Recent Posts

7176

General Software Discussion / Re: Help needed to repair XP (Q: 01)

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2007, 03:52 AM »

Should I start with this problem: backing up the various (unknown) drivers?

Go to the official site of your computer manufacturer and download drivers, or simply make a copy of the DRIVERS (or similiar) directory in your C:\ drive, if it exists.

-Wordzilla (April 07, 2007, 03:42 AM)

Doh! 
There are so many things to remember or forget, when you don't really know what you are doing.... I allready have backed up all drivers, using DriverMagician from giveawayoftheday - but I simply forgot!   

7177

General Software Discussion / Re: Help needed to repair XP (Q: 01)

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2007, 03:38 AM »

Haven't you got the original XP disc?

-TucknDar (April 07, 2007, 03:17 AM)

No; OEM pre-installed operating system.

Curt,

How to Create a Bootable Windows XP Setup Disk on a Preinstalled / Preloaded Windows System

Hope it helps! 

-Wordzilla (April 07, 2007, 03:11 AM)

Wow! VERY helpful!  

But I am going to have a problem concerning the various device drivers; they are all updated or replaced, and I have only little or no recall of their names, so I wouldn't know how or where to get these 'textmode drivers' he's talking about:

Note that backing up your device drivers in this manner will not help you if your computer has SATA, IDE, SCSI or other mass storage devices (for your hard disk) that Windows setup does not recognise. In such cases, you need the manufacturers' textmode drivers which the driver backup utility will not recreate

-HowToHaven

[Edit: I have such an IDE drive:]
Should I start with this problem: backing up the various (unknown) drivers?  

7178

General Software Discussion / Help needed to repair XP (Q: 01)

« Last post by Curt on April 07, 2007, 03:00 AM »

I never was too happy with this new XP of mine, but last week something went very wrong when I was replacing some old third party program with a new version, and Windows burped at the same time. From that moment 'everything' has been wrong: Outlook and Word will not open, and Explorer will take forever to open any folder. I have tried to repair or re-install this and that, and all I need now, I imagine, is to re-install / repair XP itself. The guys in the shop already told me it is all my fault and they will charge me big time if they are to do this for me - so I'll have to do it myself; the new machine took whatever little money I had.

XP was saved to disk, C:\WINDOWS\I386, and I have made a DVD copy of the folder's content, but my understanding is that I need it to be 'bootable' (??). And to do this, I need a bootable image of i386's content. But my backup program will only make images of the entire drive (and I really don't need to make an image of all the errors, do I), so I will start by asking Question 01: what free program to use to make a bootable image of a folder's content?

---

Please, do not tell me that I don't need any CD/DVD because I can command prompt this or that: I will never understand how to do so! Any suggestions must include some kind of 'automation', please, if you know what I mean.

I guess I will be asking a lot of questions before all is well, but maybe you understand the problem so well that you know I need to ask some other question? Please tell so, in time!

 

7179

General Software Discussion / Re: Anyone know of some good voice mail software?

« Last post by Curt on April 06, 2007, 06:35 PM »

<edit:  included urls>
Call Soft:  http://www.toscintl.com/callsoft/

-johnfdeluca (November 26, 2006, 11:42 AM)

- is this address right? 404: not found.

The only Call Soft I could find in a hurry: http://www.mycallsoft.com/

7180

General Software Discussion / Re: What fonts do I actually need?

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 06:51 PM »

... similar to Font Xplorer (now free) ...

-Nighted (April 04, 2007, 05:30 PM)

Sorry my comment has nothing to do with fonts, but I was reminded that Karen just launched another update, the first since last summer, and the second since August 2005..., this time of Replicator:





- the place to get Font Explorer and stuff.

7181

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 03:17 PM »

How to recieve the $19.59 price offer for the PRO 11 version:

Follow the link- http://store.digital...vlet/promoID.2539800 - empty the basket - close the window/tab - follow the link again, and the discount should be subtracted, making it a little less than half the normal price, and a much better deal than the one from Uniblue!

