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Is there a free Internet image hosting site that I can post a photo on?
(I have heard of a few, like Photobucket, but I am not sure about which one I should get.) I would like to add a photo to my signature

(The photo I would like to add to my signature is below, it is attached)
Not too bad. You're new to Photoshop? Learn a lot of good techniques by going to http://www.good-tutorials.com ...

FlameFrankly, I'd rather not see such large images used in signature blocks. Your image is about 15.9Kbytes. It's a waste of bandwidth. And, think how it affects those folks using a dial-up Internet connection. It is a nice looking graghic, but maybe you could DOWNSIZE it a good bit if you're going to use it in the forum.Agreed. Maybe 1/4 the size, or less. Holy s**t, zylstra555, I just discovered your 50X65 pixel avatar is a humongous 51,590 bytes. You should really, really, OPTIMIZE that image for the web. Heck, I optimized it for you; it's here: Garfield avatar. It's only 2,304 bytes. Please, please, take it and use it. Somebody help him with his new creation as WELL! Ok, ok. Can someone tell me how to make my sig pic smaller using Photoshop or something without loosing colors?Changed my Avatar too, thanks! It looks better since the stuff in the center of the original is gone. (The look of a shrunken pic)Quote

Somebody help him with his new creation as well!

Quote

Somebody help him with his new creation as well!

Why? Whats wrong with it? (No, really, I'm new to Photoshop, but I have had it on my computer for a while. I have Ver. 5.)

I use Outlook 2003. At work I receive a lot of messages in plain text. I want to reply in HTML format to enable more features. As soon as I change the reply message to HTML, I GET the default font I want for my part of the message, but everthing I received in plain text (i.e. the received message) CHANGES automatically to a hideous Times New Roman 10 which is very un-asthetic and unreadable when i go to print it out, let alone read on the screen.

Aside from getting others to not use plain text, how can I control the change in the text of the received message when I convert to HTML format??
Please help.Before I answer your question, just a few caveats: the email system is not really designed with "pretty email" in mind. Yes, it can be done, but there is no widespread agreement on standards, and THEREFORE you cannot guarantee that the email you compose will look anything like the email the recipient reads. From Outlook to Outlook, yes, things will remain much the same. But Outlook (like all blasted Microsoft products) does things in a proprietary way.

I use Mozilla Thunderbird as my main email client, because it has some features (security and better multiple-account handling) that Outlook has traditionally lacked. I regularly receive emails from people using Outlook that I know don't look the way the sender INTENDED. And vice versa. (Handling of quoting is a prime example of differences between email clients.)

This is why plain text is good. You can't really go wrong with it. It's clean, efficient, and using plain text email is a good discipline because it helps you focus on the message rather than the fluff.

*dismount soapbox*

Check out the follow option in Outlook: Tools-->Options-->Mail format-->Fonts. If that doesn't do the trick, you can investigate using custom stationery.

I have not explored any of this stuff much, personally, but if you use Outlook's online help you'll find a few useful pointers.Thanks for the advice.
I really am not looking for pretty email (hence I don't use WORD as the editor) but just trying to avoid hideous email. I have tried all the standard options as you suggest. it just doesn't help.
Do you think the fact that I am on a multi-lingual compter could have anything to do with it? Hebrew and English (Hebrew being different characters, right to left, etc). I really doubt it, but I wish I could control better what is happening to the original message when I reply.
ThanksI also have Outlook 2003. I did some testing after reading your message and find that I can reply to a message with the format for the original message being retained in the reply. So, unless there's something peculiar about your multi-lingual computer that affects this, I think the cause probably lies somewhere in your settings or the procedure you use to reply to a message.

By the way, your default font setting replying and forwarding must be set to Times New Roman, which is why you see that font when you initially start a reply. You can change that by going to Tools, Options, Mail Format, click on Fonts, and then click on Choose Font (under "When replying and forwarding").

Since you say you change to HTML format when replying, you must have Plain Text set as your default format. I suggest you change your default format to HTML and see whether that eliminates the problem. To change the defualt setting for this, go to Tools, Options, Mail Format, and set HTML in the "Compose in the message format" box.

Exactly what procedure do you use when replying to a message? Do you click on the message and then click on the Reply button on the main toolbar, or do you double click on the message, thereby opening it in a separate panel, and then click on the Reply button on the toolbar in that panel?

If you double click on the message to open it in a separate panel, do you see a gray bar at the top of the panel that says, "This message was converted to plain text"?Thanks for all the feedback. Here is exactly what happens.
All of my default settings are as I want them (compose in HTML, composing new message in Century Gothic 10, Replying and Forwarding in Century Gothic 10, composing plain text in Arial 10).
I receive a message in plain text from those who write in plain text.
I click on it to reply or open and reply, in both cases, a new window is open.
The margin at the top says plain text
I click on HTML (to get the font I want in my reply) and lo and behold all of the text in the original message changes to times new roman 10.
I find this so annoying, but more so that I don't know how to control it.
Thanks for any more advise you can offer.
Rosa

how can i bypass a PASSWORD of window nt?Why do you want to do that :-?This is a publc (law-abiding) forum, hence we are unable to GIVE out GENERIC cracking ADVICE.

hi guys i need your help again
i have a good frien who says she is having her pc hacked and her life is being made *censored* this is the problem
this person is a member of 2 chat rooms sites .
she is saying that the OWNER of 1 of the sites is hacking into her pc and is reading all her sent emails and pms that she has sent to some of her friends and copying them and showing them for all to see on his site .
im no expert and dont know where to start when it comes to hacking pcs BUT is this possible ?i didnt think you could hack into someones pc and read pms you MAY have sent .is there anyway to stop this ?cheers guysYour friend needs good Anti-Virus protection, Spyware protection, and a good Firewall. Does your friend have any protection?

Flamethanks for the fast reply flame .
on this 1 flame i would say yes but not 100% sure but will soon find out .if not what would you recomend ?
but i would have thought (but could be wrong ) if the person who runs his own site with over 2000 members would be clever enough to get past the firewall or anti virus protection ?
i know that admins on some sites can read any pms that some members may have sent but i didnt think he would able to read pms that members have sent on a different site ?cheers .nomadIf they made their custom script, then they might be using that to hack in. Otherwise, all scripts have a security hole in there somewhere. Anyway... For virus protection, I would say download AVG: http://www.grisoft.com/doc/71/lng/us/tpl/tpl01 ... CLICK on AVG 7/1 for Windows at the top. For Spyware protection, assuming this computer is able to handle it as far as requirements, Windows Defender is a good shot... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&displaylang=en ... For a firewall, TRY ZoneAlarm... http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=nav_za ... Give these a shot. Hopefully that's all there is to it.

FlameShe didn't give her password out did she? Does she use the same login and password for all sites? If not she could format her PC and reinstall Windows and then never go back to the problem site. Of course the above protection should be installed as well.I wouldn't enter a chat room anyway

Flame

Well, I'm finally buying a router... http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=311811&pfp=browse&tabtype=ts#moreinfo ... I don't know much at all about networks at this time, so I'll ask the question now... I know that you have to open/close some ports due to the internal firewall, but which ones? Why? I know Rob knows a thing or two about this, but if ANYONE can tell me if I have to open/close anything, please let me know.

FlameActually, you may not NEED to open/close any specific ports; that may be necessary for certain unique applications such as NetMeeting. But, for general use, you can probably get started and get your Internet connection working by running a setup wizard in your router's adminstrative control panel. Carefully read the instructions that come with the router and then, if you still have questions, post them. NETGEAR's website probably has a lot of info, in addition to the instructions that come with the router. Another resource is the DSLReports.com forum, which specializes in network topics. They have have forums by hardware brand, including Netgear.

For some insight into the firewall function of a router, I think this is interesting: How Network Address Translation Works. The basic foundation of the hardware firewall protection provided my many routers is something called Network Address Translation (NAT).Thanks for the info Will be looking into it

FlameYup. NAT is what it's all about.

Your router's firewall comes into its own with unsolicited connections. Usually, connections initiated by a computer within the LAN are handled transparently by the router. A PC requests a web page (on port 80) and the router there allows the response back from port 80 to the PC.

You will generally only need to open ports on the router's firewall if you are planning to run a publicly-accessible server.Ok great! I'll also need to open a few for gaming no doubt BF2, Warcraft III, etc. I'll be going to the store this coming Saturday to pick it up, so I'll let you know how things go then

FlameMaybe, but I can get online GAMES no problem. So... if you need to, OK... Well, usually you can join games no problem. It's hosting a game where most issues set-in.

