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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2004-07-01

A Free Email Newsletter from Fred Langa
That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware, 
Software, and Time Online

Please visit our sponsors and help keep the LangaList S.E. free!

1) Right And Wrong Ways To De-Dust A PC

Our coverage on getting dust out of a laptop ( http://langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-06-28.htm#1 ) generated some interesting mail, including this unusual note on the general topic of getting dust out of *any* PC--- not just laptops:

...Vacuuming dust from air intakes shouldn't pose any problems but perhaps you should warn against vacuuming out the inside of a computer. Vacuums can create a good deal of static electricity that could kill a system. The insides should always be blown clean not sucked clean.

Having dogs and cats around has forcibly made me proficient at cleaning computer systems. I try to do each of mine at least every month or two. I've also solved many computer problems for friends just by blowing the crud out of them. One had enough fuzz in it to make a whole 'nuther dog. Here are some things I've picked up over the years.

There are several ways to clean the insides of a computer. Many would first reach for one of those cans of compressed air. IMHO they are garbage. They're expensive, you can't get them into areas you need to and they're not nearly powerful enough. But, they are better than nothing.

Better yet is a vacuum in "blow" mode like you can do with many shopvacs and some uprights. A crevice tool will let you direct the air quite well and puts out a good stream of air but not enough to do harm. Just keep it a few inches away from touching anything. [A plastic nozzle or crevice tool also will help reduce the chances of electrical damage.]

My personal favorite is an air compressor with an adjustable pencil type blower nozzle that lets me adjust the pressure. 10 to 20 psi is enough to eradicate dust bunnies and dirt from the tightest corners. I've also used a blower end made by jamming an old Chevy pushrod into a male air hose connector. The small hole in the pushrod limits the pressure and gives pinpoint control. The important point is to control the pressure.

When blowing out a system, pay special attention to the areas between the fins of heatsinks. Fan blades should be held from spinning [from the compressed air you're blowing through them] with your finger, a pen or something similar lest you over-rev them and they self destruct. The tough dirt on the leading edge of CPU, case and graphics card fans can be loosened with a toothbrush or small paintbrush and then blown clean. With power supplies and fans all you can do is shove a wooden pencil in the fan blades and blow away from all directions. I usually crank the pressure up a bit when blowing out power supplies.

Do I need to add that this should best be done outside? [The blown-out dust can make a mess.]

While you're in there, socketed chips (getting rare these days) should be [gently] pressed back into their sockets... Check all cable connections by pressing on them firmly.

And if you really want to be thorough you can reseat cards or pull and clean the contacts with a pencil eraser before reinstalling them. Be sure to brush off all the little eraser bits and put the cards back in the original slots or Windows will go nuts finding new devices on your next boot up.

Well, what started out as a comment about vacuums turned into a little more. ---Steve Gonnella

Thanks, Steve!

I've also heard that "vacuum cleaners cause static" warning for years, but have yet to see a full explanation of why or how. I can see how rubbing a vacuum cleaner's nozzle over a carpet in dry weather might generate a static charge, same as when you shuffle your feet on a rug; but this mechanism doesn't come into play when cleaning a PC. I suppose that the dust and fiber particles colliding and rubbing together in the intake air stream could create a static charge, especially in very dry conditions or with very large quantities of debris, but this seems a low-probability event inside a PC. Still, the probability isn't zero, so I guess I'd have to agree that blowing--- dispersing the dust and fiber rather than concentrating it--- is the safer (albeit messier) option. Using plastic nozzles and tools also can help reduce the risk of any electrical problems.

I also agree with Steve that compressed air in cans is ridiculously expensive, but it can be good for reaching inside very small crevices or in places where you want maximum control. I keep a can or two handy for just that, and the cans last a very long time because I hardly ever use them.

But to tell you the truth, my #1 tool for blowing out PC cases is a pair of high-mileage, one-owner, original-equipment human lungs: A huff and a puff or two, and it's done, especially if you do it more or less routinely, before things get really fuzzy inside your PC. 8-) In any case, lung-power is far simpler than hauling out the vacuum or doing anything as elaborate as rigging an air compressor.

