Replies

Thanks for your replies, everyone. They’ve been very helpful, and I’ll post an update after I’ve tried your suggestions. Right now, though, I have another serious problem.

I am unable to back up my system because I can’t get my PC to recognize an external USB hard drive. I have had this problem in the past with a USB flash/thumb/jump drive, but because only one of several behaved this way, I didn’t suspect anything wrong with my PC or software. However, I hadn’t backed up for a while, and the other day when I tried to back up to my external Western Digital drive, Vista didn’t find it. Again, I cursed the manufacturer and blamed the hardware.

So today, I went down and bought another drive: a Seagate Free Agent Desk this time. I brought it home and plugged it in — nothing. It doesn’t show up at all in Windows Explorer. The only indication that it’s there is that Safely Remove Hardware shows it as a “USB Mass Storage Device.” When the Western Digital problem showed up, I was running the Zentimo USB manager, and it identified the drive as “the drive with no media”!

Any ideas on this one?

Keith,
Hello…This is really another topic that should be “re-posted” .However.. Check in “disk manager” (after connecting ) and you will probably find that the disk has not been assigned a drive letter… So it won’t be “seen” in windows ..Right click on it and give it a letter assignment from the “drop down” Regards Fred

After working on a problem I discussed under “Internet Explorer” titled “IE auto opens”, I now have a totally new problem.

After uploading and running the two programs to remove ad-ware, that problem seemed to be resolved. However, the next
time I booted my computer funny things started to happen.

I have a Dell laptop with both Vista Home OS and XP OS, which I use the Vista OS.
Now when I boot the system it opens in XP OS and I can not get back to Vista.

Did I do something when I ran the two programs or what is going on here?

How can I reset back to the Vista OS?

RSpring,
Hello.. do you use a “boot manager” like “EasyBCD” to do the “dual boot thing ” ? One thing that you can check is go to ( right click)… Computer> Properties>Advanced system settings> Startup and recovery (settings) and select Vista from the “drop down” for the “default” … Regards Fred

1.) Yes, for a long time I used nothing but “freebies” and no Microsoft security software.
How I tell they’ve worked for me is that I’ve never had an infection on my personal PC. Any time there has been an issue on any computer on which I’ve installed security software it has been of the social engineering variety (i.e. getting someone to click on a dubious link which gives permission to install software).

I don’t know where you get the idea the MSE has had many patches. I’ve stated before that I only recall one scan engine update since MSE has been released a year ago. As with all anti-malware programs there are regular signature updates.

2. All I can say is that you’ve been extremely lucky so far. If I’m not mistaken you make image backups of your systems. I’d like to know how often you’ve restored systems and for what reasons. You experience has experiment has worked for you. That is great.

3. You keep saying you can’t improve on anything that is working. Yet, you ignore comments that compare patches to a automobile recall. Most likely as far as you can tell you car would be working properly. Would you ignore a recall?

Again, as long as your approach is working for you that is great. Based on my experience I do not think that should be the apporach for the average user.

Joe,
Hello.. Yes we are beating the “horse” again but it is an important discussion… As i think that everyone should have all sides of an argument…… so i will respond.

1. I lump all security patches as the same “Mickey MSE ” or other, I can’t say which of the “MS” patches (or all combined), but if you add up the numbers the bloat factor doesn’t line up with their numbers .. EX : If you add up the “patch” download numbers and keep tabs of your system bloat … they are way out of wack …. someone is not being truthful.

2.I have stated this to you before … the ONLY time that i “recover” (any of my OS’s ) is when I do something bad , or in my Vista SP-2 experiment it (the patch) did something bad I haven’t done a recovery on my SP-0 …i can’t even remember when.

3.Ignoring the “automobile” analogy !…. because it’s not applicable to PC’s…. EX : Your “Automobile ” does not stop working when you do routine or preventative maintenance… that is unless you have it performed by the “village idiot” and as far as “recalls” … When MS notifies me that their software has a bug that will crash one of my installed programs …. then I’ll have a look. otherwise whats the point “EVERYTHING IS WORKING”

4. The “average user” should be informed …. and let them make the decision as what course should be taken …. not up to me ..” i just tell it like it is”

For now i will continue on with this approach and am presently stripping out all patches and updates for one of my “7 32 ” OS’s..(the one that I’m on now ) the saga continues…. Regards Fred

Hi, everyone. I’ve been intending to get involved here since December, but it took a crisis to get me here. So I hope you don’t mind that my first post is a desperate cry for help.

so I’ve been working to free up space.