FlameTry going to portforward.com .
Just look for the application you need to port for.
They have a lot of help there.
Setup my packet8 VOIP phone here.Thanks to all for POSTING their info! I'll go BUY it this weekend and let you know how it works

Flame

Why is it that its 2.32am there and 631pm here....(are we ALL on the same page ??) ...LOL...Cheers !!You can ADJUST to local time in your profile. ......... What time zone is the moon in ......??


dl65 Quote

......... What time zone is the moon in ......??


dl65

I want to burn video clips to a DVD-RW. HOWEVER, my computer won't allow me to burn the COPY off. What can I do to make the clips go onto a DVD-RW?fille de francaise...... Quote

However, my computer won't allow me to burn the copy off.

i will be working on my friends COMPUTER and all of a sudden it cuts out... not off just out. the fans and the light on the motherboard will still be on but i cant do anything or see anything. the only way to RESTART it is to unplugg it from the wall and plug it back in. its a HP Pavilion 750n, anything i can do about this.Usual info needed - What model? How old? What happened prior to this?, etc., etc

I'm all guessed out for the day. well the hard drive failed (it was a cheap one) and we had to replace it. i used a western digital hd and it works fine, i put windows 2000 pro on it, and i was in the process of doing the drivers when it cut out and i got CONFUSED. well in the BIOS the hardware monitor showed the current temp of the processor and it went from 124-195*F and when i tried to start windows it cut out again. if i let it cool it will start windows but if i try to do anything it cuts out again. if you need anything else tell me...That is too hot for a processor. If it is an AMD high temp can kill them, if an Intel they usually shut down.

Time for some THERMAL paste, a new CPU fan, and finger crossing.

HELLO EVERYONE IF ANYONE NEEDS COMPUTER PARTS PLEASE EMAIL ME THE PART OR PARTS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AND DESCRIPTION AND I CAN SEE IF I CAN GET IT FOR YOU CHEAPER THAN WHAT YOU WOULD PAY FOR IT? THANKS FOR READINGHow can you expect anyone to trust you, a total stranger? Seems to me you should try selling your stuff on ebay. There, at least the buyer has some assurance of not being the victim of a scammer.Well, well, well... I do believe that advertising is against forum policy, and look what you're doing. Topic locked.

FlameTopic unlocked, purpose of topic was clarified via PM. Moderator has been lead into thinking that this is practicing research skills and not advertising. This incident has been released, however, any ADDITIONAL signs of advertising will be dealt with accordingly.

Flamehttp://www.jump-ent.com/
What? It's not my site lol I just help with the servers Sadly, eps are the best way to keep viewers coming

Flame

I purchased the above referenced printer 7 months ago and everything has been working fine until today. When I go to print something, I get an error message stating that it the ink cartridge is incorrect. I've tried REBOOTING the COMPUTER, taking the cartridges out and placing them back in; it still doesn't work. Any suggestions?vthompsontx...... According to what I can see ...that printer should still be under warrantee ......... Contact HP or try the live online chat ......
http://ipgweb.cce.hp.com/ipgna/caller/chat.asp?dd=printers&productName=HP+Deskjet+5440+Photo+Printer&productCategory=14438&SCOID=236252&PSOID=445466&lang=en&cc=us


dl65 You can always try UNINSTALLING the software, rebooting and reinstalling. Then HOOK the printer back in. May be WORTH a shot!

Hello, I'm new to this, but I'm at a loss and I really need help. When I turned on my PC today, it started in safe mode; without even giving me the option to choose otherwise. It had been shut down properly, and had been giving me no trouble the previous day; I had even just run Virus scan and it had detected nothing. Anyway, I've tried and I cannot get it out of safemode. When I restart it it goes to a menu where I am allowed to select 'Normal' mode, but once it starts to load it just boots me BACK to the selection screen, except that I can't do anything once I'm there, and end up having to manually reboot the PC.
I have a Gateway Pc that is only about 4 years old, and has win 98 installed; It's definetly never given me trouble like this before. So, can someone help me? Please? This problem is driving me crazy...Do the EDGES of the screen SAY "Safe Mode" or is it just the colors that are messed up?

Right before your computer says "Windows 98" (the loading screen) begin to press the F8 key.

(here, a POST comes 365 days after it was first posted. What a long WAIT! I hope you see this)More than 2 years is an even longer wait, you have too much free time on your hands Zylstra. I somehow doubt he's still on the forums, and if he is, he's registered, possibly under a new name. someone is in a postrace Quote

someone is in a postrace

Quote

someone is in a postrace

Flame, How Did You know?

No, really. I had already been through all the new posts on the forum (in the "other" section). There were no new ones. So I went back like 289 posts. Back when there were only a few people on the forum, and when the admin was going mad in responses.

Access Denied
The requested document, http://www.sfdt.com/, will not be shown.

Reason: Found in Denied List (Violence). Entry causing block is sfdt.com.








--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © (1996-2003) Symantec Corporation
All Rights Reserved. Legal Notice

"Stick figure death theatre"?!

Ok, here we go. I have ALREADY put a question together but no-ONE can seem to help me. I want someone to take the challenge and save my arse. I have taken all of my friends files off a computer and placed it onto a DVD using Nero. I used the simulation burn before the real one. There are all types of files on the DVD like pictures, music and word files. During the buring process there was an error but on the DVD there was still 3.8gb on the disk so i thought it would be all good. We then proceeded to wipe the computer clean of all her files. When i went to copy the files onto the computer we gat all kinds of errors and when i ATTEMPTED to make a direct copy it always stops at 47%. I have attempted to bring back the files on the computer but when refresing it only BRINGS back SETTINGS and not actual files. I have tried many many things. I am putting out the challenge to the best computer minds to see if you can save my soul. There are very precious things on this disk that need to be saved.
God speedCould you please stick to your original thread? It's >here<. Thanks.

I have burnt all of this information onto a DVD and know i have to get it off. The only problem is that something HAPPENED during the burning process and the disk did not close. How can i know close this disk now this has happened. If i cannot close it is there any other way that i can copy this information onto another medium. I can look at everything on there like pictures and music but when i try to open a word file it says that it cannot open. When i try to copy the files it tells me that it cannot read from the source disk.
Please help it is some of my friends information and there is a lot of it there.
Thanx :-?Possibly your DVD burning software has a facility to close DVD sessions - check the help. Alternatively, you could try using that software to copy the DVD.Ok, here we go. I have already put a question together but no-one can seem to help me. I want someone to take the challenge and save my arse. I have taken all of my friends files off a computer and placed it onto a DVD using Nero. I used the simulation burn before the real one. There are all types of files on the DVD like pictures, music and word files. During the buring process there was an error but on the DVD there was still 3.8gb on the disk so i thought it would be all good. We then proceeded to WIPE the computer clean of all her files. When i went to copy the files onto the computer we gat all kinds of errors and when i attempted to make a DIRECT copy it always stops at 47%. I have attempted to bring back the files on the computer but when refresing it only brings back settings and not actual files. I have tried many many things. I am putting out the challenge to the best computer minds to see if you can save my soul. There are very precious things on this disk that need to be saved.
God speed
Is that betterAnd I said: "Possibly your DVD burning software has a facility to close DVD sessions - check the help. Alternatively, you could try using that software to copy the DVD."

Have you tried either of those suggestions?SORRY i dont think i made myself very clear. I have tried for the last day to close the disk or put more on it. But it not a multisession and one of the files are corrupted. I have recently used a program to get back all of the files that i had deleted and it has worked quite well. But, i cannot seem to find all of the pictures. Are you aware of these types of programs and if so do you know if they could get back around 2.5gb worth of pictures
ThanksWell you need something to read the DVD in a fault-tolerant manner. I was hoping that simply attempting to copy it (my second suggestion) would help in this regard. Yes, there are programs that can help, but they tend to be expensive. Ditto, data recovery experts.

Before you go there, you could try some of the suggestions in >this thread in a dedicated CD/DVD burning forum<, or maybe explore that forum for more suggestions.

