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2526

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows 10 Announced

« Last post by tomos on July 28, 2015, 04:25 AM »

http://dellwindowsre...or-windows-insiders/
This may all be completely dated by now (?)
He works for Dell, so there is a Dell bias here - not sure how much difference that makes.

Update 16/07/2015 windows 10 10240 rtm is released for windows insiders
by philipyip    

You cannot clean install initially otherwise you pass up your free upgrade

Upgrade to windows 10 via windows update or beginning the windows 10 setup within the windows 10 desktop. This will register your device as a windows 10 device and you may then create a recovery drive and clean install.

From my extensive testing of the new Microsoft Product Testing introduced into Microsoft Windows 10 RTM I can tell you the following:

◾Direct clean installation from Windows 10 Installation Media, skipping product key twice or using the generic key leads to an unactivated product.
◾Using the .iso to upgrade from the Windows Desktop will only allow activated versions of Windows to release the license agreement screen. This only allows Activated versions of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 Insider 10130.
◾For Windows Insiders Windows 10130 is then updated to Windows 10162 via Windows Update and this is updated via Windows Update to Windows 10240 (RTM) .
◾Once the initial upgrade to Windows 10240 is complete the device is registered to Microsoft as a Windows 10 Device.
◾Once a device is registered, you may create a Recovery Drive and Clean Install.
◾The Recovery Drive may be used on other devices but you will encounter Microsoft Product Activation issues if the device isn’t initially upgraded via Windows Update and Registered as a Windows 10 10240 RTM device.
◾The product activation is tied to the device. You can reinstall using a different Microsoft Account or Local Account and the device will activate.
◾You may change minor hardware such as a SSD/HDD and clean install. I changed from a SSD to HDD for a quick test and Microsoft Product Activation was applied.
◾It seems Windows Insiders with Build 10130 will be passed as eligible to reach Windows 10 RTM even those who lacked a Windows 7/8.1 Base license. Those who look to join the Windows 10 Insider program after the Windows 10130 .isos have been removed will not be able to install and activate Windows 10 Insider 10240 RTM.

http://dellwindowsre...or-windows-insiders/

2527

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: AOMEI Backupper FREE + AOMEI Partition Assistant FREE - Mini-Review

« Last post by tomos on July 27, 2015, 04:18 PM »

  Well, I successfully restored one system image via Aomei Backerupper free version (henceforth 'AB')

# AB offers to do a full disc backup (imaging). In my case there's three partitions.
=> Partitions can be individually restored.
? does anyone know -
if the partitions are destroyed - or changed, can Aomei still restore the complete drive?
Or would the partitions have to be recreated before it could restore?

If AB doesnt do that, is there any other software that will make a backup of the partition structure (not their contents) ?
EDIT// I will have also have a go with their Partition software

2528

General Software Discussion / Re: What's living in your taskbar notification area right now?

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 11:27 PM »

can I ask what those using the Dropbox client show it's memory usage as?

...Task Manager shows it using 140+MB at idle

-4wd (July 26, 2015, 09:30 PM)

120MB on my desktop (idle)

2529

Living Room / Re: [SOLVED] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 11:02 PM »

All of my Dell machines have been business grade and came with real OS installation and driver disks. (no restore partitions or restore disks that wipe away all your data) An added benefit of that is no crapware bundle, or restoration of any of the original crapware the machine came with, pre-installed.

-app103 (July 26, 2015, 07:36 PM)

this is a business grade machine :-(
Came with Windows 7 on it, and a Windows 8 CD (and no optical drive lol).
There is an option to make a factory recovery disc/usb - I'd be curious how that one installs...

No crapware is fairly true - although McAfee was included without choice in the offer, it was not actually installed.  (There's an installer wizard to install the junk and/or any software purchased with the machine.) I have read though, that this Dell backup & recovery is supposed to break Windows image restore - unless you upgrade to the paid version (cnet - that is from a year ago, so dont know if still the case).

2530

Living Room / Re: [solved] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 04:58 AM »

UPDATE:
I *am* able to boot using the System Recovery boot USB

-tomos (July 26, 2015, 03:15 AM)

turns out this should have been my first line of recovery
I used the first option: "Startup Repair" and it recognised the problem as 'Boot manager missing or corrupt" and IT FIXED IT!!!
 

Note I tried this before - but not using the repair disc - the machine did already start to the Startup Repair window, which was unable to fix the boot manager - it didnt occur to me that the Startup Repair on the boot usb-stick would have any more success.
Or maybe it was now successful because I had changed the OS partition to boot flag.

The boot is definitely different to before, there was a lot of updating on restart:
"Applying update operation xxxx of 105,389 ([filename here])"

As to what exactly happened to cause the problem in the first place, I can only imagine it was a clash between Dell's weird boot & partition management, and Partition Guru not being able to restore it to previous version.