Finally, like Steve, I have also successfully used pencil erasers to clean plug-in card contacts, usually as part of an annual system cleaning. It works fine, but you have to be careful not to rub too hard or you may abrade not just the dirt, but the gold or copper of the contacts as well. If your PC card contacts are *very* dirty or somehow need frequent cleaning, then it's probably a safer bet to use a cleaning solution specifically designed for electrical contacts. Your local computer supply or audio/video specialty store may have such cleaners in stock, or you can try these highly specialized products:

http://www.stabilant.com/
http://www.google.com/search?q=kontak+cleaner

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2) "Some Files Could Not Be Defragmented..."

Fred, I am a plus subscriber and love your articles. I have a question for you. I have a Compaq Presario 2100 laptop. Whenever I run the defragmenter at the end it says "some files on this volume could not be defragmented. Please check the defragmentation report for the list of the files". I check the report but it is always blank. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Could be any of several things. Defrag needs some free space to maneuver, for example; typically, it needs about 15% of the total drive capacity to be open, so files can be shuffled around during the defragmentation. If your drive is very full, you may not be able to defrag it. If this is the case, try deleting some files, moving files to another partition or drive or to backup, etc; and run a thorough cleanup: http://langa.com/cleanup_bat.htm

Errors on the drive may also cause this. Try running Scandisk or Chkdsk, and fix any problems that turn up.

In-use files may not be able to be defragged, either, because they're locked and in use. You can minimize the number of such files by running Defrag only in Safe Mode, or from the Recovery Console. If you're really desperate to achieve near-100% defragmentation, you can run defrag several times in a row; each pass may squeeze out a few more percent.

But in NT/2K/XP, some files just won't get worked on much at all because they're always in use or protected in some way. You'll probably never achieve 100% defragmentation. But that's OK; a low single-digit percentage of fragmented files doesn't matter much, performance-wise; you could beat your brains out trying to get everything perfect, and not see any meaningful performance improvement when you're done.

So, if you defrag and end up with a few percent of files left fragmented, don't worry about it. Just defrag regularly--- every week or so is usually fine--- and you'll be OK.

More info:
http://langa.com/u/5d.htm
http://langa.com/u/5e.htm

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3) Update Helper

Dear Fred:  Re:  your last LangaList.  You posted a letter from a Drew Foster [" When Update... Won't" http://langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-06-21.htm#2 ] regarding his experience with windows updates.  From Nirsoft, there's a tiny little prog called WinUpdatesList v1.0. It shows what updates are on one's computer. http://nirsoft.cjb.net/ Hope this is helpful.  Thanks   JJurasek

Nice little tool--- one of many on that site. It's good to have a non-Microsoft way of checking what's installed or not. Thanks, JJ!

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--- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList S.E. Free! ) ---

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4) Transfer Wizard Goes Missing

Hello Fred, when I connect my digital camera to the computer nothing happens. A small window used to appear asking me what I wanted to do, and I would choose the option of transferring the pictures to a file on my computer.

The same thing when I use a music CD: nothing happens. Do you think something has been deleted by mistake?

I can still transfer the pictures and music by going into " My Computer" and right clicking on the drive, but I want the little window back.

Hope you can help Fred. It would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance. Anne

Sometimes, this is very easy to fix: Just open Windows Explorer and navigate to where you can see the drive letter or name of whatever device causes the problem--- CD burner, camera, USB drive, whatever. Right click on the device and select Properties.  Select the "AutoPlay" tab, select "Prompt Me Each Time To Choose An Option." That's it!

Well, that's *often* it. But sometimes, especially if some other software has inserted itself into the mix, it takes a bit more to restore control of the autoplay device to Windows. This site lists many possible solutions: http://langa.com/u/5h.htm

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5) Invisible IE Windows

Hi Fred, I've noticed this issue both at home and work recently; multiple instances of internet explorer running in the background, even with no IE windows open. Searching the web found other users with the same issue but no fix or real explanation. I was wondering if you've heard about this or experienced it yourself? Perhaps recent critical updates are the cause?  Cheers from Canada ---Darren

It's probably caused by a trick used to hide windows by positioning them outside the normal borders of the screen: They're there, and active, but far offscreen where you can't easily get at them.

This can be a valid programming technique: A programmer may place a necessary secondary window offscreen so as not to get in your way or clutter the screen. If you use a sound scheme that makes a noise with every window-open or -close event, you may hear these windows coming and going even when nothing's shown on-screen.

