater. I'm not sure if that's what you're talking about, but I am concerned about the fact that they halve connection speed. After revising the distance between me and the router to 10m, it seems plausible that we can find a solution that doesn't kill my speed, right? Here's some other options I've looked at tonight:

For shits and giggles, I've put a parabolic reflector on my antenna. No noticeable change, but it was good fun to make.

Updating the firmware of my router was unsuccessful because it's ISP locked and, by all accounts, not unlockable.

For the same reason, and the fact that my router wasn't supported, I couldn't try installing DD-WRT firmware.

Since my dad just came home, I'll try changing the channel.

[BluthBanana]

I know I'm gonna sound like a total noob, but I just found this site and I really wanna make some of my own webcomics. I've been writing webcomics for a while, but I've never known how to draw them. What programs and tools do the C and H guys and everyone else use? Thanks!

[Scrotemeal]

Help! I spilt water on my phone, and it still works and I can receive and make calls, but the screen is broken. Like, its just sorta grey-y. Is there a way to fix it? It's my baby. I was told that if I use a hairdryer on it that might help, but I dunno. Sounds a bit odd.

Also, I received a message that I obviously can't read. I got told that if I put my sim card in another phone I can get it yeah? I'm on Optus and all my family are vodaphone faggots.

Im so depressed. Now I have to choose a new one and I love my phone.

[opn4bzns]

I know I'm gonna sound like a total noob, but I just found this site and I really wanna make some of my own webcomics. I've been writing webcomics for a while, but I've never known how to draw them. What programs and tools do the C and H guys and everyone else use? Thanks!

They mostly use flash.

For shits and giggles, I've put a parabolic reflector on my antenna. No noticeable change, but it was good fun to make.

Updating the firmware of my router was unsuccessful because it's ISP locked and, by all accounts, not unlockable.

For the same reason, and the fact that my router wasn't supported, I couldn't try installing DD-WRT firmware.


Yeah, I was thinking of suggesting this or Tomato, but they're both supported on pretty few routers, so it's not much of a solution.

[CharlieH]

Help! I spilt water on my phone, and it still works and I can receive and make calls, but the screen is broken. Like, its just sorta grey-y. Is there a way to fix it? It's my baby. I was told that if I use a hairdryer on it that might help, but I dunno. Sounds a bit odd.

Also, I received a message that I obviously can't read. I got told that if I put my sim card in another phone I can get it yeah? I'm on Optus and all my family are vodaphone faggots.

Im so depressed. Now I have to choose a new one and I love my phone.

I should think that the hair dryer thing should work. As long as it was just water, the heat of the air should evaporate any pockets of water within the phone. Make sure you take the battery and the sim card out, and blow the hairdryer into the little nooks and crannies.

I dropped my phone in my pint of beer christmas just gone, but I happened to be near a supermarket with air dryers, so i went and stuck it underneath one of those for 5 mins. Still work now.

[Chips]

If your 360 is one of the older ones you may be experiencing the start of the RROD. It sound like the graphics chip gets too hot which is causing it to freeze. You may consider putting the 360 in a place that is more open and which allows the 360 to get more air. Even though you do not think it is overheating and have given it enough room, try giving it more and see what that does. Especially keep things away from the back where the fans are.

Mines the new red console, the resident evil package one. I think it may be because I've been using it a shit load over the last week or so since I've been sick. I'll try moving it and see what happens.

[BluthBanana]

I thought it was flash. Thanks a bunch.

[Spastic]

Help! I spilt water on my phone, and it still works and I can receive and make calls, but the screen is broken. Like, its just sorta grey-y. Is there a way to fix it? It's my baby. I was told that if I use a hairdryer on it that might help, but I dunno. Sounds a bit odd.

Also, I received a message that I obviously can't read. I got told that if I put my sim card in another phone I can get it yeah? I'm on Optus and all my family are vodaphone faggots.

Im so depressed. Now I have to choose a new one and I love my phone.

Put it in some white rice, the rice will dry it out. Leave it in the rice for about a day or so.

[opn4bzns]

Is there a way to check Wikipedia edits done on my ip? It's giving me a message telling me to stop vandalising articles, but I don't remember editing anything for about 3 years.

[Beefynick]

Do you have a dynamic IP? If you do it may have been someone that had you address previously that was vandalising articles.

Take a look at this page: Wikipedia Admins. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Functionaries#functionaries-en) Try contacting one of the current arbitrators to get the message reversed. If the message gives you a arbitrator, contact that one and see what they can do. Here is another page regarding bans that you might find useful: Wikipedia Ban Appeal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contact_us/blocked)

[opn4bzns]

Yeah, it's dynamic, which would explain it I guess. Thanks for the links though, I'll be sure to email them and whinge if I get banned.

[Scrotemeal]

K, so I bought a new phone. And I'm trying to connect it to my laptop using bluetooth. Which is working, except instead of saying it's a mobile phone, it says its a 'cordless' device. Anyone know what the hell that means? I couldn't find anything.

[opn4bzns]

Did you get a cd with the phone? It might have drivers you need (although they're often windows-only).

[Scrotemeal]

YES! You're so smart. I completely forgot about that. Hopefully that'll work. THanks!

e; Actually screw that, It's one of those small half disks, so its not gonna go into my cd drive properly. Fook.

[opn4bzns]

If you can get at another computer you could just copy the files over, but if it does have mac drivers it seems unlikely they'd put on a disk macs can't use.

[Seattle_Steven]

YES! You're so smart. I completely forgot about that. Hopefully that'll work. THanks!

e; Actually screw that, It's one of those small half disks, so its not gonna go into my cd drive properly. Fook.

Are you sure? I mean is it actually going to fall out the bottom?

[Ercoledi]

Maybe it's one of those slotty disk drives?

[opn4bzns]

Are you sure? I mean is it actually going to fall out the bottom?

He's got a macbook, it'll just suck it in and never be seen again.

[Scrotemeal]

Yeah, opn's right. I had a look at it on our pc, and its for syncing with a usb cable. OH well.

Anyway. I had an Optus phone, then I bought my new one, which is with Virgin. So I changed networks but was told I could keep my old number, yeah. So I filled out all this crap to change it, so simple question. Should I be using my old sim card or the new one I got with the new phone. And do I still have to activate it online, when I filled out all those forms and stuff in store.

[Beefynick]

You will want to use you new SIM card. The old one can be used to transfer anything, such as contacts, to your current phone. I would think that you would not have to activate the phone online. Did the sales person take your phone and use it? If they did it is probably activated. The best way to tell is to try to make a non emergency call with it. If you phone is not activated the call will not go though.

[Tweek]

Does anyone know how the display pictures on msn are ordered?
Like when I go to change my display picture and it comes up with a list of all pictures I've used before, it isn't in alphabetical order but it does seem to be in some kind of order.

[opn4bzns]

I think it's order you used them in, it used to be.

[CharlieH]

Does anyone know how the display pictures on msn are ordered?
Like when I go to change my display picture and it comes up with a list of all pictures I've used before, it isn't in alphabetical order but it does seem to be in some kind of order.

Possibly the most pointless question asked in this thread so far, and I don't know because i don't care....

....but since i'm here anyway, does anyone know if it's worth getting the wireless thing for my Xbox? I have a stupidly long ethernet cable i'm using at the moment, but apparently it slows the rest of my familys internet down to a stop when i use it. (even when my xbox is off, according to my dad. :ahe:)

[opn4bzns]

I can't imagine they're right, so it would probably be a waste of time and money. I'm using mine with a 15m cable and it has had no noticeable effect on the rest of the network.

