Date: 11/13/05     Keywords: software, security, linux

If you have heard about SonyBMG's newest DRM technique, you will know that it opens you up to a lot security problems. Here is how to get rid of the software that they install:

This is copied from: http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/?p=924

This DRM system operates only on recent versions of Windows. If you’re using MacOS or Linux, you have nothing to worry about from this particular DRM system. The instructions here apply to Windows XP.

How to tell whether the rootkit is on your computer: On the Start menu, choose Run. In the box that pops up, type this command:

cmd /k sc query $sys$aries

and hit the Enter key. If the response includes “STATE: 4 RUNNING”, then your machine is infected with the rootkit. If the response includes “The specified service does not exist as an installed service”, then your machine is not infected with the rootkit.

How to disable the rootkit: On the Start menu, choose Run. In the box that pops up, type this command:

cmd /k sc delete $sys$aries

and hit the Enter key. Then reboot your system, and the rootkit will be permanently disabled.

Note that this does not remove or disable the main anti-copying technologies. It only turns off the rootkit functionality that hides files, programs, and directory entries. The main DRM software is still present.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/815884.html

Date: 11/12/05     Keywords: ebay

I used Knoppix to recover Laptop computer they "never backed up".
LJ Cut because I put 3 photos in the post.

Some one at work has a Laptop computer they never backed up.
They traveled 1000 miles to give a presentation, using the laptop…
The hard drive got fried and all there photos and movies, lectures were on it.

I told them to let me try to recover the stuff.
I tried but no luck the drive was “dead“ worked 3 days but no way.
I bought 2 matching drives like the “dead“ drive ( 20GB IBM IDE.) on eBay.
.

.
I tried moving the circuit boards a few times, some times the board fails.
I moved the disk platters from "bad drive" to a working drive and recovered all most all the data.
Then practiced a lot , moving platters in and out of one drive.
Not “all” data because the old drive has bad sectors and bad spots…
I first practiced on 2 old 160 Meg drives (cost 2 dollars each) then practiced on
a “dead“ drive identical to the bad one.
Cost = 7 dollars , then did it for real….took a good hard drive apart
(cost 32 dollars) and put the hard drive disk platters from the “dead“ drive..
.

.
I made a clean "room" on my desk and used T5 to T 9 star /torrex drivers and snap ring tools to disassemble the drives. I got 2 160 Meg drives to take part and move the platters first.
put some files on one and then see it the cables, BIOS, computer and drives all worked together.
so when I did it "for real" I would know it worked once.
.

.
Then booted with Knoppix 3.9 and coped files to my 10 Gig slave drive,
then from the slave to my 200 Gig File server…now I made Cds with the files …
Make the target drive fat 32 or ext2 /ext3 , not NTFS, you cant relibly write to NTFS.
I used Knoppix to copy the files.
The GUI part, I needed to see the file structure.
I made 3 passes before the drive started making noise..
Now making 6 or 8 Cds with the files to give them the files.
I am dancing…..used Knoppix and my 200 Gig File server made w *.nix floppy.
Computer Forensics is a hobby for now, some day I will do Forensic Analysis for real....

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/815610.html

Date: 11/11/05     Keywords: no keywords

Hi everybody!

I was wondering about ftp clients. I don’t need one or anything, in fact I have various ftp servers set up for different sites. Most of the people who use the ftp accounts use windows. I tried looking for a list of ftp clients that would be good for windows, other than windows explorer. I know windows explorer works with ftp, but it can be a hassle sometimes when the server requires a username like, ‘somebody@somewhere.com’ instead of just ‘username’. It does work, but it’s a little tricky for some of the users. So anyways, when I look at the various ftp clients, I notice that a lot of them are not free (for windows users, naturally). This just struck me as ridiculously odd.

So, I wanted to ask you guys about the commercial ftp clients. What features could an ftp client possibly have that would make it worth anything. I’ll admit that having a gui interface on an ftp client is handy, but I use konqueror, which also supports sftp. But obviously there are free gui ftp clients available, and operating systems have those included. So why would somebody not use the free version, or a freeware or open source version over a commercial version?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/815194.html

Date: 11/11/05     Keywords: no keywords

I used to be able to play .asx files on my old computer through Windows Media Player. I just bought a new computer and now when I try, I get this message:

Windows Media Player cannot play the file. If the file is on another computer, verify that you are connected to the network. If you typed a path, verify that it is correct. If the problem persists, the server might not be available.

