How to Clean Install Windows 7 with a Upgrade DVD Disc or ISO Image

To install a clean copy of Win7 using upgrade media...

1.Boot up the PC with the Windows 7 Upgrade DVD disc media into DVD-ROM drive.
2.Follow the Windows 7 Install Wizard to install the operating system on the blank, empty and clean system.
3.During installation, when prompted for a product key, DO NOT enter the upgrade version product key.
4.Unselect and untick the Automatically activate Windows when I’m online check box during the installation process. Hit NEXT...
5.After Windows 7 is installed, boot up to desktop, and manually enter the Windows 7 upgrade product key to activate online or activate via phone.

If online activation does not work... try one of these workarounds...

Workaround 1: SLMgr Commands to Insert Product Key and Activate
1.Open an elevated command prompt as administrator.
2.Use the following command to install product key:
slmgr -ipk
3.Activate Windows 7 with the following command:
slmgr -ato
4.To check activation status from command line, use slmgr -dlv or
slmgr -dli.

Workaround 2: Double Installs
1.After starting up the just installed Windows 7 system, allow system to boot to desktop.
2.Insert the same Windows 7 DVD media into CD/DVD optical drive tray to start Install Windows wizard again. Alternatively, mount the Windows 7 ISO image to a virtual CD/DVD-ROM drive, or directly run setup.exe from the unpacked Windows 7 installation files.
3.Reinstall Windows 7 once again (both Upgrade or Custom Install should be OK), enter product key during installation so that Windows 7 can be automatically activated when user first online after installation is done.
Steps above is originally used as a workaround to clean install Windows Vista with upgrade media, and is less commonly used as it’s time-consuming.

Workaround 3: MediaBootInstall Registry Hack

1.After booting up, ensure that no Windows Updates pending task which requires a system reboot to finish installing.
2.Run Registry Editor (RegEdit).
3.Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup\OOBE
4.In the right pane, change the value data for MediaBootInstall
from 1 to 0.
5.Open an elevated command prompt as administrator.
6.Run the command below to reset Windows 7 activation status:
slmgr -rearm
7.Reboot the computer.
8.Run the Activate Windows utility (accessible from bottom section of Control Panel -> System and Security -> System, or type Activate Windows into Start Search), type in the upgrade product key and activate Windows.

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/10/27/clean-install-windows-7-with-upgrade-media-and-product-key-on-formatted-or-empty-blank-hard-drive/

Hyperterm refresh command

cntl-L (hyperterm refresh)

Get Office 2003 & older versions to handle DOCx (2007/2010 format)

Use the following converter pack to allow older versions of
Office Suite to handle newer DOCx format now used in 2007 and
newer versions of Office...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en

Free Games from Steam !

Nvidia card owners :
http://www.steamgames.com/nvidia/

ATI card owners :
http://www.steampowered.com/ati_offer1a/

Team Fortress 2 free for all :
http://store.steampowered.com/app/440/

NASA's Moonbase Alpha :
http://store.steampowered.com/app/39000/

Portal 1 :
http://store.steampowered.com/app/400/

How to Cold Reset an HP Laserjet Printer

"Older" printers with a display panel. (e.g. 4000, 4100, 5si, 8000, etc.)

Cold resetting the printer is simply a matter of turning the power off, holding down the GO or Online button while turning the printer on.
Resetting NVRAM settings must be done manually through service mode. See entering service mode.

"Newer" printers with a display panel. (e.g. 2300, 2400, 4200, 4250/4350, 4300, etc.)

Turn the printer off and then on. When the printer begins its memory count, press and hold down the Checkmark button until all the main LED signal lights illuminate and stay illuminated. Then release the Checkmark button, and use the Up/Down arrow keys to find the Cold Reset option, then press the Checkmark button again to choose that option.

Printers with no display panel.

HP 1100, 1200 - While the printer is on, press and hold the Go button for 5 seconds. This will reset the printer.
To reset the NVRAM. Turn the printer off. Press and hold the Go button for 20 seconds while powering on the printer.

HP 2100 - To perform a cold reset, turn the printer power off, then press and hold the JOB CANCEL button. Turn the printer power back on and after all the LEDs come on release the JOB CANCEL button. A cold reset changes most system parameters in NVRAM to the factory defaults. The JOB CANCEL button must be released within 20 seconds after all of the LEDs come on; otherwise, an NVRAM initialization is performed instead of a cold reset.

