http://www.bootdisk.com/ 0036 September 2008
HouseCall
Welcome to the 36th Edition of HouseCall
INDEX
1) Yet Another Update Niggle
2) hal.dll Error Missing On Bootup
3) Floppy Disk Wont Eject
4) Having Trouble Deleting A File
5) "Better" .pdf Viewer
6) Move Apps To New PC
7) And Another Update Niggle
8) CCleaner
########################################
1) Yet Another Update Niggle
Harold S. emailed - A couple of months ago, I ran into a problem with a couple of computers where they would no longer take the Windows updates. I ended up reinstalling the OS on the machines and the problem reoccurred.
It turns out something went weird with the Windows Update program. Machines were installed as XP SP2, upgraded to SP3, and I noticed it occurred after I put in Office 2003 and ran some updates.
I have seen this occur on some brand new Dell computers at work too. Here's the fix I found for that problem. If Windows update is refusing to go thru, this fixes it. I have seen this after Office 2003 is installed on a computer and updated once:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/943144
The solution was the instructions in Method 1 (run the command prompt solution) combined with reinstalling Update Agent from method 2.
http://download.windowsupdate.com/v7/windowsupdate/redist/standalone/WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe
***
Other stuff to try here:
http://www.bootdisk.com/xptop20.htm#4
########################################
2) hal.dll Error Missing On Bootup
Dont bother looking for a new one, as 99% of the time the "error message" really means that you need to update your boot.ini as possibly you added or removed a drive, among other things. boot.ini is just a txt file and easy to edit.
Do the research and learn how to edit the boot.ini file to make the changes you need. It's not hard. For the newcomers, note that a txt file doesn't have to be saved with a .txt file extension, eg like boot.ini.
########################################
3) Floppy Disk Wont Eject
Melon posted - My floppy disk is stuck in the drive, it wont eject.
*** Get a pair of needle nose pliers, hold the eject button down, then grab the floppy. Chances are its just due to a bent label. And sometimes the aluminum sliding floppy window gets bent. In that case I've most often still been able remove the floppy disk using a really flat, thin, blade. Make sure the plug is pulled from your PC before sticking metal into a drive :)
########################################
4) Having Trouble Deleting A File
ju.c emailed:
These are the best apps for file deletion, all free. (You can't delete a folder if you have it opened)
Unlocker 1.8.7 237 KB
Info: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/
Download: http://ccollomb.free.fr/unlocker/unlocker1.8.7.exe
KillBox 90 KB
Info: http://www.killbox.net/
Download: http://www.killbox.net/downloads/KillBox.exe
FileASSASSIN 1.06 163 KB
Info: http://www.malwarebytes.org/fileassassin.php
Download: http://www.malwarebytes.org/fa-setup.exe
DelinvFile - Delete Invalid Files and Folders
Info: http://www.purgeie.com/delinv/index.htm
Download: http://www.purgeie.com/dl/divfinst.exe
*** I did not test any of the above. I am letting this ride as just a source of links.
I have tested the following however, with good results on my webpage:
http://www.bootdisk.com/utility.htm
GENERAL FILE UTILITIES
Stubborn File Deleters
########################################
5) "Better" .pdf Viewer
Trace posted - Trying to install Adobe Reader 9 but Windows is telling me Error 1714 cannot open patch and verify the older version, so I cannot delete old file and read any pdf documents.
fauxie replied:
I used Adobe Reader for a number of years and hated the slow "clunkiness" and bloat of it the whole time. Then a friend suggested I try Fox It PDF reader. What a difference! It is so fast and simple to use with no lengthy intros or splash screens - it just goes to work instantly.. You can get it here:
http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php
Big_Al added:
Yes, Adobe is too much any more. I use PDF-Xchange viewer:
########################################
6) Move Apps To New PC
Jim B. wrote - What is best way to get data and programs from my old PC to a new one with Vista. The only extra items I have on the old PC are an HP C6280 printer and a Logitech camera ,keyboard and mouse. I may use the new keyboard and mouse that comes with the new system. My Old PC has Windows XP Home.
*** There is no way to move ALL the most common, registry based programs from an old PC to a new one. One has to install the "heavy" programs to the new PC yet again. They cross your fingers you dont have to get an upgrade of your apps.
Bill in Co. said:
Yes there is. Laplink's PC Mover does a pretty good job (at least over here). Saved me a LOT of time, too. But a very *few* apps had to be "reinstalled".
http://www.laplink.com/pcmover/
*** I am a fan of Laplink ware. It "may" come in handy. It's still always best to install apps fresh when moving data to a new PC. [Yes you may call me old fashioned]. It's just a tool one can use if needed/required, for example, if one has lost the CD for a program you really need.
Note an item of fine print from laplink:
"Some programs on your old PC may not be compatible with a newer operating system"
Also, as many of you know, many applications install different files depending on what OS the application is being put on, and of course, will create different registry entries/keys. So if you move stuff using laplink, even if the app is supposed to work with the new OS it still may not work.
In summary, I would call Laplinks PCmover a "last resort" utility, ie not one to buy to save time. At $50 USA money I'd really would not rush to buy it. I only let this article ride in case you were not aware that such a utility exists.
########################################
7) And Another Update Niggle
elvista asked - I keep getting an update reminder for a new Power Point security update. I updated it the first time it asked. now every 30 min. it wants to update again. How can I stop this from updating when it already was updated. I turned off auto update for a while then turned it back on only to want to update the same update again. it shows the update already installed at the update site.
*** When installing most software, do NOT choose ANY auto-update feature, [my opinion]. Yes, there may be exceptions like anti-virus, anti-malware, but even so, best to update manually if you like to keep your PC running 24/7/365 like I do.
For example, why Power Point would need a "security" update is beyond me. And, who needs popups every few weeks to tell you a new version of your printer software is available.
########################################
8) CCleaner
One of my favorite utils which helps me most often when updating my websites. My guess is that it does a good job of clearing cache files, especially sticky ones. Perhaps its because I like to use Firefox, and when I transfer a new file to the website, Firefox, will often still display the old page even if I do a reload. I find it way faster to clear Internet cache and windows temp/tmp files using CCleaner than doing it manually.
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/downloadpage.aspx?1
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Like this issue of HouseCall?
One can, if you wish, return the favor and treat the Newsletter Author to Lunch by clicking on this link:
If you prefer real mail send a letter to Ed Jablonowski
Box 7002, Burkesville, Kentucky 42717 USA
NOTICE: Please dont reply to this email as the return address is just for catching autoreplies and spam. If you want to comment on an issue or have a question regarding logistics please see the FAQ: http://www.bootdisk.com/housecall/faq.htm
Kindest regards, Ed
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To Subscribe to this techletter please enter your Email address below:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++