http://www.bootdisk.com/ 0032 June 2008
HouseCall
Welcome to the 32nd Edition of HouseCall
INDEX
1) A Virus May Disable Your Anti-Virus
2) Things You Only Do Once
3) The Answer Is NO!
4) Recommended Apps From A Reader
5) CMOS Checksum Error
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1) A Virus May Disable Your Anti-Virus
Monique asked - I have two anti-virus programs running as I have a teenager and we share the computer and I want to be sure I'm safe. Am I safe?
*** No. Many modern viruses immediately disable your anti-virus programs [if they are running]. Best bet is to NOT download or install a virus in the first place. That's why it's nice to have an up-to-date anti-virus installed but NOT running, to use as a double check.
1. Do not install a plug in from a webpage that says you need it to properly view the page.
2. Do not visit any XXX sites.
3. If you come across a page that has XXX links do not bookmark it and do not click on the links.
4. Do not download any software from file sharing programs or from one-man operated third party sources.
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2) Things You Only Do Once
Bill M. posted - I have Win XP Pro in an OEM version that came with my current system.
I'm thinking about replacing the motherboard to get increased system performance, which would require a reactivation of Windows.
As I understand it, an OEM version of Windows is tied to the original system in a way that prevents it from being reactivated on what Windows would see as a new system - i.e., one with a new motherboard.
So I'm assuming I'd need to buy a new copy of Windows.
*** Incorrect. One only has to buy Windows once.
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3) The Answer Is NO!
Mr. Gruber asked - I'm doing a webpage and want to consider a popup window. Is this advisable?
*** No. Keep your websites as clean as possible. This includes ads on your home/index page. Put any ads on popular sub-pages. Just my totally biased opinion. Yes my son does it differently. It depends on your customers and what they expect and what they want to see.
*** You may see an advertisement like below:
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Drivers
Latest Windows XP Drivers for PC. Free download. 100% Guaranteed.
The answer is NO. Do not update or even download any new drivers just because they are available. And, if you do need a driver, get it from your card or chip maker, NOT from a third party source, including MS.
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attilathehun1 posted - I'm running out of PCs to post messages with. It seems like I get a few weeks of messages with each PC. I'm finally down to my laptop and yesterday after I installed 4 updates I wasn't able to post anywhere anymore. Other programs I have are not working either.
*** Easy answer. You're installing Windows updates just because they are available free of charge and mucking up perfectly working systems. There is NO need to install any MS XP/Vista updates unless you need the solution(s) they claim to correct. To be safe, do one update at a time, reboot, use your programs, and see if it works.
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4) Recommended Apps From A Reader
Total Comander:
http://www.ghisler.com/download.htm
Shortkeys Lite:
http://www.shortkeys.com/lite.htm
Mailbag Assistant:
http://www.fookes.com/mailbag/
101 Clips:
http://101clips.com/freeclip.htm
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5) CMOS Checksum Error
Carol V. wrote - Lately when I start or restart my computer it stalls at the startup screen. The message is cut off on the left side of the screen. What I can see of the message is:
S ROM checksum error
ecting floppy drive A media...
ert system disk and press enter
I'm guessing it's asking me to insert a system disk into my floppy drive, but why? I do not have a disk in the drive.
Malke responded:
Since you reference a floppy drive, I'm going to guess that this is a desktop computer. If it is a laptop, please post back.
In order to see the entire error message, use the buttons on your monitor to position the screen.
In the meantime, replace the CMOS battery that is on your motherboard. This is usually a small, coin-shaped battery. You can buy these batteries at office supply stores, places like Target, hardware stores, etc. They cost under $5.00, usually for a multiple pack. You will turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before you do this. Then after you've replaced the battery, go into the BIOS and set the date to the correct one.
How To Replace The CMOS Battery In Your PC:
http://www.liverepair.com/encyclopedia/articles/cmosreplace.asp
How to replace the CMOS battery:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000239.htm
Accessing the BIOS:
http://michaelstevenstech.com/bios_manufacturer.htm
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000235.htm
CMOS SETUP UTILITY:
http://www.bootdisk.com/readme.htm#bios
Carol V. wrote back:
Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!
Replaced the battery and it worked.
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