Uninstalling Microsoft Office

Try this
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/fix-cannot-uninstall-office-2003-2007-or-2010-from-control-panel

Lenovo T400S SSD Replacement

I have a love/hate relationship with my Lenovo T400S that I grabbed refurbished. The touch pad drives me crazy. The active tap area is a small portion directly in the center. The screen view angle is directly perpendicular only. The sound volume is treacherously low at times and defies solution, at other times it is fine.

All that being said, it is thin and light and works in a pinch or for travel. Replacing the SSD has always concerned me because of the 55mm height restriction and the 1.8 vs 2.5 setup. I ran across this possible solution. I use a laptop until assuming room temperature is officially irreversible so this may be useful.

Aleratec mSATA SSD to 1.8" SATA Drive Converter with Frame

Crucial M500 480GB mSATA Internal Solid State Drive CT480M500SSD3

Newer version 

New Nikon D5300

Nikon D5300
ser 8375896
Nikon DX VR AF-s Nikkor 18:55mm 1:3.5-5.6GII
ser 51271476 (52mm filter)
Purchased from Gadget Circuit new for $564 2014-11-28 (reg 2014-12-05)
Battery EN-EL14a 7.2v 1230mAh 8.9Wh

AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D $100 Amazon ser 3105873 (reg2014-12-05)
(very highly rated fixed lens for low light) I guess part of the learning curve is buying the wrong lens. For auto focus to work on D5300 the lens needs to be AF-S. I need a f/1.8 G. To be clear, Nikons without AF motors: D40, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300. Thanks to Amazon's return policy I only paid $5 to return.

Hoya 52mm UV (Ultra Violet) Super Multi Coated Pro-1 Extra Thin Glass Filter $26
Ordered 2 2014-12-04 (I will use these to protect the lenses when others are using the camera)

Great Video on using and setting up the D5300
And where would we be without Ken Rockwell's Guides (Mr. Rockwell leaves focus, meter and ISO on factory settings, a good place to start.) He curiously shoots small pixel and file jpgs. I don't know if I could make myself do it.

I love my Canon SX-50HS for the long zoom and convenience. It is not good in low light and at times I just want a wider range of adjustment.

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX  52mm filter
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-SNikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S 58mm filter
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime AF-S 58mm filter 369 refurb or ebay
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II 72mm filter
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM $359 Digitalrev

L Bracket Ali Express $8
Kirk LP1 Rail $124
Desmond Nodal Rail $35
Induro PHQ1 - 5 Way Panhead $200

SPA Chemicals

I'm starting with these

Leisure Time 22338 Spa Down, 2-1/2-Pound $8.99
http://www.amazon.com/Leisure-Time-22338-Down-2-Pound/dp/B000V8BUBE/ref=lp_127
2941011_1_10?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417378506&sr=1-10

2-Pack Hot Tub Spa Bromine Tablets 2 x 1.5 lb. bottles (3 lbs. total) $21.94
http://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Bromine-Tablets-bottles-total/dp/B00AW3BFP4/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417378704&sr=1-2&keywords=bromine

Leisure Time 45005 4 way Bromine Test Strip, 50 Count $12.16
http://www.amazon.com/Leisure-45005-Bromine-Strip-Count/dp/B000PSBAOM/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417378799&sr=1-4&keywords=spa+test+strips

Floating Bromine or Chlorine Tablet Dispenser for Small Swimming Pools or Spas $10.54
http://www.amazon.com/Floating-Bromine-Chlorine-Dispenser-Swimming/dp/B007FSAY4W/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1417378908&sr=1-1&keywords=bromine+dispenser

Google Chrome Will Not Open

When Google Chrome refuses to open it is normally a simple matter to open "task manager" and close Chrome from their. Many Chrome entries will exist. Start the the largest first and all of them should close. If not try the next largest.

Sometimes however Chrome has something running and it does not show on task manager. A simple solution is to run CCleaner. It will detect that Chrome is running and offer to close it.

My Moka Pot

My Moka Pot - 6 cup Bialetti Aluminum

You will hate the moka pot at first. Some of the hate comes from the unseasoned condition. Some of it comes from operational errors. I can't help with seasoning. Only time and use can achieve seasoning. I have been using mine for a week and it gets better every day. I can help with operational errors.

First off you can wash it with mild detergent the first time. After that you will only use water and a soft cloth.

Next you are going to brew three pots and throw them out. This further cleans the pot and starts the seasoning process.