HP 2200 -
Cold reset:
1. Turn the printer power off.
2. Press and hold GO.
3. Turn the printer power back on and continue to hold GO until the Attention light turns on.
4. Release GO.
5. The device lights will begin cycling from front to rear. The cold-reset process will run until completion and the device will go to the ready state.

NVRAM Reset:
1. Turn the printer power off.
2. Press and hold GO.
3. Turn the printer power back on and continue to hold GO until the Attention, Ready, and Go lights turn on.
4. Release GO.
5. The device lights will begin cycling from font to rear. The NVRAM initialization will run until completion and the device will go to the ready state.

HP 5P & 6P
Cold reset:
Turn the power off and hold the reset button (button closest to the back of the printer) for LESS than 20 seconds while turning the printer on.

Reset the NVRAM:
Turn the power off and hold the reset button for MORE than 20 seconds while turning the printer on..

http://www.printertechs.com/tech/coldreset.php

Phenom 2 940 upgrade on M2N32-SLI Premium and Deluxe by ASUS

A fast and cheap upgrade for the ASUS AM2 motherboard.
Contrary to other posts, the ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium and Deluxe motherboards WILL support this CPU... you need to do the following...

1. Upgrade to latest BIOS 1304 (for premium) or 1802 (for deluxe).
2. Install CPU.
3. Clear CMOS.
4. Disable HPET in BIOS power settings (to fix clock issue).
5. Disable C1E setting in BIOS CPU config (to fix clock issue).
6. Set RAM timing to 667 (otherwise it will not POST properly).
7. Enjoy your new CPU.

My friend and I both upgraded at the same time, and we love the processor. No issues encountered.

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=286970

Iphone or other cheap/free electronics SPAM

If your contacts list starts getting emails from you with giveaways and such, your MSN Messenger or Live Messenger password may have been compromised. Change the password to a strong password and the problem should go away. Also update and scan with Malwarebytes and your virus scanning software.

XP Antivirus Pro 2010, XP Antivirus Pro malware removal

XP Antivirus Pro 2010 (also can be met as XP Antivirus Pro or other variants) is a rogue anti-spyware application. It uses false scan results and fake security warnings in order to scare you into purchasing this bogus software. It states that your computer is infected with Trojans, adware or malware and that you should purchase XP Antivirus Pro 2010 to remove the infections that of course don't even exist.

1. Click Start->Run (or WinKey+R). Input: "command". Press Enter or click OK.
2. Type "notepad" as shown in the image below and press Enter. Notepad will open.
3. Copy and past the following text into Notepad:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command]
[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open\command]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe\shell\open\command]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe]
@="exefile"
"Content Type"="application/x-msdownload"

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\secfile]

4. Save file as "exefix.reg" (without quotation-marks) to your Desktop.
NOTE: choose Save as type: All files
5. Double-click to open exefix.reg. Click "Yes" for Registry Editor prompt window.

6. Download Malwarebytes. Update Malwarebytes and run a full system scan.

If you can't complete the above steps then please use another PC to download an automatic removal tool and exefix.reg (Right Click (Save Target As)) to download file. Copy these files to USB flash drive or any other external media and transfer them to infected computer. Launch exefix.reg file first and then install Malwarebytes.

MANUAL REMOVAL:
Kill processes:
av.exe

Delete files:
%UserProfile%\\Local Settings\\Application Data\\av.exe %UserProfile%\\Local Settings\\Application Data\\WRblt8464P (or equivalent data file, with no file extension, and a similar creation date as “av.exe”).

Delete registry values:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\DefaultIcon
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\runas
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\runas\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\start
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\start\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\DefaultIcon
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\runas
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\runas\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\start
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\start\command
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command | @ = “”%AppData%\av.exe” /START “%1″ %*”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe\shell\open\command | IsolatedCommand = “”%1″ %*”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe | @ = “secfile”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\.exe | Content Type = “application/x-msdownload”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open\command | @ = “”%AppData%\av.exe” /START “%1″ %*”
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\secfile\shell\open\command | IsolatedCommand = “”%1″ %*”

Security Tool Fake AntiVirus - how to remove

Security Tool Virus is a rogue anti-spyware program that’s distributed through websites that simulate virus scans. The user is than prompted to download the software to clean the infected PC. The tool provides false alerts of legitimate files that are needed by your Windows PC. Do not remove these files!