7182

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 02:59 PM »

Anyway; I mailed this picture to Uniblue and told them what I am thinking about their offer:

7183

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 02:33 PM »

$17-99 for VirtualDrive 11
http://store.digital...vlet/promoID.2539800
$24-99 for VirtualDrive Pro 11
http://store.digital...vlet/promoID.2539700

-NigelH (April 05, 2007, 12:41 PM)

Seems both links are to the Pro version, giving two prices?

7184

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 11:51 AM »

You really shouldn't install those toolbars and whatnot that comes "optional" with a lot of applications these days... adware, bloatware, useless, etc.

-f0dder (April 05, 2007, 10:38 AM)

The user has no other choice if he wants to install the free Alcohol.
Anyway; I removed it right after having inspected it.

7185

Find And Run Robot / Re: not freeware !!!

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 10:27 AM »

The problem is with terminology. The software found and Donation Coder (the one that requires a 6 month licence and registration to obtain it) is not freeware or donationware in the strict sense, its free software (which is not the same as freeware).
(...)
freeware is freeware and must remain the same, freeware is free software, but free software is not freeware,
(...)
Freeware (aside the definition from alt.comp.freeware) is software that you plug and play no hassle no question asked without the need to visit author's page, without guaranties either (I've had my share of bad experiences with purely written software) but it's freeware, that is the purpose of it, no need to register, do something more then run application and expect to run without me being required to license it or anything else.
(....)
Free software covers a larger area (ad-ware, spyware, requestware, registerware) so technically your software is registerware i.e. free software and not freeware.
(...)
Donationware, is free software that is released and the user is called upon to support the developer if he wishes, with a donation, but it is not forced upon it in neither way, not by spaming him with requests into persuading him to donate, not by forcing him to give something (like information, by registering on the DC's forum) this solely ejects it from the freeware category.
(...)
OK, maybe you can extend the donationware, to make it more .. persuasive to the cause (after all is free software, with the condition that the user has to register on the forum) but it's definitely not freeware!

-edyshor (March 18, 2007, 01:03 PM)

Please forgive me, but I think I agree with edyshor! 

"The problem is with terminology."

DC stuff is free software, financed by voluntary donations - not freeware or donationware.

Couldn't we simply standardize this phrase, "free software, financed by voluntary donations" ?? It needs little explanation, if any. Download.com and friends may go on calling it freeware; they don't offer the chance to use the right term anyway.

7186

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 05, 2007, 04:18 AM »

... version of Alcohol 52% here: http://www.free-down...hol_52__Free_Edition

The free edition installs a browser toolbar,

-mwb1100 (April 04, 2007, 04:16 PM)

I should mention that this Alcohol toolbar not yet has been updated for the newest Firefox (2.0.0.3), and so should be removed from FF. It is though working in IE 7, but as far as I can see its nothing but a link to the Alcohol site, merged with a search bar.

7187

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 09:16 PM »

... payware version of http://www.daemon-tools.cc ...

-f0dder (April 04, 2007, 06:18 PM)

I've tried them both and saw no similarity, but then again, I never figured out how to use daemon. I removed both, and have kept Alcohol 52% - its a lot easier to use. I didn't have to study any manual to get started; clicked a few buttons, and the job was done.

7188

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 06:03 PM »

But the image in the e-mail add is saying version 11, so ... ??

7189

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 05:53 PM »

Virtual Drive Pro is currently at version 11, while the Uniblue site is selling version 10.

-mwb1100 (April 04, 2007, 04:16 PM)

I feel embarrassed - I wouldn't have mentioned the add had I noticed this.



- and much worse: the price for upgrading from 10 to 11 is staggering $30!!! 

7190

General Software Discussion / Re: What fonts do I actually need?

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 03:23 PM »

Various programs have installed an unknown number, and I have installed a single font myself, making it 424.