Don't know if I need to download new codecs or something. Hoping someone can help me figure this one out. Thanks!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/814812.html

Date: 11/09/05     Keywords: no keywords

I'm having trouble locating the hosts file on my Windows 2000 box. There isn't even a winnt folder, let alone system32/drivers/etc. I tried creating these folders and uploaded a hosts file, but still no go. Any ideas?

EDIT: I can see hidden files, and I did a search for "hosts" as soon as I saw the directory wasn't there.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/813756.html

Date: 11/09/05     Keywords: tracker

I'm attempting to create some bit torrent files, and I'm having a bit of a rough time configuring everything between the tracker, my torrent, and having computers behind a router / firewall. If someone could IM/PM me, I'd appreciate it. Read bunches of FAQs, but something is just not clicking, and a 1 on 1 conversation would be great. All my messengers (AIM, YM) are on.

And yes, in accordance with the FAQs, none of this material is copyrighted or otherwise illegal. Thanks!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/813441.html

Date: 11/09/05     Keywords: microsoft

Hello. I would like to know if there is some way to create a "virtual" cd on my hard drive. What I want basically is to burn some songs with licences on them to this virtual cd, then be able to "rip" them back onto my hard drive as mp3's. Basically I can do this with a regular cd-r, but I don't want to waste a cd-r just to rip a few songs.
Thanks.

Oh yes, I am using Microsoft Windows xp home SP2.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/813155.html

Date: 11/08/05     Keywords: no keywords

I was looking at a buyer's guide just now, and I saw some motherboards getting good reviews that had no fans - just big heatsinks.

the motherboard fan (not the cpu cooler, the one ON the motherboard) died a very loud death on my last computer, and it had to be DRILLED OUT to be replaced. now the fan is going on my new computer's motherboard, which has only been in use since july. bad bearing, looks like.

my next motherboard purchase is gonna be one of these fanless models - I've already decided that. I was just wondering if any of you have opinions or have had similar troubles.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/812742.html

Date: 11/08/05     Keywords: browser, web, yahoo

Anyone know of any web based chat rooms where a user can create a room and play audio to everyone in the room?

The Hitch is...I'd like it to allow anon or non registered people to join the room.

For example, Yahoo can do this with Voice Chat, but you have to have a user ID.

My goal is to have an easily accessible webpage to stream audio with minimal 3rd party requirement. (such as a standalone application or a specific media player) Anything that is built into a browser would be fine.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/812281.html

Date: 11/07/05     Keywords: microsoft

Okay, so you'll recall that I asked about video cards earlier today. As it turns out, I chose to upgrade the motherboard to a PCI Express model and get a 6800 GT. I looked at the 7x00 series, but really didn't see the need for the higher power (or SLI) for what I do and want. So I'm happy.

So I took out the old motherboard, put in the new one, moved my RAM and CPU over, put in the new video card, plugged everything back in, and wonder of all wonders, it booted up just fine! Checking my drivers in the hardware manager showed lots of unknown devices, as expected. I installed system drivers and video drivers, and again, everything went perfectly.

Except the keyboard.

I have a Microsoft wireless desktop elite (Model 1011). The OS insists that it's a standard 101/102 keyboard and says it can't start it. I uninstall that driver, install the appropriate one (Intellitype Pro 4), and it works fine, though the device manager tells me it's an "unknown device" in the keyboards area.

Reboot, however, and we're back to the OS thinking that it's a 101/102 standard keyboard with no startup (error code 10).

I'm baffled.

Anyone?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/811610.html

Date: 11/07/05     Keywords: no keywords

I've noticed lately that while printing, the paper smells like window wash spray. If it has always done this, I never noticed it until lately. Is this a smell that is normal for a printer?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/811493.html

Date: 11/06/05     Keywords: no keywords

I've recently upgraded my motherboard to a Gigabyte K8NS Ultra-939 with AMD Athlon 64 3500+ processor. What I didn't do was upgrade my video card.

It's about time that I do that.

With the caveat that my motherboard isn't PCI-Express (It's AGP 8X), what's the best video card?

I'm thinking in terms of power for gaming. I just got Age of Empires III, and there are a ton of options that balance quality vs. performance. My old video card doesn't even give me the option of doing hardware antialiasing. We can't have that :-)

Monitors are a pair of 21" CRT, so something that does dual analog is what I need (which is pretty standard, yes?)

Suggestions?