Hello all;
I am trying to OPEN design planes for a rc plane I downloaded off the net. The download went fine but I am told I am missing c/program exe. to open the ziped file. I run win 98, does anyone know how or where I can find this file? I realy want the plans
Google for winzipHi;
I googled winzip but because I'm so cheap I decided to go with 7-Zip. I have no idea what I'm doing though I still cannot OPED my ziped files. Is anyone familiar with 7-Zip?WinZip will let you use the software for a limited trial period without paying for it. Just yesterday, I used WinZip 8.1 with Win 98SE to unzip a file. You can download that VERSION or other versions from Old Versions Available of WinZip to Download7-Zip will also open zipped files, and it is as the OP SAID free. Just load up 7-Zip and the use it to open the file. What happens?Hi

I use 7 zip often.

After downloading 7-zip, install it in your PC.

Then select your zip file, right click it and choose "open archive".

(Note: After installing 7-zip you will always see "open archive" in the CONTEXT menu.)

Then a windows open and you see the original file(s) there.

You need to double click that file(s) to open it.

Is this just me, or is the forum messed up. (see screenshots)screenshot 2....Yep, I'm seeing the same PINNED topics. Odd.Problem solved. I have no idea how they got up there, but I made them BELONG there by "Stickying" them and then "unstickying" them, which sent them to their proper positions.

FlameQuote

Problem solved. I have no idea how they got up there, but I made them BELONG there by "Stickying" them and then "unstickying" them, which sent them to their proper positions.

FLAME

Hi can anyone identify what this is in the top right hand corner of my SCREEN, its on top of all windows,
I first had F23: appear a couple of days ago while backing up things as I was installing a new HDD when it appeared it locked my cursor to it and I couldn't budge it. I tried in safe mode but it disappeared and I could move the cursor again. went BACK in normal mode (windows xp home) and darned if it didn't appear again and locked up my cursor again.
I couldn't look the problem up, I went back in safe mode and updated drivers for keyboard and mouse but they didn't need it. couldn't do anything so decided to change to my new driver despite only having half of back up.
installed windows xp again on new drive, everything was fine till about a third of the way of installing my programmes when F23: popped up again and locked my cursor.
Not knowing what to do I reinstalled a different version of Norton as I've had problems with it, when I rebooted F23: had gone, that was this morning but now this evening F24: has appeared where F23: was but for the moment it isn't doing any harm, I tried right clicking on it and left clicking but get nothing.
Anyone any ideas please?
IanThe Norton VIRUS strikes again.


Can you uninstall with the instruction on the Symantec site and not reinstall a Norton product? What happens then?

How about a system restore to a point before all of this?

You may be forced to reinstall Windows (rather than a restore) to be rid of this. What do you use for protection other than Norton products?
I uninstalled Norton via add and remove, not sure it gets rid of all but it shouldn't matter with a reinstall of Norton as Norton over-writes old versions I think.
System restore wouldn't work with the F23 or f24 showing.
I did a complete reinstall of xp after changing the hard disc drive, it would help if I knew what those F23 and F24 indicate
I have ad-aware, spybot search and distroy, spyware blaster, and spyguard for protectionQuote

I uninstalled Norton via add and remove, not sure it gets rid of all but it shouldn't matter with a reinstall of Norton as Norton over-writes old versions I think.

Is it possible for a TV station or network to prevent you from recording a movie with your DVD Recorder? Today I was recording a movie off The Movie Network; it stopped recording about 5 – 10 minutes into it. A message came up on my DVD recorder saying, “SOURCE is copy right protected, recording terminated”.

Please let me know if you ever heard of this happening before, or if it has happened to you.
I GIVE up. Is this on your COMPUTER, a stand alone recorder or what? Of course it is copyrighted so you can't legally do that anyway according to Hollywood. If it's not hardware restricted now, it soon will be.It's a stand alone DVD recorder HOOKED up to my TV.I think new ones have that function built into them to prevent PEOPLE from copying movies (for now) and any copyrighted material - old TV series, etc. (very, very soon, if not now!).

Hello everyone,
How can i give access or permission others in my network to use some of my FOLDERS what PORTS am i suppose to open for them. Since i started using windows firewall they can not access to my shared folders. We all use Win XP.
thanks,

sharifYou'd need to allow traffic (UDP and TCP) on ports 137, 138 and 139.Hi , i opened those ports last week for the printer and it worked fine now the problem is the shared folders in my PC is not permitting others to use my shared folders, not giving any access REJECTING others to use the share folders.
thanks.
sharifCan the other PCs see the shared folder, but not the contents? Have you given read access to all USERS?I gave full access, but they can not see the shared folders nor my PC, they see nothing the answer is no access, note: every computer have a different name and we all share a Group Name, we had no problems before until we start using this windows firewall.
sharifCan they connect to your computer by typing (e.g.) \\computername in a Windows Explorer address bar? Does the "Find Computer" option work? What happens if you temporarily disable the firewall?Find Computer option works it finds the computer but says this if i try to access " is not accessible you might not have permission to this network resource". But i disabled the windows firewall everything is OK no problems we all can use our resource without any obstacles or hindrance.
Note:
Yes they can connect to my computer by typing (e.g.) \\computername in also Windows Explorer address bar, but i can not contact them as i mentioned unless i disable the firewall. Strange!
sharifWell it sounds very much like the firewall is still misconfigured then.

If you were using ZoneAlarm rather than the Windows XP firewall, you could simply DESIGNATE your LAN as "trusted". Actually it would be quite a good idea to use ZoneAlarm rather than XP's firewall. Neither is a panacea, but ZoneAlarm is better.I checked now the other pc's they can contact me by IE toolbar, Search botton or through the normal way which is My Network Places, but my PC is blocked somewhere i have no access to them nor the IE toolbar, Search or Network places just recjecting one time says check the spelling another time no access.

Thanks again i will take your advice and see how much i can do, my intention was to use the availabe software and the cheapest way to protect old home use PC's.
sharif

u kno how there r different ACCOUNTS you can LOG onto on windows xp. well, im gonna be giving my laptop to be repaired in about a months time, and was wondering, do the people there actually log onto YOUR account to do stuff? cos i have aproblem with my laptop fan, bt i also think theres a hardware problem too, as laptop doesnt seem to boot up properly. i have a password 2 get on2 my account, bt theres a guest account as well, so they wud go on2 that right? lol. not that i have nething 2 hide, bt think it wud be a bit rude if they went on2 my account. just a question
thank u Any computer technician worth his salt, GIVEN physical access to your computer, will be able to access any file on that computer. If you don't trust them, or your data is sensitive, either REMOVE it or use someone else.so say that u delete it, and then delete it from recycle bin, is it gone-gone forever? thanku It can be retrieved if someone were really interested. What are you - CIA? Do that and DEFRAGMENT the drive and you will be safe enough. I recommend putting the hard drive in the microwave for 20 minutes.

And fleeing the area.

Obviously it is best to use someone else's microwave for this purpose.

Someone you don't like very much.hehe, thanks u guys. bt dont kno wat defragment thingy is, will just do the recycle bin deleting, plus its not really anything. was just curious tbh, its just my uni work n essays, no fbi/cia stuff, no1 is interested in wat i have. hehe. thanks Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Cleanup and then Disk Defragmenter (right below it). That should make you safe. so will that delete EVERYTHING i have, cos i dont want that :-?Defragmenting deletes nothing, although it may overwrite files that have been deleted (from the file allocation table) but which are still magnetically present on the hard drive.Quote

Defragmenting deletes nothing, although it may overwrite files that have been deleted (from the file allocation table) but which are still magnetically present on the hard drive.

Good morning everyone,

i'm having strange problems here. This started one week ago, my internet connection is particularly slow and to upload files is impossible. Sometimes i can't even have access to internet. I have an adsl connection of 3,3 mb.
i'm connected using a gateway with network cable.
My brother has a pc upstairs using the same internet connection, he's using a wireless network card with the gateway. And he doesn't have any of the problems i have.
Because of this i don't think the problem can come either from my gateway or from my isp.
the gateway is giving green light for the network card, i recently changed the cable because the gateway had problems to receive the signal from the network card (the green light was going on and off) but now the green light is always on.
In the past i had a similar problem, i did a scan with addaware and my av and everything went ok. So i did the same but this time it didn't solve my problem.
i did a system restore didn't solve my problem either.
i have windows xp SP2, my brother and me thought about a possible problem with the firewall. this one was BROKEN (unidentified problem you can't access...), i did a search on the web and managed to open the firewall in the end. But this didn't solve my problems and i'm running out of ideas here.

So i was wondering if some of you didn't have any idea about how to solve that. I'm not good at computer so when giving a solution COULD you give as much details as possible please.

