Frisnanda

Confirmation of stealth Windows Update

2011-03-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

I can now confirm that the stealth Windows updatethat I blogged about yesterday actually exists - because I’ve detected its presence on a machine at the PC Doc HQ.

Since early this year, Microsoft has been issuing periodic sales updates on Windows Vista. The most recent Vista sales pronouncement (released by the company at the end of July) was that Microsoft had sold 60 million copies of Vista.

The Office team hasn’t been talking sales figures — at least not until now. But according to information shared during a recent briefing with certain members of the French tech press, Microsoft allegedly has sold 70 million copies of Office 2007 to date. (Thanks to LiveSide.Net for the link.)

I’ve asked Microsoft to verify whether the 70 million number is real and was provided by its officials this week. No word back yet.

The official comment, via a Microsoft spokesperson: “It’s not our policy to confirm the license figures.” Since Microsoft is not denying the validity of the info., my take is someone with Microsoft France spilled the beans.

I’m betting the same caveat applies to Office as Vista: These are copies sold to the channel, not necessarily to customers. But still… If these numbers are right, means Office 2007 may be outselling Vista. At the very least, it’s keeping up, neck and neck, with it.

Just this week, market researchers wtih NPD noted that Office 2007 was selling like crazy through the shrink-wrapped/retail channel. Microsoft officials have said that 80 percent of Vista sales are coming through OEM preloads. That percentage for Office is substantially lower, but Microsoft has been working on programs to try to convince more PC makers to preload its Office 2007 suite.

Have you upgraded to Office 2007 without moving to Vista? Any plans to do so?

nVIDIA ForceWare Drivers for WinVista (32-bit/64bit) 163.11 Beta

2011-02-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

GeForce 6, 7, and 8 series BETA driver

This driver supports single GPU and NVIDIA SLI™ technology on DirectX 9, DirectX 10, and OpenGL for GeForce 6, 7, and 8 series GPUs.
HD video post-processing for H.264, VC-1 and MPEG-2 HD content on the GeForce 8600 series.
Improved compatibility for World in Conflict.

Supported:

GeForce 6100
GeForce 6100 nForce 400
GeForce 6100 nForce 405
GeForce 6100 nForce 420
GeForce 6150
GeForce 6150 LE
GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
GeForce 6200
GeForce 6200 A-LE
GeForce 6200 LE
GeForce 6200 TurboCache™
GeForce 6200SE TurboCache™
GeForce 6250
GeForce 6500
GeForce 6600
GeForce 6600 GT
GeForce 6600 LE
GeForce 6600 VE
GeForce 6610 XL
GeForce 6700 XL
GeForce 6800
GeForce 6800 GS
GeForce 6800 GS/XT
GeForce 6800 GT
GeForce 6800 LE
GeForce 6800 Series GPU
GeForce 6800 Ultra
GeForce 6800 XE
GeForce 6800 XT
GeForce 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a
GeForce 7050 PV / NVIDIA nForce 630a
GeForce 7100 GS
GeForce 7200 GS
GeForce 7300 GS
GeForce 7300 GT
GeForce 7300 LE
GeForce 7300 SE
GeForce 7350 LE
GeForce 7500 LE
GeForce 7550 LE
GeForce 7600 GS
GeForce 7600 GT
GeForce 7600 LE
GeForce 7650 GS
GeForce 7800 GS
GeForce 7800 GTX
GeForce 7800 SLI
GeForce 7900 GS
GeForce 7900 GT/GTO
GeForce 7900 GTX
GeForce 7950 GT
GeForce 7950 GX2
GeForce 8300 GS
GeForce 8400 GS
GeForce 8500 GT
GeForce 8600 GT
GeForce 8600 GTS
GeForce 8800 GTS
GeForce 8800 GTX
GeForce 8800 Ultra

How to Stop Virus from Running Automatically When you Execute Files

2011-02-08T14:41:00.000-08:00

Many worms and trojans make changes to the registry to so that it can automatically start whenever you boot up your computer and also to avoid easy detection by disabling Windows Task Manager, Registry Editor and etc... You can easily restore all those tools by using Remove Restriction Tool (RRT).

