May 16, 2008 by AC.

If you run into problems starting Microsoft Outlook you can start the application in Safe Mode.  Doing this allows you to get in and attempt to repair the problem.  You can start Outlook in Safe Mode by holding the Control (Ctrl) Key when you launch the program. 

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February 22, 2008 by AC.

With a major update of Microsoft Windows Vista fast approaching in the form of Service Pack 1 (SP1), another round of compatibility issues and bugs is sure to arrise.  Consider the following programs having compatibility issues with update:

http://www.betanews.com/article/Vista_SP1_breaks_ZoneAlarm_Trend_Micro_apps_among_others/1203618180

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August 12, 2007 by AC.

I have been using, and loving, the Maxtor OneTouch III Mini Hard Drive.  The size is perfect to fit inside my laptop case and the device is powered and connected using one USB cable.  Simple and lightweight:

Maxtor OneTouch III Mini 160GB Hard Drive - USB 2.0 Interface - External Hard Drive

I purchased mine after troubleshooting a problem for a customer.  I loved the size and simplicity of the device and ran out and bought one after fixing a problem locating the device.  Recently that same problem popped up with a different customer so I thought it would be worth noting and providing two important links in case you ever find yourself in a similar situation.

In both instances the device would connect but be unrecognizable to the PC.  There was no error or problem noted, just no way to access the device once plugged in.  The device itself has built-in software that installs on any PC the first time you connect the device.  Included within that software is a security feature to encrypt and password protect the drive.  In both cases with the customers the device was setup with the password protection.  In one case the user deleted the Maxtor software and in the other a damaged machine needed to be re-imaged.  In both cases the software was gone and the device concluded this was a foreign machine, thus the hidden data/drive access.

Both cases were solved by downloading and installing copies of the Maxtor software on the PC to get access back to the drive and/or change passwords for the device.  This was no easy task because the software is not easily found.  Below are two links, one for Windows XP machines, the other for Windows Vista.  If you find yourself in trouble like this with a Maxtor Mini try reinstalling the software below:

For Windows XP

For Windows Vista

Posted in Hardware, Microsoft | No Comments »

August 9, 2007 by AC.

On Tuesday Microsoft released several performance and reliability fixes for Windows Vista.  These fixes are precursors to a Service Pack 1 release that is rumored to come this fall. 

I have not yet been able to tinker much with a Vista system.  I have set two machines up and I am impressed with the graphics (if you get an enhanced graphics card) and the gadgets, or widgets, or whatever they want to call them.  The screen resolution was great and I do enjoy the desktop more than XP.  That said it is a bulky, and at times, slow system.  Hopefully these fixes address some of that performance.

I have a brand spanking new machine waiting for me to use and install Vista but I just have not had the time as yet.  Since it is a new machine, and I have XP on it, I wanted to test a Vista upgrade, a clean Vista install and a 64-bit Vista install on this box.  Once completed I will share my thoughts on the process and offer any tips for those considering a Vista upgrade in the future.

Thanks for reading!

Posted in New Products, Microsoft | No Comments »

March 13, 2007 by AC.

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows Vista, has been out for a little more than a month now.  I had a chance to work with it a bit but I am yet to upgrade my own machines to Vista just yet.

It is great and there are some super new features (more on that when I get to using it more).  The reason I have not yet upgraded is twofold - first, I am generally slow to upgrade to new operating systems and second, I will probably wait until I upgrade or buy a new PC.

The second reason is important because Vista is a big, bloated program that eats hard drive space & resources.  This is all well and good if you have a new, fast machine but it should give you pause to upgrading an older PC.

There are several versions of Vista, some pretty basic and some with exciting new features.  Microsoft has a site that describes the versions at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx

If you are getting a new machine and have the means go for the Ultimate or Premium.  The graphics, multimedia and file handling changes in these versions of Vista are well worth the upgrade (more on version differences in a future blog).

If you are upgrading you have to consider several factors.  Chief among them is your system specifications.  Despite what Microsoft advises I highly recommend the following to upgrade to premium versions of Vista:

- 3.0 GHz Pentium Processor or greater or 2.0 GHz Core Duo processor or greater
- 2 GB of RAM 
- 80 GB Hard Drive or greater with 30 GB free space
- Enhanced Graphics Card with 256 MB memory

Microsoft lists the minimum specs online at:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx

One additional consideration of an upgrade is to simply upgrade the system software or rewrite the hard drive by doing a clean installation of Vista.  The latter will require backup of your files, settings, etc. and for you to rebuild your system - files, programs, etc.  I have heard some horror stories about Vista upgrades, so a clean installation is highly recommended.

If you are interested in an upgrade you can test compatibility of a current system by visiting:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Otherwise I would wait until you are looking to buy a new PC and get one with Vista and the specs above.

Thanks for reading!

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