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Archive for August, 2009

Windows 7 Cracked

Aug 21

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Windows 7 | No Comments


Like Windows Vista, Windows 7 has been reportedly cracked by some Chinese blogs, before its retail release due in Mid September. This is a huge setback for Microsoft which has been reporting that their new Operating System scores high on security.

This hack has been created using an RTM (Release to Manufacture) version of Windows 7. Microsoft releases all its Operating Systems to computer manufacturers much before the retail release to ensure that manufacturers test their hardware with the new OS and are ready to provide computers to consumers with latest OS bundled at the time of retail launch. A Lenovo machine was apparently used to create this hack.

The leaked ISO image file was available on some chinese blogs and sites. It retrieves the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) SLP key along with the activation key to provide an activated copy of Windows 7. This happens because OEMs are allowed (in most cases) to sell pre-activated computer systems with specific SLP keys, common to all their systems. It has been said in these blogs that this is a master key and can be used to activate Windows 7 on any computer from any manufacturer.

Microsoft has confirmed the reports and communicated that they will blacklist the leaked key and will safeguard interest of genuine customers. Microsoft also said, again, that if Windows 7 is installed using this crack, it will be prone to virus and spyware infections and will not be able to install Windows updates and fixes.

Source: Neowin.net

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Tags: crack, hack, Lenovo, Windows 7

Sony announces launch of “SLIM” Playstation3

Aug 20

Posted by Admin in Gaming | No Comments


Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) unveiled the new Playstation 3 on August 18, 2009. The new system features and extremely streamlined form factor with a 120 GB hard disk drive (HDD). This will be available in stores from September 1, 2009.

The internal architecture of the new system has been completely revamped to achieve a smaller and lighter body. Another improvement is in the power consumption area. New low power consuming devices have been used tosony_playstation_3reduce the power consumption by ? of its predecessor.

With this launch, the brand name for “PLAYSTATION 3” will be changed to “Playstation 3”, in line with its existing range of these high end gaming systems.

The new features of Playstation 3 are as below:

  1. The system software will be upgraded to version 3.0. It will provide a “What’s New” option where the users can browse available items at Playstation Store.
  2. The new system will come with an additional feature for Sony BRAVIA TV owners (BRAVIA Sync). It will allow users to use XMB on Playstation 3 directly upon connecting it with a Bravia TV using a HDMI cable, using the TV remote. It also has an “active standby” mode which will turn off the Playstation system once the TV is shut off.
  3. Users will now not be able to get the option to “Install other OS”. This is primarily targeted to reduce the count of issues that used to occur with this and to focus on delivery of gaming and entertainment content.

Product Outline

Product Name

PlayStation®3 Slim

Product Code

CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)

CPU

Cell Broadband Engine™

GPU

RSX®

Audio Output

LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.

Memory

256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

Hard Disk

2.5″ Serial ATA

120 GB*1

Inputs/Outputs *2

Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0)

2

Networking

Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1

IEEE 802.11 b/g

Bluetooth® 2.0 (EDR)

Controller

Wireless Controller?Bluetooth®?

AV output

Resolution

1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i?(for PAL 576p, 576i)

HDMI OUT connector*3

1

AV MULTI OUT connector

1

Digital out (optical) connector

1

BD?DVD?CD
drive (read only)

Maximum read rate

BD × 2 (BD-ROM)
DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM)
CD × 24 (CD-ROM)

Power

AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz*4

Power Consumption

Approx. 250W

External dimensions

(excluding maximum projecting part )

Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)

Mass

Approx. 3.2kg

Included *5

PlayStation®3 system × 1

Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1

AC power cord × 1

AV cable × 1

USB cable × 1

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Press Release

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Tags: console, Gaming, hardware, new, playstation3, ps3, slim, Sony

Apple Mac Mini: The Eco Friendly Machine

Aug 20

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


354_7_apple_mac_miniEnvironment is becoming a growing concern across the globe. Computers are adding to this problem every day. There is an increased focus amongst users and manufacturers to create and innovate environment friendly machines, without compromising the growing need of effective and efficient powerful computing.enviro_recycle20090303

Apple has been a pioneer in technology innovation. They have answered the call of people and nature together by creating Mac Mini. This is probably the most environment friendly machine available off the shelf today.

