Re: [CGUYS] Latest Safari version for MacOS v10.3?
Three years is old for a personal computer. All of my computers are old by this standard. Most four to five year old Macs can run OS X, 10.5, though. Not many three year old PCs can run Vista. Any computer that can't run the current version of its OS qualifies as old. I am planning to buy a new laptop as soon as Apple updates its models. My office just replaced my Windows laptop (still XP, but it could run Vista if company wanted it to). Thank you, Mark Snyder -Original Message- Middle-aged, maybe? Maybe. Tom Piwowar uses the terms old or very old often to describe the computers that some folks have, and that started causing me to wonder about what the Computer Age has done to redefine what the term old means. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Latest Safari version for MacOS v10.3?
Desktops can usually be upgraded to handle a new OS. (More memory, newer video card, larger HD.) Laptops cannot be upgraded and must be changed out every few years. Stewart At 05:24 AM 8/27/2008, you wrote: Three years is old for a personal computer. All of my computers are old by this standard. Most four to five year old Macs can run OS X, 10.5, though. Not many three year old PCs can run Vista. Any computer that can't run the current version of its OS qualifies as old. I am planning to buy a new laptop as soon as Apple updates its models. My office just replaced my Windows laptop (still XP, but it could run Vista if company wanted it to). Thank you, Mark Snyder Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Firefox bookmarks etc (XP)
I'll second Foxmarks. It makes it easy to keep the same list on multiple machines. On Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 3:28 PM, Tony B [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Some are still around but many could use pruning. The everyday sites have long since migrated to my links bar or into key macros. Anyway, I wanted to say I use the frreeware Foxmarks (http://www.foxmarks.com/) and it's handy for things like this, or if you use multiple computers. On Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 1:05 PM, Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What is the value of a 9 year old bookmark? Does anything on the internet hang around that long? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
I would have to agree with Eric's first approach. That approach served my family well prior to the fios install. Phone line ---filter--house phones | |--DSL Modemethernet Kind Regards, John Mealey -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Eric S. Sande Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 12:07 AM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM Subject: Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring What parts do we need? What's the best method for wiring that doesn't require spending all day in a black widow spider infested crawl space? Two approaches here. One is put a filter at the metwork interface (where the phone line comes into the house) and rig dedicated DSL loops off the unfiltered side. Second approach is to just plug in a filter at each phone outlet and run the phones off the filtered side and DSL off the unfiltered side. The second method is easier but if you know you have a short fix that first. What leads you to believe you have a short, the phones will either not work or be intermittent under that condition... Cable cat won't matter to any appreciable degree. It's just twisted pair copper. You may want to check polarity at your jacks, Radio Shack sells a polarity tester for less than $15. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.9/1636 - Release Date: 8/26/2008 7:09 PM * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Comcastic Broadband!
A friend who is in classes to be an electrician said he read multiple grounding rods are a good idea. Six was the number he mentioned. On Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 10:49 AM, Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My house wasn't all that well grounded at the time of installation. We took a spike in June that had me replace my oven, a circuit board in my dryer, a doorbell, three outlet strips and two of my two neighbors DVD players. We had relied on the incoming water line as the ground for the house. Now I have a big old grounding rod out front behind a bush. I have always thought the water line was a fine ground. I guess I need to learn more. I'd like to know what you find out. I haven't found anything but I suspect using a copper pipe connected to every other house on the street could be problematic. When we first moved into the house I found the ground connected to the gas line. Somehow that did not seem right. Now I have grounding rod. A friend who is in classes to be an electrician said he read multiple grounding rods are a good idea. Six was the number he mentioned. My handyman thought two was reasonable. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
I've just started trying to use iPhoto a bit and it seems to me that, as with iTunes, you can tell it to leave your files where they are so you can still access them without iPhoto messing with them. I used GraphicConverter for many years and still like it for many reasons. I also like and use the software that came with my Nikon camera. Jordan Constance Warner wrote: It's true--iPhoto has a number of annoying features. Most annoying, it puts all your photos in a single folder such that individual images are not accessible EXCEPT within iPhoto. You can't just open a folder and access individual pictures. If you want to get an image or throw it away, you have to do it from within iPhoto. If there is a problem with the Big File, you have REALLY got problems. Adobe's high-end program Lightroom doesn't have this problem. It's also $299. Does anyone know a less expensive (or shareware) photo organizing program--with some editing features--that works with Mac? Or is there a work-around for iPhoto that would fix this problem? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] eSnipe failure. need replacement
i disagree. some things are higher. some are an excellent value. high end men's shoes xerox consumables faucets power boats boat parts some software can all be excellent value. lot of stuff, like power tools, computers, are lousy values there are also a lot of scams now on ebay. ebay polices, but as i wrote earlier, a person can create(hijak?) a personality, and list a nonexistint item. usually in the $2-8000 range. lots of ATV's, golf carts, and heavy equipment show up phony. (maybe its the wheels). At 11:00 AM 8/26/2008, you wrote: Good points. I have participated in eBay auctions but the final sale price was NEVER what I would call reasonable. Sometimes the eBay price is 50% less. Those are happy buys. Recently I'm seeing much higher prices. Sometimes I thing the buyer would have been better off buying retail. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Comcastic Broadband!