Now we are set to go ---

Beans: Espresso (I started with Starbucks beans) (My Cuban friends use Cafe Pilon)

Grind: Somewhere between drip and espresso, fill with slight mound but no tamping.
1. Simply fill the whole beans in funnel basket for portion.
2. Installing the top will tamp grounds slightly and rising water will make the grounds expand.
3. Clean the basket rim before installing the top.
(Currently I am using a blade grinder that has "settings" which I assume only adjusts time. My brews are great so blade grinders can work.)

Water: Preheat filtered water in microwave or kettle and fill just below the pressure valve.

Heat: Gas on smallest burner with lowest setting.

Watch: Leave cover up to watch and remove from heat
1. When coffee reaches where spout starts
or
2. When extraction first appears light - it will continue extraction with residual heat.
(Do not allow it to reach the spitting stage.
 Set pot in bowl of cold water if necessary to stop brewing.)

Milk: Use whole milk
1. 1/3 glass in microwave for 1.5 minutes or till glass is uncomfortable to hold.
2. Use frothing wand until foam to top of glass.

Cleaning: Hand wash with warm water only. Dry with soft cloth.
(I only use my fingers and water to clean the upper chamber.)

Store: With pieces separate to dry completely

Why I preheat water. A video that tested the temperature of the water going through the beans during operation. On standard Moka pot the water temp is cooler than optimum if not heated first.

If you need to close the cover, something is wrong. It should never spit. It could be the seal ring needs replacing or you are doing some crazy grind setting or tamping technique. It will always spit if you leave it on too long - so don't do it.

Aluminum? Yes it freaks me out a little and I may get a stainless eventually. On the other hand, I am loving my aluminum moka pot.

2014-11-05 I bought a stainless pot from Ikea yesterday. Made one pot to throw and then drank the next two. Zero bitterness or strange taste. It may be the way to go.

Things I don't like about the Ikea:
1. Harder to seal the two sections. Crank harder together because it doesn't fit as well.
2. Edges are sharp but unlikely to cut unless you fall on it.
3. Lacks the romance of classic design.
4. Not quite as strong but I am using a different blade grinder so still experimenting.

Things I like about the Ikea:
1. The taste is outstanding.
2. Not aluminum.
3. No seasoning and care free cleaning.
4. More forgiving. Just let it brew to the end.

Lenovo T400S Low Volume

Edit: The new Conexant driver 2015 is much improved.

The Lenovo laptops have miserably little volume. I installed the Dolby driver and it helped some. This problem could be a reason not to buy Lenovo which is an otherwise good choice.

Here is the driver (I am using Win7)
Or here
Uninstall Conexant first

SD Card Will Not Format

If you don't care about any data loss and only want to make the card usable:

Open up command prompt (start->run->cmd.exe) and type
chkdsk /X /F

SD Card Speed

MicroSDHC UHS-I Card
Here is the HD Tune test.

Would a camera compatible with UHS-I perform better? I guess yes but don't know how to test it with PC software. This card cost around $16.

Windows 8 Tutorial

Here is a must see tutorial for those new to Windows 8
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/TheMissingWindows8InstructionalVideo.aspx

Some quick notes
Desktop is an icon
Things pinned to task bar
lower right desk switcher
Windows button toggles between desktop and start screen
scroll wheel scrolls trough the start screen
cntl + scroll zooms start screen
full screen apps from windows store
start typing on start screen searches for app to run
try hot corners
force quit full screen app mouse to top grab and drag down
window + x system controls

Screen Dimming Software

My favorite now is DimScreen. I starts at 50% and puts an icon in the tray with easy adjustments.

http://www.pangobright.com/download.htm
http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Skrommel/index.html#DimScreen
https://justgetflux.com/news/2013/05/29/beta.html

Please Download Google Talk Plugin Error

When this bug strikes it is maddening. This fix worked great but I've only used it once. After downloading and installing (which windows said did no happen correctly), I refreshed the Gmail page and bingo, all fixed.

I am reproducing the originator's info here in case his page disappears.

Here is the download link for the 32 bit version...

http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/7/7/977B481A-7BA6-4E30-AC40-ED51EB2028F2/vcredist_x86.exe

For 64 bit versions use this one: 
http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/7/7/977B481A-7BA6-4E30-AC40-ED51EB2028F2/vcredist_x64.exe

See the full download page here: http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=11895

Fix Windows Update Failure

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-updates-fail-to-install

Update Windows No Internet Connection

http://download.wsusoffline.net/

It's German but don't sweat it.

Just run the .exe and select the product you wish to update.

Simply check the settings you want. You may not want an iso.

The update files appear in "client" folder. If you also/or choose "iso" that will be in iso folder. I have not used iso so don't know how you use the iso updater after it is created. Perhaps it is a self boot?