The following elements determine the environment friendliness of any computer:

  1. Degree of toxins used in manufacturing cycles
  2. Packaging of the computers
  3. Recyclability of computer components
  4. Energy consumption of various devices

Apple has managed to address all these elements aggressively with their MacMini product.

Elimination of Toxins

Apple has made tremendous improvements in reduction of toxins that are part of the computer manufacturing process. They have removed Brominated Flame Retardents(BFRs) and Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) from circuit boards, internal cables, connectors and many such internal components in Mac Mini.

Packaging

Apple has not only reduced the size of the machine, but also used a combination of highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate to construct the external casing. This makes it one of the most material efficient desktop computers in the world.

The outer packaging of the finished product is also about 60% smaller than its competitors and previous Mac versions. This also results in reduced impact on our environment.

Energy Consumption

The hardware components used in Mac Mini are ENERGY compliant and use very little energy. This clubbed with capabilities of Mac OS X allows dynamic adjustment of power consumption. It allows longer battery life also. According to Apple, this machine uses up to 45% less energy than its predecessors. This computer is also certified by ENERGY STAR and meets the requirements of Energy Star version 5.0.

Recyclability

Mac Mini is EPAT Gold certified, which is the highest rating for recyclability of computers. This not only looks at the recycling, but also looks at energy efficiency, designing and manufacturing.

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Tags: Apple, consumption, environment, Green, Mac, macintosh, Mini, OS X, power, recycle

Intel vPro: Technology Overview

Aug 20

Posted by Admin in New Technologies | No Comments


Intel® vPro™ is the latest in technology offering from Intel. vPro based laptops and desktops are now available in the market. The big question is: What is the benefit of this new technology? Does it make a difference to stability, speed or performance of a computer? These questions will be demystified today.intel_vpro_large

vPro technology is built to enhance manageability of computers in any environment. This is a hardware based solution that allows technicians to manage/troubleshoot computers remotely, even if the computer is not booting. Yes, even if the computer is in a no boot state. This allows technicians and IT departments to take a stock of both hardware and software issues, without the need of physical intervention. Currently, remote troubleshooting is possible only if you have network/internet connectivity, which comes only if a computer is booting into the Operating System (Usually Microsoft Windows). This technology will permit technicians to look at your machine remotely, even if the computer is not going to the familiar desktop screen. vPro is Windows 7 ready and support virtualization also. It includes hardware capabilities that allow OS and application streaming also.

This technology allows technicians to access the PC even if the PC power is off, the OS is not responding/ booting, or hardware has failed. It also allows technicians to access critical system information such as Windows event logs, application logs, BIOS information, etc. This technology also equips technicians/users with capability to remotely power on a PC. It ensures that a corporate IT setup remains sanitized by comprehensive patch management, which will be possible now even if some machines are powered off.

This technology also provides programmable defense mechanisms for protection against viruses and hacking attacks. It also provides programmable triggers that can protect data theft, in case a laptop is stolen. This technology is referred as Intel Anti-Theft Technology (Intel AT). This is a optional programmable tool for laptops. It can be configured to disable access to encrypted data by deleting the encryption keys stored locally, based on some definable events/triggers. It can also disable a PC completely so that it would not boot the Operating System, even if the hard drive of the computer is replaced or reformatted.

If you are thinking that these elements are scary and could potentially translate into loss of critical information, Intel has thought through the repercussions of this technology also. Intel AT also provides simple and easy reactivation and system recovery in case the Anti Theft technology was activated considering the events as a theft. This is done in the following 2 ways:

  1. Users could provide a pass phrase and use it as a password during a special Pre-OS stage. If the user enters this password, the system can be recovered.
  2. IT departments can generate special “Recovery Tokens” which can be used as a password on the special Pre-OS stage to recover the system.