7191

General Software Discussion / Re: Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 01:16 PM »

I have a game (yes; one game only) on DVD, but I think it handles too slow. Might this VD thing be what I need to make this game react a lot faster? Never thought of this before; can you even record a game?

7192

General Software Discussion / Virtual Drive Pro

« Last post by Curt on April 04, 2007, 12:16 PM »

A 13% discount might not be worth mentioning, but as usual Uniblue will offer you additional 15% rebate if you abort the purchase before its too late - making it $29.74 ( instead of $34, normally $40). Besides, my problem is a little different: they explain and explain, and still I don't understand what this "Virtual Drive" really is, or what its good for!


How down to earth are you: can you make me understand what this is?
, and any pro/cons? 

Farstone Virtual Drive Pro

Buy now and get a 13 % discount with Uniblue!

VirtualDrive Pro converts CDs and unprotected DVDs into MP3-like files, or “virtual CDs,” which run in place of original discs in any one of up to 23 “virtual drives” created in the software.

Archive your virtual CDs (VCDs) in a searchable library. Transport your VCDs on a laptop computer or USB device, and share them over a network. Since VCDs play directly on your hard drive, they save wear and tear on your CD-ROM drive and extend the battery life of laptop computers. VCDs also have access rates more than 200 times faster than physical CDs in a CD-ROM drive, improving the playback of PC games, photo CDs, and disc-based applications.

VirtualDrive Pro makes it a snap to create custom VCDs with favorite tracks, expansion packs, custom programs, and documentation. Pre-load your virtual drives to run several VCDs simultaneously, swapping them out via hot keys to avoid load times and spin up delays. Your virtual drives will show up as drive letters in Windows Explorer, which views them as physical drives, even though they are not!

We [Uniblue] have partnered with Farstone to recommend the excellent Virtual Drive Pro. A 13% discount is available on this product for all Uniblue customers. This is a limited time offer so act now. Click Here to take advantage of this offer.

 

7193

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 03, 2007, 08:27 AM »

This is becomming very confusing!
I clicked Modify, on my post, instead of Quote, on your post. So now the post before your post is the answer to the post after my previous post.  Oh dear!

7194

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 03, 2007, 03:53 AM »

Sorry; I didn't explain properly. 

-Curt (April 03, 2007, 02:38 AM)

Please, forgive me; I am such a clown expressing myself. 

The menu picture you showed is almost an exact copy of my Explorer context menu:



- so inside Explorer the problem is not how to reach the Fax Viewer.

The problem is how to reach it when you want to add it to some third party program's options inside the right-click context menu - programs like SendTo Toys or OpenExpert - because they will not show the Explorer suggestions (the suggestions we can see at the picture), but will wait for you to navigate them to the executing file.

But of course, I should write the author of SendTo Toys and ask him! My dear; why haven't I thought of this before? Please, forgive me for having taken up your time! 

7195

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 03, 2007, 02:38 AM »

Sorry; I didn't explain properly. 

I think this amplified version of the Fax Viewer is very fine, but its not THAT fine.... I don't wanna attach any type of file to the Fax Viewer, I only want to have it among the listed programs. Explorer will do that, you will say, yes, but only after taking time to think about it. But if I use SendTo Toys or BAxBEx OpenExpert or any other editor of the Open_With option, the Explorer suggestions are not listed but replaced with apps I must navigate to. So if I use SendTo Toys and OpenExpert (and I do) I will have no way to add the Fax Viewer, because they are waiting for me to tell the name and place - and I can't find it, because its a DLL with multible jobs, it seems.

Hmmm... Did this make any sense?

7196

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 02, 2007, 06:11 PM »

Quote:

Photo Toolkit ...  integrates directly into Windows Explorer and can function as an add-on program with Windows Picture and Fax Viewer providing quick access to several powerful editing options. This unique integration technology is patent pending.

Photo Toolkit does not embarrass you with a complicated interface: it enriches the software you're accustomed to with new additional features and lets you enhance your photos in the usual environment!

With Photo Toolkit everything you may need for image editing and enhancement is right there at your fingertips!