Thank you in advance, Pierre

i just made a scan using hijack this i thought this might help in finding the problem:

"Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 10:11:50, on 27/05/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe"C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe
C:\SCANJET\PrecisionScanLT\hppwrsav.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
F:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpage.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dslagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\rmctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wuauclt.exe
F:\utilitaires\FixSflog.exe
G:\HijackThis.exeR0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Liens
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
O2 - BHO: InstantChess - {40D61F04-59E4-4C8D-BF6E-697AB9C21F43} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\ChessBar.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {6A9B53B1-A774-070E-030A-F6600713DAEF} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {9C691A33-7DDA-4C2F-BE4C-C176083F35CF} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A021D5D9-3D20-477A-AA22-F82CF70D206A} - (no file)
O3 - Toolbar: InstantChess - {40D61F04-59E4-4C8D-BF6E-697AB9C21F43} - C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\ChessBar.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: McAfee VirusScan - {BA52B914-B692-46c4-B683-905236F6F655} - c:\progra~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsshl.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDet] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hppwrsav] C:\SCANJET\PrecisionScanLT\hppwrsav.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RAMpage] "f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpage.exe" M=28 T=4 P="f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpageConfig.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Windows System] syshost.exeO4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCUpdateExe] C:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\McUpdate.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MCAgentExe] c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mcagent.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebScan] C:\PROGRA~1\ACCELE~1\ANTI-V~1\DEFSCA~1.EXE -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VSOCheckTask] "c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcmnhdlr.exe" /checktask
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RemoteControl] C:\WINDOWS\System32\rmctrl.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IST Service] C:\Program Files\ISTsvc\istsvc.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IC_KEY_3] C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\spvic.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\System32\stimon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsoft Windows System] syshost.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WindowsUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\System\svchost.exe /s
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [srshost.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\srshost.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "f:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xporter vers Microsoft Excel - res://F:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Console Java (Sun) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - F:\Program Files\aim\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - F:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - F:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {03F998B2-0E00-11D3-A498-00104B6EB52E} (MetaStreamCtl Class) - https://components.viewpoint.com/adobe/MTSInstallers/MetaStream3.cab?url=http://www.baie-saintmichel.com/images/galerie/ThumbnailFrame.html
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://cdn.messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMessengerSetupDownloader.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{2E6846BB-7CAB-45E5-8BFF-5041156E60FF}: NameServer = 192.168.1.1
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O23 - Service: ADSLAutoconnect - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ADSL Autoconnect\ADSL Autoconnect.exe" -z (file missing)
O23 - Service: AVK Service (AVKService) - Unknown owner - f:\Program Files\Antivirus-Profi-Paket\AVKService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Gardien d'AVK (AVKWCtl) - Unknown owner - f:\Program Files\Antivirus-Profi-Paket\AVKWCtl.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee WSC Integration (McDetect.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com McShield (McShield) - Unknown owner - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcshield.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee Task Scheduler (McTskshd.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee SecurityCenter Update Manager (mcupdmgr.exe) - McAfee, Inc - C:\PROGRA~1\McAfee.com\Agent\mcupdmgr.exe
O23 - Service: McAfee.com VirusScan Online Realtime Engine (MCVSRte) - McAfee, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\vso\mcvsrte.exe
O23 - Service: NetLimiter (nlsvc) - Unknown owner - F:\Program Files\netlimiter\NetLimiter 2 Pro\nlsvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: VNC Server Version 4 (WinVNC4) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe" -service (file missing)
c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe - Unknown
c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe - Unknown
C:\SCANJET\PrecisionScanLT\hppwrsav.exe - Unknown
C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe - Unknown
F:\utilitaires\FixSflog.exe - Unknown
R3 - Default URLSearchHook is missing - Nasty
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe - Unknown
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {6A9B53B1-A774-070E-030A-F6600713DAEF} - (no file) - Unknown
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {9C691A33-7DDA-4C2F-BE4C-C176083F35CF} - (no file) - Nasty
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {A021D5D9-3D20-477A-AA22-F82CF70D206A} - (no file) - Unknown
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RAMpage] "f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpage.exe" M=28 T=4 P="f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpageConfig.exe" - Unknown
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Microsoft Windows System] syshost.exe - Nasty
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebScan] C:\PROGRA~1\ACCELE~1\ANTI-V~1\DEFSCA~1.EXE -k - Unknown
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IST Service] C:\Program Files\ISTsvc\istsvc.exe - Nasty
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe - Unknown
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Microsoft Windows System] syshost.exe - Nasty
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe - Unknown
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WindowsUpdate] C:\WINDOWS\System\svchost.exe /s - Nasty
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [srshost.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\srshost.exe - Possibly nasty
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [sndraw32] C:\WINDOWS\system32\sndraw32.exe - Unknown
O9 - Extra button: NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll - Possibly nasty
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll - Possibly nasty
O23 - Service: McAfee WSC Integration (McDetect.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\program files\mcafee.com\agent\mcdetect.exe - Unknown
O23 - Service: McAfee Task Scheduler (McTskshd.exe) - McAfee, Inc - c:\PROGRA~1\mcafee.com\agent\mctskshd.exe - Unknown
O23 - Service: NetLimiter (nlsvc) - Unknown owner - F:\Program Files\netlimiter\NetLimiter 2 Pro\nlsvc.exe (file missing) - Unknown

Download, install & update...
CLEANUP
Ccleaner
(During install, uncheck the Yahoo Toolbar option)
(After install, set Options>Advanced> 'Uncheck the 48 hour box')
ANTI SPYWARE
Ad-Aware
Spybot S&D
ANTI VIRUS
AVG Free (After install, set Options to 'scan all files')
ANTI TROJAN
EWIDO (W2k & XP Only)
and/or
a-squared (a² Winall)

Turn off System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)

Run Ccleaner including 'Issues Scan'
Run Ad-Aware
Run Spybot
Run AVG Free
Run Ewido and/or a-squared (a²)
Re-start in Safe Mode
Re-run AVG Free

Re-start in Normal Mode
Turn on System Restore if applicable. (ME & XP users)

Come back here with a fresh Hijackthis log.

thanks for helping me
i did everything you told me in the order you have written + i fixed the bad entries found by hijack this
here is now the latest log:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 18:52:59, on 28/05/2006
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoguard.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\inetsrv\inetinfo.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE
F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe
C:\SCANJET\PrecisionScanLT\hppwrsav.exe
C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe
F:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpage.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dslagent.exe
C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
G:\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Liens
F2 - REG:system.ini: UserInit=C:\WINDOWS\System32\Userinit.exe
O3 - Toolbar: (no name) - {40D61F04-59E4-4C8D-BF6E-697AB9C21F43} - (no file)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDet] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2\DVDAudio\CTDVDDet.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hppwrsav] C:\SCANJET\PrecisionScanLT\hppwrsav.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DAEMON Tools-1033] "C:\Program Files\D-Tools\daemon.exe" -lang 1033
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RAMpage] "f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpage.exe" M=28 T=4 P="f:\Program Files\RAMpage\RAMpageConfig.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WebScan] C:\PROGRA~1\ACCELE~1\ANTI-V~1\DEFSCA~1.EXE -k
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DSLAGENTEXE] dslagent.exe USB
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\System32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IC_KEY_3] C:\WINDOWS\Downloaded Program Files\spvic.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\jusched.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PrevxOne] C:\Program Files\Prevx1\PXConsole.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cleanup] C:\DOCUME~1\Pierre\LOCALS~1\Temp\200652893827_mcappins.exe /v=3 /cleanup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [msci] C:\DOCUME~1\Pierre\LOCALS~1\Temp\200652893821_mcinfo.exe /insfin
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\System32\stimon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MessengerPlus3] "F:\Program Files\Messenger Plus! 3\MsgPlus.exe" /WinStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Skype] "f:\Program Files\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /nosplash /minimized
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xporter vers Microsoft Excel - res://F:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~1\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Console Java (Sun) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: &NetAnts - {57E91B47-F40A-11D1-B792-444553540000} - C:\WINDOWS\System32\shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - F:\Program Files\aim\aim.exe
O9 - Extra button: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - F:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: ICQ Lite - {B863453A-26C3-4e1f-A54D-A2CD196348E9} - F:\Program Files\ICQLite\ICQLite.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {03F998B2-0E00-11D3-A498-00104B6EB52E} (MetaStreamCtl Class) - https://components.viewpoint.com/adobe/MTSInstallers/MetaStream3.cab?url=http://www.baie-saintmichel.com/images/galerie/ThumbnailFrame.html
O16 - DPF: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://cdn.messenger.msn.com/download/MsnMessengerSetupDownloader.cab
O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{2E6846BB-7CAB-45E5-8BFF-5041156E60FF}: NameSe
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - "C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\msgrapp.dll" (file missing)
O23 - Service: ADSLAutoconnect - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ADSL Autoconnect\ADSL Autoconnect.exe" -z (file missing)
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\Grisoft\AVGFRE~1\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVK Service (AVKService) - Unknown owner - f:\Program Files\Antivirus-Profi-Paket\AVKService.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Gardien d'AVK (AVKWCtl) - Unknown owner - f:\Program Files\Antivirus-Profi-Paket\AVKWCtl.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Creative Technology Ltd - C:\WINDOWS\System32\CTsvcCDA.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite control - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoctrl.exe
O23 - Service: ewido security suite guard - ewido networks - C:\Program Files\ewido anti-malware\ewidoguard.exe
O23 - Service: NetLimiter (nlsvc) - Unknown owner - F:\Program Files\netlimiter\NetLimiter 2 Pro\nlsvc.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\System32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Prevx Agent (PREVXAgent) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Prevx1\PXAgent.exe" -f (file missing)
O23 - Service: VNC Server Version 4 (WinVNC4) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\RealVNC\VNC4\WinVNC4.exe" -service (file missing)my internet explorer is now a lot faster than it was before the scan
i can upload again but the speed is not as fast as it should.

