jaclaz

Once again xkcd to the rescue : https://xkcd.com/1289/ jaclaz

UPDATE: This may do: http://wincvt.sourceforge.net/ jaclaz

NOT what was asked, but related enough: http://forums.avg.com/us-en/avg-forums?sec=thread&act=show&id=236909 jaclaz

You mean like in Communist Russia? http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/155290-windows-8-deeper-impressions/page-151#entry1047135 In theory yes, in practice no. Besides the known duality : the point is that IF - say - Linksys (<-- put here any maker of DSL routers here) and a Government Agency planted *something* in your DSL router, it is there. If you replace the firmware with an Open Source alternative you have *some* added chances to have it not anymore (provided that the *something* is in the firmware and not in other "lower level" parts, such as a chip, a piece of shielded cable, the RJ socket or *whatever*). Putting a "secure" router between the PC (or PC's in the LAN) and the DSL router will add some security against malware running on the PC(s) and will also help in defending yourself from intrusions from remote, nothing regarding your exact identification, location and times of activity (all these come from the actual land line plug and "they" can have it alright). jaclaz P.S.: The ball containing the name "Linksys" was drawn out of my randomizer bowl by a blindfolded virgin (NOT what you think ) and it is a mere coincidence that this happened right after I read this: http://www.911cd.net/forums//index.php?s=&showtopic=25304&view=findpost&p=174933 about the Moon Malware.

SCOOP! Blatant break of privacy! A nice aerial image of bpalone's lawn rectius field! jaclaz

As usual, a semi-random idea What if one creates a folder, say "fixstupidwindowsmath" and puts in it hardlinks (visible) to the hidden files? Can a hardlink be visible and link to a hidden file? Will it be "counted"? jaclaz

Windows 98 Wordpad? You have probably saved those files in the (available in the Windows 98 version of Wordpad) format called ""Word for Windows 6.0" (which has the extension. doc). So what you really need is something capable of batch converting from "Word for Windows 6.0" to "plain" RTF. I don't think there is a simple, free converter, but I'll have a look to see if i can find something. There is a (working) solution which is exceptionally complex (involving Openoffice.org and java): http://www.artofsolving.com/opensource/jodconverter http://code.google.com/p/jodconverter/ As a side note, if you are going to go this way, there is not anymore any need to use SRVANY (and download the 2003 resource kit), you can use NSSM: http://nssm.cc/ The funny thing, but you know how the world goes when programmers (with all due respect ) are involved , is that it amounts to a few lines in Visual Basic (or at least it was as simple as that in 1995): http://www.visualbasicsource.net/redirectpage.html?http://www.visualbasicsource.net/VBTips/118.html jaclaz

Open a command prompt. Navigate to the root of the "system" drive (usually C:) Like: CD /D C:then: CD \so that you are at the root C:> prompt Then: dir /s /b *.dbx>C:\dbxfiles.dirWait until the drive is scanned and the C:> prompt reappears. Unless *something* changed the attributes, .dbx files are non hidden/system. Open the C:\dbxfiles.dir in Notepad. You have now the location of the .dbx files on your system. Get this little proggie : http://www.mitec.cz/mailview.html and use it to open the relevant .dbx(s) and see if it can see the messages. jaclaz

Yep . I have (and actually use, when I happen to be on the move) a now becoming aged (but still going strong) Asus notebook, slightly more recent than your Toshiba. It came with Windows Me pre-installed (and yes I know, I know , but if you don't do strange things to it, it is not as bad as it is depicted ). It triple boots with a NT 4.00 and 2K (actually it quadruple boots to BeOS too, don't ask). It has 128 Mb of Ram. It has a built-in (wired) NIC . And yes, it works fine for everything (as it always had worked ) but for internet browsing, it is very easy using Opera under either the NT or the 2K to fill the RAM and get to the swap file on disk. jaclaz

WHICH issue? Your post describes an idyllic situation in which you have a computer that can run (because you have the suitable drivers/and/or the "right" hardware) *any* of three different oldish OS, two of the DOS family and one of the NT one, you have a functioning PCMCIA Wireless card (BTW, a plainer wired one would have given connectivity as well, with the addition of a cable and would have been faster and probably also safer, though more inconvenient). In 18 years from now, there will be HTML 11.2, or possibly the whole internet will be forced to be rewritten in XML or in NSAML or in GoogleML, java will be something that old men will describe to their nephews as a fable, around the fireplace [1] at night, no device with a screen resolution lower than QSXGA (2560x2048) will be able to access the internet (but there will be a Linux patch to the actual monitor firmware faking that resolution - for desktops - nothing for laptops). jaclaz [1] Yes, you guessed correctly, the domotics system controlling every technological aspect of your home will have crashed (OS running Windows 21 HomeAppliance Edition) over a failed connection[2] and you will be in total black out, freezing, and you will additionally later be fined by the Fire Department as you lighted a fire in your own house, in a certified fireplace BUT did not use Government Approved Wood only, or you failed to notify (electronic only, 24h advance minimum) about your intention to light up that fire. [2]There is a singular bug in Windows 21 Authentication System. It needs to contact MS servers every 31.7 seconds, and if it fails once it will try again in half the time elapsed in previous attempt, but the rounding algorithm is OK for 15.85 and for 7.925 and 3.9625 but strangely instead of 1.98125 it returns -1 and crashes, making the OS inactivated. For privacy reasons you cannot contact MS to reactivate it calling them through your mobile phone (but you can ask to them to wipe completely the anyone else's devices, of course), and the land line is under control of the Home Appliance system. For privacy reasons (avoiding illegal interception) land lines will carry a fair 20.000V AC, so that you cannot legally bypass the system and connect your phone before the Home Appliance unless you are a Certified Electrician and carry a valid Court Order (or really know where your towel is, which will be made illegal in itself in 2023) so besides the fine you will have the risk of electrocution.

