VideoRipper

Erm... one question: what firmware version does your harddrive use (and what type of drive is it)? I've never seen those responses with SD15 firmware Greetz, Peter.

I guess you'll need some special kind of BIOS for that or a NIC with a custom written boot-PROM... Don't know if these exist

Hi halbarad, Re-read carefully what Jaclaz wrote: This means: do this loopback-test first, if that doesn't work, there's no sense in continuing to the next step In short: yes. Plug it into a USB-port Connect the RX-wire to the TX-wire (effectively creating "The loop") Find out its COM-port (in Device manager) Open a new session in HyperTerminal Make sure Echo is off Select the COM-port number found in step 3 Type some characters on the keyboard; the same characters *should* appear inside the terminal screen while typing. We don't know (yet) since the seller isn't too clear about that. But if the loopback test failed it *might* need an external power supply (or it *might* also be defective, we don't know yet). If you have (or can get your hands on) a multimeter, it's easy to determine: just measure the voltage between the Vcc-wire and the GND-wire, while it's connected to the USB-port: When it's 3.3V - 5V the wire is supplying power and you *shouldn't* need to apply external power to it for the RS232 driver. If there's no power coming out, it's either broken or (more likely) it needs an external power supply. If you can't get hold of a multimeter, you can do a poor-man's job by using a bicycle (6V) lamp and see if it lits when you connect it to the convertor's Vcc and GND-wires. (warning: only do this briefly and use a low-power (Wattage) lamp or you will overload the convertor!) When there's no power coming out of the convertor apply two 1.5V batteries in series (making 3V) to the Vcc and GND-terminals and redo the loopback test. Greetz, Peter.

Thanks for the great news! We've got another happy customer Greetz, Peter.

Having a look at the PL2303 datasheets, the adapter should be recognized as a USB-COM bridge, but (depending on the actual convertor design) the Vcc provided by the USB-port doesn't have to be connected to the RS232-driver. The IC has a VDD_325-pin to power the RS-232-driver and may be powered with a supply between 1.8V and 3.3V and it wouldn't surprise me this is where this fourth wire is for Greetz, Peter.

I based my findings on these few lines in the ad on eBay: But it might indeed be best to test it out before trying to use it. Greetz, Peter.

No... You should supply power (3V) to that pin, the pin doesn't supply power So put a 3V (or 2 1.5V batteries in series) between Vcc and GND to get it to work. (Don't forget that the GND-pin should also be connected to the GND-pin on the drive) Greetz, Peter.

Files with names like that are most likely virusses or at least malware. And if the version-info doesn't show anything useful it's time to scan the system thoroughly. Make sure you also scan for rootkits, since these are almost never detected by virusscanners: you can use ComboFix for those. Keep in mind ComboFix will be very thorough and may (will) reset some settings on a system, you might not want as an administrator, so check it's log after it's finished and re-check user permissions, preferences and services. Greetz, Peter.

You see: the easiest answer is always just around the corner Thanks CoffeeFriend, again I've learned something today.

I don't use SQL-Server, but MySQL, but I guess the setup should be nearly the same for all supported database engines. First make sure PHP is properly installed: your PHP.INI file should at least be configured to use (and find) the SQL-driver. Some settings to take a look at: Make sure the extension-directory is correctly set: ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ; Paths and Directories ; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; // SOME LINES REMOVED ; Directory in which the loadable extensions (modules) reside. ; extension_dir = "./" extension_dir = "C:\php\ext\" <======== Path to drivers The correct driver is enabled (remove semi-colon): ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ; Dynamic Extensions ; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; // SOME LINES REMOVED ;Windows Extensions // SOME LINES REMOVED ;extension=php_mssql.dll ;extension=php_msql.dll extension=php_mysql.dll <======== Remove semi-colon for YOUR driver ;extension=php_oci8.dll ;extension=php_openssl.dll // SOME LINES REMOVED See all other options that might need to be set After that, make sure PHP is configured as an extension in your webserver (I use Apache, so I don't know how to do that on Windows Server) and restart the webserver-service (have a lookout for any warnings and errors). That *should* help you on your way... I hope. Greetz, Peter.

Hehehehe, I think you might be right And you're right as well Cluberti, I must have read over the "Direct connect to inet"-phrase Of course, you always have the chance that your ISP will filter out most nasties coming in/out, so keep that in mind as well.

Not thirded Although I can't tell the risk when using XP SP1 (since I'm using SP3), my system isn't running any virus-scanner and has it's firewall turned off. And overall I "Only" get infected 3 or 4 times a year (which I find acceptable for a system that isn't waisting CPU-cycles on a resourcehungry scanner). Being behind a router (which semi-doubles as a firewall... sort of...) I guess my chances of getting infected are reduced dramatically, but the infections I do get are being brought in by bugs/flaws/undocumented-features in IE and not at socket- layer level (so badware is asked in rather than forced in). I don't use Outlook Express, so I can't comment on that... However, I don't recommend this way of "Having sex with the internet, without any contraceptive" if you don't know exactly what processes are supposed to be running. I am prepared to take this risk on my faily old system and I'm not advising others to do the same (unless they like to live adventurous) Apart from that all: make sure you always install the latest patches and updates (Unless you're a guy like Milan and wants to get infected, of course). Greetz, Peter.