But the current, more-common web-based use is by purveyors of popup ads who use these active but hidden browser windows to try to stay in control of your browsing. This is one way they can ensure that when you close a popup site or window, you're force-fed another.... and another, and another. It's very annoying.

Simple thing is to right click on the task bar icon for the invisible window, and select "close." In XP, which will group multiple instances of browser windows behind a single icon, you can select "close group" and kill them all at once, which is nice.

You also can kill these hidden windows via Task Manager.

Or, if you want to get tricky, you can use a virtual desktop/desktop-expander tool ( http://www.google.com/search?q=desktop+virtual ) to create multiple desktops around or beside your normal desktop: These may give you direct access to the normally off-screen areas where these hidden windows dwell.

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6) New Month, New Chances

It's a new month, and right now your chances are the best they'll ever be!

If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, maybe a friend would find it useful too! Just use the following link to recommend the LangaList---your friend may find a new source of useful information and you just may win one of three FREE ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS to the LangaList Plus! edition given each month. (If your name is drawn and you're already a Plus! subscriber, your current subscription will be extended by a full year.)

Check out the details at http://langa.com/recommend.htm . Thanks for recommending the LangaList--- and good luck!

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7) Win Media Player Errors

Hello Fred. Was wondering if you had run across any problems caused by installing Windows Media Player 9, on a Win Me Installation... One of the problems I had to deal with was a parallel install over Win Me to restore some system files...and kept getting Suwin has caused problems in VERX.dll, and the install would stop.  No error number...nothing to give me a hint of the problem.  There are a number of SUWIN errors...and yours may vary from what I am illustrating.
 
Went surfing around...and also found the latest version of Internet Explorer also causes some problems, when trying such an install. Don't know how many of your subscribers are still running Me.....but here's the low down to fix the above problems.
 
For IE 6:
Rename c:\windows\system\\iemigrat.dll iemigrat.dll*.old

Rename c:\program files\Internet Explorer\W2k\migrate.dll migrate*.old

Rename c:\program files\outlook express\9xmg.dll 9xmig*.old

Then run Install
 
For Windows Media Player 9
 
rename c:\windows\system wmp*dll wmp*.old
 
rename c:\windows\system wmp.ocx wmp*.xoc
 
rename c:\program files\windows media player.exe wmp.exe
 
Then run install.
 
I had to boot the system with a Win Me boot disk, to get to DOS...and perform those commands.

If you have trouble renaming...you can create a new folder...i.e., OldWMP.....then move all files in your C:\Program files\Windows Media Player, to the OldWMP folder...leaving the Windows Media Player folder empty...
 
NOTE THE KEY:   The only success I had was achieved by going thru some of my old CD's, and finding Windows Media Play 7.1...and installing it, after performing the above actions.  I understand that version 7.0 will also works.
 
Hope you find this worth your time. Again, thanks for being there for all of us...you just keep on doing it right.... Wes McIngvale

Thanks, Wes. No, I hadn't personally run into that problem, but you've probably just saved a number of other readers a *lot* of time and trouble in digging out this answer. Thanks!

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8) More Reader Sites!

Do you have a home page or website? (It doesn't matter what size.) Please click over to http://langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join the hundreds and hundreds of LangaList readers who have "Loaded the Code!" (If you've already "Loaded The Code" and are wondering if your site will appear here or on the Langa.Com web site, please see http://langa.com/link.txt )

Speaking of which: Here's another eclectic sample of reader sites--- some professional, some very personal:

View A Randomly-Chosen Reader Site From Among All Listed
http://langa.com/randomlink.htm

Manually Browse All Posted-to-Date Sites Starting At
http://langa.com/readersites.htm

Raffin Organ Grinders RV Travels
http://raffinorgangrind.textamerica.com/

Talk About Books (UK)
http://www.talkaboutbooks.co.uk/

Prom Princess Project
http://www.gwtc.net/~dpowell/prom.htm

Sequim PC Users Group
http://www.spcug.net/

Vintage Radio Ads
http://nicolo1089.tripod.com/

Jerico Springs
http://members.tri-lakes.net/tgrtlr/

Apex Dental
http://apexdental.com/home

Mike's Home Page
http://www.mikesattler.com/Homepage.html

Georgias Gift World
www.georgiasgiftworld.com

Self-Cater Holidays (UK)
http://www.carrickdesign.co.uk/selfcaterholidays.htm

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--- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList S.E. Free! ) ---