I just recently found out that a virus can actually make some changes on your registry so that the virus will run automatically whenever you execute a file. Imagine, the virus will be loaded each time you run an executable (EXE) or a batch (BAT) file. Just last week I was cleaning a computer that was infected by Brontok. After finished scanning, cleaning the virus and restoring the changes made by virus, the Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition still pops up notification stating that Brontok virus is found and automatically deleted. This happens EVERY TIME I run an executable file.

Now I found out how it works and also how to disable the virus from running automatically whenever I run any file.

This happens when a virus change one or more of the shell\open\command keys. If these keys are changed, the worm or Trojan will run each time that you run certain files.

For example, if the \exefile\shell\open\command key is changed, the threat will run each time that you run any .exe file. This may also stop you from running the Registry Editor to try to fix this. They may also change a registry value so that you cannot run the Registry Editor at all.

I've done a test by adding Notepad.exe path in \exefile\shell\open\command key. Then I tried running any EXE file, it will launch the EXE file with notepad! For Brontok virus, it loads a backdoor file called "shell.exe". You won't even notice anything abnormal when you run an EXE file.

Thanks to Symantec Security Response for creating a script that is able to easily reset these registry values to their default settings.

What is inside the script:

[Version]
Signature="$Chicago$"
Provider=Symantec

[DefaultInstall]
AddReg=UnhookRegKey

[UnhookRegKey]
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\batfile\shell\open\command,,,"""%1"" %*"
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\comfile\shell\open\command,,,"""%1"" %*"
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\exefile\shell\open\command,,,"""%1"" %*"
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\piffile\shell\open\command,,,"""%1"" %*"
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\regfile\shell\open\command,,,"regedit.exe ""%1"""
HKLM, Software\CLASSES\scrfile\shell\open\command,,,"""%1"" %*"
HKCU, Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System,DisableRegistryTools,0x00000020,0

Of all the shell\open\command keys, the exefile key is being used most frequently. When your computer starts, it loads a lot of EXE files. When you start a program, it also loads EXE file. The rest are seldom used unless you're a power user. To be on the safe side, it's better for Symantec to restore all of the shell\open\keys to default values.

Instructions to install the script:
1. Download the script at the end of this post by right-clicking on the link and save it to your desktop.
2. Right-click on the file and select "install"
Install UnHookExec.Inf

A great tool to carry around with me all the time to combat against nasty virus such as Brontok.

Download Symantec Reset Shell Open Command Script

Tweak Aero's Glass Borders

2011-02-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

The borders around system windows, such as dialog boxes and the Control Panel, are transparent in Windows Vista's Aero interface. These borders are hackable; you can shrink them, make them larger, and change their colors and transparency levels.

To make the borders larger or smaller:

1. Right-click the desktop and select Personalize.

2. Click Window Color and Appearance.

3. Click Open classic appearance properties for more color options.

4. From the dialog box that appears, make sure that Windows Aero is selected as the color scheme. Click the Advanced button on the right side of the dialog box. The Advanced Appearance dialog box appears.

5. Select Border Padding in the Item drop-down menu. To change the size of the border, type a new size for the border. (The default is 4.) Click OK, then OK again. The sizes of the borders will now change.

There's more you can do to the borders as well. To change the border color, transparency and more, right-click the desktop and select Personalize > Window Color and Appearance.

1. Choose a color for your windows on the top of the screen, or custom-build a color by clicking Show color mixer and then moving the sliders that appear to mix your own color.

2. To change the transparency of window borders, move the Color intensity slider to the left to make them more translucent, and to the right to make them more opaque.

3. To turn off transparency, uncheck the box next to Enable transparency.

Recover Deleted Files or Folders in Windows Vista

2011-01-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

The title of this article explains it all! DataRecovery is freeware and written by TOKIWA(a japanese) to undelete accidentally deleted files even from recycle bin. This might not be the BEST data recovery software but it’s one of the few that works on Windows Vista and it’s FREE. Only 3 steps is required to recover deleted files from Windows.
1. Click on the drive that you want to scan for deleted files2. Click on Scan Files button and wait…3. You can wipe the file completely to prevent from recovery by using the Wipe button OR you can recover the deleted file by clicking the Recovery button.
What I like about this Data Recovery freeware is it’s an ongoing project. A lot of freewares gone outdated because the author doesn’t bother to update them since they are not making money out of it or they’re busy with their personal life or other projects. So an ongoing project is a good sign since the author will constantly fix bugs and implement new features to make it better.

