Podnutz Daily #61 - Love Those Laptop Screen Repairs

Listen Here: pnd061.mp3

Podnutz Daily #60 - The Listeners Take Over The Show

Listen Here: pnd060.mp3

DriverPacks has been assisting me with downgrades from Vista to XP
because it finds many of the drivers. I use Google for the rest.
Example:
HP DV6000 came with Vista and I installed XP
DriverPacks found all the drivers for XP except video and audio
Googled: dv6000 Xp drivers video
Found needed drivers that way.

Computer would not power on:
Told the customer it was his power supply.
Insert foot-into-mouth
Turned out to be his motherboard.
He was not happy.
Remember:
If your motherboard is shot
At first glance it can APPEAR like a power supply problem.
Of course, the motherboard replacement costs more.
Hence, unhappy customer.

Email from Andrew:
mikogo An alternative to online meetings.
Email from Steve D'Amico:
Steve knows I like to save known-good laptop motherboards
and mount them most anywhere. It's a working computer system!
He sends this link:
Datamancer's Steampunk Laptop

Email from (Vshal aka ambience44):
Questions about knoppix and how to use it to fix problems.
I explain how I use knoppix to get to files that Windows cannot read.
Knoppix.net

Mark leaves his email as a Voice Mail:
(his email debuted in ep58 and was attempted in EP 59)
He deals with crazy Rootkit issues and offers the fixes
He also offers me some fitness tips as well!
Whew!
Voice Mail from Simon:
Simons says, "C'mon! Try the leaf blower, now."
Agrees with upgrading customers browsers from IE6 to IE7
Also: ensure SP3 for XP and SP1 for Vista
I remove all known vulnerabilities

CompaQ laptop:
Used to be used by a financial institution in the US
Has a Windows whole disk encryption software
(I could not decipher the name -- Pointfact? Pointfect?)
Customer does not have the encryption credentials
Knoppix does not work in this instance
This computer was dog slow due to conflicting software
that runs in real time.
(PC Doctor is mentioned again with conflicts)
This was covered via Cynthia (NewBritGirl)in EP 59

Podnutz Daily #59 - A Pretty Solid Monday

Listen Here: pnd059.mp3

This first thing I want to talk about is Health!
I had a tough time after Friday's Podcast.
Too much time working and not enough exercise.

Voice Mail from NewBritGirl:
Spyware Doctor clashes with SuperAntispyware.
The two together froze her machine.

Tip:
If you have AVG8 and SuperAntiSpyware there is no need for Spyware Doctor.

Voice Mail from Randy:
Randy has info on the refillable air cans for cleaning PCs
Bad news.
He states they do not offer enough air pressure.


CompaQ Laptop
Customer brought in two power adapters with it.
The tips on both power adapters were fried.
The computer was melting the adapters.

Computer was caked with clumps of dust and hair.
Gave tips on cleaning a laptop.
Put back together and all fans were running on POST
but not after and the laptop was getting hot.

Desktops coming in running 256MB of RAM
I always recommend upgrading the memory to 512MB
512 is plenty for the average user.
If running McAfee or Norton you might need 1G RAM
I also give a tip on recycling sticks of RAM to meet these needs.


CompaQ Presario laptop about 4-5 yrs old
BSOD that states: page fault in non page area
This is a broad system error. Could be hardware or software related.
I give tips on troubleshooting this error.

Customers who are coming in running
IE6 .. I automatically upgrade them to IE7
because it is more secure.
Make sure you do an IE7 factory reset to remove all of the add-ons
How to reset IE7 to default

More on Mint security.
Doesn't work for my bank.
What I really need is just a reminder when to pay bills.
Enter: billq
Cross platform with widgets.
I am using it and upgraded to pro. Very useful.


Finishing Fridays email from Mark:
Many symptoms one of which is a virus alert message
next to the system clock
Mark gives all the fixes!!
Will be posted in the forums!

Email from Dennis:
Regarding the Toshiba laptop
that would not allow me to install Windows
BSOD at the same point right when Windows was loading.
Dennis had the same problem and will never forget!
He suggests replacing the memory.

Podnutz Daily #58 - A Little Scary Today

Listen Here: pnd058.mp3

Interesting job today.
Guy brought in XP Media Center computer
with a new video card and monitor.

Symptoms:
Windows booting -- just before it loaded the desktop
where the screen changes resolutions .. it goes out.
No video.

Attempted a Cure:
I uninstalled all the drivers for his video card
Downloaded the latest drivers for his new video card
ran them -- and got the same problem.
Video card: nvidia 8400 xfx
Still no fix
Send me an email or give me a buzz!