(please don't say "upgrade to PCI-Express." I'm going to build a new PCIE system after the new year, but for now, I want to max out my AGP 8X system.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/810851.html

Date: 11/06/05     Keywords: no keywords

Hey all. Was hoping somebody here could help me with a rather large problem...

Scenario: Bought my computer recently from one of those pawn shops. Needed something and was too broke to do anything else at the moment, computer and car both went at the same time. Well, it worked for about 5 or 6 days and now when I turn it on, at the main page where I set up a password, it doesn't show my name and wont let me into windows. When I hit control-alt-delete, it takes me to a screen with the name of the original owner and THEIR password. I was told this computer was cleaned and I wouldn't have any problems and I'm already past the 7 day return policy so I'm screwed. I can't figure it out, I just recently learned what control-alt-delete did. I'm near tears on this matter, I can't afford a computer guy to fix it for at least 2 months until my finances straighten out after the new car. If I don't have a computer, I don't work. Is there somebody out there in the computer world who can help? How can I bypass this problem?

Sincerely,
Going crazy and freaking out

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/810613.html

Date: 11/06/05     Keywords: web

Hey I just joinned the group and I have a little question, a few weeks ago my sound card's driver got deleted , not sure how it did but I'm guessing was by either a vrius attack or one of ym stupid siblings. But anyways I open it up to check inside and its an onboard sound card all it says on it is Foxconn and on the side 1304B, so I looked around to see if the 1304B was the card name got nothing, so I then went to foxconn's website to look it up there and they had nothing about sound cards. Has anyone came around this problem and have input on how to solve it and where I might be able to find the driver? Thanks a ton in advance!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/810420.html

Date: 11/05/05     Keywords: no keywords

The other day I asked the question about needing new ink. Anyway, I got the new ink, and installed both cartridges brand new. When I went to look at the printed out picture, in seemed no where near as bright and vibrant as the original picture source. Is that common with printers and printing? I never really paid attention until now.

X-posted to my own LJ.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/809731.html

Date: 11/03/05     Keywords: no keywords

OMG-- I hope someone on here can help me!

Okay, I just bought Sims 2. My first game ever and my laptop shuts down after 5 mins of play. I have plenty of RAM-- so that is not an issue. I dled the updated directx drivers, so my graphics are okay-- what is the problem????

I have tried the trouble shooting on the help form, to no avail. Any advice is welcomed-- I wanna play my game! I looked online, can't find help.

There is no error message, it just goes black and shuts down.


I have XP
An HP laptop bought 2 years ago
I run Mozilla
I have spybot and use it reg
Norton 2005
cable internet

Eternally grateful, thanks.
EDIT: Okay, on the game it says that the system req are a video card with 32 MB (I have 64 MB shared) and ATI Radeon 7200 or greater. On mine it says that I have "ATI Mobility Radeon 4x AGP and 3D architecture". Is that right/enough? It was suggested by a friend that my video card isn't cutting it. Can that be fixed?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/809447.html

Date: 11/02/05     Keywords: no keywords

Ok, I am baffled, my regular-smart friends are baffled, and I can't reach either of the two professionals I know. Thus, I turn to you all for help. The general problem is a new motherboard I can't get to work.

The setup:

Ok. Last week I purchased:
- a Mercury KVT600X-L Via Socket A ATX Motherboard, which came with an AMD Athlon XP3000+ Socket A CPU, and
- a Thermaltake TR2 M1 CPU cooler.

I also have two units of Kingston RAM (333mhz DDR; 512MB each) that I know to be functional.

Finally, yesterday I got ahold of a GeForce FX5200 8x AGP video card. This will become important later. My old mobo had some form of Radeon 4x AGP video card...can get the specifics on that later if necessary. (I'm posting this from work; the parts are at home.)

---

So, the problem.

Three days ago I take apart my old box, pop the CPU in the motherboard, attach the cooling unit, and screw the new mobo into the case. I hook everything up nicely like it was before. Attempt to power on -- nothing happens. I go to the manual first, and subsequently inspect the board, take out extra jumpers that were left over, fiddle with a couple other things, and okay, I get power. (If you're curious, I have an Antec 400w power supply -- again, I can get the specific model if necessary.) Lights go on, shiny new cooling fan goes on, and...nothing else happens. No beep code or anything, but also no display.