A friend who is in classes to be an electrician said he read multiple grounding rods are a good idea. Six was the number he mentioned. My handyman thought two was reasonable. A quick Google search reveals that code is usually 2 rods, at least 6 feet apart. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
Phone line ---filter--house phones | |--DSL Modemethernet Definitely easiest in the long run. I just used one of the supplied filters, cutting the wires apart so they could be used in a punch down block. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
I'd like to ramp up the technical question a bit. We already have DSL coming into the house (firewall, antivirus, etc., are already installed) with 2 Windows XP desktops plugged into the modem. Are there any technical considerations in taking the existing system wireless beyond slapping a wireless router on the end of the modem that need to be addressed? Dan * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
Yeah security. Turn on security when you add wireless mode. Stewart At 09:05 AM 8/27/2008, you wrote: I'd like to ramp up the technical question a bit. We already have DSL coming into the house (firewall, antivirus, etc., are already installed) with 2 Windows XP desktops plugged into the modem. Are there any technical considerations in taking the existing system wireless beyond slapping a wireless router on the end of the modem that need to be addressed? Dan Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
Good point. Thanks, Rev.! Dan :-) Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] 8/27/2008 10:15 AM Yeah security. Turn on security when you add wireless mode. Stewart * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
Hi Constance, For your particular concern, go to the iPhoto Library file in your Pictures directory. Do a right-click(or control click if you do not have a two-button mouse) and select Show Package Contents. You can now see all of the photo files individually. It is not really a single file, it is a directory marked as a Package in the Finder. Regards, Mason On Aug 26, 2008, at 4:35 PM, Constance Warner wrote: It's true--iPhoto has a number of annoying features. Most annoying, it puts all your photos in a single folder such that individual images are not accessible EXCEPT within iPhoto. You can't just open a folder and access individual pictures. If you want to get an image or throw it away, you have to do it from within iPhoto. If there is a problem with the Big File, you have REALLY got problems. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
It's true--iPhoto has a number of annoying features. Most annoying, it puts all your photos in a single folder such that individual images are not accessible EXCEPT within iPhoto. You can't just open a folder and access individual pictures. If you want to get an image or throw it away, you have to do it from within iPhoto. If there is a problem with the Big File, you have REALLY got problems. Adobe's high-end program Lightroom doesn't have this problem. It's also $299. Does anyone know a less expensive (or shareware) photo organizing program--with some editing features--that works with Mac? Or is there a work-around for iPhoto that would fix this problem? --Constance Warner I keep most of my photos together in a folder, sorted by job, event or group. Sometimes I use the Adobe Photoshop browser, but more often, I use GraphicConverter [$34.95], http://www.lemkesoft.com/content/193/key-features.html. GraphicConverter keeps getting better with each new version. You'll like it, too. I was going to look at my iPhoto prefs for you. I think you can set it to leave your photos in place and not move or copy them to the iPhoto prefs library, just automatically link them with an alias. Although I have the current version of iLife, I only have iPhoto 2 on the boot drive on my G4, and haven't opened it at all on my MacBook--I use it that rarely. I've worked as a photographer and commercial artist, so I already have my photos and artwork filed [and named] so I can find them easily. I don't like iPhoto's organization system. That's OK. GraphicConverter does better for me, and doesn't bury the originals in folders inside of folders inside of folders. I hate XML for organizing photos; it works better in iTunes, but iTunes library/prefs doesn't bury things so deeply. Betty * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
Two approaches here. One is put a filter at the metwork interface (where the phone line comes into the house) and rig dedicated DSL loops off the unfiltered side. What kind of box do I need here? Any photos/illustrations for this? Second approach is to just plug in a filter at each phone outlet and run the phones off the filtered side and DSL off the unfiltered side. That's what we have now. We have two older Macs wired directly to the modem. The rest of Macs and PCs have WiFi. DSL is much faster if I connect the modem to the plug in the box outside, but that's not practical. Our new Panasonic cordless phones are DECT 6.0 and only need one [filtered] outlet for 4 phones. The second method is easier but if you know you have a short fix that first. What leads you to believe you have a short, the phones will either not work or be intermittent under that condition... Verizon tests find a short inside the house. I could pay them the big bucks to come inside, or run the wires myself. Every so often, our service goes out. Verizon tech tells me to disconnect the line in the box outdoors for around 20 minutes, then reconnect to restore service, then it happens again in a few months. Will they charge less than $100 to run new lines inside? I doubt it. Cable cat won't matter to any appreciable degree. It's just twisted pair copper. You may want to check polarity at your jacks, Radio Shack sells a polarity tester for less than $15. Is there a box that splits the RJ-11 to RJ-45 for data? I've done ethernet networks but don't know about the hardware for telephone data lines. Thanks, Betty * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
