Messages

76

General Software Discussion / Re: Checking Bad sector in HDD and ExtHDD

« on: June 26, 2012, 11:24 AM »

How much is your data worth?
How much time do you want to spend on it?
How much money do you want to spend?
Can you live with the potential failure or worry about it constantly?

It's a purely subjective decision.

-4wd (June 25, 2012, 09:19 PM)

Lets say you have a HDD that starts developing bad clusters and by the time you find out the problem there is N bad clusters:

1. The number N increases rapidly. It won't wait.
2. If a a newly develop bad cluster take place on a spot where one of your Window component files or a driver - you get Blue Screen. Yes there is a chance you can run in safe mode, mark that spot bad, replace the corrupted crucial file and continue using that HDD.
3. Even when a newly bad spot corrupts a non-crucial data file, say cache file, cookies etc. You will soon find more and more program to response slower and slower... simply because quite often, an attempt to read something on a bad spot will take minutes if not hours before the system decides it is bad.

In brief, no matter what, it is not worth the trouble.
As soon as REAL bad cluster is found, trashing the HDD is a matter of affirmative and securing as much as possible data on it is an urgency... remember this:
Restoring backup to a new HDD is always easier and take much shorter time than rebuilding it from scratch.

The longer one make his/her final decision the more data will be lost and the more he/she suffers. I really can't figure out why this matter can become purely subjective?

Make it this way, even if I enjoy torturing myself, I won't choose to secure a HDD with bad sectors. I rather go with SM sex...

77

General Software Discussion / Re: Checking Bad sector in HDD and ExtHDD

« on: June 25, 2012, 11:58 AM »

I have a 1TB drive that developed, as it happened, software bad blocks - I LLF'd it and it's been happily running with constant use every day without any further errors for the last 2 years - well past even the 1 year warranty they provide.

-4wd (June 20, 2012, 08:29 PM)

Software bad blocks is different from physical/hardware bad sector.
I have experienced sort of virus which maliciously marks bad clusters on HDD... it is relatively easier to be rectified than problem like file cross-linked in FAT32 or MFT corruption on NTFS HDD.

My advice is about REAL bad cluster(s) which can be easily and accurately discover using small and simple program like HDTune. Just one red block shows up, that is it, you can give up all hope on that HDD.

No offence, but I think it is very inappropriate to advocate the idea that HDD with bad sectors (or clusters) can still be healed ... by whatever program, you named it.

78

General Software Discussion / Re: corrupt index (I think): how to fix?

« on: June 22, 2012, 01:55 PM »

Windows 7 x64

So I just reinstalled Windows a couple of weeks ago.  One of my huge (3TB) external drives (connected esata) had some issues where I think the index got corrupted.  All the files are still there and I can move/copy them and do whatever I need to do.  But for some files, like a video file, I'll open it in the video player, but another file (an audio file) will start playing instead.  So instead of expecting to watch a astronomy documentary, I'll be listening to Wynonna Judd.  But the file is the video file in all the properties and everything, I don't get it.

So I figured I had a corrupt index.  I did a chkdsk twice, it found some stuff (not too sure what exactly), but the problem still remains.  Any clue how to deal with this?  Should I be worried and get rid of the drive?

-superboyac (June 20, 2012, 07:05 PM)

Why don't you try copy the video file (the problem maker) to another location with a different name and try play the latter then tells us what happen?

I would like to add this:
Bad sector only prevent you from reading or writing a file, it won't play you a song...

79

General Software Discussion / Re: Checking Bad sector in HDD and ExtHDD

« on: June 20, 2012, 09:37 AM »

Hi,

Whether or not you can find a program to mark existing bad sectors, that does not matter. My very sincere advice is: Do not attempt to continue using a HDD once you find it start developing bad sector. Just grabs everything on it ASAP while you still can (So far, Norton Ghost is the best in claiming the most out of a bad HDD)

Regarding the wallpaper you try to recover, I would suggest you to find them back online (assuming you have found and download them online in the past), I think it will be easier and you stand a higher chance to success.

80

General Software Discussion / Re: Video Editing software - Any recommendations?