Considering my options now  
a) leave well enough alone
b) rip it all out and install a 'normal' Windows 7 (or 8) without a recovery partition
c) try to move the partitions around to a more logical setup (recovery to end)

a) wins for today, but I will seriously consider (b)
I might make a list of lessons learned - but that's another post too


EDITED the OP:

As I'm not sure exactly what went wrong, I cant be 100% sure what fixed it.
All I can say is be afraid of DELL's boot and partition management - be very afraid...

-tomos (July 23, 2015, 02:58 PM)

2531

Living Room / Re: *Email privacy and security survey*

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 03:32 AM »

^ I think you got the wrong end of the stick there app -
I was the one who was saying he should check out WOT to see if their problems as per end 2013 (where it continued tracking after uninstall) were resolved or not (see post #28 above).
Miles didnt seem too bothered by it all ;-)

2532

Living Room / Re: Animal Friends thread

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 03:27 AM »

I am a member of Reddit, because I once wanted to say something, and I have not yet figured out how to cancel the annual, auto-renewing, PayPal pay system.

-Curt (July 23, 2015, 02:12 AM)

I don't think you need to pay to say things on Reddit.

-Deozaan (July 25, 2015, 10:13 PM)

that sounds very dubious Curt
I'd do a bit of research to try and find out what exactly is going on there...

2533

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 26, 2015, 03:15 AM »

The plot thickens, and not in a good way :-(

I removed the 'boot' flag from the Recovery partition, and added it to the OS partition.

When I boot machine (with nothing connected to it), I get the message:
An operating system wasn't found. Try disconnecting any drives that don't
contain an operating system.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.

When I try to boot via Hiren's bootable USB stick, I get the message:
BOOTMGR is missing.
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart.

This is not getting any easier :-/


UPDATE:
I *am* able to boot using the System Repair boot USB - looking at the options there, I think command line is the only option to do anything specific. Any suggestions much appreciated.

Note: it is (was) a win 7 machine, only a month old :eye-roll: :-) but it came with a Windows 8 upgrade cd. I dont see the Windows key anywhere on the machine or the disc, but a new install is an option...

2534

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 25, 2015, 06:16 PM »

Also, since Dell decided to leave the recovery partition accessible from Windows, when the Win7 upgrade ran it used it as the boot partition and changed it from E: to C:.

-Vurbal (April 02, 2014, 08:43 PM)

I think there's clue in there for me - I restored the Boot partition (via Aomei Backerupper) - no joy, I then restored the OS partition - still no change.
I'll have to have a look see which the active partition (and maybe restore the Recovery partition too).

-tomos (July 24, 2015, 04:16 PM)

Okay, here's the flags for the partitions - I'm presuming (but unsure) that the OS one should be boot - what do ye think?

1st partition	[noname]	lba	39MiB / 213 KiB used
2nd partitioon	Recovery	boot
3rd partition	[noname=OS]	[no flags]

2535

General Software Discussion / Re: uBlock Origin (Chrome ad blocker extension) - I like it!

« Last post by tomos on July 25, 2015, 05:49 PM »

I gave up on uBlock Origin when it blocked sourceforge completely - there was (deservedly) a bit of a fuss about sourceforge lately, but was surprised to see an adblocker blocking a whole site.

-tomos (July 25, 2015, 12:57 PM)

When I read your post I found that hard to believe, but you are right, they block the site. I googled a bit to find out why, and it looks like Sourceforge can't be trusted anymore under the new owner...  http://blog.gluster....rceforge-has-fallen/

-brotherS (July 25, 2015, 05:24 PM)

Well, it's been reported here too recently (SourceForge takes over GIMP for Windows’ account to peddle adware), but I still dont think it's an adblocker's job to block a page.
I was a little worried that the other version might not keep going, but it seems to be doing an okay job.
FWIW,
also did a quick search for wraith's post:

ublock origin was closing tabs and such after opening them with no indication half the time, and no way to turn off the functionality other than to opt out for the entire domain.  That's what started this whole thread.  ublock doesn't have that behavior.  they also seem to work the same on the sites that I visit.

ublock for me.

-wraith808 (May 12, 2015, 07:44 PM)

2536

General Software Discussion / Re: uBlock Origin (Chrome ad blocker extension) - I like it!

« Last post by tomos on July 25, 2015, 12:57 PM »

I gave up on uBlock Origin when it blocked sourceforge completely - there was (deservedly) a bit of a fuss about sourceforge lately, but was surprised to see an adblocker blocking a whole site.
As I didnt think that was it's job, I moved to uBlock (without the 'Origin') at the time and have been happy since. I also use it on Firefox/PaleMoon, and like you, brotherS, I'm very happy with it

Wraith808 has also spoken in favour of the non-original one for some-other reason, but off-hand, I cant remember why. (If it's of interest a search should find it fairly quickly.)

