Posts by oalee

I worked with Microsoft Windows Technical Support for a little over 4 yrs. I was also part of the launch of Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. What Reverend Jim mentioned is correct, Windows 10, especially those who upgraded from a lower version of windows, are automatically registered using a Hash of your hardware IDs (don't ask how it is computed, I don't know too). When you reinstall using a downloaded ISO burned on a DVD or from a bootable USB, it should automatically register it as a genuine copy.

So the short answer to your question is YES.

A little more details on how your network is set up will help us provide possible answers. Is the modem connected directly to a computer via USB? What happens when you connect via ethernet cable? When connected via WiFi, are you able to access the web GUI of the router/modem?

Here's a long shot. Was this PPT file sent through e-mail? There is a security feature that some e-mail clients/servers has that automatically protects attachments from being opened.

Save the file and then right-click over it to open the File Properties. Then click on the Unblock button as shown on the attached image.

The first step I would recommend is run the Win 8.1 App Troubleshooter.

Here's the link: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=268423

"Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not ok then it's not the end." - Patrick Starr

Well first off, it wasn't even mentioned which fixit was used which is why I provided a specific one. What it does actually is delete a couple of folders that holds Windows Update info and when run will show as if it was never updated. This then will prompt Windows Update to cancel any pending updates and redownload any other updates not yet installed on windows.

If the thread starter is capable of doing it manually, I suggest he does it that way. The specific folder that needs to be deleted/renamed is the SoftwareDistribution folder usually inside C:\Windows

I also suggest what CimmerianX suggested. Eraser Deletes the file and then rewrites it with random data pattern until it is unrecoverable, and it's free.

Deleted files normally are not really deleted. The block that they are saved in are just prepped and marked ready to be overwritten but the original data is still saved. By using a tool such as the one mentioned above, the block where the file was saved will be overwritten by random data ensuring that the original content will be deleted. Any attempt to recover it using recovery softwares will only get the random data that was written on it last.

I assume this is also a victim of the HP Overheating issue. I don't even think they acknowledge that this is a consistently recurring issue on HP laptops. This will eventually lead to the graphic chips being burnt and may also include other components of the laptop. I still have a useless HP Laptop at home laying useless and will probably cost more to repair than to get a new one.

Call HP and see if they have any other way of fixing it.

Try running this fixit, might help.

As for the Windows Update problem, try resetting it with this fixit.

Now, this is gonna be a bummer. I currently have an HP Laptop sitting around useless at home. It's sad to have it laying around and not able to use it because it's still pretty new being an Intel i5. This seems to be a common issue with HP Laptops. They almost always overheat and results in burned-out chips, Display Chips to be exact. I had it repaired earlier this year and only lasted for almost 2 months and then it broke down completely. I asked a local tech (HP certified shop) how much it would cost to get it fixed and as caperjack mentioned, it's gonna cost more to get it fixed making it not worth the time and money. Still try the to check with HP though and see if there's anything they can offer you.

Mine just turns on with the power light also on and the fan running (low-speed) but no display.

ahhh, working for Microsoft Tech Support, we get lots of calls asking us to fix their computers simply because "we" called them up and put it there in the first place. When I try and explain that they were scammed, they again blame us for not doing anything about it. Just dandy...

If you want to use the GPRS/3G/LTE internet capability of your mobile to give internet access to your computer then it would depend on the make/model of the phone you are using. As one post suggested, Nokia PC Suite is used for Nokia phones. As for androids and iOS phones, tethering is another option. This is basically connecting your computer to a mobile phone (as a wireless router/hotspot) through wi-fi and sharing the internet connection. Check your phone manual for tethering capability or you can also check for available apps that allows tethering.

mark.ose1, then call microsoft and buy one. It can't be that hard.

Have you tried deleting the Software Distribution folder or at least rename it while on safe mode?

I was born in the year of the "Fire" Dragon. That's probably where I get my fiery behavior. But then again, it can all be garbage and I'm just simply an a-hole in person. :P

Gotcha.. I tried a touchscreen Desktop running Win8 at work and it's quite entertaining but that's about it, just entertaining. I'm currently looking at a 6-core AMD processor and I heard that it's quite good for gaming too. I just need other users' feedback on it based on their first-hand experience.

I'm planning on building a new desktop probably in about a couple of months or so. I haven't been as updated with the newer parts and technologies as I was a few years ago due to changes in priorities (haven't lost love for computers though). I need suggestions on what specs would suit my needs as indicated below.

Purpose:
- Everyday browsing, facebook and probably some youtube streams for my daughter. I would also need it to be able to handle some newer games that might come out in the next year or so. So far I only play World of Tanks and some World of Warcraft every now and then. But generally, something that can handle games like the abovementioned.