Or you could try this update pack. Says can be integrated into win install.
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/45005-Simplix-Pack-to-update-Live-Win7-System-Integrate-hotfixes-into-Win7-distribution

Any Desk Another Remote Desktop

http://anydesk.com/remote-desktop

Works great.
1. Download the exe file.
2. Move the exe file to location you wish to keep it before starting.
3. After your first "trial" session it will ask if you wish to install - do it.
4. After install, I don't think you need the exe file anymore but shutting down the process in order to move or delete the file is advanced so it saves time for beginners.
5. You will be asked if you desire to run unattended and it will install the service.
6. Remember your address and password.

As of now there is no cost or limits. File transfer is simple right click, copy/paste.

The service uses 8180K of memory were as Ammyy uses aroung 2100K

Internet Connection Repair Utility

I just came across the Internet Connection Repair Utility.

This is a stand alone program. I don't know the effectiveness but worth a try.

Quickly Make An Icon

Quick Any2Icon is the fastest way to do it. Choose center for transparent blank space. Stand alone operation.

Makes an icon from any graphic or photo. Works great.

edit: link has been fixed

File Priority Saver

I may try Prio for bypassing the security prompt on portable programs I run. For instance, I use Everything search a lot. I have unsuccessfully tried bypass security through manual settings. I don't like that Prio installs and don't know the resources it takes yet.

I tried this but the UAC bypass remained grey and unusable. Not instruction could be found.

Ultimate Virus Killer Looks Good

Ultimate Virus Killer looks good and very versatile. Portable and uses third party scanners.

Additional list: (some can be accessed through UVK)
Kaspersky Rescue CD
Panda Cloud Cleaner Rescue, 
Malwarebytes to clean up any malware thats left behind, 
TDSSKiller for removing rootkit, if there is any on the system, 
ADWcleaner to remove the nasty toolbars, adware and junkware from the system. 
Roguekiller
Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Watch Fox News Live

http://www.zahipedia.net/2009/07/01/watch-online-fox-news-live-free/

This one seems not to have opening advertising at the moment.

How To Resize VirtualBox VDI Disk

Yes the drives are supposed to dynamically resize but .....

Caution: I would use the second method.
Command Prompt in the VB program folder (I opened as admin. but don't know if necessary.)
Be sure to use the quotation marks
Be sure to use the two (2) dashes before "resize"

After resize success:
You will need to expand the partition with GParted (not done yet so not sure) You can virtual boot into live Gparted and still have the original live disk attached. All done in the virtual machine.

Syntax:
VboxManage.exe modifyhd "C:\Users\User Name\VirtualBox VMs\virtual disk folder \virtual disk name.vdi" --resize 15000

(Your user folder may not be on C:\ so adjust for your situation.)

So.... It didn't work but looked successful in command prompt. GParted run the way I described above shows the drive is still 8GB with no unassigned space. May need to create blank larger disk and copy/clone over then expand in GParted. Let's just forget the whole VboxManage.exe thing.

Not only that but I can no longer attach the vdi on which I ran the resize command.

I'll be back ....

FatDog64 Install Is A Trip

Fatdog64

Note: Interesting Puppy Linux Site Here
Pets are here

Installing to hard drive: (Why? I was curious.)

It can coexist with Windows 7 but the installation is not clear (at least to me) in any single online document. My explanation may not be any more clear than others but here it is anyway.

1. Use “EasyBCD” to create the NeoGrub Bootloader.

Then add the NeoGrub as a menu entry.

2. Then you can edit the menu.lst. Here is the entry for Fatdog64 files sitting on root of the second hard drive, first partition.

3. These are the 2 files from Fatdog64 and I got them from a Virtualbox install of FD64. I put them in Dropbox from VirtualBox. I could have opened the Live ISO with WinCDemu and copied them.

Once this is done Fatdog64 appears as an option in the Windows standard boot options and chain loads Grub that EasyBCD created and placed on C:\

I assume other versions of Puppy can be installed this way also. It must be the Frugal install done manually.

WiFi Takes awhile to scan the ssid broadcasts but eventually picks them up.

Num-lock starts off.

Odd Stuff:
Text files saved to Desktop do not appear on Desktop but are in the Desktop folder. In fact saving anything is a mystery yet to be solved. I can’t seem to direct the saves.

Certain items in the control panel hate click/double-click but enter works fine.

Unsettling:
I change the time zone through control panel and FD logged of and back on. Everything I had open was gone. No big deal but good to know.

Installs:
lxterminal in and old one out (no cut/paste).

Maybe more coming ....

My Linux Lite 2.0 Adventure

It's not much of an adventure yet but here goes.

Many of us have an old Dell or whatever sitting around.  Our old Dell Inspiron 1501 had 873megs of ram (which is what really) and an 80GB hard drive. It chugged along with Win 7 (upgraded from XP) but finally became intolerable. Time for Linux Lite.