It may have some meaning, as well there may be n versions (possibly Beta's or modified by someone else) with the same file name. Since a lot of people may have two or more similar BUT different versions, they might have modified the original filename to better distinguish them (or to avoid a new version overwriting the old one, or whatever). And of course "all 4 of them" since we are talking of a trilogy of five (maybe 6 or more) is a bit "vague" . jaclaz

JFYI: http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/170845-windows-xp-security-guide/?p=1066042 jaclaz

This is the one I have: http://www.filedropper.com/win98livecdbuilder109 It would be a good thing if we could (all of us) MD5 hash the files we have an decide on a sensible naming convention. jaclaz

I am failing to see which kind of "news" the provided link imply? Can you explain? jaclaz

Unfortunately I have none . We have seemingly exhusted the things that can be done DIY. Now there are three possibilities: the hard disk is botched beyond any possible repair/recovery. the hard disk may be repaired by professionals with hardware/software tools (like replacing SA's - whatever they are - fixing translation tables and what not) the hard disk may be repaired by professionals with hardware intervention (like replacing heads, swapping platters, etc.#1 above means end of game, #2 means probably US $ 300 to 500, #2 likely means US $800 to 1200. jaclaz

Provide some suggestions, please . jaclaz

NO, not really. The specific project should include an oldish version of Winbuilder that does run under Windows 9x. http://reboot.pro/topic/10373-winbuilder-running-on-windows-98/ The point here is that there are at least three versions of the project more likely 4 or 5, one (simple) that worked (and worked from within Win98) a second one (that presumably I posted) which is still "simple enough" and working (but that does not from under 9x/Me) and a third - and a fourth one that were released after Beatzero was affected by "featuritis" and are overcomplex and do not work (not even on XP and similar). Originally, I suggested him NOT the use of either IMDISK or VDK, but rather that of other tools compatible with Windows 98: http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/140391-windows-98-live-cd-project-update/?p=908112 To have it working on Windows 98 one has probably to use the "simpler" approach, but replace the VDK with one of the tools later used or fix the whatever is causing the issue with the build on the later version. There must be a "working" version (actually two) early 2010, but they are not on the server nor on the Wayback Machine. It is a MESS. It is well possible that the one I posted is not the "right" one, intially Beatzero used a version number, then suddenly removed it so it is difficult to keep track of the versions. I have posted a version where filedates inside the 7z are 2009-12-23. The one at http://win98livecd.winbuilder.net/index.php?dir=compressed%2F is seemingly dated 2011-08-13 but files inside the archive have date 2010-02-14. I have a Win98LiveCDBuilder_109.7z with date inside 2010-01-15. jaclaz

No, we are not losing anything, rest assured. It is clear that the UI switch should be implemented in an easy and visible way , I was just suggesting you how to solve the problem rectius non-problem with Grub you used as example. Remember what I posted before you : But even a simple setting under "Control Panel" (or similar) would do, I mean one can bear looking at the desktop or (once ) to the NCI, at least the strict time needed to navigate to where the custom setting can be changed.... jaclaz jaclaz

Sure , it is just a funny way to write an introduction, no offence whatever implied or intended (rest assured that IF and WHEN I might attempt to offend you, you will see the difference , and you will be really offended ) . It is actually an excellent and detailed article on the matter, just read after the first few joking lines, I recommend that paper since years, proof: http://reboot.pro/topic/1966-useful-info-on-inf/ jaclaz