« on: June 15, 2012, 01:11 AM »

Hi superboyac,

My experience in all those video editors and converters tells me, normally it is the "support of output formats" that actually impose limitation on them, not the inputs format. Let's say your system is able to play video format "A" (that means the required codec is already installed) and even if it is not listed among the supported input formats you can still attempt to load a format "A" video, just select "All files" type in the open file dialog, chances is the video file will be loaded and you can go on edit or convert it. i.e. forget about the file extension, a good video editing program shouldn't rely on that to determine actual video format.

The above is at least true for TMpegEnc and AVS programs that i have used before.

81

Living Room / Re: May the old memory be with you

« on: June 14, 2012, 07:14 PM »

and also this...

https://hotfile.com/dl/159842173/bfe735c/Digger.mp4.html

82

Living Room / May the old memory be with you

« on: June 14, 2012, 01:22 PM »

Today,

I bootup my 8088 PC (with a CGA monitor), play some old games... I feel younger.

https://hotfile.com/dl/159837680/e929cd6/Alley_Cat.mp4.html

83

General Software Discussion / Re: Video Editing software - Any recommendations?

« on: June 14, 2012, 07:02 AM »

Just in case you may be interested too, for Video repairing tool, my latest finding is:
The greatest video repair tool up to date = KMPlayer + Fraps.

-tslim (June 13, 2012, 07:46 AM)

Is this better than using KMPlayer's built-in video capture? It's probably a couple of years since I used this method and can't remember too well how it worked. I think it must have been okay, otherwise I wouldn't have used it.

-nudone (June 13, 2012, 11:24 AM)

Yes, definitely!

My recent experience with a partially corrupted rmvb movie: if I capture it with KMPlayer's built-in function, in the resultant movie, its audio and video has gap (i.e. the audio track does not align correctly with the video track), but the funny thing is KMplayer can play the original rmvb movie without the mis-align problem. So, if I capture it with Fraps, I can avoid the mis-align problem.

I have tested a few time with other movie files (of various format), it seems that KMPlayer can't really output a well-aligned movie. i.e. Don't hope to use it as a video converter.

84

General Software Discussion / Re: Video Editing software - Any recommendations?

« on: June 13, 2012, 07:46 AM »

For Video editing, I would recommand:
a) TMepgEnc Video Mastering 5
b) AVS video editor

a) Pros: You may choose to edit in frame base mode or time-line mode, supports MKV format, intuitive and user-friendly user interface.
Cons: No support for mp3 audio, rather expansive

b) Pros: Is sold in 2 ways, you may buy AVS video editor with a limited period free upgrade. Another way (in the other website of AVS), you may even choose to subscribe for all their video utilities (you pay a relatively higher price once) and enjoy using them (and any future upgrade vers all free) for a lifetime.

Cons: Lifetime subscription is based on your PC hardware configuration. Changing or upgrading your PC, you risk losing the lifetime subscription license and AVS has no clear specification on how they determine your are no more using the same PC.

Just in case you may be interested too, for Video repairing tool, my latest finding is:
The greatest video repair tool up to date = KMPlayer + Fraps.

1) If there is this little chance a (partially corrupted) video can still be played, KMplayer will play it.
2) If a video is being played, Fraps is able to capture with very high quality (as close as how it is played) in AVI format.
Combining 1) and 2), if a video can't be recovered by them, no one else can.

85

General Software Discussion / Re: What's the DC verdict for this Encryption Software if used for USB drives

« on: June 04, 2012, 11:30 AM »

I prefer a flash drive or pen drive with mechanical lock, it is the most convenient way to absolutely block all form of dangers.

... but nowadays I don't know where to buy one.

86

General Software Discussion / Re: In search of ... a better way to list existing software

« on: May 28, 2012, 10:23 AM »

600GB RAM?
 

87

General Software Discussion / Re: Hardware question - PC building [slightly off topic]

« on: May 17, 2012, 06:40 PM »

To give an idea, I'm considering an IvyBridge based system, 16Gb RAM (so I can run a couple of VMs on it), a dual-SSD (Raid0) for the system and probably a Raid6 area of 4 x 2Tb disks for storage.

Any pointer to reliable sources of inspiration will be warmly welcome!

Cheers  /jerome

-jeromg (May 17, 2012, 08:53 AM)

I think creating a RAID 0 with two SSD won't do any good... particularly if you are aiming at better storage speed.
Get SSD that supports SATA6 and a mobo that is SATA6 capable.