I would have to agree with Eric's first approach. That approach served my family well prior to the fios install. Phone line ---filter--house phones | |--DSL Modemethernet Is there a box inside to split phone and data? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
A[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: CTM PowerMail version 5.6.3 build 4504 English (PPC) http://www.ctmdev.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Identified-User: {956:box254.bluehost.com:loisdela:offbalance.com} {sentby:smtp auth 24.253.234.88 authed with michael+offbalance.com} Constance Warner wrote: Does anyone know a less expensive (or shareware) photo organizing program--with some editing features--that works with Mac? Or is there a work-around for iPhoto that would fix this problem? You can right-click on any photo within iPhoto and choose to Show File or Show Original File. This will bring up the file in the Finder for you to do with whatever you want. I find it to be handy, actually, since I don't have to go through several files with names like picture1 then picture2 then picture3-edit1 etc. to find what I want. iPhoto doesn't allow me to have several edits at once show up in it, but if I want that there is more expensive software which includes it. Jordan sez: I used GraphicConverter for many years and still like it for many reasons. I also like and use the software that came with my Nikon camera. Jordan GraphicConverter is a good editing program. I haven't found much better for organization than iPhoto that is free (or less than the cost of an iPhoto upgrade considering you get several apps in an iLife upgrade). Google's Picasa is similar to iPhoto but is still Windows-only last I checked. It also has its idiosyncrasies. In iPhoto's preferences, you can choose to Edit Photo: in a different application. iPhoto can be tied to GraphicConverter, GIMP, or any number of other programs for more robust editing if need be. Caveat: I am currently using iPhoto 6.0.6. Names of functions or functions themselves may be different in iPhoto '08. -- Michael Lewis Off Balance Productions [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.offbalance.com * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] X-Mailer: CTM PowerMail version 5.6.3 build 4504 English (PPC) http://www.ctmdev.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Identified-User: {956:box254.bluehost.com:loisdela:offbalance.com} {sentby:smtp auth 24.253.234.88 authed with michael+offbalance.com} A Google search I did found the following which may prove useful. I;ve never used the software mentioned, so I can't say anything about it one way or the other. You might find something helpful among the list, though. http://pages.cpsc.ucalgary.ca/~fuhrer/personal/freestuff/iphotodiet/ http://www.scruffyware.com/products/iPhotoLibrarian.html http://lightboxsoftware.com/ -- Michael Lewis Off Balance Productions [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.offbalance.com * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] iPhoto (Was: Interesting quotes about using a Mac)
I see some people have already answered some of Constance's problems while I was typing this. I apologize for having some redundant content. It's true--iPhoto has a number of annoying features. Most annoying, it puts all your photos in a single folder such that individual images are not accessible EXCEPT within iPhoto. If you don't like this behavior go to iPhoto preferences, and uncheck the Copy items to the iPhoto Library (under the advanced tab). iPhoto will then keep track of pictures in their original locations, the same way the similar option in iTunes works. You can't just open a folder and access individual pictures. If you want to get an image or throw it away, you have to do it from within iPhoto. Yes you can, actually. The most recent version of iPhoto keeps everything in a package, which is just a special kind of folder. Right- or Control-click the iPhoto library and select Show package contents. You will find the originals in the folder called Originals, sorted into folders by year and then by event. There is also a folder for modified pictures, organized the same way. In iPhoto, you can go directly to the file by right-clicking on the thumbnail and selecting Show file (seems much easier to me). Of course, messing with the library contents directly will have consequences, the most likely one being that iPhoto will do a tedious rebuilding of the library to account for your changes the next time you launch it. You can also mess up albums and slideshows (which just consist of pointers to picture files and don't actually contain copies of the pictures themselves) by deleting or moving an image file that they use. WARNING: You are better off leaving the iPhoto library alone. To avoid problems, copy the library or its photo contents and