from testmy.net (upload test website)

":::.. Upload Stats ..:::
Connection is:: 108 Kbps about 0.11 Mbps (tested with 386 kB)
Upload Speed is:: 13 kB/s
Tested From:: http://testmy.net (Server 2)
Test Time:: 2006/05/28 - 12:12pm
Bottom Line:: 2X faster than 56K 1MB Upload in 78.77 sec
Tested from a 386 kB file and took 29.39904 seconds to complete
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.1; SV1; .NET CLR 1.0.3705)
Diagnosis: May need help : running at only 59.67 % of your hosts average (skynet.be)
Validation Link:: http://testmy.net/stats/id-4JKDNHTZF
"

i'm uploading files daily and i'd like to be able to use my upload to its full potential.
If you have any idea about what i could do?Are you running a Firewall?
If not, then get one before proceeding with anything else.

Did you untick the 48 hour box in ccleaner options?
If not, then untick it & re-run ccleaner. (For both CLEANER & ISSUES)

Run Prevx1, the Prevx analyser detected malware. (Rogue.AS.Checkflow)
What do you think of Prevx?

Come back with a fresh Hijackthis log.
i'm using the firewall coming with SP2 is it good enough? otherwise i can install zone alarm.
anyway since i'm using a gateway, isn't there a firewall inside it already?

rerun ccleaner i had forgotten to scan for issues, it found a lot of damaged dll and so on.
i had ran prevx1 prior CONTACTING you here on advice from a friend. looks like it's a good software though i can have it only for a few days otherwise i'll have to buy it.

hey folks please GIVE aid - thank you

i'm definately a newbie - so replies will have 2 b childlike! sum1 has gained access 2 my computer & used it for a few hours. They were physically @ the pc, not a cyber raid. my Q? i need an expert 2 let me KNOW where i should look an my pc in order 2 find what folders in documents were accessed in that time period. I am not concerned with websites searched ETC?

I do not know if ne1 can help with this request so be gentle - cheers. i really will appreciate ne help given - i know u folks have better, more important topics but it would be good if some one with pc knowlegde laid out instructions on what 2 do - i would buy you a drink, but cyber beer is off this time of year! Many thanks for your time spent reading and helping with is.You could look in the Start/Documents area to see the 10 or so most recently viewed files. Beyond that, not much to see what was viewed. If anything were changed you could look at the time stamps in explorer (View/Details).

This would be a good time for a password installation. What VERSION of Windows?

Ok, i am 17 and looking for a JOB like most TEENAGERS right? WELL anyway most people only accept online applications from people anymore. So i checked out a few near by me ...Blockbuster, Price Chopper and CVS. Now i apllied for each one (not on the same day) and called after a week had PAST to see if they had received my application. Everyone on of them said they never got my application. What could be the problem? I told my mother about it and she said that i prolly wasn;t filling them out right but i did every time i did one , at the end they always said "Thanks for applying at so and so" so does anyone know what i can do?

If so please email me right away at [emailprotected]!

Thanks bunches.It's a bit annoying finding an identical thread started in multiple categories... >Once< was enough. (Speaking to the visitor over AIM now)

Flame

Ok, i am 17 and looking for a job like most teenagers right? Well anyway most people only accept online applications from people anymore. So i checked out a few near by me ...Blockbuster, PRICE Chopper and CVS. Now i apllied for each one (not on the same day) and called after a week had past to see if they had received my APPLICATION. Everyone on of them said they never got my application. What could be the problem? I told my mother about it and she said that i prolly wasn;t filling them out right but i did every time i did one , at the end they always said "Thanks for APPLYING at so and so" so does anyone know what i can do?

If so please email me right away at [emailprotected]!

Thanks bunches.It's a bit ANNOYING finding an identical thread started in multiple categories... >Once< was enough. Closing Topic. An open topic will be available in the Internet Explorer section.

Flame

Me &AMP; my friend are arguing about the percentage of computers custom built


PLZ HELPFirst off, the FAQ section is no place for this post. I will now move it to the OTHERS board. Secondly, what does your TEXTBOOK say about this? Is this a HOMEWORK assignment? Don't forget about our good friend Google.

Flame

There is a new TOOLBAR thing from Google. It is called Google Web Accelerator. I would like to know if it really works. (it is not for Dial-Up)
What is does is this:
It takes your internet connection, and redirects it to the Google servers. It stores a temp catch that allows you to load internet pages from the internet faster. (does not work for dial up, does not speed up download time)

Has anyone else tried it? http://webaccelerator.google.com/ for more information




(I would also like to take this time to tell people about the Google toolbar. It comes with this neat thing that checks for spelling ERRORS in forms and fields. GO try it out)I avoid ALL toolbars like the plague! Quote

I avoid ALL toolbars like the plague!

What does this mean...I tried to adjust them, and I'm not able to do so.

Does this mean I need a new operating system?! Ack!

SOMEONE PLLLLLLEASE help me You're going to have to provide some details. OS? System hardware specs, especially the video part? Make and model of monitor?...eeek, I don't know! I think its Windows ME, and the monitor is a Cicero. That is all I know, which is why I'm here....gulp. Looks like I'm s.o.lOkay - bear with us. First we need to figure out what you mean by your question. What do you mean by "pixels"? And what did you do when you tried "to adjust them"? Do you happen to have any computer literate friends?sit further back scandoll, what version of windows do you have? Can you type a command to command prompt? I forgot the menus in windows 98/me... you have to OPEN a command prompt window (which in windows xp is obtained like: START->RUN and here you 1) write your command, in our CASE "winver", if you don't need the command prompt or 2) write "cmd" (in 98 / Me it's "command" ) and here you write "winver" (in all the places, without the quotes).
P.S. What means s.o.l. ?
P.S. 2: Gee, /Me = / Me CoolQuote

P.S. What means s.o.l. ?

Where can i VIEW pagerank of any website?

ThanksWhat do you mean by that?"What to do you mean by that" means what?? :-?

If there are two sites A and B and if B links to A then Google
interprets that link from page B to page A as a vote by page B, to page A.

Google ANALYSES how important page B is and accordingly it gives
importance to page A.

Thus google considers all links that page A RECEIVES from various webpages
and accordingly ranks ( give importance to page A). PR varies from 0 to 9
and higher PR pages have higher importance.

So if two webpages have PR 3 and 6 respectively then every other sites will
be more INCLINED to link to site of PR 6 than site of PR 3. http://www.googlerankings.com/Hi

I am not asking for ranking of a site in google,
but i want to know pagerank of a site.

Note that many sites can have the same pagerank and pagerank can be any number from 0 to 10.