I looked around online for a bit and got a couple other suggestions:
- Clear CMOS: Tried it. Didn't do anything -- still no beep code, still no display.
- Use a minimal configuration: Tried that. Currently I'm down to one unit of RAM and the old Radeon video card (since there's no onboard video). Still no beep code, still no display.
- Try popping the battery: Ok, I get a beep code once doing this -- 1 long and 8 short, which apparently means a video card problem.
- Search online some more and realize my old video card is a 4x APG card, and this mobo requires an 8x. Great. I power down the system/unplug electricity/etc., take out the old video card entirely, and try again, to see if I can replicate (figuring the system shouldn't distinguish between an incompatible video card and no video card). Power on: no beep code. No display (obviously). Give up in frustration.

Two days ago I borrowed my boyfriend's 8x AGP video card (sorry, I don't have the particular model available right now) -- also known to be working just fine -- and tried to use that instead with the new mobo. Still powers on just fine; still no beep code. Still no display. The fan on his video card spins, though, so apparently the AGP slot on the new mobo isn't entirely dead since it's able to send power to the video card. Unplugged everything, returned the video card to my bf, and left the system alone after that.

Last night I'd finally gotten my own 8x AGP card (the GeForce described above) and tried the mobo again with this new video card; still no beep code, still no display. Here's where it gets interesting...

I decided to take the new mobo out and put my old one (which was fluky, but still semi-functional) back in. With my old video card and one unit of RAM, the (old) system makes it through POST, and I get a display that works fine right up to the "no OS found" message (since I don't have hard drives connected at this point). If I take out the video card, I get a 8 short beeps, followed by 1 long and 2 short. This is fine. If I take out the RAM, I get 3 long. So, we've determined:
1 - my RAM is fine.
2 - my old video card is fine.
3 - my monitor and analog cable are fine.
4 - the case speakers work.
5 - the power supply is good. (And worked fine with my old system, which had 3 hard drives and 2 CD drives...so I don't think a single new motherboard should be stressing it all that much with the other components disconnected.)

So, still using the old mobo, I replace the old video card (Radeon 4x) with the new one (GeForce 8x). Now, I can't get a display, but I also don't get a beep code saying something is wrong with the video card! In a fit of frustration I disconnect the old motherboard and put the new one in, and try to see what that does when I don't have a video card or RAM in it. 3 long beeps, apparently, meaning it seems to be at least starting POST. (Don't know why I didn't think of doing that earlier). But it still doesn't beep if I don't have a video card connected, as long as there's RAM in it.

---

That, I think, is the whole saga, though I'll be happy to provide any additional details as requested. I just don't think the CPU is dead (since I can reliably get it to give a beep code under certain specific circumstances), I can't seem to prove that any other parts are dead, and I don't know why we can't get the damn thing to work. Ideally what I'm looking for is a solution to make it work, without having to buy a bunch of other parts (I'm already about $200 into this, and can't afford much more). I would be happy with a solution that can prove once and for all whether certain parts are dead, though, since then I could at least get a refund or exchange for working parts.

In short, this sucks, and I await your wisdom. :D

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/809051.html

Date: 11/01/05     Keywords: no keywords

hey guys,
I need some inspiration to spend hard-earned $300 :)
here's what I want to buy:
SCSI drive, controller, adapter and two device cable/terminator combo for $25.
I want to use it for windows and apps, and have a bigger SATA drive for storage.
Any suggestion or opinions?

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/808519.html

Date: 10/31/05     Keywords: no keywords

hello geeks,

once again i have a problem
i want to run The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall
on my new computer.


Dell XPS4 3.4Ghz
1G RAM
180 Gb HDD
Pentium 4 HTT
DOSBox (latest version)
D-Fend (latest version)


i have downloaded DOSBox to run this
program that was intended for windows 95/98
because simply using compatibility mode wont work

OK so after mounting my C and D drives like so

mount c c:\dosprog (where i keep old games)
and
mount d d:\ -t cdrom -label daggerfall -ioctl (dont know why it just told me to write all that in)

but the only problem is that it says please insert the correct CD.

the ONLY cd that came with the game is in there,
is this a known issue with DOS box?
if not then how can i fix this?

and i tried running this with and without D-Fend with
the same results both times...
any and all help is GREATLY appreciated
(i.e. ill give ya 10 bucks!)

thanks in advance!!



Edit forgot the dash in lj-cut haha

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/808428.html

Date: 10/31/05     Keywords: php, apache

After an accidental system crash in which Apache was not shut down properly, I get this message when I try to start Apache: "Unclean shutdown of previous run." Reinstalling either phpdev or Apache 2.0.55 doesn't remove the error. How can I fix my server? *whimper* TIA

Cross-posted to apache.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/808130.html