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Technical Questions

Submitted by Clue Master on



 

KC0GRN

Shoot just copy down the entire drive(s) off the server if you can.

Don't forget when you get a chance to make a backup copy as well.. Maybe an external hard drive to pull the data off quickly, then burn copies to DVD. Also, just to follow standard backup procedure, separate the two copies, one in your home, and one off-site, maybe a relatives place if possible.

Just saying it's good to have a backup, since it sounds like getting to the originals again might be problematic.
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 10:53 AM Permalink
l and a mommy

I wouldn't say getting them would be problematic so far we've been handling things pretty civilly I just want to be able to access them when ever I want and not have to constantly ask him to send me this or that.....If I ever lost anything he'd let me get copies again.
Wed, 06/30/2010 - 11:29 AM Permalink
l and a mommy

anyone know where I could get a DS screen fixed/replaced reasonably? Elizabeths top screen is all scrambled.
Tue, 07/27/2010 - 8:33 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

If I had the tools and parts I could do it (as is/no warranty though, too many variables when repairing electronics these days).. beyond that.. not really sure.
Thu, 07/29/2010 - 9:25 PM Permalink
Eags

Desktop computer is awaiting return of my monitor, which is in having warranty work done.

Using my laptop for now. This morning, I woke up to find Antivir Solution Pro (or is it Antivir Pro Solution?) spyware running. I do know enough not to fall for that, but it locks up the computer until one can remove it, so I am posting from the library. Could post from my phone, but I am not that adept on that keyboard!

Mags can remove it (means waiting until I come down there in mid-August) or perhaps NOD 32 (my antivirus) will be able to help me on Monday. Meanwhile, if anyone has any instructions for how to get the gd thing off my computer, I would appreciate any help.

Internet search pretty much only offers other people's downloads, which I'd rather not do. I know there has got to be a way to remove it without downloading from a site I don't know/trust. If nothing else, I should have my monitor back Tuesday and can get my desktop up and running again, but I now wonder how the damn thing got on my computer in the first place.

Does anyone know, specifically, how these things get on there? I mean, was it likely from a link in an e-mail? The last thing I'd opened before this happened was an article from the New Yorker about hospice, that a friend sent me (her partner has cancer, and she and I both worked hospice, so I had no reason not to open the link, really).

Thanks in advance for any info and/or instructions!

I'll be able to check for replies on my phone.
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 11:38 AM Permalink
Eags

Just want to add, just in case, that I don't think I can see PMs on my phone.
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 11:39 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

Mikey helped me with something like this a few months back Malwear Bytes worked for me!

http://www.malwarebytes.org/

it worked great and Easy! for me!

thanks again Mike!!!
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 1:24 PM Permalink
Eags

Cereal killer, is it free? :smile:
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 2:01 PM Permalink
CerealKiller

Yep! and it works Fast and Easy! I use it all the time on my computer now!

Just install it and run it and It works threw everything it has to and works great!!
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 8:10 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

Does anyone know, specifically, how these things get on there? I mean, was it likely from a link in an e-mail? The last thing I'd opened before this happened was an article from the New Yorker about hospice, that a friend sent me (her partner has cancer, and she and I both worked hospice, so I had no reason not to open the link, really).

Most likely it was installed inadvertently from a browser session. Either from an email (email is so integrated with the web these days you might as well just consider it web browsing), or just surfing the web. Believe it or not, a similar program installed itself on my laptop a few months back. I'm very careful about such things, and have never fallen for a scam online. Mine happened when I was doing some general web browsing and happened to visit a site that ended up pulling in a popup and installed itself, sucker worked fast too. Curiously without my having to click on anything. I spent 4 or 5 hours into the evening afterwards (still ticked about that) removing it from my system.

Usually if I have to remove something like that, I just start searching the net for the program name and see how others have encountered and removed it. I believe malwarebytes worked for me as well, but it's far from a cure all either.
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 9:57 PM Permalink
CerealKiller

Oh I know its far from a Cure all thats for sure! but it worked for me and I am like you when it comes to my browsing VARY Careful and I am OCD about my computer witch is my baby!!! I built it and all the work I have in this thing! it is my baby! the only kid I will have lol!
Sat, 07/31/2010 - 10:21 PM Permalink
Eags

What do you mean by far from a cure all? Being a computer user. Of medium. Knowledge, I am leery of getting part way through. Something. And then being stuck.
Sun, 08/01/2010 - 7:35 AM Permalink
Eags

Sorry about the weird post. My phone put in the punctuation.
Sun, 08/01/2010 - 7:36 AM Permalink
Eags

Please bear with me here.

I got my monitor back today. It was in for warranty repair. So I could hook up my desktop computer (antivir malware is on my laptop) and bring the laptop to Mags to have him remove the problem files (I do not feel comfortable to try other fixes on my own) and have not heard bback from eset yet.

If I had some idea how that malware got on there, I would feel better about booting up my desktop. But of all the knowledgable people I have talked to, it seems this malware's MO is largely unknown.

If this thing acts like or is a trojan and has obviously been around awhile, why aren't the antivirus programs catching it?
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 12:32 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

your welcome. :cool:
Tue, 08/03/2010 - 11:59 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Malware bytes is a safe program that catches stuff Norton, AVG, Ad-Aware, and others do not. Easy to download and run. Just follow the directions. YOU CAN DO IT!
http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Tue, 08/03/2010 - 12:03 PM Permalink
Eags

Thanks everyone who replied. I'm trying to work up the courage to do this. Should I download the free version? In safe mode with networking? Thanks.
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 8:41 AM Permalink
Eags

I went to the Malwarebytes webpage. There is a free version and a pay-for version (and a corporate version, which I know I don't need). Did those of you who used this download the free version? Has that been sufficient, or do you use the free version to clean things up, then buy the protection? I assume I should do all this in safe mode? F8, right? I just don't want to start the process and then be unsure, so am getting my ducks in a row before I boot up my laptop again.

I got my monitor back from warranty repair (for my desktop computer) but am wondering if I should boot that up in safe mode too, and get the malwarebytes program on there before I do much of anything?

Thanks for all the help so far!
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 8:58 AM Permalink
Eags

Posting from the library, which is much easier than posting on my phone. I am also finding that surfing the web is hard on my eyes! Anyone else having that problem with their phone? It is probably a "presbyopia", being that I am 56. Where did all those years go? The last 20 years have passed me by way too quickly.
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 8:59 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

I just use the free Version! and it works just fine yes run it in safe mode!
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 1:26 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

If you want to browse safer, I would highly suggest Sandboxie.

http://www.sandboxie.com/

Essentially you're browsing in a protected space where nothing in a browser session can make changes to operating system files or other programs/data outside of the virtual sandbox.
Fri, 08/06/2010 - 8:50 AM Permalink
katsmeow

My son's Playstation 2 game wont read the disks anymore.. will turn on, and ask to load - starts to search and then - no data found.

Am I hosed and this can't be fixed??
Sat, 08/07/2010 - 9:33 AM Permalink
ares

most likely.

is it just one disc or all discs? if its all discs its time to get a ps3
Sat, 08/07/2010 - 11:26 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Probably better in safe mode, but I ran it in regular mode and it worked good. Yes the free version is good. Hope it helps you.
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 6:52 PM Permalink
Eags

I got my monitor back and booted up my desktop (the antivir malware problem was on my laptop) in safe mode, downloaded malwarebytes and ran it - no problems. When I've got time, I'll do the same with my laptop. I like to do stuff like this when I've got a chunk of time to just focus on it without a lot of other distractions.

Thanks for everyone's replies and help! I really appreciate it.

I am feeling pretty good about figuring out how to take the base off my Acer monitor before I sent it in for warranty repair. Acer was no help, so I googled it and found some instructions that made sense. I took photos, so if anyone ever needs or wants to take the base off their Acer monitor, I'd be happy to post the photos. I do have them posted on my Facebook wall. Acer told me I'd have to take it to a technician, and that there were no instructions for how to do it.
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 7:28 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

Acer? gross...

As for the Playstation 2, what Ares said. Although I would also suggest buying one of those cd/dvd cleaners and running that on it, just to see if it may just be dirt on the lens.
Wed, 08/11/2010 - 1:26 PM Permalink
Eags

I agree. I won't be buying anything Acer again.
Wed, 08/11/2010 - 1:44 PM Permalink
ares

they're cheap and work well with kids. don't wanna waste the money on something they'll end up destroying anyway. :smile:
Wed, 08/11/2010 - 5:10 PM Permalink
me2

I see eags posted about malwarebytes - I just loaded that on my pc -

have had problems with my laptop since Sarahs grad party 40 days ago.

I cannot do ANYTHING in WINDOWS. Brad has the laptop in Seattle with him cause I thought they wanted it just to play movies on the plane and at least they could do that with it. All it's good for right now.

Turns out he wanted to connect his blackberry to it as a modem and use it as they are driving or site seeing.

It doesn't have any internet OR sound IN Windows either - he has to use it in an HP (like a DOS mode) version safe mode.
Thu, 08/12/2010 - 11:13 AM Permalink
East Side Digger

Ahhh the joy of Mac no spyware no problems
Thu, 08/12/2010 - 11:48 AM Permalink
ares

what's a mac and where can i sign up for your email list?
Thu, 08/12/2010 - 4:45 PM Permalink
East Side Digger

I am trying to figure out how to make a vidio demo of me illustrating on my cumputer for youtube just showing the screen. is there a way to capture this or do i need to set up my camera and just vidio it?

so it looks like this Vidio
Thu, 10/28/2010 - 1:06 AM Permalink
East Side Digger

Got it had to get ishowu
Thu, 10/28/2010 - 5:45 AM Permalink
jREST

That was cool to watch...
Sat, 10/30/2010 - 6:37 AM Permalink
me2

Hey KC or anyone know if this is a good computer to buy?

What is a 'satellite laptop'?

is an Intel Processor fast or stick with AMD? whats fast? not bogging down the system and battery.

Toshiba - Satellite Laptop / Intel® Core™ i3 Processor / 15.6" Display / 4GB Memory / 320GB Hard Drive - Helios Black

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Toshiba+-+Satellite+Laptop+/+Intel%26%23174;+Core%26%23153;+i3+Processor+/+15.6%22+Display+/+4GB+Memory+/+320GB+Hard+Drive+-+Helios+Black/1443308.p?id=1218259333667&skuId=1443308

Sarah is looking for something under $550 (preferably HP cause she likes HP) ...

for college. I think she saw an HP with 500 GB / 4 GB for $550.

Suggestions? A place to go besides Best Buy or Office Max that you truly trust for a decent low price? I know Ares likes some place in St Louis Park, I just wonder if it's anything like that computer store in Roseville near Pier 1 imports. The computers there are more industrial business. She doesn't want industrial boxy looking. And because they look business, they charge prices for businesses- high.
Thu, 11/11/2010 - 3:41 PM Permalink
l and a mommy

I have Microsoft wireless mouse and keyboard I think the USB thing that plugs into my port is fried because both the mouse the the keyboard stopped working today. I just bought it in September but I don't have the BestBuy reciept :frown: Is it possible to replace just the USB thingy and not have to replace the entire keyboard and mouse? The reason I think it's the USB thingy is because I unplugged it and it's really hot the touch nothing else thats plugged into the port is hot just the Keyboard and mouse thingy.
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 8:27 AM Permalink
KC0GRN

You should be able to get a similarly spec'd laptop from HP for the same amount. A "Satellite" is just the model brand that Toshiba uses. Much like most HP laptops are named Pavillion (seriously stupid names..).

Processors are pretty much a personal opinion. I like Intel because I've always had good luck with them, they do tend to be a bit more expensive though. All in all, you get what you pay for. If you're looking at an intel based laptop, try to get at least a core i5. 4 gigs of memory is pretty much standard these days. I tend to find smaller hard drives are nicer, simply because they're easier/faster to back up, and do you honestly need to store that much data?

Seriously, with a laptop, you can buy them online. With HP, just simply go to their site. I don't think they even charge for standard shipping. If you choose to go to best buy, that's fine too. However they will try to sell you every extra service in the book, which typically is more of a pain than it's worth to a. purchase, and b. use. Aside from that, I bought my laptop at best buy because it was just as cheap as anything I could find online (for what I wanted), and I could get it the same day.
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 10:25 AM Permalink
KC0GRN

You might be able to buy a new dongle on ebay or something. Just try searching for the part number. Otherwise, just take a photo of it and post it on here, I can research it (for free, since it's just in my spare time, which I do have limited amounts of, lol).
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 10:26 AM Permalink
CerealKiller

as far as buying loc. if you have to buy today go to Micro center in St.Louis Park!

they will beat Best buys prices any day! And they will price match alot of online places like Newegg and tiger direct!

by far the best place around to buy computer parts from!
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 10:41 AM Permalink
Grey Wolf

Best Buy can recall and reprint your receipt if you used a credit card of have one of their reward accounts.
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 3:02 PM Permalink
l and a mommy

Hmmm I didn't think of that I did use the BB card when I got it I'll call them.
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 3:37 PM Permalink
l and a mommy

Thanks all! I took it back to BB and they exchanged it no problem for me. Lets hope this one works better.
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 6:59 PM Permalink
ares

check out http://bfads.net for the leaked black friday ads and wait until thanksgiving. as far as micro center (in st. louis park) goes, you can get some kick-ass deals on refurbished machines while they have them in stock.
Mon, 11/15/2010 - 12:57 PM Permalink
CerealKiller

anyone know what the best software to convert photo's that are a apple format to a windows format?

oh ya and it has to be FREE or be able to obtain it for FREE! lol
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 8:37 PM Permalink
CerealKiller

Never mind I got it covered! lol
Wed, 11/17/2010 - 9:46 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

I've looked at the black friday ads there. Quite honestly, I don't see anything I need, or any great deals for anyone else in my family regarding Christmas shopping...

There seem to be a ton of TV sales, but I don't have a need for one nor anyone else I buy gifts for.
Fri, 11/19/2010 - 2:41 PM Permalink
me2

Thanks for your opinions.

Now we are down to these 2. Any thoughts?

I think she likes the look of the Walmart HP better and it got 5 star reviews....how does a Walmart laptop get rave reviews? I'm skeptical.

A Lenova and an HP.

LENOVA

IdeaPad Y460 Laptop
- 06334GU - Black

From: $999.00*

Sale price: $669.00*

Intel® Core™ i3-370M Processor ( 2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MB )

Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64

Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HM55 HD

4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz

14.0" HD LED Glare 1366x768

Industry Standard Touchpad

500GB 5400

DVD Recordable (Dual Layer)

6 Cell Lithium-Ion

Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 1000

Bluetooth Version 2.1 + EDR

http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/landrysselectclub/StdAffinityPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=1A6A3D02F7AA4873976FC8168DDA8C77&current-category-id=77A1B39BDFD34FD9B1DDE441472E2759&action=init

WALMART HP

$628.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Garden-Dreams-14.5-dv5-2129wm-Laptop-with-HP-Garden-Dreams-Carrying-Case-and-Mouse/15189946#Specifications

VISION Technology from AMD with AMD Turion II P540 processor

2.40GHz, up to 3.6GT/s System Bus, 2MB L2 Cache

4GB DDR3 system memory

Gives you the power to handle the most power-hungry applications and tons of multimedia work

500GB SATA hard drive with HP ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection

Store 333,000 photos, 142,000 songs or 263 hours of HD video and more

8X SuperMulti double-layer DVD burner

Watch DVD movies on your computer; read and write CDs and DVDs in multiple formats

10/100/1000 Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi

Connect to a broadband modem or a wired broadband router with wired Ethernet, or wirelessly connect to a Wi-Fi signal or hotspot with the 802.11b/g/n connection built right into your PC

14.5" diagonal HD BrightView LED widescreen display

ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4250 graphics with 128MB display cache memory, 128MB GDDR3 sideport memory and up to 2045MB total graphics memory

Additional Features:

Built-in HP TrueVision Webcam with built-in microphone

5-in-1 digital media card reader

3 x USB 2.0 ports (1 x shared eSATA port), 1 x HDMI port, 1 x VGA port, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack

6-cell lithium-ion battery

Walmart Execlusive Designed Garden Dreams Graphics

Software:

Genuine Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit Edition (To learn more about the features of Windows 7, click here)

Microsoft Office Starter 2010 (purchase of Product Key required to activate full Office 2010 suite)

Symantec Norton Internet Security 2011 (60-day trial)

HP MediaSmart, Snapfish Picture Mover, HP Photo Creations

HP Recovery Manager, HP Support Assistant
Sun, 11/21/2010 - 8:47 PM Permalink