Tuesday 20 May 2008
Monday 15 October 2007
An update is available that improves the compatibility, reliability, and stability of Windows Vista
This update improves the compatibility, reliability, and stability of Windows Vista. This update includes the following improvements:• It extends the battery life for mobile devices.
• It improves the stability of portable computers and of desktop computers that use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
• It improves the reliability of Windows Vista when you open the menu of a startup application.
• It improves the stability of wireless network services.
• It shortens the startup time of Windows Vista by using a better timing structure.
• It shortens the recovery time after Windows Vista experiences a period of inactivity.
• It shortens the recovery time when you try to exit the Photos screen saver.
• It improves the stability of Windows PowerShell.
This update also resolves the following issues in Windows Vista:• A compatibility issue that affects some third-party antivirus software applications.
• A reliability issue that occurs when a Windows Vista-based computer uses certain network driver configurations.
Download the update for Windows Vista x86-based versions (KB941649) package.
Download the update for Windows Vista x64-based versions (KB941649) package.
This update improves the compatibility, reliability, and stability of Windows Vista. This update includes the following improvements:• It extends the battery life for mobile devices.
• It improves the stability of portable computers and of desktop computers that use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
• It improves the reliability of Windows Vista when you open the menu of a startup application.
• It improves the stability of wireless network services.
• It shortens the startup time of Windows Vista by using a better timing structure.
• It shortens the recovery time after Windows Vista experiences a period of inactivity.
• It shortens the recovery time when you try to exit the Photos screen saver.
• It improves the stability of Windows PowerShell.
This update also resolves the following issues in Windows Vista:• A compatibility issue that affects some third-party antivirus software applications.
• A reliability issue that occurs when a Windows Vista-based computer uses certain network driver configurations.
Download the update for Windows Vista x86-based versions (KB941649) package.
Download the update for Windows Vista x64-based versions (KB941649) package.
Monday 17 September 2007
Skype incompatible with Vista
It is amazing that this long after the delivery of Vista, neither Microsoft nor Skype has addressed the problem of the popular Skype VoIP app's incompatibility. Many PCs are being delivered with Vista preinstalled, to just the sort of customer who would want to use a broadband connection for either cheap or free phone calls.
The Skype download website carries no warning about this, though Vista is not listed among the compatible Os'es. This is in contrast to Windows 98 and ME; there is specific advice in both cases. But for
Vista users - zilch!
In contrast, downloaders of the competitive Sipphone Gizmo Project are advised to right-click the installation file and choose XP-compatibilty. It would be interesting to know if this technique would work with Skype.
The Gizmo has more functionality than Skype, including the ability swap I'M texts with other messaging systems, and even connectivity with at least one oter VoIP provider.
It would be interesting to know if Skype-badged hardware will work with Gizmo, and also if such hardware carries a "Vista-incompatible" health warning.
Comments from readers are invited.
The Skype download website carries no warning about this, though Vista is not listed among the compatible Os'es. This is in contrast to Windows 98 and ME; there is specific advice in both cases. But for
Vista users - zilch!
In contrast, downloaders of the competitive Sipphone Gizmo Project are advised to right-click the installation file and choose XP-compatibilty. It would be interesting to know if this technique would work with Skype.
The Gizmo has more functionality than Skype, including the ability swap I'M texts with other messaging systems, and even connectivity with at least one oter VoIP provider.
It would be interesting to know if Skype-badged hardware will work with Gizmo, and also if such hardware carries a "Vista-incompatible" health warning.
Comments from readers are invited.
Monday 27 August 2007
Getting Vista To Let Me Uninstall Old Drivers And Add New Ones With User Account Control ~ IT Professionals
By Greg Hughes at http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/it/author/greg-hughes/
I spent a good day and a half (off and on) trying like heck to get rid of some drivers that ended up being problematic in Vista on my new Z61t ThinkPad (which is a nice laptop by the way). The integrated Verizon WAN card was not happy (it needed updated drivers) and one of the virtual device drivers for the DVD-RAM drive was causing Vista to complain a lot. Despite al my attempts, the system would not allow me to remove or change them. There was not much helpful information about why my attempts were failing, though. After a while it was obvious there was a pretty serious access control problem.