work with the copies. You have been warned. If you want to get an image or throw it away, you have to do it from within iPhoto. If there is a problem with the Big File, you have REALLY got problems. If there is a problem with the iPhoto Library package, it is most likely a problem with the database that iPhoto wasn't smart enough to detect and fix on its own. You can force iPhoto to rebuild the library by launching iPhoto while holding down the command and option keys (this is for iPhoto 08, the procedure may be different for earlier versions). The only problems I have heard of people having with the iPhoto library happened when they upgraded iPhoto to a new version (this happened to me) or because they did something stupid while tinkering with the iPhoto library package (another reason not to do it). Rebuilding the library will almost always fix the problem, at least to the extent of recovering the originals you haven't deleted. Adobe's high-end program Lightroom doesn't have this problem. It's also $299. Does anyone know a less expensive (or shareware) photo organizing program--with some editing features--that works with Mac? Or is there a work-around for iPhoto that would fix this problem? If you are still unhappy with iPhoto, try GraphicConverter. It has a fairly good photo browser that you can do basic file and editing operations within. You can use it forever without paying, with only a 10 second wait (grows to 30 seconds at some point, I think.), or you can pay $30 to forgo the wait and also get the batch editing feature turned on. It is probably best to use GraphicConverter for files NOT in the iPhoto library, and GraphicConverter won't let you see into the library from the file menu but if you really insist on doing so, dragging the iPhoto Library onto the GraphicConverter icon will open it in a browser window as if it were an ordinary folder and not a package. Do so at your own risk. Archive your library, or only work with a copy. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] How to fix a missing optical drive on a PC?
Hold fast I have seen this before. Ask one pertinent question. HAVE YOU INSTALLED ANY PROGRAM OR SOFTWARE LATELY! There are a few programs out there that will block recognition and installation of the drivers for optical drives. If that is not the case it is possible the cable came loose on it. But check the top item first. Stewart At 04:10 PM 8/27/2008, you wrote: I'm asking what else can be done to fix the problem. BACKGROUND My daughter just started her freshman year in college, taking her PC with Windows XP Pro with her. She emailed me this week saying that she can't access the optical drive after the move: it spins for a few seconds when a disk is inserted but it does not appear in My Computer. I replied to first check Belarc Advisor, then go to Device Manager. Also open the case and check to see if the data cables are firmly connected. HER RESPONSE She writes: I went to belarc and the drive did not show up on the list, so i did as you instructed and went to control panel system device manager; when I looked under the DVD/CD-ROM drives the thing had a little yellow circle with an explanation point in it. I clicked it and a little tabbed window popped up, under the Device status section it says Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39) MY LATEST ADVICE TO HER First, is there a way of fixing the driver in Device Manager? Try right-clicking on the yellow circle. If this doesn't work, try following the directions on this page: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314060 Print out the instructions before starting. I also suggested downloading a new driver, but she doesn't know the model of optical drive and says she can't open the case because she lacks a screwdriver. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Windows Media Player
I'm dealing with a relative's computer (from long distance), which is having trouble playing a Windows Media File through a link. When the link is clicked on, an image briefly appears and then disappears, leaving a small black Media Player screen. His Windows Media Player will play a DVD OK. The problem shows up on both his laptop and desktop, and it occurs using Internet Explorer or Firefox. I can access and play the video on my computer with either browser. Windows XP SP2 IE 7 Firefox 3 Embarq DSL I'd appreciate any ideas on this. Thanks in advance. Richard P. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Windows Media Player
*) Have them download and install VLC. This comes with several codecs and may allow WMP to play the file. *) If possible, have them download the file and try playing it with VLC. *) We could give more precise help if you'd given us a link to the video. On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 6:07 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm dealing with a relative's computer (from long distance), which is having trouble playing a Windows Media File through a link. When the link is clicked on, an image briefly appears and then disappears, leaving a small black Media Player screen. His Windows Media Player will play a DVD OK. The problem shows up on both his laptop and desktop, and it occurs using Internet Explorer or Firefox. I can access and play the video on my computer with either browser. Windows XP SP2 IE 7 Firefox 3 Embarq DSL * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] How to fix a missing optical drive on a PC?