Ain't the tax linked to the antenna/cable factor ? If not, there are indeed small media streamers for less than €100. Naah, by cleverly posting US and Chinese info, I managed to get Phaolo reveal his country (which I suspected earlier but was not sure about). In Italy the currently existing Law is dated (drum rolls ... ) 1938 ! More exactly it is R.D.L.21/02/1938 n.246: http://www.associttadini.org/canonerai/disciplina.html The Law, which rather obviously was related to radio only has been extended to include the TV (much later). Unlike possibly in other countries, it is not a payment for the public TV service and/or for watching TV, but rather a Tax on the possession (mind you possession, not necessarily use, nor connected in any way with the existence of antenna(s)) of *any* apparatus receiving and/or capable of receiving or adaptable to receive radio or TV (aerial or satellite) broadcasting (whilst those not capable nor adaptable are of course exempt). In 2012 a (much needed) "clarifying letter" was issued with an example list of the three types of devices, summed up here: http://www.abbonamenti.rai.it/Ordinari/IlCanoneOrdinari.aspx Full text is here: http://www.abbonamenti.rai.it/doc/nota-Agenzia-Entrate-canone-rai-22-02-2012.pdf basically the listed devices that are exempt are: PC without TV tunerMonitor without TV tunerLoudspeakers/sound boxes Video/audio intercoms and entryphonesThose subject to the Tax are *any and all* devices including a tuner. The matters is made more complex by the fact that there are two different (and two only) "kinds" of taxes, the "home" and the "special". For home, it is easy as a single tax covers the home (including all devices in it), the cars radio(s) (yes there used to be a separate tax on car radios too that was finally abolished in 1997, as well as one - hear hear - on car lighters, also abolished ), portable devices carried by all members of the family and for devices in secondary house(s) (let's say in the country or at the seaside, "news" introduced in 1990). The issue is with the "special". Unlike the "home" (which is fixed and the same for all, for year 2014 it has been determined in € 113,50) the "special" is divided in several categories: http://www.abbonamenti.rai.it/Speciali/IlCanoneSpeciali.aspx a "normal" office would pay € 407,35 (but - as an example - a bank or a 1st or 2nd category shop would pay € 1.018,40) jaclaz

There are two "levels" involved in this. The first one is made by the IPB developers (who in the past has shown a level of stupidity, arrogance, and obtuseness AND more generally a total indifference to their users issues and to the integrity of pre-existing data on boards running their software that I have rarely seen elsewhere). Just check these: http://reboot.pro/topic/15275-release-botched-rebootpro-code-converter/ http://reboot.pro/topic/17521-the-board-software-is-like-wine/ http://reboot.pro/topic/17521-the-board-software-is-like-wine/?p=160569 to see what I mean. The good guys @pastehtml.com have in the meantime decided that a html page containing javascript may be a threat and WARN people against accessing it: http://pastehtml.com/view/b4t99xk89.html (only if you have the guts to access it ) And in my signature there is still the good ol' MSFN broken link converter from two or three past updates. The second one is the board management, which - ultimately - revolves around xper (or memmber #1 ): http://www.msfn.org/board/user/1-xper/ xper is extremely good willing , and at each stupid board update has done everything in his powers to round the corners and make transitions as smooth as possible, but of course the most he can do is to tweak some settings, here are the threads about issues (some solved, some in the works, some possibly NOT solvable) with latest board software update: http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/163472-ipb-update-july-2013-to-version-345-bugs-only/ http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/163473-ipb-update-july-2013-to-version-345-suggestions-only/ You should post a complete description of the issues you are having (or your wishes/suggestions) on those threads, IMHO. jaclaz

Ok, a nice step in the nice direction (but not enough). Basically, it seems to me like - since you failed at following the normal procedure of installing the thingy - you decided that you could make it work manually. This usually tends to end up in a mess. And it is not like you can move (or rename) files "at random" and expect anytime soon to have it working, compare with: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infinite_monkey_theorem No, you CANNOT rename a .vxd to .sys (actually you CAN, but it won't work). Probably your recalling the sequence of events is incorrect OR the .vxd is not used at all. A good step forward would be if you could provide a link to the actual installer you tried, so that people can have a look at what is in it. Is it this one? http://support.linksys.com/en-us/support/adapters/WUSB54AG File WUSB54AG-v1.0_dr.zip? Avast is unlikely to be interfering with the thingy (though it's possible) in any case if it quarantined or deleted a file, it should be noted on it's log. Depending on your current setup (which you haven't yet described, actual hardware, details on OS install, disk drive/partitions, etc.) it may be faster to test on a new install of the whole OS, or if you have another PC capable of running a VM, test what happens on a new install in the Virtual Machine. A possible source of issue could be the kind of modifications (like - say - having used 98Lite or similar and/or tweaks) you made to the installed Windows Me. Maybe you are further confusing the actual drivers with the tools in the Utility folder? A good idea would be if you could read the contents of the .inf file WUSB54AG.inf AFTER having duly studied this: http://www.wd-3.com/archive/InfFiles.htm (besides the nice way it is written , it is also a very good introduction to .inf files and driver installation ) jaclaz

Well, I was only pointing out how your posted as examples of "problems" what are not actually "problems". The intelligent but non-expert PC user would IMHO either NOT use grub (or grub4dos, or GRUB2) or become on-the-spot (and limited to this niche of multibooting) expert enough in order to survive , particularly if he/she is also lacking the patience to waste what? two seconds at boot time for the timeout . I am pretty sure that if you ask in the "programming" section a request for a simple GUI tool capable of accessing menu.lst or grub.cfg and change "default 0" to "default 1" or "set default="0"" to "set default="1"" some kind soul would be able to put one together for you. jaclaz

Just for the record, nowadays I would rather use NSSM: NSSM - the Non-Sucking Service Manager http://nssm.cc/ as it worked for me nicely more than once jaclaz

Here : http://www2.zshares.net/jna09jvhxiwl See what you can get with it, and please report your progresses. jaclaz