It became clear that the issue I was likely up against was the new permissions and user account access limits established by Vista and its new security model. In order to get Vista to allow me, for example, to uninstall the software in question I had to go into the user management applet in the control panel and disable User Account Control (UAC), despite the fact that my account was configured as an admin. Now all has been rectified and is well.
Interestingly, I have seen one application that, when run, included a button to elevate the privileges of the user running the app temporarily and just for that app so configuration data could be saved. Cool stuff and well-designed.
So, Vista’s User Account Control certainly works - maybe even almost too well (if that’s really possible). While I had to disable it to remediate some issues related to drivers that were installed under XP originally, that’s not necessary for items installed under Vista post-upgrade. And UAC is turned back on now, just as it should be.
By Greg Hughes at http://www.lockergnome.com/nexus/it/author/greg-hughes/
I spent a good day and a half (off and on) trying like heck to get rid of some drivers that ended up being problematic in Vista on my new Z61t ThinkPad (which is a nice laptop by the way). The integrated Verizon WAN card was not happy (it needed updated drivers) and one of the virtual device drivers for the DVD-RAM drive was causing Vista to complain a lot. Despite al my attempts, the system would not allow me to remove or change them. There was not much helpful information about why my attempts were failing, though. After a while it was obvious there was a pretty serious access control problem.
It became clear that the issue I was likely up against was the new permissions and user account access limits established by Vista and its new security model. In order to get Vista to allow me, for example, to uninstall the software in question I had to go into the user management applet in the control panel and disable User Account Control (UAC), despite the fact that my account was configured as an admin. Now all has been rectified and is well.
Interestingly, I have seen one application that, when run, included a button to elevate the privileges of the user running the app temporarily and just for that app so configuration data could be saved. Cool stuff and well-designed.
So, Vista’s User Account Control certainly works - maybe even almost too well (if that’s really possible). While I had to disable it to remediate some issues related to drivers that were installed under XP originally, that’s not necessary for items installed under Vista post-upgrade. And UAC is turned back on now, just as it should be.
How to use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account
INTRODUCTION
This article describes how to use the System Restore feature to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account.
Back to the top
MORE INFORMATION
If you cannot log on to Windows Vista, you can use the Windows Vista System Restore feature.
You may be unable to log on to Windows Vista in the following scenarios:
• Scenario 1: You recently set a new password for the protected administrator account. However, you do not remember the password.
• Scenario 2: You type the correct logon password. However, Windows Vista does not accept the password because the system is corrupted.
• Scenario 3: You delete a protected administrator account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.
• Scenario 4: You change a protected administrator account to a standard user account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.
To use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account, follow these steps.
Note To do this, there must be a System Restore point at which the logon was successful.
1. Insert the Windows Vista DVD, and then restart the computer.
2. When you receive the following message, press any key:
Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.
3. Set the following preferences, and then click Next:
• Language to install
• Time and currency format
• Keyboard or input method
4. Click Repair your computer, select the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
5. Click System Restore, and then click Next.
6. Click the restore point that you want to use, and then click Next.
Note Click a restore point that will return the computer to a state where the logon is successful. After you use the System Restore feature, reinstall any programs or updates that may be removed. You will not lose any personal documents. However, you may have to reinstall programs. You may also have to reset some personal settings.
7. Confirm the disks that you want to restore, and then click Next.
8. Click Finish, and then click Yes when you are prompted.
9. When the System Restore process is complete, click Restart to restart the computer.
10. After the computer restarts, click Close to confirm that the System Restore process has finished successfully.
11. Use an appropriate method to log on. For example, log on by using an older password, or log on by using another computer account.
After you log on, you must follow additional steps, depending on the scenario that you experience.