Thanks for the speedy reply. I've emailed daughter to ask about her installing any new programs. Is it possible that a program can cause a problem with the optical drive on one computer but not on another? The last program installed on daughter's computer that Dad paid for is Adobe Photoshop Elements 8, and that was nearly a year ago. It is also on my computer with no problem. If any other program was installed by me, can't remember, it would have been some free utility. Daughter is studying art photography. Thing is, I don't know for sure that the optical drive vanished just after the move to university. I'm guessing daughter might not use the drive often so that it might have failed before the move. Second question: If the optical drive itself failed (therefore needs replacement), would Device Manager give the Code 39 error? Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: Hold fast I have seen this before. Ask one pertinent question. HAVE YOU INSTALLED ANY PROGRAM OR SOFTWARE LATELY! There are a few programs out there that will block recognition and installation of the drivers for optical drives. If that is not the case it is possible the cable came loose on it. But check the top item first. Stewart At 04:10 PM 8/27/2008, you wrote: I'm asking what else can be done to fix the problem. BACKGROUND My daughter just started her freshman year in college, taking her PC with Windows XP Pro with her. She emailed me this week saying that she can't access the optical drive after the move: it spins for a few seconds when a disk is inserted but it does not appear in My Computer. I replied to first check Belarc Advisor, then go to Device Manager. Also open the case and check to see if the data cables are firmly connected. HER RESPONSE She writes: I went to belarc and the drive did not show up on the list, so i did as you instructed and went to control panel system device manager; when I looked under the DVD/CD-ROM drives the thing had a little yellow circle with an explanation point in it. I clicked it and a little tabbed window popped up, under the Device status section it says Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing. (Code 39) MY LATEST ADVICE TO HER First, is there a way of fixing the driver in Device Manager? Try right-clicking on the yellow circle. If this doesn't work, try following the directions on this page: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;314060 Print out the instructions before starting. I also suggested downloading a new driver, but she doesn't know the model of optical drive and says she can't open the case because she lacks a screwdriver. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] How to fix a missing optical drive on a PC?
Adobe wont cause this. Some free utilities can. If they are loading some sort of driver that either emulates or replaces the Optical driver. Also some universities load their own programs in order for students to get onto the net. It can also happen if it is failing as it is trying to read the CDrom and has problems communicating with it. Stewart At 06:32 PM 8/27/2008, you wrote: Thanks for the speedy reply. I've emailed daughter to ask about her installing any new programs. Is it possible that a program can cause a problem with the optical drive on one computer but not on another? The last program installed on daughter's computer that Dad paid for is Adobe Photoshop Elements 8, and that was nearly a year ago. It is also on my computer with no problem. If any other program was installed by me, can't remember, it would have been some free utility. Daughter is studying art photography. Thing is, I don't know for sure that the optical drive vanished just after the move to university. I'm guessing daughter might not use the drive often so that it might have failed before the move. Second question: If the optical drive itself failed (therefore needs replacement), would Device Manager give the Code 39 error? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace www.princeofpeaceozark.org Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] How to fix a missing optical drive on a PC?