For CPU, if you are getting anything lower than i7, then at least pick one which provides good single-thread application performance. I remember ArsTechnica has a good performance chart of comparison for this.
Till today, I only found few programs that are highly boosted (in performance) by making good use of multi-cores. (The best player in my PC is Total Uninstall - this program makes ultimate use of multi-cores)

I recall, in my last shopping for my dreamed PC, I have had difficulty in finding a good keyboard... one with a big fat [ENTER] key, so that I can hit it hard quickly...

88

General Software Discussion / Re: Buying cheap Vmware from this site, what do you think?

« on: January 21, 2012, 03:12 PM »

I email them and they promise they are selling a genuine license...

Anyway, I am currently evaluating VmWare 8, if I really want to buy it, I will get VmWare personnel to verify that offer.

My best wish is when I wake up tomorrow, I find a VmWare WS 8 discount coupon here, only for donationcoder members ... 

89

General Software Discussion / Buying cheap Vmware from this site, what do you think?

« on: January 21, 2012, 02:06 AM »

I google and find this: http://cheapsoftware...rsion_p478.html#show

But I wonder whether it is safe to purchase from them.
Is there anyway I can verify before buy, to ensure I am buying a genuine license of VmWare Workstation 8?

Have anyone here bought anything from that site? What is your opinion?

90

Living Room / Re: As a counter-point to the SOPA/PIPA demonstration

« on: January 19, 2012, 04:26 PM »

Ma ma ...

I am in Malaysia and has no idea about this sopa pipa thing...
Man I just signed up (yesterday as of this writing) a six months account subscription with megaupload, then today their service is halted. wtf!

91

General Software Discussion / Re: Software install monitor.

« on: December 23, 2011, 06:16 AM »

I realize this is holy war material, but to date I've seen the best performance out of Revo.  That doesn't mean I've ceased the search for something better  .

-barney (December 22, 2011, 08:32 PM)

Uninstaller programs are quite easy to compare and if you want to test one feature, you should come up with a result relatively quick and clear, it is either done or fail... no abstraction in between. So I don't find it kind of a believe that one need in order to choose one among them.

If you are only concern about the ability in cleaning or removing installed application, choose Total Uninstall. No other competative program can come close to its capability. The most obvious difference is its performance in creating snapshot. I have switched from other uninstaller to TU mainly because of speed and its excellent report of software uninstallation.

If you are comparing uninstallers which is snapshot base and non-snapshot base, then YES, you ought to "believe" that the latter would work. For me, I find it funny to believe that there is a generic or universal way in cleaning up installed application. Think about it, an installed application has been used for a long time, gone through several upgrades and might be integrated with other newly installed application in certain way... a complex history before you decide to uninstall it... man you have to do a good backup first.

92

General Software Discussion / Re: Software install monitor.

« on: December 22, 2011, 12:44 PM »

The best way is to work with snapshots (before-after)

I use Total Uninstall Pro and can recommend it.
http://www.martau.com/

Kind Greetings

-MrZebulon (December 19, 2011, 06:39 AM)

I am a long time user of TU but I dislike their recent change of upgrade policy... a one year free update? I think it should be a free upgrade within the same major version no of the software.

and

the author is a bit paranoid about forum spammers... all forums in the world got spams, there is no absolute way to block them. I have had difficulty in logging in TU's forum for months. That basically make me give up visiting their user forum to suggest new features and so on.

93

General Software Discussion / Re: Media player and system volume

« on: December 22, 2011, 12:17 PM »

the program actually achieves volume adjustment by adjusting my system volume

-tslim (December 22, 2011, 04:23 AM)

This is very odd as I've NEVER had MPC adjust the system volume.  It's always adjusted its own internal volume.

...
Under View, Options, Playback, Output, Audio Renderer:  Change it to System Default and see if that solves things.

-skwire (December 22, 2011, 11:01 AM)

I am not familiar with how MPC work internally, but isn't it suppose to not tuning my system volume levels for whatever audio render choice I made?

In fact, my PC has onboard audio and a Creative Sound card both active and each takes care of their own speaker set. One of the set of speaker I only switch on while watching DTS movies wherelse the other set of speaker is my day to day use PC audio output. So, as you can see, if I stick to MPC as my player, my Audio Render can not be a fix one, I need to switch it between my movie watching session and normal PC working session.