Important Note: Always install the data recovery program on another hard drive or USB flash drive and also when you’ve selected the file to recover, make sure you DON’T save it on the same drive because there is a chance that it’ll overwrite it before you can completely recover the file.

Download:
Data Recovery

How To Install Windows Xp From Dos

2011-01-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

If XP will not install from the CD or if you have a new drive with no operating system on it yet try these:

Install Windows XP from the hard drive with Windows 98 already installed:
Boot Windows 98
Insert the XP CD into your CD reader
Explore Windows XP through My Computer
Copy i386 folder to C:\
Go into C:\i386 folder and double click on winnt32.exe to launch the setup from the hard drive

Install Windows XP from DOS (ie. no OS on a new hard drive):
Boot with a Windows 98 Start Up disk
Insert the Windows 98 CD into the CD reader
Run smartdrv.exe from the Win98 directory on the windows 98 CD (file caching)
Type cd.. to back up to the root directoryInsert Windows XP CD into the CD reader
Copy the i386 folder to C:\
Go into C:\i386 folder on C: and type winnt.exe to launch the setup from the hard drive.

How To Reinstall Internet Explorer

2011-01-09T13:36:00.000-08:00

1.Insert the Win XP CD.
2.Open Start > Run and Type:
rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 c:\windows\inf\ie.inf

I know it seems very easy now..;)

How to modify BCD when installing a previous version of Windows onto a computer running Windows Vista

2011-01-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

Installing an earlier operating system like Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 on ones system after Windows Vista has been installed results in one being unable to boot into Vista.

The processes below enable one to recover the ability to boot into Windows Vista in the instance where Windows Vista was installed on the system drive and the boot system files [Boot (folder), bootmgr, Boot.BAK and BOOTSECT.BAK], have not been damaged or removed.

1. To install a previous version of Windows onto a computer running Windows Vista (Post-Beta 2)

With Windows Vista Beta 2 as well as in Windows Vista Build 5456, the only command one needs to run is:

bootsect /NT60 ALL

(Copy bootsect.exe from the boot folder of your Windows Vista DVD and paste it into your Windows XP Windows\system32 folder)

This pulls all Windows operating systems into the Windows Vista boot menu.

2. To install a previous version of Windows onto a computer running Windows Vista (Pre-Beta 2)

1. Install the previous version of Windows.

2. Log on to the older operating system and restore the latest boot manager by running the following command from the run dialogue box (fixntfs.exe will be in the \boot directory of the active partition which is usually C:\ Drive).

C:\boot\fixntfs /lh

3. Create a BCD (Boot Configuration Data) entry for the older operating system by specifying the following.

bcdedit.exe is located in the \Windows\System32 directory of the Windows Vista partition. To access bcdedit.exe from within Windows XP you need to use the Command Prompt (DOS Window) and point to bcdedit.exe.

Description is the description of the new entry for the older operating system.

bcdedit /create {legacy} /d “Description”

bcdedit /set {legacy} device boot

bcdedit /set {legacy} path \ntldr

bcdedit /displayorder {legacy} /addlast

4. Restart the computer in order for the changes to take effect.

How To Disable Automatic Folder Type Discovery

2011-01-05T14:30:00.000-08:00

By default, Windows Explorer in Windows Vista will try to automatically detect the contents of a folder and display the correct detail settings, however in some situations you may wish to disable this behavior and customize the view settings manually as desired.

This article applies to:

* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, 32-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 32-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Business, 32-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, 32-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, 32-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, 64-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium, 64-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Business, 64-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, 64-bit
* Microsoft Windows Vista Enterprise, 64-bit

NOTE: This involves editing the registry. It is always recommended to create a back-up of the registry before making any modifications. Before performing any of the actions below, please save your work and close any Windows Explorer windows, as you will need to log off for these changes to properly take effect.