Don't waste a lot of time agonizing over it. If there's nobody there to try installing a new one (or maybe if it's a laptop; you didn't say), then just ship her an external burner. http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=420name=External-CD-DVD-Drives * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] DSL Home Wiring
The DSL modem will have an RJ-11 jack for the pots line and a RJ-45 jack for the lan side. Typically tyhe RJ-11 jack will say WAN or DSL and the ethernet jack that you use through the house will say 'LAN' for local area network. Might even have a four port switch or something similar built in. As far as a diagram or picture, check the web for 'basic home telephone installation' or something similar. Here is one pic: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.splefty.com/Images/demark. jpgimgrefurl=http://www.splefty.com/blog/technology/h=450w=600sz=137hl= enstart=1um=1usg=__57UPy2-0EBFxI2_gupO3dAj-gOo=tbnid=qcsq529Fk3x-FM:tbn h=101tbnw=135prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtelephone%2Bcompand%2Bdemark%26um%3D1%26hl %3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official% 26sa%3DN in this particular photo, unplugging the jack from the box, breaks the pots circuit and allows you to connect a standard RJ-11 plug to the phone line for testing. See below: There should be a 'DeMark' or telephone speak for the place where you have to pay to get things fixed beyond 'here'. That device will have a 'test' jack that if you unplug the house line from and plug in a standard pots phone is a fairly reliable testif it works you have an 'internal' wiring issue that the phone company is not responsible for, if it does not, then the truck from the phone company should roll for free. Radio shack sells a 1 to 2 RJ-11 spiltter that you could plug in here, and have the filter off of one side to phones, and the other side direct to the DSL modem. I rewired the current house I am in with CAT5 and have not regretted it. (well, OK, I'm human, I only terminated what I needed, the rest is coiled up in the OnQ box, labeled as to cable # and room, but not terminated) Take Care, John * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Windows Media Player
I just tried VLC but am unable to make the link play using VLC. It defaults to Windows Media Player. VLC doesn't show up in the list of Program Access and Defaults. As for the direct link, it is a password protected site so I'm unable to send out a link. I also don't see a way of saving the file locally to work with. FYI, the link is a .wmv file. Any ideas on my getting the link to play through VLC? Thanks, Richard P. Tony B wrote: *) Have them download and install VLC. This comes with several codecs and may allow WMP to play the file. *) If possible, have them download the file and try playing it with VLC. *) We could give more precise help if you'd given us a link to the video. Richard P. wrote: I'm dealing with a relative's computer (from long distance), which is having trouble playing a Windows Media File through a link. When the link is clicked on, an image briefly appears and then disappears, leaving a small black Media Player screen. His Windows Media Player will play a DVD OK. The problem shows up on both his laptop and desktop, and it occurs using Internet Explorer or Firefox. I can access and play the video on my computer with either browser. Windows XP SP2 IE 7 Firefox 3 Embarq DSL * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Windows Media Player
No clue. But if it's so protected that a right-click Save target as doesn't work, then I'd check the site for bug reports (I assume it's a forum? Others must have had the problem), and contact the admins if I couldn't find a solution. On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 9:16 PM, Richard P. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I just tried VLC but am unable to make the link play using VLC. It defaults to Windows Media Player. VLC doesn't show up in the list of Program Access and Defaults. As for the direct link, it is a password protected site so I'm unable to send out a link. I also don't see a way of saving the file locally to work with. FYI, the link is a .wmv file. Any ideas on my getting the link to play through VLC? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Windows Media Player
It's part of an instructional and testing website. It doesn't offer the Save target as option. I will contact the web guru and see if that helps. Thanks for your help. Richard P. Tony B wrote: No clue. But if it's so protected that a right-click Save target as doesn't work, then I'd check the site for bug reports (I assume it's a forum? Others must have had the problem), and contact the admins if I couldn't find a solution. wrote: I just tried VLC but am unable to make the link play using VLC. It defaults to Windows Media Player. VLC doesn't show up in the list of Program Access and Defaults. As for the direct link, it is a password protected site so I'm unable to send out a link. I also don't see a way of saving the file locally to work with. FYI, the link is a .wmv file. Any ideas on my getting the link to play through VLC? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *