Missing a DX file? Reinstall DirectX

Microsoft DirectX Downloads

DirectX End-User Runtimes (June 2010) Full Download This download provides the DirectX end-user redistributable that developers can include with their product. This update includes the DirectX for Managed Code Update from the DirectX SDK Update.

Yes, finding DirectX to install can be confusing. I found it here for now. Why? Missing dll file for a DX9 game. Choose the "end-user runtimes).

I have downloaded individual dll's but this is actually easier. Finding a sight that will let you download the file without trying to get you to register, pay or who know what, takes longer than just installing the new DX (if you can find it).

10-free-tools-to-repair-windows-7

10 Free Tools To Repair Windows 7 No matter what operating system you are using, be it Windows, Mac, or Linux, you will come across issues that prevent the smooth operation of your operating system. Fortunately, a handful of quality, free applications are available to fix common Windows problems.

Comments: I don't know, could come in handy.

Printing Envelopes - It Should Be Easy

I have never found envelope printing software worth using. Usually they don't even work. Microsoft Word is still the champion with envelope printing, spit, spit. But who wants to open that up and click, click, reset font, each time you want to print one simple envelope. The poor man's option is using Word to print one envelope to pdf. Then open it with PDF-XChange Viewer and white out the "to" address. Use the typewriter tool, set up the font you want for "to" and set default. Now use PDF-xchange to print that quick envelope from the template. Yes, you have to guess the appropriate location for the to address but not a big deal. I love PDF-XChange Viewer. It has so much more functionality than Nitro. I still need Nitro for its "signature" function. Otherwise I have to print, sign, scan, send. Actually PDF-XChange can handle signatures in .png but not a nicely.

PCMech has instructions for Libre envelope printing, lots of steps.

You Have Downloaded

You Have Downloaded - We show what you downloaded

Hi. We have no records on you. This means you are using a private torrent tracker or, of course, you may not be a torrent user at all! It happens. Please, entertain yourself. Feel free to see what other people have downloaded. The search box is on the top. If you have any friends who use torrents, use it to scare them off. We also have a widget that you can install in your website, blog or Facebook page. Or you can just send them a link to this site. They will see a table similar to what you see below. The only difference — they will see their downloads.

This site reads your ip and reports if they have tracked you downloading torrents. Interesting but inconclusive.

IDE to AHCI After Installing Windows

How to enable AHCI in Windows 7 RC after installation

*** The good news with Windows10 is you do not need to change anything in the OS. Just change the BIOS and reboot.

AHCI  (Advanced Host Controller Interface) enables native command queuing and hot-plugging through SATA host controllers (Serial-ATA) for your hard drives. In many scenarios it enables more efficient multi-tasking. Vista was the first Windows OS to support AHCI out of the box, where as Windows 7 does the same. But an issue with AHCI is that if you install the OS without enabling AHCI in the BIOS, enabling it after installation will render your OS unusable. This is because Windows disable the AHCI driver since it is not needed during the installation.

If you installed Windows and used IDE, the change is easy. Go to above link for directions. Improvements may be marginal but SSD's usually want AHCI, so if you are changing to SSD this quick change will help. Look for the reg hack for quick and easy.

Here is the difference with my 75GB Raptor. Seems too large a difference but seeing is believing. Windows experience index did not change but the Raptor has less chatter and things are perceptively smoother.

Before

After

Just Bought My First SSD

Windows 7 and SSDs: Setup secrets and tune-up tweaks | ZDNet

1. Make sure you have the latest firmware. Because firmware updates wipe out all data on the drive, you must do this operation as the first step; make sure to back up all existing data first. You’ll need to check with the drive manufacturer or the OEM, depending on whether you purchased the drive as a retail upgrade or as part of an OEM PC. Follow the instructions to complete the firmware update; this typically requires booting from removable media such as a USB flash drive.

2. Set the disk controller to AHCI mode. In the system BIOS, set the SATA controller for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) operation before installing Windows. This step is crucial. Using the legacy IDE or ATA mode prevents you from installing the proper disk controller driver later and will result in reduced performance.

This article has some important information for initial set up.