Photo Toolkit Features:
Download Photo Toolkit free and appreciate the ease of this complete photo software suite designed to make image editing a more enjoyable experience!



 Color Correction:
The Color Correction plugin contains a number of advanced tools for adjusting image color balance, contrast, brightness and saturation. An image can be fixed automatically (default color correction will be performed) or edited in manual mode.

 Fix Red Eye:
The Fix Red Eye plugin allows you to quickly and easily remove red eye from your photos. An image can be fixed automatically (no manual selection is needed in the vast majority of photos) or edited in manual mode.
 
 Denoise:
The Denoise plugin removes digital noise or Jpeg artifacts from your images. An image can be fixed automatically (standard denoise) or edited in manual mode if you want to perform Jpeg denoise. See examples...
 
 Make Up:
The Make Up plugin contains a complete set of retouching tools for portrait enhancement. See examples...
 
 Caricature:
The Caricature plugin lets you create funny caricatures transforming photos with special warping effects. See examples...
 
 Lighting Effects:
The Lighting Effects plugin lets you apply artistic lighting effects to your photos, as well as add 3D relief. See examples...
 
 Straighten:
The Straighten plugin offers the easiest way to straighten tilted photos simply by drawing a line that you want to be horizontal or vertical. See examples...
 
 Resample:
The Resample plugin allows you to resize images enlarging or reducing them without image quality loss. The tool can be used to increase image resolution for better printing. See examples...
 
 Crop:
The Crop plugin is a convenient tool that lets you crop images bringing out the most attractive details. See examples...
 
 Convert:
The Convert plugin allows you to convert the image format (jpeg, bmp, png, gif, tiff).
 
  Batch processing:
Now Photo Toolkit allows you to edit your images in batch mode. Batch processing lets you quickly edit multiple photos with minimal effort! You can process batches of images easily using Windows Explorer context menu. Just highlight several files, right-click on them and select the desired plugin. Besides, batch processing can be done in the stand-alone program.
 

7197

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Desktop Search 3.01 for XP

« Last post by Curt on April 02, 2007, 05:17 PM »

So far I have moved it just around the corner:



It doesn't look as nice as I would want my desktop to, but it works.

7198

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 02, 2007, 05:06 PM »

you can invoke it as such:

rundll32.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\shimgvw.dll,ImageView_Fullscreen %1

-tinjaw (April 02, 2007, 02:05 PM)

Thanks for answering my question, tinjaw, but please take one step further, if you will forgive me: How do I transform this into a link, if possible? I cannot WRITE the link address; I have to NAVIGATE to the file.

I want to place a link in "Open With ..." and "Send To ..."

-Curt (April 02, 2007, 04:59 PM)

7199

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Picture and Fax Viewer

« Last post by Curt on April 02, 2007, 04:59 PM »

..., there's better alternatives! (IMHO). ...

-Nighted (April 02, 2007, 03:49 PM)

Media Player Classic is one of the worst media players you can have. But then there is K_Lite Mega Codecpack - and suddenly Media Player Classic is one the finest media players.

Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is not much to talk about. But then there is VicMan Photo Toolkit, and suddenly the Fax Viewer is a very fine image editor!



- and for this reason I want to place a link in "Open With ..." and "Send To ..."
Get the point?

7200

General Software Discussion / Re: Windows Desktop Search 3.01 for XP

« Last post by Curt on April 02, 2007, 04:36 PM »

... Deskbar taking up too much space, that's why it was moved into the Start Menu on Vista =)  .... people ask to have the search box back on the Taskbar... no idea why, though.

-BrandonLive (April 02, 2007, 04:05 PM)

Thanks a lot, Brandon, for taking the time to enlighten us on this - and welcome at DC's! Being a Vista-man you might not care too much about WDS on XP, but it would be interesting to know if anything might be done to minimize WDS 'Deskbar' on the XP Taskbar, or if all efforts are put into Vista only?? I fear I know the answer!