Both these methods recover the computer to full functionality with no data loss.

 The chipsets that support vPro technology are energy efficient too. These systems support an enhanced system sleep state that shuts off one of the processors when it is not needed. It supports DDR3 memory which reduces device power consumption without compromising on speed of data flow.

What if I am a Home User?

This technology is not a differentiator for home users. The only advantage that it offers to home users is in form of troubleshooting no boot issues remotely. If your technical service provider supports it, he/she will be able to resolve even your no boot issues remotely, without the need of visiting you.

 All in all, this is a technology meant for corporations. This will dramatically impact the IT infrastructure maintenance costs and uptime, both of which are critical in current economic conditions.

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Tags: BIOS, boot, chipset, Intel, performance, remote, Security, Troubleshooting, vpro, windows

HP SimpleSave: Backup made easy

Aug 18

Posted by Admin in New Technologies | No Comments


Every computer users goes through a fear, the fear of loosing data, everyday. This data has different meaning for every user. For some it could be business, their jobs, school work, project reports, music, videos, pictures… the list is endless. Though there have been efforts by the largest software vendor: Microsoft to provide backup solutions to customers, but there is a huge limitation of hardware.

HP has resolved this issue and the fear to a huge extent through its SimpleSave Personal Media Drives. These drives have storage capacity ranging from a 320GB to a whooping 1TB, depending on the drive that you opt for. This is not all, these drives are much more than just external hard drives.

It has a customized backup solution built into it. Sonic Backup MyPC Special Edition software is capable to make a copy of all your files. It allows users to take backup with a few clicks. It also allows users to schedule a backup.

This is a perfect solution for people who like to store music, photos and videos. Such users know that these files take a lot of hard drive space and with HP SimpleSave, they will never run out of space with its huge storage capacity.

This is not just a means to backup your data. It allows users to plug it into any other PC and access your data on the move. It can also be used with a Home Theater system to playback audio/video files.

Another advantage of using these drives is the support for USB 2.0. This allows faster backup and transfer of data.

All in all, this is a must have device for all computer users. Go get one today.

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Tags: 2.0, backup, disk, drive, external, hard, HP, restore, save, Simple, USB

Windows XP does not start after installing Windows Vista as a dual boot option

Aug 17

Posted by Admin in Windows Vista, Windows XP | No Comments


You may be unable to log into Windows XP after installing Windows Vista and making your computer a dual OS / dual boot machine. This primarliy happens when Windows Vista is installed in unallocated space on the hard drive that existed in front of the Windows XP partition. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:

(Please note that you will need administrative rights on your login to perform these steps.)

  1. Boot the computer into Windows Vista
  2. Right click on the “Start” button and on the pop up menu, click on “Explore“
  3. Click on ”Organize” option and then on the drop down menu, click on “Folder and Search Options“
  4. Click on the “View” tab
  5. In the advanced settings area, click “Show hidden files and folders“. Click on the checkbox next to “Hide extension for known file types” to uncheck it and then click on “Hide protected sytem files (Recommended)” to uncheck it. Click “yes” to confirm that you want to display operating system protected files and then click on “OK”
  6. Locate the Windows XP drive by using the “Computer” panel browsing (Start–>Computer)
  7. Now locate “boot.ini” file. Right click on it and click on “properties” on the pop up menu
  8. On the boot.ini properties window, click on Security tab and then click on “Advanced“
  9. Click on the “Owner” tab and then click on “edit“. If you get a prompt to enter administrator password, type your password to continue to the next step.
  10. In the change owner list, Click your alias or leave the default option selected. Now click on “OK” 4 times.
  11. Now right click on boot.ini file again and click on “Edit” on the pop up menu
  12. On this window, modify the Advanced RISC Computing (ARC) path to the correct Windows XP partition

These steps will solve your issues with Windows XP booting and allow you to enjoy both the operating systems compleltely.