[size=14]View this[/size]See >this< Wikipedia page - in particular this quote:

Quote

the Google Toolbar ... displays the PageRank of a web page currently DISPLAYED by a browser

Server Error
The following error occurred:

[code=INVALID_TUNNEL_PORT] Tunneling is not allowed on this port. Contact your system administrator.
Please contact the administrator.


i am getting this error when i am trying to get extensions to my FIREFOX browser,i am using a proxy
i know if i remove my proxy i can download this extensions but i dont want to do this is there no other way out like changing the proxy and and port??

Hope this helps - extracted from here

INVALID_TUNNEL_PORT

Message Text in Browser:
Tunneling is not allowed on this port. Contact your system
administrator.

Explanation:
The administrator has blocked the use of this port from requesting
SECURE requests from clients.

Action:
In the Appliance MANAGER, check both the Outbound Ports option (Setup
tab > Network > General) and the HTTP-Based Tunneling ACL option
(Setup tab > HTTP > Tunneling) to verify that the options are configured
to block only the ports that you want blocked.

Good luck

thanks i will check it outbuddy can u tell me how do i go to the application manager it is not found in my control panel
thanksI didn't mean to infer that you could reset the Appliance Manager from your pc, this is a FUNCTION for your System Administrator.

Good luckHit-man...... Lol........ whose firewall are you trying it tunnel ?
have a read ...it tells you all about it .
http://theproxyconnection.com/firewallsupport.html


dl65 well its my own pc GUYS,thanks dl65

Just recently, WHENEVER i would CLICK on an mp3 off the interent....(say like at cduniverse) the page freezes and ends up not responding. This never used to happen and i would go to cduniverse all the time and listen to sample mp3's. I really hope this can be solved because its making me mad, thanks.Hi, I am unfamilier with cduniverse but is it just there that it freezes, have you tried similar and thier [emailprotected] it might be best to contact them to find the cause
IanNo, not just here, that's why i said on the internet, meaning sites in general. Whenever i click on a mp3 from any site the window doesn't respond. What are you regularly using for spyware/virus protection? What happened prior to this? Any other computer issues?For spyware i'm using Spy SWEEPER, Ad-Aware SE Personal, and for virus Norton and AVG but the settings on those shouldn't cause the page to freeze. This never happened before and i've had these programs forever. No other issues, thanks




could be a hard drive issue, have yoy tried a disk check, and how much space are you using out of the totalStep 1.
Open Windows Media Player
Step 2.
Right-click on the link to the song and select Proporties
Step 3.
Copy the URL that is listed next to Address (URL)
Step 4.
Go into Windows Media Player, and click FILE, then Open URL
Step 5.
Paste the URL that you just copied in there, and click OK.

The problem that you had was your browser wasnt recognizing the file you were trying to open, so, the browser tried to open it. If you let it sit for about, oh, 3-10 minutes, a bunch of TEXT will appear on the IE window, and your computer would go really slow.Hopefully you're not running Norton and AVG at the same time.

Could you please tell me how important is information technology

in journalism .please if you QUOTE a short example so i would be

UNDERSTAND it clearly.thanksModerately important. Use Google to GET examples like this. It took about 10 seconds.

http://www.comms.dcu.ie/molonym/maj/index.htm

<--------------------Who sets these homework questions?! Rocket, this is the second question you have asked on this forum SINCE you've been here which I believe to be a homework question. Just READ your books already!

Flame

i have an hitachi ma730 DVD-ram video CAMERA. when i place the dvd-ram in my computer the computer doesn't recognize the dvd-ram in the drive (like NOTHING is there). is there a driver or hardware that i can get to resolve this?Do you know for a fact that your DVD ROM drive can RECOGNISE DVD RAM? Many can't.

I am using Windows XP and would like to export my Juno (my emaol provider) addressbook to another email provider. The new provider will only import a .csv file. Can anyone tell me the precise steps to creat a .csv file from a Word 2000 .doc file?

[emailprotected]rbtr8r..... Can you copy your word doc into excel ....then "save as" CSV (MS-DOS) that should do it .
or possibly you could copy your address book , zip it and Email it to yourself at the other server.

dl65 If you don't have Excel, then here's the hard way:

In Word, create a file with the first line consisting solely of the names of your address book fields, eg:

"Name", "Telephone", "Address", "Birthdate"

Then each subsequent line contains the data, eg:

"Joe Bloggs", "123 456 789", "1 Acacia Avenue, Blanktown", "01/02/1950"
"Jolene Blaggs", "789 456 123", "10 Irksome Way, Colon City", "02/03/1990"

etc.

It doesn't matter if a line of data wraps onto the next line, so long as you don't break them up by pressing ENTER anywhere in the middle of a line. Technical note: CSV fields are COMMONLY delimited by inverted commas, and field ends denoted by comma or paragraph.

Having created this file, save it in Word as a .txt. All formatting will be lost. (CSV files do not contain formatting, only data. Then, in Windows Explorer, change the .txt to .csv. That's all you need to do to create the CSV file.

Your next problem is to find out what field names your new email provider is expecting. They will need to correspond to the headings in your CSV file, unless the email provider has a very CLEVER import facility that allows you to specify field mappings.Alternatively, if you don't have Excel, but want a program to do the hard work for you, you can download >OpenOffice.org, the free OFFICE suite, which includes a spreadsheet package that can export to CSV.Here's something that might be the solution if you don't have Excel: Dawn Address Book ConverterThank you one and all for your suggestions. I have Microsoft Excell in my PC and the process I went through, in detail, was as follows: I copied my addressbook in one email supplier by highlighting all the entries, (for example, first name, last name, nickname, email address, phone number), right clicking on all the entries and then left clicking on Copy. Then I went to Excell and pasted in everything I had copied. I then adjusted the width of the colums to ACCOMODATE the entries and when I was sure that all was correct, I saved the document to my desktop as a .csv file. I then went to the new emaol service provider and clicked on import and imported the file from my desktop. Worked beautifully.

Now it won't take any paper. It's a HPpsc1210 all-in-one

It keeps telling me there is no paper in the TRAY. It will try to pull up the paper but it's like it isn't grabbing it. :-?Two possibilities: either you broke the paper DETECTION microswitch (in wich CASE, given how cheap these units are, you've probably WRITTEN off your printer) or there's still a bit of paper jammed in there. In either case, you're better off getting SOMEONE with experience to look the printer over.

A lesson learnt. Using force generally breaks things. Sorry. I was afraid that that may be the case. Thanx though!!!

Hello Can you help me I need to change my music so they fit in with my windows MEDIA files (songs)
Umm......there M4A Files And i need them changed into Mp3 audio filesM4A is the audio layer taken from an MPEG4 video, isn't it? You could try &GT;Vidomi< - I'm not sure if they've picked up the correct codecs yet for this. Do you have the ORIGINAL video sources?

The current Goldwave (not free) INCARNATION may be able to do the CONVERSION. Don't think Audacity will have caught up yet.

Or try googling "M4A MP3 converter".

I know this has been discussed before, but has not been solved. When you log on and it shows that you have PM's, but you know you don't. The easiest solution I have found is to not use the "Remove" option. Each PM has a check box. Make sure it is selected and click the DELETE button. If you have unread PM's that you wish to delete, you might want to check them and use the "Mark as READ" option before deletion. The check box seems to be the key to this bug. If it isn't checked, the fields don't clear.All you have to do is click on the message and open it fully, the NEXT REFRESH will clear it.
But,,, there's always a but... you can't back out with the back button, you must move forward.
BTW, try out the popup PM message box, it's great.Quote

But,,, there's always a but...

That's odd...

That is strange indeed... Nathan, I suggest running the recount and rebuild tool...

FlameIt would appear that pages 2 and 3 of the Q&A database are missing as well ..... QA 0001 thru QA0026 are no longer available .....
Hopefully they are still on the server and can be replaced .


dl65 Quote

It would appear that pages 2 and 3 of the Q&A database are missing as well

I have a Lexmark printer x5250, and it keeps saying that the scanner cover is open, although it's not. It WONT print and I'm not sure what to do to fix this!In all probably this is due to a broken microswitch. I presume you've TRIED the obvious (reboot PC; unplug/replug printer)? Might NEED to go in for repairs or be scrapped. SORRY.