(I first tried to install Puppy Slacko dual boot but trashed the file system somehow. They are serious about not installing Puppy to the hard drive but there is no need to be vindictive.) By the was, Slacko is wonderful when run from a USB stick and my go to Windows fixer at the moment.

So... I burned the linux-lite 32 pae (because I will use this again on a machine with more memory and the LLite guys recommend this for Steam over 64 bit) to a DVD (couldn't get Yumi to install correctly to multiboot) and booted the DVD (I didn't have a CD). Now let's connect to the internet. Typing the password for the WiFi I start getting numbers for some of the letters. What's up with that? Turns out LinuxLite starts with numlock on. That would normally be a good thing but not on a 15 inch laptop. Just hit the numlock key and turn it off. You can disable starting in numlock in settings -keyboard etc.

Next run update ... wow we have a lot of updates.

Then run "install additional software" (yes it is a menu item)... what shall we install first ... Google Chrome (I don't like FireFox and, now that they have made a political statement, I even like them less). Install Additional Software starts up a pre-configured Terminal with numbered selections. You can choose one at a time or several at once.

Next we install games. Oh well, my wife is going to complain about not having Hardwoods Hearts but maybe I can find something better than this little hearts game provided here. She uses this laptop now and then when her Lenovo or iPad is not within reach.

Time to reboot and see if Linux Lite has stepped up it's game from the LiveCD. LiveCD shut down was painfully slow but the installed shut down was a snappy 7 seconds. Installed boot up took 60 seconds to the feather (their desktop). Not bad on this creaky old machine.

Next I installed Dropbox. I did get Linux Lite and Samba working in Virtual Box but Samba setup is a black art and I can only get it set up when the moon is full and the stars are rightly aligned. I may get it working here also but let's not get overly confident. On second thought, I don't want Dropbox. I'm not leaving my account set up on this machine. Linux Lite also has Uninstall Additional Software that comes up as a terminal. Very handy so Dropbox is now gone.

Catfish File and Folder finder looks good until I learn a command to globally find files and folders through the terminal. This has alluded me as yet. Let's give her a spin. "smb.conf" nope ... "samba" nope. Ok, I could have NOT found those myself from the terminal. Maybe there is some secret.

Java browser plug-in because we want to give the hackers a chance. Restricted extras because you can never have too many codecs. Team Viewer because Ammyy doesn't do Linux. Deluge torrent client and you know why. Wine - maybe it has improved since I last tried it (I'm sure it was user error).

Done with those. It has GIMP already and VLC. I'm not familiar enough with Linux to know much else.

Now for that Samba setup. Can someone check the moon? But first (I can't face Samba yet) let's try to get Kwin going. I know, you have this snappy system now so why bog it down. I can always turn it off. I need to see those windows wobble at least once and don't even say the word Compiz around me.

So much for wobbly windows. I can't get Kwin working. Like Compiz, the packages are constantly changing so following any online instruction is futile. Besides that, most Linux users talk in jargon and almost never explain anything fully. Are they all 12 years old? Mathew Moore had a good video but the packages are no longer the same. But I installed them all and still don't have the control panel.

Good news on the Samba front. We have contact. Is it too early to say I'm getting the hang of it? I suppose you want to know the secret? To follow a time honored Linux user tradition I will give you a partial answer:
    1. Set up a Samba user name and password (I use the same as I used on the system). If Windows is asking you for a name and password, that is good news. It means you need to set one up.
    2. Don't expect the share to show up in the Windows network window. Access it from the Run command. And it is a mystery.
    3. Make sure the Linux share folder exists and is reflected in the smb.conf
    4. I think most smb.conf setup examples work but numbers one through three are not done right so we blame smb.conf instead.
    5. Oh, and make sure to restart Samba after changing anything. Linux Lite has a built in command so knowing the terminal command is essential on other distros.

In the end, I didn't change any word in the Linux Lite smb.conf file and it worked. I just made sure that the share folder name and location followed what they had in the smb.conf file. My Windows workgroup is named "WORKGROUP". I've always been creative with names.

I keep thinking of things with this Samba thing. LL had netbios = Lappy  and I wondered if I should change it and to what would use instead. I left Lappy and guess what. Windows sees it as Lappy. Ok, it doesn't see it, I need to use the run command but you know what I mean. I could have had netbios = Hitler and it would have worked.

Anyway, here is the awesome Linux Lite Network portion of their manual.
And here is a portion of that portion. How simple is that!

There you have it. By my explanation, unless you were already familiar with Linux and really did not need my instruction, you don't have a clue of what I just said. May I go to the head of the class now?