1.Stop Security Tool Processes: [random numbers].exe
2.Remove Security Tool Files
3.C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\[random numbers]\
4.C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\[random numbers]\[random numbers].exe
5.Remove Security Tool Registry Keys
*HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Security Tool
*HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\Security Tool
6.Remove Security Tool Startup Entry: [random numbers].exe
You can also download MalwareBytes Anti-Malware to remove Security Tool Virus.

Good & Free Backup Software

Runtime's Shadow Copy Software is very simple and will
backup open files as well. Use it in batch mode (just
modify its shortcut with the appropriate switches) to
do custom backups. It can be automated using Windows
Task Scheduler.

http://www.runtime.org/shadow-copy.htm

Prolific USB to Serial port issues

Prolific-based USB to serial dongles do not like being removed and reattached, always insert/remove them after the PC is powered off.

Also, to maintain the SAME COM PORT consistently, always plug the
unit into the SAME USB port.

Updated drivers for Prolific are available here... use these as
they are updated with more fixes than the packaged disc...

http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/downloads.asp?ID=31

IPSEC issue with Lenovo T60 and Verizon UMW190 USB EVDO aircard

When using a Verizon wireless UMW 190 EVDO aircard on a Lenovo T60 laptop running Windows XP Pro, I discovered that if I turned off the on-board WIFI chipset using the front selector switch... I found that IPsec tunneling would no longer function (no DNS resolution through IPsec even though the tunnel connected properly). Without IPsec running, IP and internet access worked fine. When I switched the on-board WI-FI chipset back on... the IPsec DNS resolution worked correctly after that.

Set RDP Client to Listen on a Specific Port

On the client, add the port # to the IP address of the server
you are attaching to...

%REMOTESERVERIP%:%PORT#%
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/304304

On the server, change...

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber
to the port you desire.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306759

Repairing the MS Windows Installer

Follow this procedure from MS...


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324516

RDP console shadow for Terminal Services

Create a batch file with the following syntax... you will connect
to the console directly rather than through another session on
top of the one running.

mstsc -v:%SERVERNAME% /F -console

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/278845

DNS FORWARDING for Active Directory

To configure DNS forwarding:

Click Start, point to Programs, point to Administrative Tools, and then click DNS to start the DNS Management Console. Right click the DNS Server object for your server in the left pane of the console, and click Properties.

Click the Forwarders tab. Check the Enable forwarders check-box.

In the IP address box enter the IP address of the DNS servers you want to forward queries to - typically the DNS server of your ISP. You can also move them up or down. The one that is highest in the list gets the first try, and if it does not respond within a given time limit - the query will be forwarded to the next server in the list.

http://www.petri.co.il/configure_dns_forwarding.htm

Default password for Minolta Pagescope

For PageScope Light... the initial default administrator password is "sysadm"

Mitigate World of Warcraft Lag

Anyone who runs World of Warcraft, especially on Windows XP systems,
should download and run the following patch to optimize your TCPIP stack settings...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,69213-order,1/reviews.html

I am unsure if this fix is valid for Windows 7 systems, but it proved
very useful on XP and to some extent on Vista as well.

PREVENT OVERSCAN ON SHARP LC-42SB45U

I bought a Sharp 42" TV (LC-42SB45U) back during a Black Friday sale for $500 and I've been having a problem with overscan. I don't like to use the Nvidia desktop-resizing tool because all that does is give you a custom resolution. It irritated me that I couldn't get my 1080p TV to properly display a 1080p signal from my HTPC over HDMI. Apparently Sharp TV's are really picky about when they'll let you choose their "Dot-by-Dot" scaling mode but I finally figured out a solution.

I had to go to Nvidia Control Panel > Change Resolution > Add Resolution > Create Custom Resolution > Timing and then select "CVT reduced blank" in the "Standard" drop down. Then Test, accept, ok, confirm, whatever to get back to using that resolution.

After doing that I had a 1920x1080 image that fit my TV perfectly because the TV now let me select the "Dot-by-Dot" scaling mode. So anyway, that should point you to a possible solution if you're having overscan problems.

http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:pHEVdEie-5oJ:forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php%3Fthreadid%3D2386006%26userid%3D0%26perpage%3D40%26pagenumber%3D91+http://forums.somethingawful.com/sho...%23post370435843&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

No Contacts list in Microsoft Office Outlook 2003

In the Navigation Pane (Navigation Pane: The column on the left side of the Outlook window that includes panes such as Shortcuts or Mail and the shortcuts or folders within each pane. Click a folder to show the items in the folder.), click Contacts.