Where can I go on my computer to get VERY SPECIFIC, ALL ENCOMPASSING system info. NOT just the cpu speed and amount of RAM in the System PROPERTIES window, but a breakdown of the total make-up of my system.... brands/ model # of parts, etc . . . Its a 'Home Built' system. Or is there such a place ?Well, if you don't want to install anything, I suggest clicking on Start -> Run. In the Run box, type dxdiag ... Press enter. A small gray window might appear SAYING something about checking fro driver signing. Click on yes (you must be connected to the internet for that to work). You will now see a large gray window showing your system configuration. The first page shows more basic things, and clicking on the tabs above will help you find the more advanced items. Now, if you want to POSSIBLY go deeper, you can download Everest. Try it, it's free! http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html ... Hope this helps you

FlameSiSoft Sandra is also a very good choice.Everest Home is a free download here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

The file attachment issues have been resolved. There was a total limit size on all attachments that could be added. I've removed this limitation, however the single file attachment of 250KB will remain.Hey Techno, while you're at it think about changing the default colour for url links, people can't see them.
http://www.ccleaner.com would be better in red or something.Sure (Techno / Admin same user). Assuming no one has no OBJECTIONS I could change link colors to red.I'm sure everyone would prefer a contrasting colour, give it a try and see if anyone complains.Makes no difference to me. I always have contrasting colors for links. Blue for unvisited, red for visited.Can somebody shed some light on what this is about? Is somebody having a problem with file attachments? Are talking about email or what?Does this mean that people's usernames (which appear blue now) will be red to? What about on the index? That might look weird with a blue background...

FlameSoybean, the problem is when someone posts...
Get Ccleaner from here
Many READERS don't realise that 'here' is a clickable link.If you have the white background, it's a given that it's a link, but if you have the blue background, LIKE this message, then it's not as easy to tell.

FlameI have Pentium 3 with Windows xp in.
I would like to know the following:

Reformatting hard drive and Reinstalling windows xp?

Thank you forward for your PROMPT reply.

Regards,
Guug787


I NEVER cease to be surprised that some people are completely baffled about how internet forums are supposed to WORK...*sigh*


guug, please post your question as a new topic. Make the title relevant as well as the content and indicate your level of expertise, although you may have covered that.Quote

indicate your level of expertise, although you may have covered that.

Hello, WOULD you tell me if Ciara the Singer is a man, i think it's a man!

http://kamaratweb.sk/pics/fotky/screen/ciara.jpgClearly.

And this has what exactly to do with COMPUTER problems?Maybe he thought it was his MONITOR having problems. Check his sound jacks.Clearly this is a useless spam post. TOPIC closed.

Flame

Hey guys im new to the fourm , i came to ask for help and i think i might hang about giveing what ever help i can

its good to share , or so im told as they say Those who Can teachWelcome aboard

FlameHey there flame you seem to be around a lot , i reckon youll see more of me as the time go's on, provided i keep my nose CleanWelcome to the mad house.

Also yea flame is here often, hes a top guy.

[ch268][ch293]rî[ch347]I see my share fo everyone ALWAYS good to see new people

FlameWelcome panboy,
We hope to see you around a lot as WELL.

Expert at computers or not, anyone can help out.

(Top people I see around: Flame, Dilbert, GX1_Man, but honestly, you dont see MUCH of the admin. He is out and about with opening and replying to the horendus amount of CH emails. Mine got lost somewhere down the road..... )

BTW: What made you choose your displayname, "panboy", anyways?i chose it years ago, im not entirely sure why any more, a freind of mine seems to thin it was cause of an old PS came CALLED PO'ed where your were the chef on a Space ship that was over run by aleins that were just walking Bum's and your only wepon was a frying pan. but i cant rember if that's what inspired it or not.

it may just have been i needed a name when i logged in to some THING and i saw a pan ^.^

Hope I am in the right section !!! Computer is a Dell, purchased from them about 5 years ago. Motherboard is Intel CA810 ( no specs on Crucial ), . . .P3, 980cpu, 75G Hard Drive., came with 2 sticks of 128 P100. Within the first 2 years, these were replaced with a 128 P133 and a 256 P133, and has worked very well at 384 total ( WXP Pro 2 ).

Now I need more memory and here's the problem. I have tried various combinations of P133, . . .with another 256 and/or a 512, each added to one of the originals, and/or by themselves, but they only register at an additional 32 mb ! The old 128 and the new 512 only register at 160mb.. . . as does the old 256 and the new 256 registers at 288mb., again, just a 32mb increase.

But when I put the two old sticks back in, it goes back to 384mb. This comp should handle this easily, shouldn't it. It runs on P133, and certainly should accommodate 768 mb's. . . . .or 512. Why is it not accepting same/or like memory sticks. What am I missing ? Please try not to talk over my head, I'm 6'1". THX Heaps.What MODEL is your Dell computer? It's possible that it can't handle very much memory. Some can only handle 512 MB, some more/less. If you can provide me with what model you have I can research this for you.

FlameHow About a DELL DIMENSION L866r ?Ok, thanks. According to my research, your computer can only handle up to 512 MB of RAM. Is this dual channel RAM? Does this help?

FlameWhen I put in the 512mb stick by itself ( comp only has 2 slots ) the System Properties window only shows 32mb, and it acts like it. When I put in 2 - 256's, it shows 288mb, . . .256 + 32. (?) I "don't think" this is dual channel. Doesn't the MoBo has to be 'configured' as Dual Channel. ? Thought Dual Channel was newer technology than this comp. Maybe just the 384mb ( 256 + 128 ) is all I'm going to get out of this Oldie.? Time to enter the 21st Century ? Does UPGRADING the BIOS, never done, have anything to do with this ? Hope not, 'cause I have no IDEA what that means or entails, or the expense of it.An L866 has a PIII866 orocessor. It does not run in dual channel model and it will not take more than what it was designed for. A newer BIOS will not "fix" this. It is what it is. It will take no chip larger than 256, it has 512 meg total and the chips must have specific characteristics. There is more to RAM than just the speed.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Dell%2BDimension+%2F+Dimension+XPS&mfr=Dell&tabid=AM&model=Dimension+L+Series&submit=Go

The problem with the newer RAM is it is probably High DENSITY or some other characteristic inmcompatible with what you are matching it with.

I think you have just directed me into a "newer" comp. Really appreciate your efforts. This has got to be the best site on the web. Hope you're makin' the big bucks !!!!!Glad we were able to help then Come back and SEE us if you have any more questions.

FlameOh yeah, we're making the big bucks. This is a totally volunteer affair. If you think we need a raise, then PM Nathan, the Admin.Quote

Oh yeah, we're making the big bucks. This is a totally volunteer affair. If you think we need a raise, then PM Nathan, the Admin.

Ahem. Sorry to break it to you, but the Dimension series are desktops, not laptops. Laptops are in Inspiron series. If you still want to know about the Dimensions, I'll tell you that mine works like a dream!

Flame

how do U do the links where u click on a BLUE word and it takes u there?

u know what i mean... instead of this http://www.google.ca/

u have this (the "this" word would be the link)
[ url=http://www.yoursite.com ]Click Here[ /url ]

WITHOUT the spaces, of course.

Kudos to Dilbert for that MESSAGE

Flameclick here

sweet it works. thanks man.To MAKE it blue, type [ color=#0000ff ] [ url=http://www.blahblahblah.com ]Click Here[ /url ] [ /color ]

Hello all
Any ONE know of any good speel check add ins for THUNDERBIRD's as the one I have is rubbish

"YES it was DELIBERATE"HTTP://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Thunderbird+spellcheck+extension&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

Try 'em out.

We have a data acquisition system (DAS) interfaced with and controlled by a PC. The interface is via the parallel(printer)port. The data collection and analysis package mounted on the computer is now about 10 years old. It is completely reliable but runs under DOS on a PC with Windows 95 installed.
We are trying to replace the PC with a more modern laptop/notebook (this is essential for outdoor field work) but are having big problems in getting communication between the DAS and the PC. We do not expect the package to run under a modern version of Windows because after Windows 98 there is no true underlying DOS system. We have TRIED booting some newer laptops (several of them) from a MS-DOS boot disc and then running our program, but without success. The message from our PC is always the same “Cannot communicate with the DAS”. We have stripped the Windows system from the laptops and installed MS-DOS 6.22, but that does not work either. We have used the BIOS to configure the parallel port in different ways, SPP, EPP, Bi-directional etc to no avail. We are at a loss to know what to do next.
We would be grateful for any suggestions as to what the problem might be, and of course if anyone can suggest a solution then that would be superb. Revisiting the source code which was written in C and making all the necessary changes to the graphics routines etc so that it can be compiled to run under Windows is NOT an option.
So let me get this right: You want to make technology that by current computer aging standards is three generations obsolete, continue to work on new technology, with virtually no investment in design and coding? How long can this continue? Sorry to take a hard line, but perhaps your goal is fundamentally unrealistic?