CompaQ V-series laptop about 3 yrs old
Upgrade to Vista
This is the computer that would not power off
because the updates kept running.

Dad worked on it and started it up in safe mode.
All of the updates installed in safe mode
BTW: We tried dial-a fix but it does not work with Vista
Also installed SP1 for Vista.
We had a wonky first reboot.
After that all consecutive reboots were successful.

Regarding Howard's Dell OptiPlex SX280
(The Philly lawyer who called in last show)
We installed his new mother board
Tip:
When replacing the mother board do not unscrew all the screws
on the mother board because it sits on a tray that takes one screw
to slide it out. Replace once you slide it out.

Clever way to apply thermal grease to the CPU
I hate getting this on my hands so I discovered
that if you use Scotch Tape over your fingers
it creates a flat surface to apply thermal grease to the CPU

Computer came in with Ares
Beware of computers with Ares and Limewire installed.
Usually riddled with spyware.
I remove these programs.

I hate Quicken and QuickBooks
Knowing this, I am looking for an online financial manager.
Like Mint or buxter.com (?)

My problem with these sites is they require your actual logins to your bank account
in order to pull the information on to a spreadsheet.
This seems unsafe to me.
Looking for feedback if anyone has used these types of services.
Email from Dan of New Britain:
Funny email from Dan with a follow up on how he fixed his Dell boot problem.

Email from Josh:
More on alternatives to the leaf blower
Josh says to try a dog blow dryer
Email from Tony in Canada:
I need to retrieve a printer driver from a PC.
What can I use?
Tony - Try using net-runna from PodnutzDaily #50
Email from Mark
Mark states dial-a-fix works to restore Desktop and Screensaver tabs.
I stated I tried dial-a-fix first and it did not work for me.

Mark goes on to mention weird symptoms he has found
(like virus alert next to your system clock plus MORE)
and how to fix them.
Mentioned:
.exe cure: UnHookExec.inf

....................

In the LIVE uStream:

Steve shows symptoms of overwork.
Calls the show due to light-headedness
Fans everywhere grow concerned.
GodSpeed, Steve.
Take a break. We will be here when you come back.

Podnutz Daily #57 - Got milk?

Listen Here: pnd057.mp3

Registry fix to allow desktop background
(when all images are grayed out)
Can be found here:
PC Hell

Customer spilled milk on an almost brand new Gateway
(One of those shiny red ones)
She thought she was doomed.
Also left the battery in.
Tip: If you spill something on your laptop
the first thing you want to do is power it off
and pull out the battery as quick as you can.

Do not turn it back on while there is still liquid in it.
Take it apart and dry all the components.
Or find someone who can do it for you.

Laptop turned on by itself the next morning and started going crazy.

I took the battery out and took the whole laptop apart.
Used a toothbrush to wipe off the gook/corrosion found on the circuit board.
You can also use contact cleaner. I used Purell today.
It dries really fast and removes sticky substances.

I put it back together but the keyboard was beyond repair.
This will be replaced.

Vista laptop continues to install updates.
Wouldn't shut down.
Tried installing SP1 since it wasn't installed.
No report on that yet.

Email from Jeff:
Jeff wants to know the Ebay seller that I buy my screens from.
DVDsuper999 always send me perfect screens.


Email from Steve:
I just started using Google Adwords and set a budget of $50 per month.
Can you give me any tips? Confused about the budget process.
I explain the Google AdWords and give advice direct from my experience.

Email from Tim:
Tim mentions finding me at TechPodcasts.com
Concern about air compressor made for mechanic or carpentry work
being used on delicate electronics. The pressure can be reduced but moisture
accumulates inside the compressor due to condensation in the tank.
Tip:
I would highly recommend using a filter in the airline to stop the moisture.

Email from Joe:
What are your thoughts on Windows XP Black?
(I have heard of it but I do not know anything about it.)

During your antispyware podcast you never mentioned
NOB32 what are your thoughts on this program?
(I've stayed away from paid AV since there are so many good free ones out there.)
AVG and Avast plus SuperAntiSpyware

Any advice for Joe please post in the forums or in the chat.


Email from Roger:
I just cleaned a PC the other day and ran into the same problem you had
with a blue desktop and the desktop properties being disabled.
Tip:
SuperAntiSpyware has a built-in utility that will fix
some of the common features of Windows that get disabled by spyware
(like task manager and control panel)
Just go under preferences in the main menu of SuperAntiSpyware
then click Repair and you will see the options.