The symptoms come and go. Usually, everything works pretty well for several hours, after which the system becomes pretty much unusable.

. And now, today I discovered something very strange. I checked the sizes of all the folders on my c: drive to see which were the largest and would give the most promise for increasing free space. When I added the sizes all up, there was about 40 GB (of 88) unaccounted for!

Suggestions?

Keith,
Hello…and Welcome to the Lounge… Sounds like you have a real “mess” on your hands.Just a few questions that might help you get some of the “free” space back
1. Is your system “Hibernate” enabled? (you can save several GB here)
2. Check on the size that the “Recycle Bin ” is set to (right click and select properties )
3. How many restore points do you have ? You can adjust (set up) for the maximum number

As far as the other problems sounds like some kind of “overheating problem” … you can download this free program to check on this http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html Is your PC a desk top… ? if so, open it and check to make sure all fans are up…. especially the CPU fan..Any way this is a start Regards Fred

In this case I have to agree with Jeff and JoeP. I do not suffer adverse effects with keeping my system up to date with MS updates.

I also have read from many different security app. manufacturers that they do recommend keeping your systems up to date. Just because I do not use their products does not mean that I do not follow their recommendations. Many of these people are wiser than me when it comes to security and I must defer to their recommendations.

Whenever I can crank up my brain cell, the scheme I use for security feels right to me and that’s whats important to me. I do not try to change others minds, but when asked, will recommendd my scheme to others.

Go forth and use your PCs the way you wish to because they are indeed YOUR PCs! Cheers, Ted (need 2 cups of java this morning. Stayed up late watching my Yankees win their series last night)

Hey Ted,
Hello.. think that the “horse is dead and decayed”…. but Just because some have no problems with the “patch your OS… to death” does not imply that others do not.. It all depends on what, and how many different programs you happen to be running.. The more you have … the greater the chance that something will “break” when you apply a “patch” ( OS type) on your once working system . I can see no logic whatsoever in “patching” an otherwise working system …to me it would be like cleaning a loaded .44 magnum ” hand shooter”, after a few adult beverages…. your bound to shoot yourself in the foot (or elsewhere) Look… I’m just the messenger here and am reporting my findings of about a years worth of work… Seems that it doesn’t count for much amongst some ( basically who have done nothing other than regurgitate some common blah blah) I’m now going to take an aspirin …Regards Fred

There are innumerable subtle differences in hardware and drivers within and across brand name platforms, just as there are innumerable differences in the way individuals practice personal computing and security. Basically, nothing is substantially proven by an individual case experience, neither by mine or yours.

Keep doing what works for you, and I will do the same, and we can enjoy our personal computing experience, which is exactly what it should be, enjoyable.

Gerald ,
WOW ! ..Finally , an unbiased statement of fact. Thank you i really appreciate it I’m just reporting what i have done, and the conclusions that are based on my experimenting. Some can not stand to have their “paradigm challenged “, no matter what the facts show . and like i stated i have the data. Most only have …. what they have heard , and not actually done anything to actually prove things one way or the other. I continue to “play” (and use ) the PC as a tool ,and will continue with the “experimenting ” an posting my conclusions no matter what they are and who objects. Regards Fred

I’m basing my opinion on over 40 years of designing, analyzing, writing, & debugging all manner of software from simple utility programs to communications handlers, operating system extensions, complex applications, security software, and many many more.

Your number 8 is valid only if you never add or update any software in the system and I mean any software no matter who the vendor is. Additonally, you have to do things exactly the same each time you use your system – no deviations. Otherwise, your system will react differently than the previous time it was used.

Also, what you regard as “MS blah blah” is repeated by EVERY reputable software vendor even your beloved Symantec when it comes to keeping your system patched and running current versions of software.

Joe ,
Hello…. Well stated .. however i would respond. NEVER have i questioned your expertise, and continue to regard you as one of the most Knowledgeable PC people out there.. But you can not dispute what i have done either … and the simple facts are just that, no matter how “uncomfortable” they might make you or others feel. So far no one has answered my questions or given me reason to doubt my conclusions.I restate…
1. Have you, or anyone used these ” security freebies” exclusively ? ( no MS stuff ) my point is …how would you tell if they actually worked or not?… and that your not just repeating the “Common Wisdom” blah blah ? (Oh! they work so well and did i mention their low fat ) In a comparison the freebies and Mickey MSE are not even close to Norton Internet Security 2011, or any other reputable “security”, and the only thing that is good that i can state is there “free” and you don’t really have to “mess with them”….. other than applying legions of patches that will bloat your OS… ( FACT ) And no Norton does not bloat your OS updates and all ( have the data to prove that )

2.I do update all my programs and with no MS stuff in the mix …. they work ( the new ones) and so do my original programs… (so far) I have never experienced having to run programs in a “specific order” i never do.. as i randomly boot into whatever OS that I’m in the mood to play with…Although i try to run them all during the week.