Ideas:
- I will most definitely run Windows 8 Pro and I hope all the games are compatible.
- I'm not sure whether to get an Intel (i7 preferably) or an AMD CPU. I am currently more inclined to getting an AMD simply because of the gaming capacity.
- What motherboard brands are reliable?
- Amount of RAM?
- Graphics adapter that would work on most games?

Optional:
- Would a touchscreen monitor (to maximize win8) make any sense or would it just be a waste of money?

Any suggestions or comments would be highly appreciated.

I agree with rubberman. A few weeks old computer is not worth the trouble repairing/fixing. Just send it back and either have them fix it for you or replaced. I prefer replaced though.

Based on personal experience, HP laptops tend to overheat. I have had my HP G42 laptop repaired twice in a span of 2 years. First time was because the system fan broke after numerous times of shutting down due to overheating. The second one was about a month ago when I had the same issue that you are having right now. The screen just went black with the power still on. At first I suspected it to be similar to the first problem until I had a technician look at it. I was told that the GPU chip needs to be replaced as it was "almost" fried due to the overheating issues. The part would cost me almost US$200 so I said screw it. He did offer me an alternative to simply repairing it for only a quarter of the cost but did not guarantee that it will last a long time. I simple took the cheap route and is still using my laptop until now error free so far. I also run Core Temp so I can monitor the laptop's running temperature limiting it to the basic programs I need to use. Nothing graphic intensive as I have learned that it is what primarily triggers an overheating problem.

Cutting the long story short, have the GPU chip checked as it is most likely to be the culprit of the problem.

Normally, reseating the graphics card fixes that. The beeping pattern should tell you that the problem is with the Graphics card. Try reseating it and using a trusty ol' rubber eraser to ensure that there are no corrosion on the card before inserting it again.

If you can't delete the Software Distribution Folder after stopping the services you can try and delete them on Safe Mode where all of these services are stopped by default. Just restart back to normal mode afterwards.

Welcome to DW.

Try re-downloading the Security Update. Sometimes the updates downloaded are corrupt and does not install properly. Try following the steps below and then try to check for updates afterwards. This should prompt Windows Update to redownload whatever update is available that is not already installed on your computer.

1. Stop the Automatic Updates service.
2. Delete the Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder.
3. Restart the Automatic Updates service.

It's also best to restart your computer first after following these steps. Let us know if it works.

LastMitch: I just find the All Blacks more entertaining than Euro teams. And I guess the "Haka" that they do is also quite entertaining. I have yet to learn the details of the game but I have a general idea on how it is played. I am a sportslover and I watch a variety of sports (except cricket which I can't really understand). :) I watch mostly basketball and football though.

Thanks Andrew. I also happened to check Dani's profile and it showed 11 yrs.. lol.. man, it's nice to see websites like this lasting this long and is still a thriving community until now.

I'm assuming that this is a preinstalled copy of Windows on a laptop. I just posted a similar note about this on another topic. Product Keys from OEM pre-installed versions of Windows are useless for reinstallations. They are only provided for the purpose of tracking OEM licenses. OEM pre-installed Windows are pre-activated and are practically just images of the HDD which is why they wipe everything out whenever you restore to factory defaults. With all of these being said, I do not see the point on why you would want to obtain the Product Key. Unless of course that is an upgraded copy of Windows from a lower edition to Ultimate.

Microsoft has a tool for checking product keys and will indicate whether it is a retail copy or OEM copy. Using an OEM license key will only give you an invalid product key error during installation or activation.

I can only think of one reason why anybody would want to extract the Product Key of an installed copy of Windows. But like what CimmerianX said, provided the benefit of the doubt, you can use any of the programs on the link he provided. I have personally used "Magical Jellybean" before to extract a product key from an installed copy of Windows and it worked perfectly. You can choose any one from the link above.

Note: reiterating what CimmerianX have mentioned, If you have an OEM install, the PK is pretty much useless for reinstallation since all OEM copies are pre-activated and are basically just images and is not the same as retail versions of windows.

If I remember correctly, Master/Slave configuration is only available on IDE HDDs. They are not available on SATA Drives anymore. See Wiki excerpt below regarding the communication priority of Master/Slave HDDs on a single Parallel ATA port.

"Master and slave clarification

Although they are in extremely common use, the terms "master" and "slave" do not actually appear in current versions of the ATA specifications. The two devices are simply referred to as "device 0" and "device 1", respectively, in ATA-2 and later.

It is a common myth that the controller on the master drive assumes control over the slave drive, or that the master drive may claim priority of communication over the other device on the same ATA interface. In fact, the drivers in the host operating system perform the necessary arbitration and serialization, and each drive's onboard controller operates independently of the other."

src: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Technology_Attachment#Master_and_slave_clarification

I've been a member of DW for over 9 years now but it just got me wondering now how old DW really is? Anybody have any idea? Dani perhaps can enlighten me? :)

I've watched rugby and it was so entertaining that even my wife watched it with me. However, i only watch games that includes the All Blacks and have yet to see a match not involving them.