[Beefynick]

The wireless adaptor for the xbox is a pain. The connection is not the best at times and will usually cause some lagging which can be problematic. Stick with the ethernet cable. You are not slowing down the connection when the xbox is turned off unless you are downloading updates or such. If there is a complaint just remove the ethernet cable from the xbox when not using it and plug it back it when you need to play online.

[Tweek]

My computer starts up and then says that the booting or whatever can't finish.
Whether I then choose safe mode, normal mode or the last settings which worked correctly, the same thing happens. All the lights and everything stay on but the monitor goes to it's stand by message - that it (the monitor) is working correctly and that I should check the power or monitor cable.
Like I said, that's the stand by message which I always get whenever my computer has been on screen saver for a while so it isn't anything new.

Is my computer fucked or is there something I can do to revive it?

Also what the fuck charlie, what kind of answer is 'I don't know'?

[opn4bzns]

Got a windows dvd?

[Beefynick]

My computer starts up and then says that the booting or whatever can't finish.
Whether I then choose safe mode, normal mode or the last settings which worked correctly, the same thing happens. All the lights and everything stay on but the monitor goes to it's stand by message - that it (the monitor) is working correctly and that I should check the power or monitor cable.
Like I said, that's the stand by message which I always get whenever my computer has been on screen saver for a while so it isn't anything new.

Is my computer fucked or is there something I can do to revive it?

Also what the fuck charlie, what kind of answer is 'I don't know'?

Opn4bzns is right, you are going to need the Windows DVD. Your options are startup repair-if you have vista, repair install- if you have XP, or a complete reinstall. I would suggest the repairs first and if they do not work you will have to do a complete reinstall.

[Antisaint]

My computer's fucked, I'm just trying to figure out what part of it broke. It's an old Gateway, when the power button is pushed it turns yellow instead of green and absolutely nothing moves inside the computer. BIOS does not come up. If it's plugged into the wall a little green light lights up on the mobo.

[Beefynick]

It sounds as if the power supply or fans are bad. Do you have a desktop or laptop? From you description it sounds as if you have a laptop, as you say when you plug into the wall, and if that is the case you should just get a new one. If you have a desktop I would look into replacing the power supply.

[Antisaint]

It sounds as if the power supply or fans are bad. Do you have a desktop or laptop? From you description it sounds as if you have a laptop, as you say when you plug into the wall, and if that is the case you should just get a new one. If you have a desktop I would look into replacing the power supply.

Nah, it's a desktop and it's old enough that it's not worth replacing anything. I'm just curious.

[Beefynick]

If it is not worth replacing I would look for a new one. It may be the power supply or it may be the motherboard. You could replace the power supply and find out that the motherboard is bad. You could be tracking down the problem for a while.

[TheHighwaySong]

Every once in a while, I get this message after my laptop starts up.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2r7nfdg.jpg

I don't know what it means, but what it does is it makes everything on my taskbar unclickable except for the start button. I can't click on the different minimized windows, right click on the icons next to the time or double click on them. Well, if I do it doesn't do anything.

If I remember correctly, this didn't start until after I installed a free AVG Anti-virus program. It doesn't affect the performance of my laptop (I don't think so at least) but it can get annoying.

How do I get rid of it?

[opn4bzns]

Every once in a while, I get this message after my laptop starts up.
http://i43.tinypic.com/2r7nfdg.jpg...

Read this (http://forums.techarena.in/windows-update/841465.htm).

[Scrotemeal]

Can you not post in locked threads? I wanna edit out an email address, but I can't. Lemon.


:(

[Axidos]

That's what locked means.

[lostos]

Windows records previously inserted devices (USB devices, Harddisk drives, etc.). Where does it store this information? Is it a registry key? Specifically interested in Windows XP.

EDIT: Disregard that, I have found it. For anyone who is interested though, it is
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet005\Control\De viceClasses

EDIT2: I don't know any handy tool for securely deleting registry keys other than IE Privacy keeper, which I dislike due to not supporting any known algorithm for overwriting, not even a single pseudorandom pass. It only allows the user to choose the number of simple overwrite passes, which is retarded.

So I'm asking you, do you know any similar tool to securely erase registry keys (it's important to erase the name, not the value alone)? Also, will an erasure of free space ensure that the key is permanently gone after getting deleted from regedit?

[Beefynick]

I do not think there is a program out there that will completely erase a registry key. Your best bet would be going into the command prompt and deleting the key from there, but then it still may be recoverable. An erasure of free space may make sure they key is not recoverable, but there is no guarantee. Frankly, deleting a registry key to that extent is overkill, at least in my opinion.

[TheHighwaySong]

Read this (http://forums.techarena.in/windows-update/841465.htm).
I won't really know if it'll work until I turn it on the next dozen times and it stops showing up. But the steps seem logical. So thanks :shobon:

[CheesePlease]

Sup guys.

So my rabbit was on my desk and he ended up knocking my can of coke straight onto my brand new computer (D:). I freaked out and turned it off straight away and when I opened it looks like the huge fan on top spread it around the empty case away from the parts, so that's cool, I clean it all up and then run over the case/fans with a slightly damp cloth so it didn't get sticky.

It seems fine, it's not really running any differently, but every time I get a small CPU spike I freak out. This happened a week ago so if nothing bad has happened by now it won't happen at all, right? Is there anything I should look out for?

[opn4bzns]

I'd say it's probably fine. If it was going to fuck stuff up it would have done it already and it would have been a lot more dramatic than a few cpu spikes.

[Prawnatron]

Disregard.

[Beefynick]

A few CPU spikes are not out of the ordinary, but a consistent elevated CPU would be. As opn4bzns said you are probably fine especially if it happened a week ago. I would not worry about it at all.

[Tweek]

On utorrent my port is not connecting or whatever.
It was working fine but now it isn't.
I've tried forwarding it and all that shit to get it to open up but nothing is working. I even tried a different number but still nothing.

What do I do?

[Antisaint]

So I'm trying to watch a video (.wmv) in Media Player Classic and it pops up saying "The pins failed to find a connectable filter" or some such and goes on to play audio but not video. Works on a different computer, I'm using K-Lite codec pack. What gives?

[Raxo]

Are cooling pads for my laptop expensive?

What are some good reliable ones?

[opn4bzns]

So I'm trying to watch a video (.wmv) in Media Player Classic and it pops up saying "The pins failed to find a connectable filter" or some such and goes on to play audio but not video. Works on a different computer, I'm using K-Lite codec pack. What gives?

Not really a solution, but try playing it in VLC, or if you can't be bothered downloading it, WMP.

[Nemmukat]

Yeah VLC pretty much plays anything.

[opn4bzns]

Are there any calendar programs (for windows, preferably free) that are better than Windows Live Mail? It's ok, but it doesn't do tasks unless you use the webapp and it doesn't remind you about stuff unless you're signed into msn.

[Beefynick]

Are cooling pads for my laptop expensive?

What are some good reliable ones?

I use the Tarugs Notebook Chill Mat (here (http://www.amazon.com/Targus-PA248U-Notebook-Chill-Pad/dp/B0000AKA8Y)) for my laptop. It is fairly inexpensive and does a great job.

Are there any calendar programs (for windows, preferably free) that are better than Windows Live Mail? It's ok, but it doesn't do tasks unless you use the webapp and it doesn't remind you about stuff unless you're signed into msn.

You might want to take a look at Mozilla Sunbird (link (http://www.mozilla.org/projects/calendar/sunbird/)). It is a good calendar program and of course it is free. It may take a little getting used to but I think you will find it is as good as Windows Live Mail calendar except without the need to log into MSN.