Voicemail from CitizenX:
CitizenX chimes in with feedback on Podnutz Daily#56

Before I take live calls I remind listeners that as this podcast grows
it might become more difficult to get your call in.
Now is your opportunity!!

Live call from Steve:
Steve asks if I ever considered a datavac rather than a leaf blower.
(I don't want anything I have to plug in since I clean outside.)
Steve asks about a touch pad update and mentions you can buy a new touch pad.
I think I inverted the cable
and I mention that Steve is the master of tiny parts.

I also live up to my empty promises about the release of Podnutz #23
With Steve as a guest.

Tip from Steve:
R series ThinkPad has a function switch that can turn the monitor off.
Computer running really slow & HD was clicking: HD was not connected all the way.
Always check both connections. One to the HD, One to the MB.


Live call from Howard:
Howard came into my shop with a broken Dell OptiPlex
and we are replacing the Mother Board and Power Supply for him.

Howard mentions he is an attorney in Philly
and deals with small businesses.
Also wants to know when his system will be ready (chuckle)

Coolness Factor:
Howard offers his services to my listeners who want an opinion
on legal issues.
Howard Schwartz Rocks!

Podnutz Daily #56 - I used to like Toshiba Laptops!

Listen Here: pnd056.mp3

Podnutz #23 soon-to-be-released
Guest Steve D'Amico from Long Island, NY
SMDComputer.net


Another Toshiba laptop.
I think Toshiba laptops are going to be the death of me
The last two nightmare jobs were on Toshiba laptops.
Mother Board was fried with common symptoms.
Finally got the correct motherboard via Ebay
(Still trying to sell the incorrect one on Ebay)
The correct MotherBoard will not allow me
to plug anything into the USB port.
Computer just freezes.
Bad USB ports.
I sent it BACK to the seller
asking him to test the USB ports.
He sent me a new MB and everything is fine.
USB ports work so I hooked everything back up.

Here is the problem
I went to attach the ribbon for the touchpad
to the Mother Board and noticed one of the leads was questionable.
The touchpad does not function.
No touchpad on Knoppix either.
Even though I tested the ribbon after fixing it.
Either they sent me a bad touchpad controller
Or the ribbon I fixed (and tested) was
touching another lead and shorted out the touchpad controller.
(customer's been waiting 2 weeks)
Don't know who is at fault.
I have to buy another MB for this computer.

No moral: It just makes me upset.

Different problem found on a couple of computers:
Desktop on the computer is a blue screen that states
"Your computer has been infested with spyware. Please remove it."
It shows as a big rectangle in the middle of the screen.
It removes from properties your desktop & screensaver tab
... so you cannot get it off.
After running all of your cleaning tools this desktop
might still be there just as a graphic.

Via Google Kellys Korner had the fix
in the "tweaks" section of her site to bring back the desktop in properties.

Another issue/tip:
Some spyware and viruses like to turn off
Automatic Updates because they are all-knowing
and it might fill a security hole that they want open.
The way to circumvent that is to do a manual update
to get the most recent updates from Microsoft.
This will fix your automatic update problem
because it reinstalls your automatic update service.
Used this twice today.

Another issue/tip:
Cannot change desktop wallpaper in a specific user
Desktop tab IS there this time
but when you chose a graphic to make your desktop
It is non functional. It will not change.

You can save the data from the user profile
and remove the profile only to create a new profile for that user.
This is an easy fix for these types of problems.

Another issue/tip:
Customer just wants to recover data.
Fed-up with the computer.
Took out HD and connected externally via USB to benchsystem.
HD started clicking.
Decide to see if SpinRite would read it.
It would not.
This was the HD that went into the freezer. No go.
Customer is looking at foresnic recovery
But decided to trade in her system
that I can sell later after replacing the HD.

Email from Eric:
For the lsitener who had to PC and an XBox 360
and wanted to share the same wireless broadband line:
He was able to do the same thing with 2 Xbox 360s
and three computers on DSL so it is kosher.
But YEAH you all cannot be downloading at the same time.

Email from Roger:
Backgrond info: I had a Dell come in
that originally had XP but was upgraded to Vista
and I lost the ability to Ctrl+F11 to ghost XP from factory partition.
Rogers solution was to try running a program from
goodells.net
It worked great and I got the customer's computer
restored back to factory settings. TY Roger!

Email from Jason:
Wanted to comment on the show that mentions evernote.
Did you know Goolge has a program just like this
called Google Notebook
It also has a FireFox extension and no new passwords to remember!