3. So i stand by my statements… you can’t improve on “everything is working” (to believe that is not rational ) and “Adding non security patches on a working OS … only has one direction to go…… “south”

Best Regards Fred

Fred,

I did provide a link to this in my post #3 above. I do not seem to have the problem with Win 7 search that some others have, but have also installed Search Everything. As many others do, I like to have options for the apps I want to use. Cheers, Ted

Ted,
Hello… Sorry i missed that bit… I love “Everything” and in my enthusiasm, just wanted to pass it along.. It’s a great program that you don’t have to jump through any “MS” hoops.and works much better as you can set it up any way that you want …. unlike the “one size fits none MS approach” …. Regards Fred

I’m a new Windows 7 user.

I’m dumbfounded. Windows 7 search is really bad!

It can’t even search the contents of native .doc files. I tried!

What other hoops do I need to jump through?

Brian,
Hello.. Hold on as i have to apply my “Woopin Helmet” to respond to your post….. OK it’s securely in place …Here goes
Yes windows 7 Search… lets see.. oh yes now i remember IT STINKS ! Download and install this “Everything” (free)http://www.voidtools.com And configure to select what drive you want to scan search…… Now never use “Windows Search” ever again. Regards Fred

In my opinion, not doing windows updates, especially critical ones, is like ignoring a recall on your car for a bad high pressure fuel line. Sure, it maight not happen to you, but why take the chance? As far as updates trashing your computer, don’t you ever read Susan’s articles? .

I think it is hard to go wrong as long as you use a big name product. Use what you like, but use one of the top names.

Mr. Fixer,
Hello.. Well seems that i have been down this road before, but in fairness to your response I’ll try to explain.
1. First off I’m not just “blowing smoke” I have actually done this experiment and have the results (about a years worth)
2. The trial was to run two Vista Home Premium OS’s with basically all the same programs. I called one Vista SP-0 no patches or Updates, or MS security,( yes you can remove it ) and the second Vista SP-2 all patches and updates (to date 10-1-2010 )
3.Both ran with Norton 360 and Malwarebytes (pay version )
4. As time proceeded , my SP-0 OS was (and is ) still A-OK and after SP-1 the second Vista OS started to show some “buggyness” After SP-2 things went down hill with more problems on the Vista SP-2 OS.
5. The “Patches and Updates ” added around 6 or 7 GB to the now bloated Vista SP-2 ( the patch list was legion )
6. As of the first of this month i decided that the experiment is over and removed Vista SP-2 , and continuing on with my Vista SP-0
7. The bottom line….. First the more programs that you have loaded …. the more chances there are for something to go wrong with the whole “patch to patch patches ” thing
8. Once your OS is up and running with no problems. there is no benefit to applying even one patch (not “talkin” security ) . What for, are you or can you make your system better than “everything is working” ? And if you do, what are you basing that on?

Now for the Security Question …. Take a look at my post about Norton Internet Security 2011 … it’s what i run with now . The “Freebies” and the much vaunted “Mickey MSE” are pitiful in comparison. Has anyone of you just run your “freebies” alone ? or do you just add it to the mix with the MS stuff ? So how would even know if it really works at all ? Try them for a year or so (Alone ) and post back with your results,then we might be able to have a legitimate conversation. All that most of you have is this common wisdom and more “MS” blah blah .

I am currently running a new experiment (few weeks )… Windows 7 64 SP-0 (Not one patch or update) I can hear the screaming already… “the sky is falling …the sky is falling” …..so far so good. I will post a new thread with the results of my “Vista experiment” and my findings (so far ) with the “7” thing . Hope this will answer some of you questions Regards Fred

I would love to be able to plug a hard drive from another machine into mine and run it in a virtual environment without the conversion process. I could accomplish tons of tasks.