Sadly even before Samba was working Linux Lite recognized my Brother printer over WiFi but won't print to it. I have no clue about installing drivers for that printer although I supposedly found them. I need a print to pdf solution and put that Samba connection to use for now. Maybe there is an awesome printer install section of their manual also.

Here are some software notes to try:
ctl t drop down term
xordexkill
pulse audio
gnome disk utility
terminator
kde games look good
pinta
deluge
goobox
k3b
mediainfo
simplestreamrecorder
winff
alacarte menu edit
grub customizer
xsensors
gstreamer

I'll be back ...

Install Windows From the Hard Drive

Here is the link Thanks Steven Tylor

I'm copying the text here in case the link dies


Part 1: Preparing the HD with Windows 7 setup files.

- Connect the hard drive to another working computer.
- Format the hard drive to NTFS (Quick format works fine; multiple partitions also work).
- Copy the following from your Windows 7 disc:

    Boot
    Sources
    Bootmgr

Part 2: Making the HD bootable

Using Windows XP, Vista, or 7, open CMD as Admin (Windows key + R, type CMD, hit Enter)

Enter the following commands, (replace X with what applies to your hard drive):

diskpart
list disk
select disk X
list partition
select partition X
active
exit
X:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt60 X:

(See picture for example)

Exit and shutdown.

Note: If you’re working on a 32-bit system, and you want to install 64-bit Windows, you may get problems trying to run the last command (X:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt60 X:).
Solutions:

    Use a computer with a 64-bit version of Windows

OR

    A little trick that worked for me: If you have a 32-bit Windows 7 disc, you can copy bootsect.exe from that and replace the 64-bit one (boot\bootsect.exe).

Part 3: Booting and installing Windows

Place the hard drive back into the target machine. Make sure that the BIOS is configured to boot from the hard drive. If you did everything correctly, you should see “Windows is loading files” and setup will load (really fast, too, because it's loading from the hard drive). Install Windows as usual (but don’t format your drive this time in the installer – otherwise it will erase the Windows 7 setup files too!).

Part 4: Final steps/housecleaning

We’ll have to quickly edit the boot menu once Windows is installed.

In Windows 7, hit the Windows key + R. Type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Click to the Boot tab at the top.
Click 'Windows Setup (\windows)', and hit Delete.
Click OK.
Click 'Exit without restart'.

And lastly, delete the ‘Sources’ folder from your hard drive root (this will free up 2-3gb).

Puppy Linux: Network Share, Touch Pad, Screenshots ... and more

I just tried Puppy Linux slacko-5.7.0-PAE.iso I like it.

Network Share:
Lan gave me a fit for awhile. I'm not overly familiar with Linux and have never set up a Samba share before.

This is a good document but it took awhile to find what he was talking about.
This is also a good document to understand what is being set up. It takes the mystery out of what Simple Samba is doing behind the scenes.

The PPM to which he refers is Puppy Package Manager which is in the Setup Menu (the bottom left). Slacko will have Samba installed already but things will be much easier when you get Samba Simple Management. I couldn't get Samba to start without it. All my Samba-restart commands from terminal had no effect. I'm sure it would work eventually but why struggle when Simple Samba is available.

After installing, Simple Samba will show in the Network menu and look similar to below. Just run SSM and it will set the network share to work. You can change where files are shared but I would just use the defaults to stay consistent in later setups. Unfortunately while trying to get things working before finding this, I issued some commands that may have changed a few things so the default may look somewhat different. The server name of "NewPuppy" is one change and may be the only one. This was my second boot and I probably didn't change much before I found Siimple Samba on this boot.

Just remember the default log on for Puppy is user = root and password = woofwoof. You could change this but why? Are we really using Puppy when a secure share is essential? I have to say, this was wonderfully easy once you find the SSM program.

This is what SSM looks like unaltered

If following the directions in the second article it would look like this:

Yes, I did these screen shots in Puppy and grabbed them from the share folder through my Windows machine to post on Blogger. We are quite proud of ourselves. Really I didn't want to go through the whole double log in thing with Google to post them through Puppy.

Touch Pad and Screen Shot:

To set up the sensitivity and (more importantly) what the single finger tap does, open the Wizard Wizard.

Obvious Pick?

For screen shots just pick the Take A Shot from the Graphics Menu. At first it looks primitive but is very functional. To take a shot of the menu, which closes if you do anything, simply set a 5 second delay, take the shot and quickly open the menu to where you want it. If you did it before 5 seconds you will have the shot.

Choosing edit will open in a paint program. Drag select the portion you wish to keep and hit delete. Magically it is cropped. Puppy is wonderful.