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Tags: boot, dual, Error, issue, Microsoft, Vista, windows, XP

Microsoft Outlook Error: Could not create work file. Check the temp environment variable

Aug 14

Posted by Admin in Microsoft Outlook | No Comments


Microsoft Outlook is the most widely used email client across the globe. We have all used it and it works great with Microsoft exchange server in our corporate environment. There are times though when it throws unwanted errors. One of the error is: “Outlook could not create work file. Check the temp environment variable”.

To resolve this situation, follow the following 2 Methods, in order:

Method 1: Delete Temp files

  1. Minimize all the active windows to get back to the Windows desktop screen
  2. Click on Start and then click on Run
  3. On the Run box, type “temp”. If you are using windows Vista, just click on Start and type “temp” in the search box and click on the temp folder when it shows up on the results window
  4. Select all the files and delete them. Please note that these files would not delete any data from your computer. (Use ctrl+A to select all files)
  5. Follow the first 2 steps again and this time type/search for “%temp%”
  6. Select all the files here also and delete them. (Use ctrl+A to select all files)
  7. Now open/search for “cmd”. This is a command prompt window and will open a black screen with a blinking cursor
  8. On this window, type: “echo %temp%” (without the quotes) and press “Enter“
  9. It will take you back to the blinking cursor. Now type: “echo %tmp%” (without the quotes) and press “Enter“

Now try to use Microsoft Outlook once and see if you still get this message. If the error still exists, then follow the Method 2 below;

Method 2:

Please note that this step includes modifying the registry on your computer. If changes other than the ones listed below are made, it could render your computer in a non bootable state. You may have to reinstall windows also in some cases. Please follow these steps very carefully.

  1. Click on Start and then click on Run
  2. In the run box, type “regedit”. If your are using Windows Vista, type “regedit” in the search box and click on regedit on the search results once it shows up.
  3. This will launch the Registry Editor window with 2 panes
  4. On the left pane, locate and click on the (+) sign next to HKEY_CURRENT_USER
  5. Under this tree, Now click on the (+) sign next to Software
  6. Under this tree, Now click on the (+) sign next to Microsoft
  7. Under this tree, Now click on the (+) sign next to Windows
  8. Under this tree, Now click on the (+) sign next to Current Version
  9. Under this tree, Now click on the (+) sign next to Explorer
  10. Under this tree, Now click on UserShellFolders
  11. On the right pane, there should be a value called “Cache”
  12. Right click on it and click on Properties on the pop up menu
  13. Change the default value for this key. It should be set to c:\Windows\Temp
  14. Restart the computer

    15.  

     

Both these steps will help you access Microsoft Outlook without the error message.

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Tags: Error, Microsoft, Outlook, registry, Temp, Variable

Apple Boot Camp: Blue screen on updating drivers for Windows XP

Aug 14

Posted by Admin in Apple | No Comments


As you would probably know, Boot Camp Assistant enables installation of and execution of Windows XP on Apple Mac machines. You can use this application to install hardware drivers. It allows users to copy Mac drivers on a CD and install them for use on Windows XP. These drivers allow users to use Mac built in function on Windows XP, such as Graphics, USB, audio, bluetooth and ethernet. Boot Camp requires system software updates to install updated drivers. However, sometimes you may get a Blue Screen (Microsoft trademark of serious issues) and you may not be able to update the drivers. If you encounter such issue, follow the steps below to resolve the issue at hand.

  1. Restart Windows XP
  2. Tap the F8 key on the keyboard while the computer is booting up
  3. It will take you to Windows Startup Options screen
  4. From this screen, select “Last Known Good Configuration” and press “Enter”
  5. Select the Operating System that you want to boot into
  6. It should take you to the Desktop screen of Windows XP
  7. Restart the computer again in Normal mode
  8. Now reinstall drivers from the Mac Drivers disk.

