I've recently had some of my video files stick in my folders and refuse to be deleted, always claiming that some program is trying to run the file. I call it the "sticky file syndrome".
I've recently found the cure for SFS! Most of the time, there's a fundamental problem with the file itself, and not that any program is trying to run it. So what I did was to copy the same file type outside the suspect folder, rename it as the file I'm trying to delete.
Copy that file (now of the same name as the one you're trying to delete) into the suspect folder. Apparently Windows has a problem with deleting their files, but it doesn't have a problem with overwriting them!
Once you've overwritten the file, all the problems with deleting the file should cease. Just delete it away and viola! Cleaner folders!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
System Restore
This is a terribly underused function inside Windows XP which would solve a whole lot of problems if only people would learn a little bit more about it!
Commonly, problems arise from changes to the system. Be it hardware or software, if you change something in the system, there is a strong chance of it malfunctioning. System Restore (SR) is an easy-to-use program that would actually solve most of your software issues.
In a nutshell, SR remembers what it was like to be working in a nice comfortable environment. It remembers what the environment used to contain, and how the computer used to function with all its existing programs. Think of it as the good old days.
However, you are bound to install new programs into your computer. New stuff without proper testing could wreak havoc onto your system! And what happens after that? Weeks of tears and pain while you frantically try and reverse what you've done.
With SR, all you need to do to prepare for a scenario like this is to run the System Restore Utility. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
Just create a system restore point (on a day when the computer actually works!). Name it something meaningful like "November 1st, it still works!". If you were to run a program that messes up your system, at least all you would have to do is to return it back to its original state in November.
Remember: SR remembers System Settings. Your files and email are still safely up-to-date. Nothing to worry about!
Commonly, problems arise from changes to the system. Be it hardware or software, if you change something in the system, there is a strong chance of it malfunctioning. System Restore (SR) is an easy-to-use program that would actually solve most of your software issues.
In a nutshell, SR remembers what it was like to be working in a nice comfortable environment. It remembers what the environment used to contain, and how the computer used to function with all its existing programs. Think of it as the good old days.
However, you are bound to install new programs into your computer. New stuff without proper testing could wreak havoc onto your system! And what happens after that? Weeks of tears and pain while you frantically try and reverse what you've done.
With SR, all you need to do to prepare for a scenario like this is to run the System Restore Utility. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.
Just create a system restore point (on a day when the computer actually works!). Name it something meaningful like "November 1st, it still works!". If you were to run a program that messes up your system, at least all you would have to do is to return it back to its original state in November.
Remember: SR remembers System Settings. Your files and email are still safely up-to-date. Nothing to worry about!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
xp antispy
When u're running Windows XP, u're bound to have some parts of the program that u're unable to tweak all by urself, like for example, turning off balloon tips or not using the built-in zip system.
In steps xp antispy! It's a godsend to all who want to get rid of the annoying "send error report to microsoft" setup and such. It's simple and easy to use, everyone should get it!
It's available here! Latest version is v 3.96-1.
===========================
A small request for all my readers, if there's a computer problem u wish for me to help u with, please don't hesitate to email me at sebastiancheok@gmail.com. I would be glad to help u, as u're helping me add more articles into this blog anyway. ;)
In steps xp antispy! It's a godsend to all who want to get rid of the annoying "send error report to microsoft" setup and such. It's simple and easy to use, everyone should get it!
It's available here! Latest version is v 3.96-1.
===========================
A small request for all my readers, if there's a computer problem u wish for me to help u with, please don't hesitate to email me at sebastiancheok@gmail.com. I would be glad to help u, as u're helping me add more articles into this blog anyway. ;)
Monday, September 11, 2006
autoexec.nt
I was helping my girlfriend install an old computer program one day, but it suddenly gave an error that the autoexec.nt file was missing from her c:\windows\system32 folder, and installation couldn't continue. Naturally, being the guy, I had to solve it for her (else I would be completely useless to her, sigh...).
What I did was to go online to google.com and look up "autoexec.nt". It was a common problem among certain programs and someone from a forum actually gave a solution!
The autoexec.nt file can be found inside the c:\windows\repair folder! Just make a copy and place it into the system32 folder! YAY!
Simple solution to an interesting problem.
Tip:
Check out google.com first before joining any forums or bugging any of your own friends. In fact, the knowledge that you gain from learning from other online people is often more useless than the circle of friends you have. Expert advice are often offered for free online, and all you need is to know where to look.
What I did was to go online to google.com and look up "autoexec.nt". It was a common problem among certain programs and someone from a forum actually gave a solution!
The autoexec.nt file can be found inside the c:\windows\repair folder! Just make a copy and place it into the system32 folder! YAY!
Simple solution to an interesting problem.
Tip:
Check out google.com first before joining any forums or bugging any of your own friends. In fact, the knowledge that you gain from learning from other online people is often more useless than the circle of friends you have. Expert advice are often offered for free online, and all you need is to know where to look.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
My First Post!
Good afternoon to one and all!
I'm Sebastian (or Sebby) and this is pretty much my first time blogging. I'm not one to share my thoughts and feelings in public though, but I've decided to use my first blog to share my knowledge of computers and the tips and tricks that I've accumulated over the years. Of course, I can't unload everything I know upon you all at once, but over the next year or so I would hope to set up a proper structure that will be able to help the community at large.
A quick description of my (tech) past:
2000-2003: Student of Information Technology at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore)
2003-2005: Army personnel in charge of IT equipment
The rest of my life: Tech support for my family, friends, and the family business
Of course, I realise the need for continual studying just to keep up with the current trends. And I will continue to study, on my own, on the internet, and I will share the knowledge with my fellow readers.
I will take the next couple of days to come up with a suitable format for my readers to read and refer to. Please bear with me for a while, and I assure you, it will be worth your while to stick to this blog.
Here's to my first post, and the other million to come! Cheers!
I'm Sebastian (or Sebby) and this is pretty much my first time blogging. I'm not one to share my thoughts and feelings in public though, but I've decided to use my first blog to share my knowledge of computers and the tips and tricks that I've accumulated over the years. Of course, I can't unload everything I know upon you all at once, but over the next year or so I would hope to set up a proper structure that will be able to help the community at large.
A quick description of my (tech) past:
2000-2003: Student of Information Technology at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (Singapore)
2003-2005: Army personnel in charge of IT equipment
The rest of my life: Tech support for my family, friends, and the family business
Of course, I realise the need for continual studying just to keep up with the current trends. And I will continue to study, on my own, on the internet, and I will share the knowledge with my fellow readers.
I will take the next couple of days to come up with a suitable format for my readers to read and refer to. Please bear with me for a while, and I assure you, it will be worth your while to stick to this blog.
Here's to my first post, and the other million to come! Cheers!
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