William's email entitled "Lots of Stuff"
Was posted to the Podnutz Forums here:
podnutz.com/forums

Voice Mail from Mitch:
I was surfing and got prompted for that XP antivirus 2009.
After some configuration OPEN DNS saved me from the offer
once I opened the same site in Open DNS.
Open DNS

Podnutz Daily #55 - Am I Stressed Out?

Listen Here: pnd055.mp3

More on the Toshiba motherboard from hell

Still getting the BSOD
"Plug and Play has detected an error most likely caused by a faulty driver"
Always at the point "Set up is now starting Windows"

Today I took the MB out the laptop
Added CD drive, 1 stick of RAM, and hooked up the screen.
That was it. Ran it. No change.
Used my Driver Packs disk thinking maybe
the Toshiba Recovery disks are not loading the drivers for the SATA HD.
No change either with the HD in or with it out.
Last ditch effort: Decided to flash the BIOS.
Toshiba website had a BIOS update
AND I could burn it to a CD with their utility!
Ran the CD with the updated BIOS. No issues.
Put my Driver Packs CD in and started Windows set up again.
Got to the point where BSOD was showing up
but this time it said "Set Up cannot detect a HD"
At this point I KNEW that it was working.

Put everything back together.
Tightened all the screws..
Put in her setup disk again
... you guessed it ....
PNP BSOD again at the same spot.
Tried my Driver Pack disk again (since it worked before)
PNP BSOD again.
Going to either buy a new Mother Board
or run over it with my car in the parking lot.

This mystery is PHYSICALLY making me sick!
Ended up leaving the shop early due to stress.
Shop is getting slammed while I work on this Toshiba.

Meanwhile: Dad was rockin'.
He was rolling through the computers left and right
I was sitting there angry and he was cruisin'.
Didn't want to bring him down with my attitude.

A moment of perspective: I talk about how to handle the rough times.
Just do the best you can. Don't stress out.
Per Dad: It is not a life or death situation.

Voice Mail from Luke about the leaf blower:
(Decided to play it.)
"For the love of Mike! Don't buy a leaf blower!"
One gallon air compressor 5lbs or less.
(Steve cannot find one at 5lbs though)
So I am on the fence with the leaf blower.
You guys talked me out of it plus
it is $95 when all is said and done.

I will probably end up buying an air compressor and a refillable can
which is a great alternative trying to save money on canned air.
Harbor Freight Tools

Another Voice Mail from Luke:
He explains how to migrate your iTunes library from a Mac to PC or reverse.

Email from Al:
"I heard you are the one to ask from a number of fellow tech geeks.."
Al wants to know how to take a HD from one computer
and connect it via USB to another computer and look at the user files.
I give him, from memory, my "insane & roundabout" instructions to get it done.

Email from Brad:
I use a limited account on XP.
Is that better for web surfing?

I have never used a limited account
because I like having administrator privileges.
But I have heard that it IS safer because you do not
have the authority to install programs like spyware.

Brad also wants to know how to get more hits
on a local search. I direct him to EP 8 of Podnutz
for info on converting the hits that you are getting to business.
Podnutz #8

Email from Ashton:
Ashton offers a way to see Experts Exchange advice without paying.
If you Google a problem and Experts Exchange offers a solution
(and they usually do)
Just click the Google cached link at the bottom of the search result.
This will give you the cached page of the solution. Free.

I also add as a solution that my viewers mention if you scroll to the bottom of the page
you can also see the advice that they offer.

Special Thank You to Mike Smith of
The Mike Tech Show
For mentioning my podcast and sending so many great listeners my way.

Email from Craig:
Craig told me about the refillable can of air available at
Harbor Freight Tools and speedysupply.biz
Email from Moe:
"I learn more from your podcast than anywhere else on the net"
Dead Think Pad R51. When I power it on the fans spin but nothing else.
No video or HD activity.
CD will not eject.
I have tried swapping out both the HD and RAM. No changes.
I am thinking it is the Mother Board, but want some advice.

I advised Moe to check the seating of the wireless card.
I've had a Think Pad before where the wireless card
was not seated properly and was shorting out the MB.
Just pull out that wireless card and re-try the system before you buy that MB.
Moe goes on to say:
He had a computer that would not connect to the internet.
After several other ways of trouble shooting he found the problem.
Customer was using McAfee at the highest security setting.
This was blocking the internet connection.
Lowered the security setting. All is well.
Podnutz #23 soon-to-be-released
Guest Steve D'Amico from Long Island, NY SMDComputer.net