Please note that these steps have been tested only on Boot Camp 1.1.2

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Tags: Apple, Blue Screen, Boot Camp, drivers, Mac, macintosh, Windows XP

How to enter BIOS? Common keys

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Troubleshooting | No Comments


In my experience of troubleshooting booting issues on various operating systems such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, even older ones like 98, Me, there are a lot of times when users have to get into the BIOS of the computer. However, there is no standard key stroke that will allow access to BIOS. I have made a list of some comptuers and BIOS manufacturers along with ways to enter BIOS on such computers. I hope the table below will help you.

Computer Type BIOS Setup Key(s) for Entry
Acer F1, F2, CTRL+ALT+ESC
AST CTRL+ALT+ESC, CTRL+ALT+DEL
Compaq 8700 F10
CompUSA DEL
Cybermax ESC
Dell 400 F3, F1
Dell Dimension F2 or DEL
Dell Inspiron F2
Dell Latitude Fn+F1 (While Booted)
Dell Latitude F2 (On Boot)
Dell Optiplex DEL, F2
Dell Precision F2
eMachine DEL
Gateway 2000 1440 F1
Gateway 2000 Solo F2
HP (Hewlett-Packard) F1, F2
IBM F1
IBM E-pro Laptop F2
IBM PS/2 CTRL+ALT+INS after CTRL+ALT+DEL
IBM Thinkpad (newer) Start|Programs|Thinkpad CFG
Intel Tangent DEL
Micron F1, F2, or DEL
NEC F2
Packard Bell F1, F2, or DEL
Sony VIAO F2
Tiger DEL
Toshiba 335 CDS ESC
Toshiba Protg ESC
Toshiba Satellite 205 CDS F1
Toshiba Tecra F1 or ESC
Toshiba Notebook [Newer models] 1. Turn on computer by Holding down power button while pressing the ESC key.
  The machine will beep, then display:
  Check System, then press [F1] key.
  2. Release ESC key
  3. Press F1 key
   
   
 Bios Suppliers

 

  Keyboard Commands
ALR Advanced Logic Research, Inc. PC / PCI F2 
ALR PC non / PCI CTRL+ALT+ESC
AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.) BIOS F1
AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.) BIOS DEL
Award BIOS CTRL+ALT+ESC
Award BIOS DEL
DTK (Datatech Enterprises Co.) BIOS ESC
Phoenix BIOS CTRL+ALT+ESC
Phoenix BIOS CTRL+ALT+S
Phoenix BIOS CTRL+ALT+INS
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Tags: BIOS, enter, how to, keys

Windows Update Error 0×80073712

Aug 13

Posted by Admin in Windows Vista, Windows XP | No Comments


Microsoft has released 2 major security loophole fixes in past 2 months. This leads us to believe that the security risk in our daily computing life is increasing every day. To ensure that our computer remains safe from these unwanted threats, all of us want to keep our computer updated with latest updates from Microsoft. Unfortunately, windows updates are not 100% successful everytime on all the machines in the world. This is one of the most common error that is thrown to users who attempt to run Windows update manually or get this message after they restart the computer post automatic updates has finished installing the updates. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below:

  1. Browse to Windows Folder. This is usually c:\Windows
  2. Double click on the winsxs folder
  3. Locate the file pending.xml and rename it to pending.old
  4. Restart the computer and try installing the updates again

In most cases, during the rename process, you may get “Access Denied” message. If this happens, follow the steps below:

  1. Right Click on pending.xml
  2. On the pop up menu, click on Properties
  3. On the Properties window, click on Security tab
  4. On the Security tab, click on Advanced and then click on Owner tab
  5. In the Name list, click on “Administrator” or click on the “Administrators Group” and then click on OK.
  6. Click on “Add”
  7. On the “Enter the object names to select (examples) list”, type Everyone
  8. Click on OK
  9. In the “Group or Username list”, click on “Full Control”
  10. Click on OK

After the above steps, you will be able to rename the file “pending.xml”

I hope this will allow you to resolve this issue, if it ever occurs on your computer. Keep your computer updated & safe.

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Tags: Error, install, Microsoft, update, windows