[Tweek]

On utorrent my port is not connecting or whatever.
It was working fine but now it isn't.
I've tried forwarding it and all that shit to get it to open up but nothing is working. I even tried a different number but still nothing.

What do I do?
Do you have a solution for me beefynick?

[Pencil]

I'm going to buy a laptop soon, and I need some information. I want a rather compact screen, about 15,4" or something. I want to be able to play games on it. The games don't have to be the newest and most beautiful games, but games like TF2 and if possible Empire: Total War. (I know that is a new and beautiful game.)
What video card do you guys suggest? Even better, what model would you suggest? I have about 700-800 euros to spend.

EDIT: Probably a lot of options, right?

[Beefynick]

Do you have a solution for me beefynick?

I might. Has your utorrent been updated lately?

[Pencil]

Alright, I already ordered one.
I know the ATI HD3470 with 256mb is not a gaming video card, but is it strong enough for games like Team Fortress?
I can't seem to find it on the internet.

[opn4bzns]

I'm going to buy a laptop soon, and I need some information. I want a rather compact screen, about 15,4" or something. I want to be able to play games on it. The games don't have to be the newest and most beautiful games, but games like TF2 and if possible Empire: Total War. (I know that is a new and beautiful game.)
What video card do you guys suggest? Even better, what model would you suggest? I have about 700-800 euros to spend.

EDIT: Probably a lot of options, right?

Dells are fairly decent. A fairly capable 15"er will set you back roughly 730 euros (roughly because it's customisable and varies by country). 15" isn't hugely compact though, 13 and 14 inchers are a lot more portable.

[Tweek]

I might. Has your utorrent been updated lately?
I updated it. Didn't help.
With some torrents I can get my usual speed, but it is still a yellow ! and after a while it goes red.
I think it is relevant to say that this has only started happening since my computer had a power surge and was fixed by a computer repair guy.

[Pencil]

I've bought a laptop now and I'm quite happy with it. It's the MSi EX620X.
It has a nice feature, Cinema Pro. I'm not sure if other notebooks have it too, but basically all it does with my notebook is turn on the small subwoofer and I think make the screen a bit more beautiful. It goes on with a touchscreen button on my notebook. The problem is: It doesn't work. If I touch the button, a light doesn't go on, unlike with the other buttons. It doesn't change anything. The strange thing is, it did work yesterday at some point. I already downloaded new audiodrivers and chipset drivers, but nothing seems to work.. Does anyone have an idea what to do?

EDIT: Nevermind, I found out myself. It was run by some program I uninstalled, because it gave an error message when I shut down the notebook. Probably because I'm running Windows 7.

[Beefynick]

I updated it. Didn't help.
With some torrents I can get my usual speed, but it is still a yellow ! and after a while it goes red.
I think it is relevant to say that this has only started happening since my computer had a power surge and was fixed by a computer repair guy.

That indeed is an important fact. Do you know if he configured anything on your computer when repairing it or did he only deal with the hardware? Are you using a firewall? If you are I would suggest disabling it for a moment and seeing if your speeds increase.

[Tweek]

Just the hardware.
The firewall has an exception for utorrent but I haven't tried turning it off completely.
I'll do that now.

[Tweek]

Well my speeds didn't really increase. In fact for all new torrents I have been adding the speed has been normal.

It's just that I don't have a green tick.

[Beefynick]

Have you even gotten the green light or has it always been yellow (or red)?

[Tweek]

I usually have it green, I've never had it red before now.

[Beefynick]

In that case if you get the yellow light and usually have green it means that the torrent you are using is not strong (bad speeds/not enough seeds/ect). Try downloading a torrent with a bunch of seeds and seeing if the light turns green. If it does that means that the torrents you are using are not strong.

[Tweek]

Nah that doesn't work either. The speed goes fine but the light stays yellow.
I think I'll just give up on it. It doesn't affect me that much.

[Beefynick]

The most important thing is that you are getting the correct speeds. It may be that you do not have one port open that utorrent thinks should be open and that is why you are not getting a green light. As long as it is not affecting much I would not worry about it then. If I find a solution I will let you know.

[Prawnatron]

Ok, so I'm getting a PC pretty soon. And I was wondering whether there was a website similar to System Requirments Lab that i could input the info in to it?

[Gorby]

I have had an iPod touch 3g 32gig for about a month now, than all of a sudden, this morning my wi-fi did not work on my iPod. Internet works on all my computers at home except my ipod. It says i am connected to my wifi, on my ipod, but when i try to access appstore, or apps that require internet connection, they do not work. When i go on app store it simply says "cannot connect to app store"

If anyone has a clue on what todo, PM me.

[Beefynick]

I have had an iPod touch 3g 32gig for about a month now, than all of a sudden, this morning my wi-fi did not work on my iPod. Internet works on all my computers at home except my ipod. It says i am connected to my wifi, on my ipod, but when i try to access appstore, or apps that require internet connection, they do not work. When i go on app store it simply says "cannot connect to app store"

If anyone has a clue on what todo, PM me.

Does your router have security on it?

[Tweek]

Nah that doesn't work either. The speed goes fine but the light stays yellow.
I think I'll just give up on it. It doesn't affect me that much.
I figured it out, finally.
My stupid router had my computer listed twice, so when I was making a firewall exception for the port, it was doing it for the wrong computer. Somehow.

[opn4bzns]

Ok, so I'm getting a PC pretty soon. And I was wondering whether there was a website similar to System Requirments Lab that i could input the info in to it?

System Req Lab is for PCs. Do you mean one not for games or something?

[Prawnatron]

System Req Lab is for PCs. Do you mean one not for games or something?

No, I mean so I can check if the computer I'm getting will be able to handle the games I'm getting and to what level.

[opn4bzns]

Oh. No, I think you'd just have to compare the requirements of the game and the specs of your computer.

[Prawnatron]

Yeah but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to the specs.

Will this;

ASUS P5QL Pro Motherboard
•4GB DDR2 PC6400 800Mhz Memory
•500GB 7200RPM Serial ATA300 Hard Drive
•22X LG Double Layer DVD+/-RW w/Nero
•1GB GeForce 9500GT PCI Express w/DVI

Be good enough for this:

Processor: AMD Athlon64 3000+ /
INTEL Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz
Display Card!: ATI Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB /
NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GS 256MB
Memory: 1024MB
Free Disk Space: 5GB
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista

[Phrenic]

who the fuck delivers a storks baby?

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: Idiot.

[Laurence]

who the fuck delivers a storks baby?

Pssst... this is 'The Tech Convention' forum. Pay particular attention to the 'Tech' part which is short for 'technology'.

[Trashcat]

I can't activate my copy of Windows online. I don't want to call them (I really, really don't want to call them) but my 30 days are almost up, and it keeps saying it can't connect online. What do I do?

[Axidos]

You could just call them, since you'd have been through their waiting line by now (probably).

Are you getting an actual error message, and what does it say?

[opn4bzns]

I can't activate my copy of Windows online. I don't want to call them (I really, really don't want to call them) but my 30 days are almost up, and it keeps saying it can't connect online. What do I do?

If you didn't pirate it, call them. If you did pirate it, tough shit.

[Beefynick]

Yeah but I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to the specs.

Will this;

ASUS P5QL Pro Motherboard
•4GB DDR2 PC6400 800Mhz Memory
•500GB 7200RPM Serial ATA300 Hard Drive
•22X LG Double Layer DVD+/-RW w/Nero
•1GB GeForce 9500GT PCI Express w/DVI

Be good enough for this:

Processor: AMD Athlon64 3000+ /
INTEL Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz
Display Card!: ATI Radeon X1800 GTO 256MB /
NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GS 256MB
Memory: 1024MB
Free Disk Space: 5GB
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista

That should be fine, but on your specs you do not list a processor which is the most important.