"Fred, I , like so many computer geeks get in the habit of trying out
different software (freeware and shareware) never planning to use it,
but just trying it out so we will have a glimmer of an idea of what
[someone] may be talking about. Computer, internet, service newsletters
are the same, I have so many sent to me at my junk mail e-mail site,
that I never more than browse them (if I don't automatically trash
them). Then comes the dawning: 'I really am reading and *using* this
particular newsletter or software.' I guess what I am really trying to
say is Thanks... At this time I must sign up for the plus subscription
(at my real e-mail acct). If we use it, we should pay for it....I and my
clients thank you. Bob Javoroski"

Thanks, Bob. The Plus! edition is just 14 cents an issue--- $1 a month---
but that small amount is what keeps Langa.Com and this newsletter afloat.

Get all the details:

http://langa.com/plus.htm

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9) Rare Question

Usually, when readers ask about their Windows log-off/shutdown, it's because it's taking too long or hanging altogether. But this reader says his log-off is too fast!

Hi Fred, I'm a Plus subscriber that looks forward to your friendly and helpful advice given in your newsletter.  You helped so much with my old Win 98SE computer and the only one I trust with my new XP Home Edition computer.  If you could, I need help with the question below.

QUESTION?  I have a .wav file selected as my Exit Windows default sound that is 1 min and 25 seconds long.  It begins to play during log-off; however, the log-off is too quick to allow more than a few seconds of the file to play.  Is there a way (regedit) to slow down the log-off process to allow time for the file to play in its entirety?
 
COMMENT:  I had tried the WaitToKillAppTimeout registry value adjustment but no go.  It only delayed System Shutdown another 90 seconds.  Undid that!
 
Thanks for the help for all of these years, John Brown

There's probably some elegant way of doing this, but the fast fix is simply to exit via a batch file or script. You'd put in a command to play the wav file, followed by a command to exit; you can use various built-in Windows commands to exit, or use a (free) third-party tool (eg Wizmo from http://grc.com ). If you need to make adjustments, you could use whatever Wait or other delay commands are supported by your version of Windows. ( http://www.google.com/search?q=wait+batch )

You could probably set up the whole thing in literally minutes! When you're done, to exit Windows, you'd simply click on the script/batch file instead of going to Start/LogOff/ShutOff. the sound will play to the end, and then Windows will shut down. Piece o' cake!

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10) Just For Grins

Our recent mention of things astronomical in this space (the Venusian transit; a space station eclipse of Jupiter...) brought this interesting pointer:

Hi Fred. A quick googling of your site showed no mention of a really well put together piece of freeware I use almost daily (at least when there's no clouds.) It's called Orbitron and it can track graphically all satellites in earth orbit. What's really unique is that its cardware meaning if you like the program the author requests that you send him a post card. He then lists all his card senders on his website! (I'm # 91) I could go on and on but instead here's a link: http://www.stoff.pl  Keep up the good work! I'll be renewing my Plus subscription!. Bryan Swanson

Thanks, Brian! That one goes on my hard drive, and I'll use it along with the online resources for satellite tracking that I have bookmarked:  J-track ( http://science.nasa.gov/Realtime/jtrack/ ), J-Pass ( http://science.nasa.gov/RealTime/JPass/20/) , Heavens Above ( http://www.heavens-above.com/ ) and CalSky ( http://www.calsky.com/ ).

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11) Plus! Edition Highlights:

• Who Hosts What?
     (the web hosts, list hosts, and other services that Fred uses)
• Free GoBack Boot Record Removal Tool
     (when GoBack blocks rebooting...)
• Nonstandard Data Storage
     (placing files in unusual places!)

Access to over 100,000 additional words in special features, extra content and private links, all on a private web site--- plus 30% more content in every issue, for just a dollar a month!

Full Plus! Edition info: http://langa.com/plus.htm

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(Give a gift subscription to the LangaList Plus edition!
Click <a href= " http://langa.com/plus_gift.htm ">here</a>)

See you next issue, in a week, on 2004-07-08!

Best,

Fred
( Editor@Langa.Com )

Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win a prize!)

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