2537

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 24, 2015, 04:16 PM »

Also, since Dell decided to leave the recovery partition accessible from Windows, when the Win7 upgrade ran it used it as the boot partition and changed it from E: to C:.

-Vurbal (April 02, 2014, 08:43 PM)

I think there's clue in there for me - I restored the Boot partition (via Aomei Backerupper) - no joy, I then restored the OS partition - still no change.
I'll have to have a look see which the active partition (and maybe restore the Recovery partition too).

2538

System Path Commander / Re: Suggestion for Help File / _README

« Last post by tomos on July 24, 2015, 03:51 PM »

Love the program.  Suggest a notice somewhere prominent (README.txt, spc.chm main page, startup message) that reminds the user that the program needs to be run as ADMINISTRATOR in order to work.
Cheers,
AKE

-AKE (July 24, 2015, 03:19 PM)

did you donwload it here?
https://www.donation.../Software/Other/Spc/

The page should at least say how old it is (circa 2005 - which would explain no warnings about that kind of thing...)

2539

Living Room / Re: When you make your 100'th Post

« Last post by tomos on July 24, 2015, 03:24 PM »

MilesAhead @6,000

2540

Living Room / Re: Recommend some music videos to me!

« Last post by tomos on July 24, 2015, 03:16 PM »

the Woodstock version of "I'm Goin' Home"

The crying video above doesn't do it for me, but I'm Going Home is a great song and a very cool performance i've watched many times.

-mouser (July 24, 2015, 07:47 AM)

https://www.youtube..../watch?v=ZRV6fwUZwBk (?)

SRV's homage to the one and only Jimi

https://www.youtube..../watch?v=OEJh2FFUUoU

-MilesAhead (July 24, 2015, 01:34 PM)

enjoying them both


EDIT// and now John Coltrane et al

2541

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 24, 2015, 10:17 AM »

Sounds like the order of the partitions got jumbled up in (parts of) the Windows configuration.
[...]
Laptop manufacturers have the nasty habit lately to put the recovery partition in front off the other partition. The reasoning behind this doesn't make a lick of sense to me. After all, this is the fastest part of the hard disk, which should be used for the Windows partition. After all, you will spend more time using the laptop instead of restoring the factory setup!

-Shades (July 23, 2015, 09:23 PM)

Yes,
it seems to be:
(1) Boot
(2) Recovery,
(3) OS
(3) Boot
 [edit] appears the boot partition does come first - but yes, Recovery should be at the end - or not there at all ;-) [/edit]

Or put the image you already have back and see if your trust in Aomei Backerupper is warranted.

-Shades (July 23, 2015, 09:23 PM)

Haven't gotten back to this yet - but planning on starting with image restore for Boot partition and see if works.
Then I could the consider the option of messing around with the partitions.
I thought I might be able to modify the partition simply via a boot USB stick but not sure what software will move the partitions - I'm wary of using Partition Guru now, unless I know what exactly caused the problem. Will research (maybe Gparted).

2542

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 05:55 PM »

That is wild.  I never heard of a machine without a positive off button.  Sometimes I have to hold it down for about 7 or 8 seconds.  But it always kills the Laptop.  My sample size is rather small.  This Toshiba is the only Lappy I ever owned.  

-MilesAhead (July 23, 2015, 05:37 PM)

well, the battery drained - (I'll update OP after this):

Hiren's Linux worked:
# I got the user files off of it
# I deleted Hiberfile.sys

The machine does boot to Windows Startup Repair, but not further. (A System Restore did not help.)
I now see Startup Repair says:
-------------------------
Root cause found:
-------------------------
Boot configuration is corrupt
Result, Failed. Error Code = 0x3
-----------------------------

According to MS, the 0x3 code is:
-------------------------------------
ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND
3 (0x3)
The system cannot find the path specified.
-----------------------------------

There are three partitions:
# Dell Recovery
# OS
# Boot

I have one image of whole drive courtesy Aomei Backerupper -
will try restore the boot one, but too late now for me (1am here) - will have a go tomorrow.

[What broke it is another story :-/ if necessary will go there tomorrow]

2543

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 04:28 PM »

^ well, with the machine not responding, any updates are going to have to wait a while

I thought that you got a forced reboot after a blue screen - but the circumstances are a bit unusual - it's a blue screen from Hirens boot USB / mini XP on a Windows 7 machine, that is already borked. But if I'm lucky, it might mean I inadvertently found the root problem with the OS.

[Still waiting, will probably leave it overnight and have another go in the morning]

2544

JGPaiva's GridMove and Ahk Tools / Re: GridMove discussion.