If added browsing security is your goal, you could just run a browser in a sandbox. I’m sure there are plenty of how-to’s here in this forum. I do it with browsers and other programs to check them before committing to an install. Sandboxie is really cool, you should try it, and it’s free!

“Mr Fixer”,
Hello…. Thanks for the post i have in the past used “Sandboxie” but … since Acronis True Image Home 2010 v7046 has a feature called “Try and Decide” ,and can survive “re-booting”. Certain downloads that need to have the system to re-start to finish , can now be “tried out” without a problem.It’s not a “freebie” but well worth the “$FRN’s$ (aka Federal Reserve Debt Instruments) I don’t remember if “Sandboxie ” can survive a re-boot or not.. I think that this is a better “tactic” than the VM route… Security wise.. nothing to setup or install or configure… other that the “Imaging” program itself (True Image ) With the benefit of now being able to “recover” in case of Operator error or some “Bad” sneaking past your security, you can just simply recover to a prior image. Regards Fred

I use free security programs and am very happy with them. My computers are kept up to date and clean and I do not get involved with dubious emails or sites.

John,
Hello.. Just when i thought that this thread was “dead”…. I “Gotta” ask,… as this is one of my points about those who use all these “Free” security Programs. Do you use these “freebies” exclusively ? or do you “couple-em-up” with the ” MS” Security ? ( with all patches & updates ) My point being is that if you “Love and trust ” these freebies and their sooooo good ,….why do you still bother with “MS” … some common answers are
1. “The layered approach”
2. “More is better”
3. “Their Free”
4. What was the “question?”
My observation is that you always get what you pay for in life … the only exception is …. intelligence
I use Norton Internet security 2011 and it “kicks butt” out of all the freebies with what it can do, as well as the much vaunted.. “Mickey MSE” I now am running a Vista and Windows “7 64 ” with not one MS patch or update or any of their security … Vista for about a year and my “7” just a few weeks so far no problems ( other than my significant giving me looks for spending too much time with the PC’s ) end of rant Regards Fred

I was given what is apparently the solution for this. It is a registry issue as I suspected. Strange that I could not find the key with a conventional registry search, but could find it by drilling down. I could do the regedit, but am not too enthused about doing so. You would think that software could be written that did not require the registry permissions to be edited. I ran this installer as administrator and that should take care of it in my opinion. Here is a link to the solution for the 1402 error for any of those that may be interested:
http://www.okino.com/conv/changing_windows_registry_permissions.htm

Idb,
Hello.. thanks for the feedback.. Seems I’m also always having these types of problems also ..Mostly mine are trying to remove some “Key” I wish there was a way to set the “ownership” of all “keys and folders to the actual owner of the PC ….Me! So you wouldn’t have to fool with this all the time. Maybe you should try another PDF reader instead …Ex: “Foxit Reader” http://www.filehippo.com/download_foxit/ Regards Fred

I’ve been using a black Caviar WD 500GB drive for the last year as my OS drive. Last January I installed Windows 7 64 bit and ran into a bunch of problems with my computer starting up, so I wiped it clean and started fresh a month or two ago. The problems only happen sometimes and kind of vague, but lately it’s been getting worse again.

Mike,
Just would like to add my comments..to already good advice. After i installed Windows 7 64 about 2 months went by with no problems (installed around May) then My PC started throwing a “blue screen” and freezing up once in a while… Also was experiencing random (non BSOD’s) shut downs as well . The Random ones were fixed by tightening up my motherboard (most all screws were loose) so if i hit (or tapped on ) the PC …it would shut down.. The fix for the other problems freeze ups , BSOD’s was not fixed by the “MS” patch (hot fix) http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2265716 so i recovered to an image that removed about half of the “MS” updates….and patches.. ( never to apply them again ) this so far has fixed the problems with the BSOS’s and freeze ups. This has inspired me to remove all “7” patches and updates… so now i have a “clean” OS. That everything so far is now working correctly…. will post my additional findings on another thread. Regards Fred

I have the installer exe package in my downloads folder I created on another partition I created other than my OS drive. The installer wants to install to C:/Program files (x86)/Nitro PDF Reader which is strange because I have downloaded the 64 bit version as I am running 64 bit. I have tried changing the install path to correct it and I still get the same error. I did a search for that key on my OS drive and in the registry and it could not be found. This is a free program and as such does not have any support forums I can post to.

Idb,
Hello … I could be that the program is a “generic” type and can run in either 64 32 bit “OS’s” Let it install where it wants and see how that goes. Regards Fred