Procedure:

* Click on Start, and in the Start Search field type “REGEDIT”, and then press Enter.
* If User Account Control prompts you, provide consent by clicking on Continue or entering a password.
* In the left hand pane, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell
* Right click on the “Bags” sub-key and click on Delete. When asked to confirm the operation click on Yes.
* Right click on the "Shell" sub-key and from the menu that appears click on New, and then click on Key.
* Give the new key a name of "Bags" (without the quotes).
* Right click on the "Bags" sub-key and from the menu that appears click on New, and then click on Key.
* Give the new key a name of "AllFolders" (without the quotes).
* Right click on the "AllFolders" sub-key and from the menu that appears click on New, and then click on Key.
* Give the new key a name of "Shell" (without the quotes).
* Select the "Shell" key that you just creaited.
* In the right hand pane of the Registry Editor, right click on an empty area and from the menu click on New, and then click on String Value.
* Give the new REG_SZ (String Value) a name of "FolderType" (without the quotes).
* Double click on the FolderType String Value and give it a value of "NotSpecified" (without the quotes).
* Close the Registry Editor.
* Click on Start, press the arrow next to the power buttons, and select Log Off from the menu that appears.
* Log back in and customize your Windows Explorer folder view settings as desired.

If you would like to reset Windows Explorer back to the way it should act by default:

* Click on the Start button, and in the Start Search field paste the following bold text command: REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders" /f
* Press the Enter key to execute the command.

Hope this helps!

Change Windows Vista System Restore Disk Space Usage

2011-01-03T14:19:00.000-08:00

In case if your system gets corrupted, you can reinstall your Windows at any time and then restore your data from backup. I personally NEVER use System Restore. I also turn off System Restore after installing Windows to get back my disk space. By default, Windows XP takes up 12% of my disk space which is a waste if I do not use System Restore at all. System Restore works "sometimes" but when it doesn't work, everything gets messed up. To turn off System Restore in Windows XP is easy. Just right click on My Computer, select Properties. System Properties will appear. Go to System Restore tab and check "Turn off System Restore". You can also change the percent of disk space usage by sliding the slider if you still want to use System Restore but do not want it to take up so much space.

Problem with Windows Vista is, there's is no easy way to change the disk space usage for it's System Restore. Here's how you can easily change Windows Vista system restore disk space usage by a small batch file.

Reliance PC provided a very good tutorial on how to change Windows Vista system restore disk space usage with their batch file.

Modify Vista System Restore

I've also found another batch file written by "ryryryry" on a forum.

The batch file written by ryryryry is a little simpler compared to the batch file from Reliance PC. Both batch files works fine. Give it a little time and someone will surely come up with a nice GUI version of Vista System Restore disk space usage modifier.

How to Change default search engine in Internet Explorer

2011-01-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

Windows Live is default search engine in Internet Explorer so when you search in search box you are searching in windows live. However you can change the search engine that search box uses, here is how:

1.Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button and then click Internet Explorer,

2.The Internet Explorer window opens and displays the default home page which is www.msn.com,

3.Click the down arrow button to the right of search button, then click "Change Search Defaults...",

4.The Change Search Default style log box appears and displays all available search engines, the default engine which is the search engine that search box is currently uses contains the word (default) to the right of the name,

5.you can find more providers by clicking in "Find more providers..." link, a new internet Explorer window opens and the Add Search Providers to Internet Explorer page appears,

6.Select the Search engine from the list,

7.In the Add New Provider dialog box click the "Add Provider" button,

8.Close the opened Internet Explore Window,

9.Select the Search engine by clicking on the search engine in list, do so by clicking the down arrow button on the right side of search button, then click search button in the list,

10.If you want to use that search engine every time you open Internet Explorer, click the arrow button and then click "Change Search Default...",

11.In the Change Search Defaults dialog box click the search provider that you want to make the default, and then click "set Default" button, then click the OK button to confirm changes,

In this example default search engine changes from Windows Live to Google and the search box now display the name of Google Search engine.