Under My Contacts, right-click the Contacts folder you want to view in the address book, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.
Click the Outlook Address Book tab, and make sure that the "Show this folder as an e-mail address book" check box is selected. If the check box is unavailable, you need to add the Outlook Address Book to your profile.

Should I use Monster Cable or any of it's other Products ?

I am not a fan of Monster Cable branded products for several reasons...

1. Their cables are extremely overpriced for stuff made in China that can be had elsewhere for much cheaper yet similar quality.

2. Their associated products for power and signal filtering can be improved upon by purchasing similar computer-related use products
(such as UPS units) at less expense.

3. Their unacceptable business practices and history of frivolous litigation.

Please view the following links if you have any doubts if this is the kind of company you want to give your hard-earned money to...

http://www.audioholics.com/news/industry-news/blue-jeans-strikes-back
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/05/27/monster-cable-sues-monster-mini-golf-in-monster-lawsuit/

BRIDGING MODE FOR VERIZON WESTELL A90

If you want to turn the internal crap off on a Verizon Westell A90
(also 7500) modem so that you can use it with an existing wireless router...

Login to the unit with admin:password, you will be asked to change
the password right away... make it admin:admin or whatever..

Choose WIRELESS SETTINGS and disable it.

Choose MY NETWORK... NETWORK CONNECTIONS... under ACTION click
the icon to edit DSL BROADBAND CONNECTION... change the VC1 CONFIGURATION settings for PROTOCOL and BRIDGE MODE both to "BRIDGE". This will probably reset the modem.

Choose MY NETWORK... NETWORK CONNECTIONS... LAN... then uncheck
ENABLE DHCP SERVER.

After you hit apply, connect the existing network router WAN port to
the E1-UPLINK port on the A90. You are done. The INTERNET light on the modem will now be dark as an indication it is in bridging mode.

Dont forget to configure your router to use PPPoE using the main
account username and password.

Auto login with Debian Linux using GDM

Simply goto SYSTEM... ADMINISTRATION... LOGIN WINDOW...
SECURITY tab...

Then click ENABLE AUTOMATIC LOGIN and choose a user to login as.

http://www.go2linux.org/how_to_enable_autologin_on_debian_ubuntu_gnome

Setting up a Static Interface in Debian

To configure a static IP in debian you must edit the file /etc/network/interfaces and modify the following section...

auto eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp

To this... assuming interface eth0 is what you want...

auto eth0
iface eth0 inet static
address 192.168.1.10
netmask 255.255.255.0
network 192.168.1.0
broadcast 192.168.1.255
gateway 192.168.1.1

Also edit your /etc/hosts and insert similar to
the following to configure the IP to your hostname...

192.168.1.10 hostname hostname.full.qual.domain

Working with RANCID - Cisco Config Differ

For those of you with a need for backup of your network devices (such as routers and switches) and if you have absolutely no budget (but alot of time) then you may want to consider RANCID by Shrubbery Networks (available at http://www.shrubbery.net/rancid/). It is an open-source product that runs on Linux or Solaris.

I installed RANCID on top of Fedora 11, and was able to finally get it to work. The major problem I had with this package is the absolutely AWFUL documentation provided... you really have to sift through the readme to get what the hell they are trying to say. Even some of the better install tutorials were either out of date or not well written for the admin who just wants a simple step-by-step guide.

So, I compiled a word doc with the steps I took to configure Rancid for my work environment. You may grab it at the link provided...

http://www.njcomputerguys.com/rancid.doc

Hopefully it will save some people from pulling their hair out.

UPDATE - administrator Steve Smith contributed his experience working
with Rancid on Fedora 15...

http://njcomputerguys.com/RancidConfigFedora15.doc

SHUTDOWN button in Vista and Win7

One of the most ridiculous things Microsoft did with Vista
and Windows 7 was the idea of having the shutdown button
and start menu shutdown selection both default to SLEEP.

This has caused enormous frustration for users who actually
want to do a hard reset of their computers to clear a
problem... as SLEEP only puts them back to the point they
started.

Change this by adjusting power options in control panel.
Select the power mode you are currently using, choose
advanced selections, and change the settings for POWER
BUTTONS AND LID, POWER BUTTON ACTION to choose SHUTDOWN.

Wireless B and security

If you have a wireless B router and enable security, you may have
an issue with stability of your connections. In these instances,
I would suggest disabling security or replacing the router.

I found this issue with older B Linksys and Netgear routers.