[Prawnatron]

That should be fine, but on your specs you do not list a processor which is the most important.

3.0ghz Intel Core Duo E8400 6mb cache FSB 1333

[Nemmukat]

FUCK ME. This has gone too far, I can't sign in to Msn most of the time. Anyone else get this problem? Error Code :81000306

[WoeStorm]

I can't sign in the MSN period, but it might just be me. It doesn't give me an error message.

[Nemmukat]

Yeah its pissing me off real bad, I need to sort out some dates and shit. I don't wanna be holed up at home all week.

[Beefynick]

3.0ghz Intel Core Duo E8400 6mb cache FSB 1333

Yeah, you are good.

[Tweek]

Is it possible at all to have a laptop that could run a game like the Sims 3?
I am getting a laptop soon and I want one that can play a few games.

[shawnshank]

Tweek: You could if it meets the minimum requirements. Do you have a fairly mainstream laptop? If it runs sluggish you could always try toning down the video features in the options.

[opn4bzns]

Is it possible at all to have a laptop that could run a game like the Sims 3?
I am getting a laptop soon and I want one that can play a few games.

Yeah, it'll be fine, the Sims runs on everything because it's so mainstream. My laptop was $500 last year and it'll run on it.

[Tweek]

Fuck yeah.

[Scrotemeal]

Oh hey bitches. So I was perusing the interwebs and I saw the mac requirements for Sims 3. So that's pretty cool, yeah. But is it the same CD for PC and mac? Or do you have to buy it separately. I couldn't see it. Maybe I'm just dumb.

[ilovebrownies]

It's probably the same. Usually is.

[AOB]

Is it possible at all to have a laptop that could run a game like the Sims 3?
I am getting a laptop soon and I want one that can play a few games.

Well, depends on the lap. A friend of mine had a lap (incredible expensive) with better features than my desktop so xD

Also, word of advice, buy a USB port mouse. Laps are so annoying without a mouse.

[opn4bzns]

It's probably the same. Usually is.

You sure about that? They're completely different games.

[ilovebrownies]

You sure about that? They're completely different games.

Might have spoken too soon here, sorry.

It seems like the collectors edition (http://eastore.ea.com/DRHM/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayProductDetailsPage&SiteID=ea&Locale=en_US&ThemeID=718200&Env=BASE&productID=105153500&intcmp=eaint87&resid=5f-CfgoHAjEAAELKfxwAAAAM&rests=1243319580837) contains both though.

[opn4bzns]

You could be right, I don't have a mac to test it with, but most of the data would be shared.

[WoeStorm]

So my mouse often becomes non-respondent, and the only way I can fix it is by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Often times I have to repeat this because it becomes non-respondent a few seconds later until it starts working again. After a while, however, it stops responding again.

It's a laser mouse, and it has a light that indicates the level of sensitivity. That becomes unlit when the mouse doesn't respond, so I don't think it's the laser thing itself. I know I should get a new mouse but I figure it can't hurt to ask.

[Trashcat]

If you didn't pirate it, call them. If you did pirate it, tough shit.

I didn't pirate it, but I can't fucking call them.

[opn4bzns]

Why not?
yes, my original post was excessively angrrrryyyy

[CharlieH]

So my mouse often becomes non-respondent, and the only way I can fix it is by unplugging it and plugging it back in. Often times I have to repeat this because it becomes non-respondent a few seconds later until it starts working again. After a while, however, it stops responding again.

It's a laser mouse, and it has a light that indicates the level of sensitivity. That becomes unlit when the mouse doesn't respond, so I don't think it's the laser thing itself. I know I should get a new mouse but I figure it can't hurt to ask.

That'll be something loose somewhere along the line. Plug your mouse in somewhere else and see if it does the same. If it doesn't, your USB ports are getting old.

[Trashcat]

Why not?
yes, my original post was excessively angrrrryyyy

I don't have a damn phone right now.

[TheHighwaySong]

I turned on my own laptop this morning and it didn't connect to my wireless network, not only that, but it didn't even pick up the neighbors (locked) signals, which it usually does. However, I turned on my school-issued laptop and it connected to the network, no problem.

My laptop has a little switch on the front to turn the wireless on/off. It's switched to the on position, but the light is still orange, as if it's on the off position.

I specifically remember not tinkering with it last night, it worked perfect until I decided to turn it off.

How can I fix this? Hopefully soon. The school-issued laptops are due soon. :frown:

[Antisaint]

So, while I was moving the coaxial (or whatever) input to my TV got ripped out. Is it possible to fix this? How much does it cost?

[opn4bzns]

I don't have a damn phone right now.

I'd just use a friend's phone or something, but I guess you could try emailing support.

[InTransit]

I turned on my own laptop this morning and it didn't connect to my wireless network, not only that, but it didn't even pick up the neighbors (locked) signals, which it usually does. However, I turned on my school-issued laptop and it connected to the network, no problem.

My laptop has a little switch on the front to turn the wireless on/off. It's switched to the on position, but the light is still orange, as if it's on the off position.

I specifically remember not tinkering with it last night, it worked perfect until I decided to turn it off.

How can I fix this? Hopefully soon. The school-issued laptops are due soon. :frown:

What type of laptop is it? Have you tried going into Network Connections and repairing the connection? It should disable the wireless and re-establish it.

Try plugging directly to the router to see if it's just the wireless having troubles to.

Otherwise it could just be that the wireless has shat itself. I had a laptop (HP) that had the same kind of button, was only used sitting on my desk and not even moved around, and it just stopped working one day.

[AmberDell]

Oh hey bitches. So I was perusing the interwebs and I saw the mac requirements for Sims 3. So that's pretty cool, yeah. But is it the same CD for PC and mac? Or do you have to buy it separately. I couldn't see it. Maybe I'm just dumb.

they are different. i always have to buy shit made just for macs, thats the only thing that sucks about having one

[Axidos]

I don't have a damn phone right now.
You should've said that, instead of "don't want to."

Now, what error are you getting? Surely you are getting something more than "Can't connect." Is there an error code, or specific message? What does it say? In fact a screenshot of the dialog at that point would be fantastic.

I mean if it turns out it's saying "Error 0x0001234: Cannot connect" I just have to Google "activate* windows error 0x0001234" and sort through a few results until I find a solution for you. You might post it up, then do some googling yourself. You post it up even if you search for the answer yourself, in case we find something before you do, or in case you don't find anything at all.

That's all we do anyway - we being the people solving the issues in this thread. Shit, we don't know anything about the error you're getting until you describe it and we investigate it (and if you don't describe it we can't investigate it - garbage in, garbage out). Beefynick never took a Uni course in "how to solve every problem anyone will ever post about on a message board," he's just well-educated and knows how to find answers.


* Doesn't matter whether you say "activate" or "activating" or any other related word. For each one of your keywords, Google will automatically search related terms too. I have been lucky enough to see this mechanism in action when a Google search page bugged.
Google puts your search terms into an array, then replaces each term in the array with an array of related keywords (which includes the replaced keywords), forming an array of arrays of keywords.

[Nemmukat]

Why are all of the Gifs i use as an avatar static?

[TheHighwaySong]

Otherwise it could just be that the wireless has shat itself. I had a laptop (HP) that had the same kind of button, was only used sitting on my desk and not even moved around, and it just stopped working one day.

Shat itself, like stopped working? :frown: I have had it for almost exactly two years (since June 07). Is that reasonable?

[opn4bzns]

Why are all of the Gifs i use as an avatar static?

If they're bigger than 80x80 px it resizes them down, and I think it makes them static in the process. If they are bigger, make them smaller in Photoshop or whatever and try uploading them again.

[InTransit]

Shat itself, like stopped working? :frown: I have had it for almost exactly two years (since June 07). Is that reasonable?

Yeah like stopped working. Mine was just out of it's 1 year warranty when it broke. Did you try the other things I suggested?

[opn4bzns]

Crossposting this from the VGF equivalent of this thread since it's really more of a techy question:
I accidentally uninstalled Steam the other day and it took all my games with it. I had just backed up my COD4 data (/steamapps/common/cod4/profiles) for some reason, but now I'm 28 levels lower than I was and my guns and stuff are gone. Help?

edit: nevermind, turns out windows automatically backed it up every 2 days and I got my profile back. I had no ideas windows did that, but it's cool that it does.

[shawnshank]

FUCK ME. This has gone too far, I can't sign in to Msn most of the time. Anyone else get this problem? Error Code :81000306
I have given up trying to sign in to Messenger 8. You should get a modified version like aMsn, fixed all my sign in issues.

[opn4bzns]

Maybe don't use a 4 year old version of msn if you want it to work.

[Gorby]

I posted this in the free applications thread, but it seems appropriate to post it here too. Anyone know a free program I can download, that can help me add subtitles (.srt) to my iPod movies (.mpeg-4). Please PM me after you post, just so I don't forget to check.

[InTransit]

Maybe don't use a 4 year old version of msn if you want it to work.

I've been having trouble with the latest latest version too. I so shouldn't have upgraded it. It keeps stalling on me. Like, just msn. It'll seem like it's lagging between me typing and it going into the dialog box and then each messenger screen will go white and not respond. I'm still using XP on a Pentium4 (yeah I need a new computer).

[Vir]

I transferred a folder from my flash drive to my desktop and then to documents or something but it keeps randomly appearing on my desktop as an empty folder and its really quite bothersome. I regularly delete and will sometimes re-appear as soon as 2 minutes after I've deleted it.

[Axidos]

So I've just downloaded the English version of SAI (http://sai.detstwo.com/sai/), a free paint program which I've seen some impressive colouring done in.

Anyway, the setup requires administrator privileges, yet my account is an admin. Even running it as administrator produces the same error. I think I remember correctly that this sort of thing is an old problem with Vista, but I can't remember how to deal with it.

It is Vista compatible.

[opn4bzns]

Run it in XP compatibility mode maybe?
edit: running it as admin worked fine for me.

[Axidos]

Run it in XP compatibility mode maybe?
edit: running it as admin worked fine for me.

I tried that, 2000 too. :(

Do you have Service Pack 1? Maybe that's the difference. I could never install that update for some error that there was no KB article for.

But checking the KB, there is one now (error 80070490). Seems part of my system is corrupt, which might have to do with it (and some other errors). I'll repair my system and come back here once that's done with either good news or bad.

[opn4bzns]

Actually I have windows 7, but I don't think uac has changed that much between sp1/2 and it, so it shouldn't make a difference.

[Tweek]

I'm using chrome and a lot of images don't load and some pages don't load too. I have to refresh to get them to work.
what's the problem?

[Tweek]

Apparently a lot of people have gotten it.
I fixed firefox by going to mozilla help (don't know why I didn't do that in the first place) so I'm going back to that.
I'll wait until google fix the isssssue.
Chrome was prettier :frown:

[opn4bzns]

You can make firefox look like chrome (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/10674) if you're that way inclined.

[Tweek]

Way ahead of you, big boy. My afternoon of moping quickly turned into one of ecstasy.
I would have kept the thread updated but I figured two posts in a row was enough awesome for one day.

[opn4bzns]

Two posts just can't contain the joy and excitement of browsers!

[Prawnatron]

What's the best place to buy Gaming PCs in the UK?

[Stoshy]

Ok, in Adobe Flash CS3 how do I save a file as a PNG without it fucking up? For some reason when I export it (doesn't give me the option to save as a png) and open it or upload it the background is black and if I go into paint and change the color then it is seriously un-antialiased. How do I fix this?

[Axidos]

Ok, in Adobe Flash CS3 how do I save a file as a PNG without it fucking up? For some reason when I export it (doesn't give me the option to save as a png) and open it or upload it the background is black and if I go into paint and change the color then it is seriously un-antialiased. How do I fix this?

You know how you set the stage background, so that the box everything sits in has a white background (or whatever you gave it)? Yeah, that just becomes black when you export it as an image file.

Create a new layer, put it at the very bottom and just make a big rectangle in it that covers the entire background, and make it whatever colour you want. Bam, you now have whatever colour you want, instead of black.

[Chriz]

What's the best place to buy Gaming PCs in the UK?

Well there is always Alienware if you a massive ammount of cash to burn, ebuyer.co.uk has fantastic deals all the time. Or build you own with PC Specialist.co.uk

[cptlol]

Hey my dad bought a new laptop and I was wondering if it's any good,
since I'm no expert I'm asking you.
It's this one: http://vaio.sony.nl/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-NS21Z%2FS&site=voe_nl_NL_cons&category=VN+NS+Series&assetid=1218032875592
and it cost around 800 euros.
Thanks in advance.

[CharlieH]

Hey my dad bought a new laptop and I was wondering if it's any good,
since I'm no expert I'm asking you.
It's this one: http://vaio.sony.nl/view/ShowProduct.action?product=VGN-NS21Z%2FS&site=voe_nl_NL_cons&category=VN+NS+Series&assetid=1218032875592
and it cost around 800 euros.
Thanks in advance.

Way to link it in Dutch, you idiot. Also, from what I can make out, it's not too bad, but it depends what he is using it for, and also, condering he has already bought it, isn't it pretty pointless asking if it's any good?

Also, I'm going on the assumption that "JA" means "Yes"?

[cptlol]

Way to link it in Dutch, you idiot. Also, from what I can make out, it's not too bad, but it depends what he is using it for, and also, condering he has already bought it, isn't it pretty pointless asking if it's any good?

Also, I'm going on the assumption that "JA" means "Yes"?
Ja means yes, and "oh lol i kinda forgot about the dutch".

Also; since he's contemplating turning it back it, it IS any good asking it.

[opn4bzns]

Way to link it in Dutch, you idiot. Also, from what I can make out, it's not too bad, but it depends what he is using it for, and also, condering he has already bought it, isn't it pretty pointless asking if it's any good?

Also, I'm going on the assumption that "JA" means "Yes"?

Because it's so hard to work out what stuff like "Intel® Core™ 2 Duo-processor P8600 met Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®-technologie" could possibly mean.

[BlackHood]

Looks like a good machine for 800 euros. You always pay a premium for Sony laptops, but they do seem to work more smoothly for much longer than many other brands.

[Chriz]

Looks like a good machine for 800 euros. You always pay a premium for Sony laptops, but they do seem to work more smoothly for much longer than many other brands.

I must say, in my experience in the UK, you'll pay quite a lot to have the word 'Sony' on your laptop. But seeing the spec's you've linked us to, and converting 800 euros to GBP £'s, I think you got yourself an excellent bargain, or the Dutch market is fantastic.

[opn4bzns]

, but they do seem to work more smoothly for much longer than many other brands.

Ehh, not really. Their build quality is pretty average, and they use the same components as every other laptop, so there isn't really a reason for that to be true.

[n3fast]

I seem to have problems creating partially transparent png's. Or at least, I have a problem using them as an avatar on this forum. When uploaded it's still transparent, but upon using it here I just get a white background.

[Spastic]

You have to make sure they are 80x80 or smaller, otherwise it just converts and resizes the avatar.

[n3fast]

Blimey. I thought I tried that. Stupid wanker that I am.

Thanks!

[CheesePlease]

If I were to buy a PC game from the USA (I live in Australia) will it still work on my computer, or do they have region encoding just like DVDs?

[opn4bzns]

It'll be fine. PC games have no region restrictions (except a few on Steam).

[Pocket]

Does your avatar get bigger as your level (e.g. Complete Newb vs. Elite User) increases?

[Tweek]

No.
Some elites do have increased permissions though, which means they can have bigger avatars.

[xdethmetalx1230]

So, my printer is prettyfucked up, what happens is the paper doesnt feed,

I have to forcefully push the paper in to make it go. When it is finally going, it starts making this weird sound. When the page printed out, the side of the page is all bent. Sometimes the page comes out lopsided.

Is there somehting i need to replace in the printer, I don't wanna go and buy a whole new printer

[opn4bzns]

Buy a new printer. They're like $50 and getting it repaired will cost you an arm and a leg.

[xdethmetalx1230]

Buy a new printer. They're like $50 and getting it repaired will cost you an arm and a leg.

I would but I have like an All-In-One printer so its pretty expensive. Printer Jams happen all the time I just dont know how to fix it.

I'm sure theres a way to fix this without like tech support, i jus need to know what parts to replace or whatever.

[opn4bzns]

The problem is that the parts will be non-standard and it's very unlikely you'll find them or a guide to replacing them.

[Hypocrite]

Firefox tends to freeze whenever I have multiple tabs open and I close out of all but one, anyone else experienced this problem?

[Fluzz]

Alright, new question. Youtube related.

So this girl tells me she has a blog she updates every wednesday but won't let me watch it. I have her email and before you already ask, searching it doesn't find me it. I've searched her name, relavent info, I've gone advanced and put in my city's location, nothing seems to work. I've even gone to google map and there appears to be no videos posted from her house. Does anyone know how I might be able to find it?

[opn4bzns]

The Tech Convention: for all your stalking needs!

[sprene]

Sorry to derail before your question is answered (Fluzz), but I have a YouTube question myself.

For some reason, I can't play YouTube videos that are embedded in this forum properly. The big play button is unclickable, but if I click a bunch of times around it really fast, it normally thinks that I clicked the play button.
Alternatively, I can click anywhere on the video-box and then keep pressing TAB until the play button is highlighted, then hit enter to play it. But that's annoying and I can't skip through the video.

Any thoughts? Browser settings? I'm in Firefox 1.5.0.12 if that matters (I know, I haven't updated in ages).

[Chriz]

Have you tried re-installing your Flash Player? I know that YouTube had a stint with 'Flo Player' for their videos on Firefox on a while back, always had problems with them and used Chrome to watch YouTube.

Try re-installing the player, if not, the forum does not like your Firefox and you should try Chrome. If none of this works, freaky goings-ons in your PC.

[Axidos]

So this girl tells me she has a blog she updates every wednesday but won't let me watch it.
Ever think she might have:
a. removed herself from listings
b. made her videos private
c. not used those details in the first place
d. otherwise made herself completely unfindable?

Sorry to derail before your question is answered (Fluzz), but I have a YouTube question myself.

Not a problem, this is a multiple-issues-at-a-time thread. Anyway, update your Firefox, unless there's a particular reason you're still on 1.5?

[Aramon]

Firefox tends to freeze whenever I have multiple tabs open and I close out of all but one, anyone else experienced this problem?


Yep. I upgraded to the newist version of the IE Browser (I use both browsers), then got rid of Firefox. Then I reinstalled the newist version of Firefox and it worked just fine. Give it a shot, but if that doesn't work I'm lost as well.

[Fluzz]

The Tech Convention: for all your stalking needs!

Haha, well it's her fault for teasing me in the first place.

Ever think she might have:
a. removed herself from listings
b. made her videos private
c. not used those details in the first place
d. otherwise made herself completely unfindable?

Alright in order;
a. Not sure what you mean, but she said she doesn't use the appropriate tags
b. She told me they're not.
c. Maybe, but i just said that so no one else suggest doing that.
d. You can't be completely unfindable, can you?

[Aramon]

Alright in order;
a. Not sure what you mean, but she said she doesn't use the appropriate tags
b. She told me they're not.
c. Maybe, but i just said that so no one else suggest doing that.
d. You can't be completely unfindable, can you?


Hmm... Have you tried simply asking her for the url to her profile?

[Fluzz]

Hmm... Have you tried simply asking her for the url to her profile?

She's pretty wise to that. Is there anyway to search youtube accounts in your area?

[sprene]

Have you tried re-installing your Flash Player?

Awhile ago, yes. Not in a couple months though. I shall try!

Anyway, update your Firefox, unless there's a particular reason you're still on 1.5?

Not really, I just haven't gotten around to it. I'll try this too, and let you guys know how it turns out.

Thanks

[Aramon]

She's pretty wise to that. Is there anyway to search youtube accounts in your area?

I've been looking, but not to my knowledge. It's possible their help forum may have an answer for you, though.

[Fluzz]

I've been looking, but not to my knowledge. It's possible their help forum may have an answer for you, though.

Yeah, I had to post my own question, but we'll see. I know this seems stoker-ish but shes challenging me to find this blog.

[Aramon]

Yeah, I had to post my own question, but we'll see. I know this seems stoker-ish but shes challenging me to find this blog.


Haha, what if there is no blog?

[Fluzz]

Haha, what if there is no blog?

Haha, I actually considered that but she got really worried when I mentioned you can find videos posted over google map. Is there a list of all blogs on youtube? She said she has about 500 subscribers.

[Axidos]

Regarding antiviruses:
I have McAfee and Spybot installed. Spybot recently picked up a Trojan on my computer (Win32.Webdir.b) which McAfee never saw, despite running a full system scan once a week. Now I'm wondering what else McAfee hasn't found.

I want to install another antivirus:
1. Recommendations? I'm considering Avast and/or AVG Free.
2. Will there be any issues with having two (or three?) antiviruses installed? How should I deal with them?

I'm considering giving McAfee Stinger (http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/) a quick run through my computer before installing the antiviruses. I don't suppose it'll pick up anything McAfee didn't though. I assume there is no reason why this would be a bad idea?

[opn4bzns]

If it's spyware obviously McAfee isn't going to pick it up, but McAfee is fairly crap anyway.

1. Avast or Avira.
2. Yes. Don't do it. Never run more than one AV at once.

[Antisaint]

2. Yes. Don't do it. Never run more than one AV at once.

Wait what? I've never had problems with more than one installed. Running them at the same time is bad, and occasionally one will pick part of the other up as a virus, but other than that it's fine.

[lostos]

Once per month I use Kaspersky Online Scanner (http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/pages/default/main.html?n=1242997984812) to fully scan my computer. Bear in mind that antivirus alone isn't sufficient, I recommend instead of using two AV programs, use Avast as AV and have two anti-malware programs at once. I suggest MBAM and SUPERAntiSpyware.

[opn4bzns]

Wait what? I've never had problems with more than one installed. Running them at the same time is bad, and occasionally one will pick part of the other up as a virus, but other than that it's fine.

Because they're designed to run alone and having 2 is unnecessary. It's like trying to add a fifth wheel to your car. It might have an effect, might not, but if it does it'll be negative.

Once per month I use Kaspersky Online Scanner (http://www.kaspersky.com/kos/eng/partner/default/pages/default/main.html?n=1242997984812) to fully scan my computer. Bear in mind that antivirus alone isn't sufficient, I recommend instead of using two AV programs, use Avast as AV and have two anti-malware programs at once. I suggest MBAM and SUPERAntiSpyware.

This is sensible. Malware programs (mostly) only scan when you tell them to, unlike AVs, which are always doing stuff in the background.

[Vir]

So I have the little multimedia buttons on my laptop, does anyone know if I could make them work with itunes while itunes is minimized? Or how to make the main music button open itunes instead of windows media center?

[opn4bzns]

Have a look for their settings, it'll vary based on what brand your laptop is, but hopefully should be there.

[Chriz]

Hotkeys should be in the Control Panel, under Keyboard Settings? My old one was, but every one is different.

[Vir]

I checked the keyboard settings but couldn't find it, my laptop is a gateway.

[Chriz]

Well I would suggest finding a free hotkey program for your multimedia buttons. As for using your media button, I think if you simply set iTunes as your default music/media player, then that should work. It would be the same idea as setting Firefox as your default browser over IE.

[Metalhead636]

It has been three months, might as well ask again.

Every so often, my windows vista freezes up, and a little window appears that says Windows Explorer is not working. If I click "Wait while windows finds a solution" it stays there forever. If I close it, than I lose the ability to change the sound on my computer, what do I do?



Also, my Google Chrome crashes when I use facebook. What up?

[opn4bzns]

Thing is, you could probably fix the first one by reinstalling windows, but can you really be bothered?

Second one, tried reinstalling chrome?

[Chriz]

Metalhead, that ocassionally happens to me sometimes on Vista whenever my start-up programs come on, I realised I had to much on load up, and was clicking away at stuff which then makes your vista task bar freeze. The best bet is to re-install Vista, or, next time it happens, CTRL + ALT +DEL, log off, log back in and wait a moment to reinstall everything.

2) Are you using Chrome on the actual facebook website or do you have a google app or whatever? Any particular error message?

[Lissa]

If Windows Explorer doesn't restart on its own, instead of having to wait for your whole system to reboot, you can just Ctrl Alt Del and open up Task Manager > New Task> Type in 'explorer.exe' > OK. That's what I did when Vista shitted on me, if it's the same problem.

Also, my Chrome used to crash with fb so I went to v. 3.0.183.1 and it works alright, aside from some back button/cache memory issues.

[Metalhead636]

Thanks on the first one.

On the Chrome problem, every day or so, it freezes when I want to comment on a status or something. I can open a new tab but:
1. The "broken" tab won't close
2. It freezes when I go back to the same page.

[Axidos]

Metalhead636:

On the first one (Vista screwing up) you don't necessarily have to do a complete reinstall. If you have your Vista CD/DVD, insert that then restart your computer. It should boot up from the CD/DVD and provide you with the option to repair your computer - it'll detect missing or corrupt system files and fix them, stuff like that.

If you don't have Vista, do you have a CD or DVD burner? The maker of your PC (Toshiba, Lenovo etc) should allow you to download a repair or recovery volume which you just burn to a CD/DVD (depending on the filesize of course) and there you have your repair disc.

[opn4bzns]

Doesn't repair just fix startup problems? All it's ever done for me is fix the mbr and stuff, but I don't really know.

[Lissa]

Instead of reinstalling Vista you might as well just install Windows 7 :band:

[Vir]

Thanks Chriz I think Ive figured it out.

[Axidos]

Doesn't repair just fix startup problems?
No, it definitely does more than that, since system repair is the official fix to a problem of mine which is completely unrelated to my startup (see top 3 posts of the previous page).

[Shrimps]

Why isn't quicktime reading my movie files? They are in mpeg format.

[opn4bzns]

They might be damaged or in some codec quicktime doesn't like. I'd try playing them in VLC or something.

[Kaidos]

Ctrl Alt Del and open up Task Manager > New Task> Type in 'explorer.exe' > OK.

simplified by pressing windows key + r

And personally I've never had any luck using an install disk to fix problems not related to start up but hey, anything can happen i suppose.

[opn4bzns]

I've got a Vista install that is starting to show its age by doing random things like
- changing the title bar text to different fonts
- changing the title bar text to condensed Segoe
- taking about 20 minutes to open large exes
- spacing all my icons out at about 5px
- randomly toggling the centre channel of my speakers
- having some network service constantly thrashing the hard drive.

If someone else posted this I'd tell them to reinstall Windows, but I'm not really sure how to go about doing this. The hard drive has about 400gb of stuff on it, and I don't have another drive big enough to back it up onto. That said, I don't want to lose stuff. Is there a smart way of doing this that doesn't involve buying a new hdd?

[shawnshank]

Just back up the bare basics. Download Driver Genius Professional and backup all your drivers. Send yourself an email attachment with them or something. Or you could host it somewhere and just write down the link to it so you can download it after you're done reinstalling. uppit (http://uppit.com/) works great, up to 125mbs.

Next time you reinstall you could re-partition your drive to allocate a certain amount of space for backing up your files for reinstallation.

If I were you I'd give ~300gigs for the operating system partition and ~100gigs for your backups.

Just wipe your drive clean and start fresh with a split hard drive, you can always redownload and reinstall the stuff you lose in the format.

I'm not sure how the Vista installation differs from Xp's, but as I recall when you boot from the disc you're given a list of the hard drives installed. If you want to repartition your disc you simply hit "L" to delete the whole Partition, then C to create a new one.

Eg if I had a 500gig hard drive and wanted 400gigs for the OS, and 100gigs for backups, then I'd delete the entire partition at the windows installation then enter 400000 as the size (it's measured in kilobytes iirc), go to the unpartitioned space underneath the aforementioned partition, then enter 100000. And boom you've got 2 partitions.

[opn4bzns]

Vista's installer has a proper partitioner, so that's not a problem. Drivers also aren't really a problem, windows update does a good job of getting drivers and my hardware is mostly pretty standard.

Just backing up the basics and redownloading isn't an option though. A lot of my games are on steam, so they would be ok, but there's no way I can download ~200gb of stuff in less than 10 months, realistically probably a year.

Even if I was to download it all, there's a lot of stuff I'd have trouble finding. I have quite a lot of recorded tv in hd, and I can't even find sd downloads for some of it.

[CharlieH]

Where would I normally find the tomporary internet folder cache?

[opn4bzns]

For Firefox on Vista/7 it's C:\Users\[your user name]\AppData\Local\Temp. You'll need hidden files to be on to see it.

[shawnshank]

opn4: You could always buy a dvd burner and some blank dvd-rs, or an external drive. Other than that I can't really see any other way you'd be able to back up all (most) of your stuff.

Hell, you can buy a cheap 4gb flash drive and backup all your "rare" stuff, and just redownload the rest.

charlie: For xp iirc it's C:\Documents and Settings\User\Local Settings\Temp*\
*or temporary internet files

[opn4bzns]

I'd still be downloading way more than I can practically manage. I guess I'll just leave it until I can be bothered to buy another hard drive.

[Chriz]

opn4bzns, does Vista not have an option of doing a manual re-install, but keeping your files?

[shawnshank]

Buying another drive would be the best way to go. It makes for an easy backup system if shit gets out of control. I run my OS on an 80gig 1.5gb/s 10k rpm drive, and have a 1TB Secondary drive just for backing stuff up that I download, drivers, etc.

7200rpm Gigabytes are dirt cheap nowadays. You can get a 500gig for like $50-60.

[HouseMdfan]

Is there any way for an admin to capitalize the D in HouseMDfan for me? Apparently it didn't register when I typed it in.

[Tweek]

Yeah, just pm Rob (http://forums.explosm.net/private.php?do=newpm&u=3) or Kwanza (http://forums.explosm.net/private.php?do=newpm&u=1858) and they'll get it sorted out for you.

[HouseMdfan]

Thanks. Now I just gotta wait and see. :)

[Axidos]

opn4bzns, does Vista not have an option of doing a manual re-install, but keeping your files?

Kind of: Windows Repair. Opn4bzns, I realised while searching for Windows Repair options that there's Windows Repair and (entirely separately) Windows Startup Repair - which is where the earlier confusion must have come from. Anyway, I'll quote the instructions from the Windows Help article for my error, which walks me through the Windows Repair process:

Windows Update error 80070490

If you receive Windows Update error 80070490, it means that a file (CBS Manifest) that's needed to install updates is corrupt. To correct this problem, you'll need to repair Windows. Repairing Windows won't damage your personal files or the programs that are installed on your computer.

Once you finish the repair, you'll need to rerun Windows Update to install any updates aren't included on the installation DVD. To repair Windows, follow these steps:

Close all programs, and then restart your computer.

Insert the Windows DVD into your computer's disk drive. Wait for Setup to start. If Setup doesn't start automatically, follow these steps:
Click Start, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the search box. Replace Drive with the letter of your computer's DVD drive (for example, D:\setup.exe).
In the Programs list, click Setup.exe.
Click Install Now.
Click Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).
If you are asked for it, type the Windows Product key.
In the Which kind of installation do you want? window, click Upgrade.
When the installation is complete, restart your computer, and then run Windows Update.

If the problem persists, go to the Microsoft Update Solution Center website to find more information about the error code or to request support by e‑mail.

Error codes this applies to:

WindowsUpdate_80070490

0x80070490


If you want to find this article yourself, open Windows Explorer (not internet explorer) and hit F1 to open Windows Help. Then type this into the search bar and pick the first result:
"WindowsUpdate_80070490" "WindowsUpdate_dt000"

If you don't have your Windows DVD, you might be able to download a recovery volume from Microsoft or your computer manufacturer's website.

[opn4bzns]

Kind of: Windows Repair. Opn4bzns, I realised while searching for Windows Repair options that there's Windows Repair and (entirely separately) Windows Startup Repair - which is where the earlier confusion must have come from. Anyway, I'll quote the instructions from the Windows Help article for my error, which walks me through the Windows Repair process:




If you want to find this article yourself, open Windows Explorer (not internet explorer) and hit F1 to open Windows Help. Then type this into the search bar and pick the first result:


If you don't have your Windows DVD, you might be able to download a recovery volume from Microsoft or your computer manufacturer's website.

I do have the DVD, so that's ok. Does repair actually reinstall Vista though? I remember trying it on XP and it just tried to replace corrupted files or something (with very little effect).

[cptlol]

Yeah, just pm Rob (http://forums.explosm.net/private.php?do=newpm&u=3) or Kwanza (http://forums.explosm.net/private.php?do=newpm&u=1858) and they'll get it sorted out for you.

They will do name changes too?

I have an Ipod nano Chromatic, and sometimes the turnwheel (lolgudname?) won't register my finger tips stroking it. Usually it feels cold then, so when I hold it in my hands for a couple of minutes so it's body temp. warm It'll do its trick again.

So I live in a cold country and I don't always want to warm it up, so how can I fix it?

[jameswatt123]

Is there a program you can download for XP that can control the volume of individual windows, like Vista?

[Tweek]

Can I get an extension for firefox or something that automatically ticks form boxes?

And how do I edit firefox buttons? Is it possible for me to take a few buttons from one theme and implement them in another?

[Axidos]

I do have the DVD, so that's ok. Does repair actually reinstall Vista though? I remember trying it on XP and it just tried to replace corrupted files or something (with very little effect).

... Maybe. :| Can't say for sure. Haven't done it yet. There's two sentences in that article which are relevant:
Repairing Windows won't damage your personal files or the programs that are installed on your computer.

Once you finish the repair, you'll need to rerun Windows Update to install any updates aren't included on the installation DVD.
The second sentence suggests it might simply revert your system files to those found on the installation DVD. It might even revert your entire system in this case and do that windows.old thing... but it says nothing will be damaged, and wouldn't rendering stuff effectively uninstalled (removing registry keys and DLLs planted in the System directory) count as damaging stuff?

No promises, no idea. This is Microsoft we're talking about. It took them long enough for an article to even exist.

[opn4bzns]

Can I get an extension for firefox or something that automatically ticks form boxes?


Yeah (https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/4775)
And how do I edit firefox buttons? Is it possible for me to take a few buttons from one theme and implement them in another?

If you mean just adding and removing buttons, right click the toolbar and click customise. If you mean editing what the buttons look like, you can edit themes (like so) (http://www.twistermc.com/blog/2006/09/22/how-to-create-a-firefox-theme/), but it's a pain in the arse.

[Tweek]

Thanks sweetheart. That'll help merge spame threads.

[Tweek]

You're right, trying to fuck about with themes is a pain.
And that extension only works with text boxes :<.

[bono]

Quick question, when I try to delete some files on my pc it tells me "cannot find the file" and the files name is in green or blue for some reason. I am unable to delete those files, they arent big but it is annoying! Any suggestions?

[AnOddRant]

In Adobe Photoshop CS4, whenever I use the paintbrush tool it usually registers that I am clicking somewhere else on the image. It usually takes at least one or two undos to get the paintbrush to paint where I want it to. I thought I had accidentally turned on a feature that randomizes paintbrush strokes or something but I looked at preferences and everything and I didn't say any such feature. It's starting to get really annoying, when the simple task of doing one paintbrush stroke requires me to use ctrl-z at least once.

I am using a laptop, with a mousepad. I tried wiping the mousepad off, as sometimes a dirty mousepad may make random clicks, but this didn't work either.

Any suggestions?

[opn4bzns]

Is there a way to find out how many pages long a webpage is that is easier than printing it to .xps and counting?

[Tweek]

Print preview?

[opn4bzns]

How embarrassingly obvious. Thanks.

[lostos]

Quick question, when I try to delete some files on my pc it tells me "cannot find the file" and the files name is in green or blue for some reason. I am unable to delete those files, they arent big but it is annoying! Any suggestions?

Assuming you're running Windows, blue filenames mean that the file is compressed/backup (I believe) and green means it's encrypted. Are you sure you want to delete those files?

Three of the numerous applications that come to my mind that allow you to do such a thing are

FileAssassin (http://download.cnet.com/FileAssassin/3000-2094_4-10639988.html?tag=mncol)
Hijackthis (http://download.cnet.com/Trend-Micro-HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10227353.html)
Eraser (http://eraser.heidi.ie/)

[shawnshank]

Malware byte's has a program embedded in it called fileassassin which will allow you to delete those locked files.

[RaxoZellet]

What's a good website for interesting Photoshop tutorials? Just to fuck around with.

[CharlieH]

Adobe Video Workshop (http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/) will set you straight.

[ZonariAn]

I'm having an issue with Photoshop CS4, I downloaded a huge brush pack, and when I want to choose them from the menu, I am not able to see the full list. I can only see towards the "M" section, and then it goes off the page. Does anyone know if there is a fix for this or if it's a common problem? Worse comes to worst I'll spend an hour or so putting them all into folders. But it's still pretty inconvenient.

A second problem I have on one computer but not the other, for the same program, is that the brush display window that displays the thumbnails, won't scroll down when there are more than fit in the window. I can't find any reason why it would do that, and I have searched to no avail for topics on this issue. On both issues actually. I can't find a setting anywhere to change this, and I never changed settings anyways.