As for comparing Rugby with American Football, it's like comparing Highschool players and Pros.

If you're using either a desktop or a laptop, you might want to check the manufacturer's website or even ask them yourself on which jumper needs to be shorted in order to reset the BIOS password. The only information it resets are the one that are on the BIOS/CMOS and is usually fixed by just setting it to the defaults.

memtest has been around for ages. It checks your computer memory for inconsistencies and errors and lets you know. click on the link that tinstaafl provided initially and then go through the instructions. It should include the step-by-step process that you are looking for but if it doesn't just simply download it and run the application.

Windows XP normally has an Administrator account active. Press on ctrl-alt-del repeatedly or switch user and then use "Administrator" as user and the default password should be blank.

Normally a wireless keyboard will function similarly to USB keyboard. If you can get to the Windows logon screen then it is most likely to work. I would suggest a wired USB keyboard though as it normally have drivers ready as soon as you plug them in.

edit:
one more thing, if you can move the mouse then I believe you can access the on-screen keyboard from the logon screen

nice, my sister is also a monkey :)

That sounded so wrong.. lol

any cheese covered/flavored potato chips with soda specially while watching any sport on tv.

I think of pain when I remember the time i was sprained while playing basketball. My left foot was literally perpendicular to my lower leg for about a minute or so before it snapped back into position. This happened about 8 years ago and I still feel the pain every now and then when too much stress is applied on the left ankle.

naturally gaining unwanted weight probably caused by changes in life priorities. :)

Seems like people choosing one over the other is more divided between reliability (making sure it will work) and flexibility (being able to customize it based on personal wants/needs). Now this observation is only on people that have logical reasons for choosing one and not including the teens that wants an iPhone simply because it's the "IN" thing at the moment.

This is the first time I've heard of this and I myself don't think it's practical. I'm saying this not because I think it's impossible to do but rather it would break the main purpose of having a Password in the first place. I can imagine a number of inconsistencies that will occur if this was the case.

As a 5'8" basketball lover, i think my all-time best physically was when I was about 16-20 yrs old. I was skinny as hell and can actually jump a bit. After my 20's, I bulked up (not by choice) and then eventually everything went downhill after I got married. lol

I think the availability of Android on different brands make it more appealing to me. iOS is only available on Apple products giving them the monopoly on it as opposed to Android OS that you can actually find on hundreds of brands out there.

Doesn't really regret a lot of choices I made. I always make it a point that I do not and if I find out I made the right choice, I consider it as a failed calculated risk.

Not sure what you meant exactly by integrating 32 & 64 bit in one disk. I'm assuming 2 things indicated below:

1. You want to install 2 different versions of Windows 7 (32 & 64) on a single HDD.

- This should work by simply installing it on a different partition on the same HDD and treated as a multi-boot computer.
- I don't think it will accomplish anything simply because whatever a 32-bit computer can do will also be available on a 64-bit Operating System.

1. You want to "Slipstream" a Windows 7 versions 32 & 64 into a single DVD.

- slipstreaming only works if you want to integrate updates, upgrades, patches or service packs into the installation files.
- Windows 7 32 & 64 being 2 separate entities and not really an update/upgrade of the other makes this not qualified for slipstreaming.

If both of my assumptions are incorrect, then please enlighten us with more details so we can get more help/opinion from other forum members/helpers. :)

Not sure which keyboard socket you're referring to but I am assuming it's a USB port. Have you tried other USB ports in your computer? Other USB keyboards perhaps?

I would normally run IE without addons and see if it also happens there just to isolate any Add-on issues.

Hi sophiaya, this is a 2 year old zombie thread. :)

I think this is a common problem with HP's. I own an HP G42 running Win7 HP and in less than a year, it's battery life is less than 10 mins. My brother also have an HP laptop and his original battery had the same problem. He bought a new battery, the extended ones. I believe life of the battery that came in with the laptop is not of the best quality. As for the programs/processes running in the background, try to limit them from running at startup. I had to edit some of the processes that runns on my computer during startup (msconfig) just to prolong the battery life. I also don't have a lot of icons/programs running on the notification area (system tray).

I'm planning on getting a new battery for my laptop and see if it will have a longer life this time.

One of the comments above could be correct about the update not being installed correctly. Updates that are pending installation are saved in the folder %windir%\SoftwareDistribution. As soon as you restart your computer, it takes the files there and installs the updates. You can actually delete the contents of that particular folder and then re-download the updates. This ensures that you have a fresh copy of the updates to be installed.

If this still doesnt' work, then it is possible that the problem is with Windows Updater itself.