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 03:35 PM »

Hello, I have download and install GridMove today and pay a donation. I work with Windows 8.1 pro. I can not start or pen GridMove. Installed several times, but nothing happened. Maby someone can help me.

-MichelvanHagen (July 23, 2015, 12:38 PM)

hi Michel
I just installed it on Win 8.1 home, and it seems to work fine here - at the end of install, it showed the about/help window (I cant remember if I had to click a button to run it).
It shows in the tray here:



If it's not running, you should be able to find it here:
C:\Program Files (x86)\GridMove\GridMove.exe

I've only ever used it via the shortcut keys:
Winkey+G should show a grid overlay on the screen with numbers to select, N will show the next grid options (i.e. cycle through the different grids stored).

2545

Living Room / Re: [Help!] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 03:17 PM »

You mean you hold down the Power Button and it won't shut down?  (I know.  Dumb question.  But I have to ask.)

-MilesAhead (July 23, 2015, 03:15 PM)

should have said that myself - no, it doesnt work:
# pressed power button - no response; tried it for a few seconds, nothing
# tried Ctrl+Alt+Del a few times - nothing

2546

LaunchBar Commander / Re: Show us your LaunchBar Commander Screenshots

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 03:15 PM »

^ Thanks Richard
they do look good

2547

General Software Discussion / Re: AV testing: Is your antivirus app doing its job?

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 03:05 PM »

^thanks for the answer

2548

Living Room / [SOLVED] Boot problem/s

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 02:58 PM »

see reply #18 for the solution. As I'm not sure exactly what went wrong, I cant be 100% sure what fixed it.
All I can say is be afraid of DELL's boot and partition management - be very afraid...

Dell Latitude E5550 Laptop:

Summary, so far...
# Windows 7 machine will boot to Windows Sartup Repair, but not further. See update below for details from Startup Repair diagnosis.
# System restore to before problem started did not help.

Update:
(taken from Reply #6)

Hiren's Linux worked:
# I got the user files off of it
# I deleted Hiberfile.sys

The machine does still boot to Windows Startup Repair, but still not any further.
I now see Startup Repair says:
-------------------------
Root cause found:
-------------------------
Boot configuration is corrupt
Result, Failed. Error Code = 0x3
-----------------------------

According to MS, the 0x3 code is:
-------------------------------------
ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND
3 (0x3)
The system cannot find the path specified.
-----------------------------------

There are three partitions:
# Dell Recovery
# OS
# Boot

I have one image of whole drive courtesy Aomei Backerupper -
will try restore the boot one, but too late now for me (1am here) - will have a go tomorrow.

[What broke it is another story :-/ possibly caused by trying to create an image via DOS (using Eassos Partition Guru). Something about the DELL setup and that did not work on  reboot. Or could possibly be hardware related, but I suspect not]

Original Post, some relevant details maybe...

[1] Most immediate problem:
Blue screen: I am unable to reboot; battery is not removable - this will solve itself eventually when the battery runs down - but is there any other way of forcing it?
(I've put the screen on maximum brightness to speed up that process.)

[edit]
I did try:
# pressed power button - no response; tried it for a few seconds, nothing
# tried Ctrl+Alt+Del a few times - nothing
# the machine does not seem to have any reset button
[/edit]

[2] Immediate background:
I was trying to start the machine with Hirens boot USB stick, selected the mini XP option.
Got error:
0x000000A5 (0x00000003, 0x8BE651D4, 0xC0140008, 0x494E495F)
According to MS the solution is to delete Hyberfile.sys

If the problem persists, start the computer by using the Windows CD or by using an emergency startup disk, and then delete the Hiberfil.sys file.

https://support.micr....com/en-us/kb/831691

So, if/when I can reboot, I plan to try with Hirens Linux option and delete that file (and if I'm lucky 'normal' windows will start again - but that's for another post).

Any suggestions welcome - will let you know how I get on anyways ;-)


EDIT// corrected th error code

2549

General Software Discussion / Re: AV testing: Is your antivirus app doing its job?

« Last post by tomos on July 23, 2015, 04:20 AM »

Is your antivirus app doing its job?

Hint: No.

And there's close to no reason to reconsider not using snake-oil malware.

-Tuxman (July 23, 2015, 03:29 AM)

trying to tease out that last sentence -
Is it:
Anti-virus = Malware
and you dont use it

You dont use anything? (ich mach's ohne ? :p)
Curious:
Is that because you're expert enough to cope with anything that happens?
or you think they wont stop anything?
or your system is really secure anyway?
or... ?

2550

Living Room / Re: *Email privacy and security survey*

« Last post by tomos on July 22, 2015, 03:44 PM »

^yeah, it's the same one - at the time there were problems with it tracking your activity *after* uninstalling it. I would presume they fixed that since due to the bad press, but probably worth researching.