Additional steps for scenario 1
1. After you log on, change the password for the protected administrator account.
2. After you change the password, restart the computer. Make sure that you can log on by using the new password.
Additional steps for scenario 2
1. After you log on, make sure that each user account can log on by using the appropriate credentials.
2. Change the password for the user account that cannot log on.
Additional steps for scenario 3
1. After you log on, use the User Accounts item in Control Panel to create a new protected administrator account.
2. Log on by using the new protected administrator account. Then, delete the older protected administrator account that was restored.
Note For safety reasons, do not use the restored protected administrator account.
Additional steps for scenario 4
1. After you log on, use the User Accounts item in Control Panel to create a new protected administrator account.
2. Log on by using the new protected administrator account.
3. Change the old protected administrator account to a standard user account.
INTRODUCTION
This article describes how to use the System Restore feature to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account.
Back to the top
MORE INFORMATION
If you cannot log on to Windows Vista, you can use the Windows Vista System Restore feature.
You may be unable to log on to Windows Vista in the following scenarios:
• Scenario 1: You recently set a new password for the protected administrator account. However, you do not remember the password.
• Scenario 2: You type the correct logon password. However, Windows Vista does not accept the password because the system is corrupted.
• Scenario 3: You delete a protected administrator account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.
• Scenario 4: You change a protected administrator account to a standard user account. Now, you cannot log on to another administrator account.
To use System Restore to log on to Windows Vista when you lose access to an account, follow these steps.
Note To do this, there must be a System Restore point at which the logon was successful.
1. Insert the Windows Vista DVD, and then restart the computer.
2. When you receive the following message, press any key:
Press any key to boot from CD or DVD.
3. Set the following preferences, and then click Next:
• Language to install
• Time and currency format
• Keyboard or input method
4. Click Repair your computer, select the operating system that you want to repair, and then click Next.
5. Click System Restore, and then click Next.
6. Click the restore point that you want to use, and then click Next.
Note Click a restore point that will return the computer to a state where the logon is successful. After you use the System Restore feature, reinstall any programs or updates that may be removed. You will not lose any personal documents. However, you may have to reinstall programs. You may also have to reset some personal settings.
7. Confirm the disks that you want to restore, and then click Next.
8. Click Finish, and then click Yes when you are prompted.
9. When the System Restore process is complete, click Restart to restart the computer.
10. After the computer restarts, click Close to confirm that the System Restore process has finished successfully.
11. Use an appropriate method to log on. For example, log on by using an older password, or log on by using another computer account.
After you log on, you must follow additional steps, depending on the scenario that you experience.
Additional steps for scenario 1
1. After you log on, change the password for the protected administrator account.
2. After you change the password, restart the computer. Make sure that you can log on by using the new password.
Additional steps for scenario 2
1. After you log on, make sure that each user account can log on by using the appropriate credentials.
2. Change the password for the user account that cannot log on.
Additional steps for scenario 3
1. After you log on, use the User Accounts item in Control Panel to create a new protected administrator account.
2. Log on by using the new protected administrator account. Then, delete the older protected administrator account that was restored.
Note For safety reasons, do not use the restored protected administrator account.
Additional steps for scenario 4
1. After you log on, use the User Accounts item in Control Panel to create a new protected administrator account.
2. Log on by using the new protected administrator account.
3. Change the old protected administrator account to a standard user account.
Monday 20 August 2007
EasyBCD Documentation Home - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki
An essential tool for Vista/XP dual-boot is EasyBCD, a free application from Neosmart. Read about it at:
EasyBCD Documentation Home - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki
There is also a documentation PDF at http://neosmart.net/wiki/download/attachments/3/EasyBCD+Documentation.pdf
EasyBCD Documentation Home - NeoSmart Technologies Wiki
There is also a documentation PDF at http://neosmart.net/wiki/download/attachments/3/EasyBCD+Documentation.pdf
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About Me
- Karl
- I am posting here chapters from my unpublished 1989 novel about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, set in modern times. The Roman soldiers carry sub-machine guns, the birth takes place in a car park shed, and Judas is a terrorist. At the moment, chapters are displayed in the order they are posted, but in due course, they will appear in the order they appear in the book.