Free Studio Converts, Burns, ISO

Here is an interesting Media handling suite.
http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/free-dvd-video-software.htm#.U7vI5fldV8F

Sick of Chrome Text Garble

One of my PCs Chrome would start garbling text after being used for awhile. Shutting down all instances of Chrome and restarting would solve it temporarily. I am trying to clean every speck of Google from the computer and start over.

Logged on to Chrome account to be sure the settings were backed up.
Shut down every instance of chrome in task manager.
Remove all Google stuff through Add Remove Programs.
Win-R and type "%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google" then delete the folder
Type the following text into a notepad and save as "remove.reg". Run the reg program to remove all Chrome entries from register.
You could also run reg clean in CCleaner.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

; WARNING, this file will remove Google Chrome registry entries
; from your Windows Registry. Consider backing up your registry before
; using this file: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756

; To run this file, save it as 'remove.reg' on your desktop and double-click it.

[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\chrome.exe]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\RegisteredApplications]
"Chrome"=-


[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\ChromeHTML]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Clients\StartMenuInternet\chrome.exe]
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\RegisteredApplications]
"Chrome"=-


[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Chrome]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Update\Clients\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Update\ClientState\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]


[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Update\Clients\{00058422-BABE-4310-9B8B-B8DEB5D0B68A}]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Google\Update\ClientState\{00058422-BABE-4310-9B8B-B8DEB5D0B68A}]


[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Update\ClientStateMedium\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Update\Clients\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Google\Update\ClientState\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]


[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Google\Update\Clients\{8A69D345-D564-463c-AFF1-A69D9E530F96}]

I hate all the memory Chrome eats up but this is the minimum I can get by with for extensions.

Two or More Networks on One Modem

2 routers then 1 switch to modem does not work. The routers need to be cascaded in a series, WAN from router 2 (192.168.2.1) to LAN in router 1 (192.168.1.1). I have had this work flawlessly for years but when trouble does come it can drive you crazy on a larger system.

But this may be the answer. I have not tried this. Looks like 3 routers for 2 networks.
https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/lanwan-howto/24428-howtotwoprivlan?start=1
Not sure is is all that different, just an additional router.

SyncBackFree is the best backup program I have ever tried.

I use SyncBack every day. It just plain works. I back up accounting's files onto my computer daily and automatically. That way I am not working with their files in case I change something.

My home network drops to it's knees when I copy files through wifi from my laptop to the big desktop drives. I was dreading copying my picture files over and wondering how I would sync them because some of the files had already been copied over. I installed SyncBack and let it work. It took 54 minutes but I could not even tell it was using bandwidth. Super program.

http://www.2brightsparks.com/freeware/freeware-hub.html

Canon ELHP 330 Settings and Stuff

Some of the guys over at DPReview are taking such great pictures with the Canon ELHP 330 that I just had too get one. I have an ELHP 300 that takes an ok snapshot but nothing like what I see from the 330. The size of this camera is to convenient to pass up. On the shuttle, in the airport or at the restaurant, it can't be beat for a quick shot. I ordered a refurbished from Canon for $169.

Here are the setting brianj uses:

P mode

Metering CWA

EV -.3 (my default but can be lowered if needed)

Icontrast =AUTO

Contrast = +1

Saturation = 0

Sharpness = 0

Red = 0 (my silver camera) Red = +1 (black camera)

Green = +1 (silver) Green = +2 (black)

Blue = 0 both cameras.

WB = AUTO.

ISO=AUTO

Other picture related setting default.

Credit: http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/53957748

Charger (same as for ELPH 300) CB-2LV

Best Windows Wallpaper Handler

John's Background Switcher

Different wallpaper on each monitor. I always end up going back to a black screen but it is a great program.

Build Mother of Anti-virus USB

I am revising this:
Yumi is simple to add and remove entries to the USB. It also has link for many of the sources.
MobaLiveCD is good for boot testing. Run as admin. and allow to create virtual drive.
Image: I have not found a good way to image a USB drive. For example, if you image a 2GB USB and copy to 8GB only 2GB is usable.
MultibootUSB also works great to test bootability.

Kaspersky Rescue Disk is a must have.
Ultra Virus Killer is also a must

If you are having trouble zeroing out a USB previously crated try ImageUSB. This can also make a single boot USB of ISO or imb files.

Lenovo Clear CMOS

Working on old Lenovo desktop I had to clear the CMOS. Here is the strange method:

M7408

1. Turn off the computer and any attached devices, such as printers, monitors, and external drives.
2. Unplug all power cords from electrical outlets, and remove the cover.
3. Locate the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper on the system board.
4. If necessary, remove any adapters that impede access to the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper.
5. Move the jumper from the standard position (pins 1 and 2) to pins 2 and 3.
6. Replace any adapters that were removed.
7. Replace the cover.
8. Reconnect the power cords for the computer and monitor to electrical outlets.
9. Restart the computer, leave it on for approximately 10 seconds.
10. Turn off the computer by holding the power switch for approximately 5 seconds.
11. Unplug the power cords from electrical outlets.
12. Remove the cover.
13. If necessary, remove any adapters that impede access to the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper.
14. Return the Clear CMOS/Recovery jumper to its original position.
15. Replace any adapters that were removed.
16. Replace the cover and reconnect any cables that were disconnected.
17. Turn on the computer. The computer should sound 2 beeps. The time and date should need to be set. If not, the procedure did not work.
18. After resetting the date, time, and saving the settings, exit the System Configuration Utility.

If you need to boot from usb just hit enter on boot to get to the boot selector.

The USB mouse/keyboard takes forever to get recognized but it eventually works.

I like these small Lenovo/Dell units for offices but they can be a problem.
1. There is no room for a second HD for backup. I guess a USB works but not as reliable.
2. If the onboard video goes a dedicated low profile card can be used. Be sure the heat sink is shallow enough to fit.
3. The physically small power supplies can be hard to find and expensive.

Power Supply

AMMYY Remote Connection

2019-01-20 We don't use this currently.after Anydesk arrived.

Note: Ammyy has a 15 minute per month limit per PC. If that is a problem then currently AnyDesk is a better answer. We prefer to use Ammyy for consistency but in a pinch we use AnyDesk. I expect AnyDesk to charge at some point. We can buy lifetime Ammyy license on our host machines and the clients rarely exceed 15 minutes per month.

It is easier to have the client simply run Ammyy and give you the address. Once you are on, just install Ammyy service yourself if you wish to have unattended access. Have the client make an Ammyy folder, put ammyy.exe into the folder and move the folder to where you want to keep it. The host can not move the exe when Ammyy is running. Maybe the exe is unnecessary after the service is installed but I have not tested so just tuck it away somewhere.

Later versions seem to be backward compatible and will read the address book of older versions. Ammyy address book and setting .bin reside in C:\ProgramData\AMMYY and any Ammyy version you run will find the .bin files. A previous version of Ammyy will not run a later version client so host should always download the newest version. 3.4 host will not run a 3.5 client but 3.5 host will run a 3.4 client. The only additional file Ammyy creates in the exe folder is a log file. So Ammyy resides in 3 locations: the folder containing the exe and log file, the ammyy program data folder and the service. Removing all three of these deletes Ammyy from the system.

This is how to install AMMYY as a service. http://www.ammyy.com/en/downloads.html

The program does not install. Simply run the program but put it in a folder first and place that folder on C: drive in a folder called Portable Programs (make the folder if it does not exist).

Start Ammy and follow the graphic below. This installs the service.

Now go to Settings and follow the graphic below. Leave "any" as computer id but enter a password. I will need the password.

I will also need your id as in the graphic below.

I think 3.4 Ammyy starts the service and chooses automatic. If you need to check, go to Start and type "services". It should be the first thing on the menu. Check if Ammyy is started and set to automatic. 

My New Favorite File Sync Program

Best Sync (use portable) Free version will not work over network so worthless.

Use SyncBack.

Big Green Egg

I was given a Big Green Egg for Father's Day. I would never have paid this much for a grill but of course always wanted one so thanks children. Let's start finding resources.

The "nest" cart to hold it is back ordered so we have it sitting on a wood bench. We are keeping it under 350 so hopefully we don't burn the house down. I would love to build a bench but knowing me, I will never get around to it. I'm going to start with the metal cart.

Flaming Rooster has great videos.
Naked Whiz seems to have everything you would ever want to know about Big Green Eggs
Gloves and Rubs
Try Ozark Oak
Large pan
Naked Wiz

Dry Rub Ingredients

We're going to start with:

• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup sugar

And then our spices:

• 1 tbsp of Ancho chili powder
• 2 tbsp paprika - be sure to use fresh spices
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp allspice

Thick pork chops
500 2 min each side
drop to 350 for 15 min

AHCI Reminder To Self

Just redid a Lenovo SL410 and the HD speed was hopeless. Lenovo doesn't list the SATA AHCI controller with its regular drivers so I didn't think of it. Why did they make me hunt it down?

OMG what is happening?

Oh yea, the AHCI controller

And disabling Windows write cache helps a bit maybe. I thought burst would go up but didn't.

Make Windows 7 View Canon RAW Images

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26829

Here is list of Camera RAW cameras supported with which version of Camera RAW.

LCD Pixel Test and Fix

http://www.flexcode.org/lcd2.html

Run overnight on high contrast and brightness

Refill Toners

I've never tried this but am considering it.

http://www.inkowl.com/index.php?p=product&B=1&S=4&q=Brother+HL-5250DN&product=924

Speaker Noise of Mouse and Hard Drive (Solved)

Well, that was easy. I had the speaker power plugged into the same power strip as the PC. I simply plugged the speakers into another outlet and no more feed back. 2014-06-11

I can hear hard drive noise and mouse movements through my speakers. According to this post it is a ground loop and you must disconnect the speaker's ground, which I can not do from my speakers as far as I know. The power cable to my speakers does not have a ground plug. I'm plugged into a power strip so tackling that rat's next must wait for proper motivation.

Still looking for an answer.

Microphone Disappeared

I can hear my hard drive through my speakers. Yes, it is irritating so I try now and then to "fix" it. I started disabling microphones but it didn't help. But the microphones disappear from the sound panel so how do you get them back?

I used this answer and it worked. Basically you Windows search within Control Panel for "audio" and find the "Troubleshooting" section and run "fix audio". It will find the missing microphones and you can re-enable.

I probably could have just gone to "device manager" and enabled. That was going to be my next try.

Thank you Dave Foord for the answer.

As to fixing the sound from the mouse and hard drive? I have no way of disconnecting the ground from my speakers but that seems to be the answer found here.

My New Mouse

I don't go through a lot of mice (I don't think), and I hate paying $50+ for a mouse but the cheap Logitech mice just don't cut it after using the G9 I bought on sale years ago for $39. Even that was painful. I tried cheap Monoprice mice which worked great for a few weeks. Then cam Anker 2000 DPI. This thing is great and only $23 on Amazon. I have only had it one day but by reviews on Amazon I don't expect trouble. This thing is a winner. I don't usually install mouse software but I wanted to turn the light off (no offence meant to neon green). The software even seemed better than I remember from previous rodents.

But let's get real - 7 programmable buttons? Left, right, wheel, dpi (up/down), page (forward/back). Okay, I guess that is 7. I didn't want a bunch of buttons but it seems to me a hyped way of advertising the standard mouse buttons. It gave me a smile.

http://www.ianker.com/support-c23-g217.html Company site for software

GIMP Tricks

Interesting detail enhance method

Alternate and simple way to enhance dark photos.

Here is a great way to lighten dark parts of image without blowing out highlights
http://spectacled-bear.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-brighten-up-dark-photos-without-blowing-highlights-using-FREE-software

This photo was too dark in the face and simple brightening would blow all the light areas.

After lightening with layer masks I preserved the lighter detail quite well. I could have completely not lightened some areas by painting out the mask with black and I probably was too extreme in duplicating for lightening but you get the idea.

Masking for hair or detail: Photoshop using channels

Canon SX50HS Stuff

Crazyfingers settings

C1

C2

Comment

1

AF Frame

Flexzone

Flexzone

This is what Sets the focus to the center focus square by default. User can shift this around but I have not tried. With maz zoom at 2x, knowing how to do this could be helpful

2

Digital Zoom

Off

Off

3

AF-Point Zoom –

On

_

This gives a magnified view of the focus point. It focuses only once.

4

OnServo AF

Off

on

This and below somehow related and camera constantly tries to optimise focus until shutter is pressed.

5

Continuous AF

Off

on

6

AF Assist Beam

Off

Off

7

MF Point Zoom

Off

Off

8

Safety MF

Off

Off

9

Flast Control

-

10

ISO Austo Settings

11

High ISO NR Standard

Standard

Standard

12

Spot AE Point – AF Point

AF Point

AF Point

Exposure uses the focus point only instead of the whole scene

13

Movie Ausio

-

14

Review – Quick

Quick

Quick

15

Review Info

Blank

16

Blink Detection

Off

Off

17

Custom Display

-

-

18

Reverse Display

19

IS Settings

Continuous 1

Continuous 1

20

Display area

Small

Small

21

Date stamp off

Off

Off

22

Face ID settings

23

Set Shortcut Button T

T

T

http://pro.myphotopipe.com/index.cfm?d=myphotopipe

Good Youtube tutorial at Fat Dragon 100

I am considering a Nikon D5300 rig and here is a crazy good review thread from Amazon.

Parts:
Canon E67U 67mm Snap On Lens Cap 
Lensmate 58mm adapter
Hoya 58mm Moose Peterson Warming Circular Polarizer Filter considering this?

CHDK
Builds http://mighty-hoernsche.de/ (scroll to bottom)
ACID to check firmware and automate download (download may not work).
Time lapse plugin for LR
Time Lapse remote shutter
Wireless remote shutter