I have just solved the above problem:
I create an AutoIt (script base) exe which always adjust back my Wav level to 65%, I then have MacroExpress auto run the exe every time MPC is closing.

Just to share my experience in MacroExpress with everyone here: I have been a user of MacroExpress for many years, recently I have upgraded to its PRO version. It has features to adjust most of the system volume except for Wav... Sarcastically, I have to resort to a freeware scripting program...

I dislike MacroExpress Pro's way of accepting user suggestion and  dislike very very much their hostile user forum.

94

General Software Discussion / Re: Media player and system volume

« on: December 22, 2011, 06:13 AM »

Do you run media player classic from a shortcut, or do you run it by double-clicking on media files?

If you do the first, I think an autohotkey script can do the job.

-eleman (December 22, 2011, 04:31 AM)

Both.
But I would say I normally double-click on a media file.

95

General Software Discussion / Media player and system volume

« on: December 22, 2011, 04:23 AM »

Hi,

I normally use Media Player Classic to play video.

While watching video, if I mute sound, change volume level (normally this means the WAV volume level is changed), the program actually achieves volume adjustment by adjusting my system volume. What frustrate me a lot is, it never restores my system volume levels as when the program is started. So I must manually adjust the volume level back after I close the player.

Is there any video player which won't change my system volume even if I adjust volume level while watching movie with it?
Or alternatively, is there any utility that I can run to restore my system volume to some preset levels (say something I save in a config file)?

96

General Software Discussion / Re: Taking ownership of files ... confused, irritated & discombobulated

« on: October 23, 2011, 12:58 AM »

This was - emphasis on the was - not an OS drive, just a USB external storage drive. 

...

So I dismantled the drive housing -

-barney (October 19, 2011, 06:54 PM)

Stop! ...God I'm retarded...

It's a USB Drive ... So if the USB controller goes poof (and they tend to) ... It can/will make the drive (which is actually perfectly fine) appear to be torched. I just went through this a few months back with a clients 1TB backup drive. In the externel USB case it appeared to be for all the world completely, unreadably, fried. However.... Out of the case connected directly to a computer ... It worked perfectly. I'm still using it.

Take another run at it now that it's out ... You might get lucky.

-Stoic Joker (October 19, 2011, 09:30 PM)

Ha! Ha!
You have made me recall an incident while I was a teenager...  back to the time before Win95, I was using floppy drive. I remember I have angrily thrown into my dustbin a dozen or more floppy disks and only find out later it was my floppy drive that went out of alignment... it simply can't read any disk... 

97

General Software Discussion / Re: A salty tale: Table salt multiplies hard disk space six times

« on: October 17, 2011, 01:54 PM »

Even if that is true, it is too late a good news.
I think in few years to come, mechanical HDD is going to phase out, all of us will be using SSD

98

General Software Discussion / Re: Taking ownership of files ... confused, irritated & discombobulated

« on: October 17, 2011, 01:50 PM »

To rescue data on HDD with bad sector, the best tool to use is Norton Ghost. In your case I think you can get back almost all of your data, but you will need a pair of 1TB HDD. With the right setting, Ghost the whole HDD (the one with bad sectors) to a 1TB HDD then restore it to another 1TB HDD. That is it.

I have witness a 2 days non-stop backup of a bad sector HDD (its condition is much worse than yours) by Norton Ghost, the result is a full reclaim of all data... it is simply that powerful.

99

General Software Discussion / Re: Annoying experience with non-pirated software

« on: August 12, 2011, 04:29 PM »

Hi fenixproductions,

According to what you have described, it resembling my recent problem with one of my Steam game. All other Steam games (and non-Steam games) work except for one. Steam integrity check shows failure and re-download the corrupted file does not solve the problem... guess what it was caused by HDD failure. My HDD has just started to develop few bad sectors and one of my Steam game's data file happen to sit on the bad spot.

May be you should check your HDD first (HDTune is a good utility to do that).

100

General Software Discussion / Re: I need advices on SSD and PerfectDisk 12.

« on: June 16, 2011, 12:58 PM »

Thanks for the interesting link.
So, I am not only giving up capacity, I too am risking to loss my SSD sooner (than if I use ordinary HDD)...
But just like someone in that discussion, I think, I am too, I don't think there is a way for me to go back using non-SDD drive for my Windows and programs.