All right, down to the attempts to get the thing running in the meantime.

You need this to run on a laptop, but presumably the laptop doesn't require much in the way of power. Have you tried an old laptop? Given the apparent requirements of your hardware, I would guess that an old 486 brick would do the job. You may need to try several before you find one that is sufficiently standards-compliant to pass all the necessary hardware messages through the OS. The good news is that you can pick them up for £25/$40 on eBay.

Alternatively, on newer systems, you need to try out the various DOS emulators. DOSBox should probably be your first port of call. After that, perhaps try FreeDOS or OpenDOS. OpenDOS would be more likely to work, but is harder to track down. The UNOFFICIAL OpenDOS site seems to have been ABANDONED quite recently.Yes, I suppose we are trying to make old technology(or old software) work in a 2006 environment, but we have been asked to supply a (final) system to an old friend and this is the last in the line so to speak. Hence we are unwilling to re-visit the source code and re-write the modules so that they will run under Windows. You have been very kind to reply at at all, and I am very grateful for that. What I do not understand is that if we take a modern laptop, strip the operating system off, re-format the disk and install DOS 6.22, we still have a problem. Is it a question of the SPEED of the parallel port or the CONFIGURATION of the port. or is it something entirely different All we want to do is to make this "last in the line " system work on a laptop/notebook computer that will allow experiments to take place in the field where there is no mains supply. We have made it work on a c.2000 desktop machine by getting into the BIOS and setting the parallel port to "bidirectional". However many modern laptops do not have a parallel port (they have USB only) and even in those that do have a parallel port, the options for setting the configuration are often limited.
We are expert in radio communications and "familiar " (but not expert ) with computing technology. This is why we are seeking help

DavidI guess my point is that you can probably make this work on some but not all laptops - not without re-coding. Laptop BIOSes vary MUCH MORE than PC BIOSes. PCs are dominated by no more than a handful of BIOS vendors, but almost every laptop has its own bespoke BIOS. And the APIs aren't generally published, so you're left with a lot of guess work.

Personally, I don't do any coding at the device level, and do not have detailed knowledge of this area. But to answer your question about the problem with the parallel port: no, I doubt that it is the speed of the port that is the issue. As far as I know, parallel port speeds have been maxed out for at least a decade (hence USB, Fireware, et al). No, the problem is more likely to be at the hardware interface level. A protocol conflict with your software, or an ignorant BIOS.

Try it on some older laptops though and I would guess you'll make at least one of them work. Once you know which one works, it's easy for you or your clients to pick up the laptops on (e.g.) eBay.We found an IBM Thinkpad with a Pentium 1 running at 100Meg and with Win98. Our software ran perfectly!!!
The thinkpad (like me) is past it best, but at least it works. The question now is whether our software is likely to run on a more modern Thinkpad running Win98 and with a, say, Pentium 2 at 300MHz. In other words is the CPU speed an issue? Presumably if we can get hold of a newer Thinkpad the BIOS will be the same, or similar, so the parallel port set up should be OK. It seems that we should not go more modern than Win 98, because after that we have no true underlying DOS system.

The bottom line however is that we have a solution; the question is can we find a better solution. Thanks for your help up to nowWell that's the $64m question.

Do you actually need Windows of any variety on the system? Have you tried just installing one of the DOS solutions? I'm thinking that you could set up bespoke systems that are dedicated just to running your software/hardware, SINCE no one is likely to want to use such an old laptop for anything else.

There isn't really any easy way to answer your question. I think you just have to experiment with some laptops. To be honest, if the P1 Thinkpad does the job, why not leave it at that? You can relatively easily come by them on eBay, and they are pretty cheap, so it should be easy to sell them as a solution for your clients. If your software works fine on FreeDOS/OpenDOS, you wouldn't even need to worry about O/S licences. Must be worth a shot.

Newer laptops will not successfully install Windows 98, due to the radical changes in the plug-and-play standards and power management standards (amongst other things). It would be impossible to say where the cutoff point is, because different manufacturers "upgraded" at different times.

It's a pain to recommend trial and error, I know, but since you who designed the system don't know exactly what hardware the system will work on, what chance do the rest of US have? Heh!

Good luck.

Im seeing a INTERESTING symbol down in my quick launch bar. It pops up when the COMPUTER is switched on. Saying "SUPPORT for WINDOWS service pack 1 ends October the 10th,2006"

Just thought i would let you all know lol

And no im not going to service pack 2 that thing is the DEVIL!

R0SS

Firstly, Just joined your forum as it looks lively and friendly, so hello to all. [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Secondly, a query to which I would welcome any ADVICE, comments or even RANTS!

Currently due to change my mobile phone (yes I'm in the UK) and am interested in using it to carry out limited e-mailing / browsing on my portable (bit large to call a laptop) computer. Currently looking at Samsung D600 or Motorola V3x while my normal internet connection at home is via broadband. All advice gratefully received.

Over to you all! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]Does one offer more features than the other? What about the price difference?

Flamei have no freakin clue about ur query, i just came to say HI. Hi Homer

Hello Flame [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

Guessed you would be first to REPLY, see I have been paying ATTENTION. Price not so much a problem over here in UK as networks heavily subsidise handsets. I can get either free on a 12 month contract that suits my voice and SMS usage. Believe that we are better off this way than most.

Both phones would suit my rather simple day to day needs but as I'm rather dumb on how, or if, I can connect to the internet through them I thought I would throw this question out. Believe me even obvious comments are appreciated, this is an area I'm very new to!

Anyway, thanks to you and Homer for your replies. [smiley=dankk2.gif]

Well ..... another M/S thingy ...... Today , I decided to check to see if there were any non critical updates for windows ...so I went to the update site and decided to click on express just to be sure I had the latest critical updates ...so it scans and says yes KB905474 W.G.A. notification ....so I click to install it ...and it d/l and then says installation was unsuccessful ..... so I decide to try it again ....same thing ....... so I go looking to find out what the problem is ....... I go to M/S per the directions and it runs the authenticity scan and says ok my system has passed ..... .so I go back and try again ....... same result ...fails to install....... so now I go into add/remove programs in control panel ....and look at the M/S updates installed and sure enough it was installed on May 7 ........ by auto updates. Has anyone ELSE run into this issue ........ As SOON as I find a e mail address , I intend to contact them and see if they can or will explain whats GOING on .
Now I realise that this update as well as the WGA is about discouraging SOFTWARE piracy ........which is ok with me , but I have the original OEM M/S CD and all of the packaging from back in 2001 when I purchased this pc ........ and it is completely legit ........

dl65
More Microsoft crappola. As always, just one more reason to consider Linux! yes , they sure make it difficult to keep their software customer satisfied .

dl65

new to this forum. i inserted a cd for copying a video file into a hp-compact tower and it disappeared into the disk player, opened without the cd and now will not open again. i heard something drop and then received an ERROR message that file could not be written to this cd. how do i recover this cd and return to functionality?

thanks for the help. jatYou may need to take the computer apart but if you know nothing about computer hardware i surgest you take it to the computer repair shop.

And what the *censored* your lost a cd in a computer drive
Any surgestion members
if u know how to use a screwdriver, u can fix it urself. all u have to do is remember where the cables go after u unplug them (labeling works best), and also u have to remeber how u took it apart. take it apart SLOWLY so that u can see how everything fits so u can put it back together correctly.

just remember the 1 golden rule...NEVER FORCE THE PEICES TOGETHER. if they dont fit nicely together, ur doing something wrong.

P.S. u should only have to remove the outer cover.

P.S.S. i once had a cd blow up in my cd drive, i was playing a GAME and POOF. took the thing apart to find my precious cd in a million pieces. If I am understanding what you are trying to do, then you should be able to just unplug your computer and find a paperclip and thats all you need to fix the problem.

HERES what you do:
1) Unplug computer
2) Find a SMALL hole below your CD ROM drive (see picture)
3) Take a paperclip, straighten it out
4)insert paper clip into the small hole in the CD ROM and push. You may hear a click.
5) You may also need to move the paperclip around until the paperclip is on the tab that needs to be pressed
But frequently this removal ruins the drive, if it is not ruined by now anyway.

Sometimes it can slide into the upper covering on the drive case (depending on medel and design).