Disable that option again: the drive should echo them for you when it's connected properly and in working order. Like Jaclaz said, using a 2 step conversion is not recommended But assuming you already spent money on these two items, you should check them individually, starting with the USB -> RS232 convertor: Connect the USB->RS232 convertor to your computer Make sure it's seen and you know the used port (lookup in "Device Manager") Open a connection in Hyperterminal (set echo off) Take a small flat screwdriver and short pins 2 and 3 in the convertor's 9-pin Sub-D connector (these are the RX- and TX-pins) While having these pins shorted, type something on the keyboard: you *should* see the same characters echood back. (I can be a bit tricky, shorting those pins with a screwdriver while typing the characters, but it can be done and no harm will be done if you accidently short the wrong pins) If that test is successful, we can carry on to the next part B) ...but first: tell us your progress Greetz, Peter.

Hehehehe, noticed that too a long time ago. It has something to with ComboFix installing the Recovery Console and the source (on the internet) of this is a bit hush-hush Greetz, Peter.

This is for your trojan/virus/spyware adventure I presume? (You should actually just continue in the thread you already started about this when this is the case) Google doesn't offer this "Service" (to my knowledge), but I guess you'll get more "Lucky" if you switch off "SafeSearch". Other than that, you can only search for "Questionable" content like "Warez", "Keygens", "(Child) pr0n" and such. Most of these sites marked are on .ru, .ws and .cn TLD's. To be honest: I've just tried to search for "Warez" myself on servers located in China and while I had about 81.000.000 hits, I didn't see the warnings anymore Maybe they've switched them off or just reject them all now? Greetz, Peter.

If it's an OEM drive with HP-firmware and HP26 is the latest: yes, just like Jaclaz said I wouldn't worry too much about these messages. My drive wouldn't run a short DST, while a long DST did and I have an original (non OEM) Seagate drive, soo... --------------- SeaTools for DOS v2.17 --------------- Device 0 is Seagate Device ST3500320AS 9QM22HVN On Intel ICH5 Max Native Address 976773167 Device is 48 Bit Addressed - Number of LBAs 976773167 ( 500.108 GB ) This drive supports Security Features SMART Is Supported And ENABLED SMART Has NOT Been Tripped DST Is Supported Logging Feature Set Is Supported POH 5994 Current Temp 23 Started Short DST 2/12/2010 @ 11:37.4 DST -- FAILED - Read Element LBA = 0 Your SeaTools Test Code: A7E7D56A Short DST FAILED 2/12/2010 @ 11:37.16 --------------- SeaTools for DOS v2.17 --------------- Device 0 is Seagate Device ST3500320AS 9QM22HVN On Intel ICH5 Max Native Address 976773167 Device is 48 Bit Addressed - Number of LBAs 976773167 ( 500.108 GB ) This drive supports Security Features SMART Is Supported And ENABLED SMART Has NOT Been Tripped DST Is Supported Logging Feature Set Is Supported POH 5994 Current Temp 23 Started Long Test 2/12/2010 @ 11:38.8 Your SeaTools Test Code: A7E7D55A DST -- FAILED - Read Element LBA = 963648851 Short DST FAILED 2/12/2010 @ 13:20.9 [ 963580219 -- Repaired ][ 963581115 -- Repaired ] [ 963582011 -- Repaired ][ 963628659 -- Repaired ] // LONG LIST OF ERRORS HERE // [ 963994615 -- Repaired ][ 963994616 -- Repaired ] [ 963995510 -- Repaired ][ 963995511 -- Repaired ] DST -- FAILED - Read Element LBA = 964028566 Short DST FAILED 2/12/2010 @ 13:21.0 Long Test PASSED After Repair 2/12/2010 @ 13:21.0 Greetz, Peter.

If I understand correctly you can mount that image to your filesystem Don't know how to do this on Windows, but under Linux it can be done with: mount -t ntfs-3g -ro loop /media/hdaX/recovered.img /mnt/temp -f Greetz, Peter.

As always... CoffeeFriend was ahead of me For programming (not "Scripting"): If you're a real beginner, you can start with Visual BASIC: it's fairly easy (hence its name "Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code"), while you will still be able to achieve pretty advanced stuff with. The second nice thing of VB is that you can get a free "Express Edition" directly from Microsoft, so you don't need to invest a lot of money into something you (might) at some later point want to stop with. I'm a Delphi programmer myself, but it's a pretty expensive environment (and their "Free" editions suck), so your next step might be Visual C++ or Visual C# for which there are also a free "Express Editions". For more "Express Editions" and information, visit this link at Microsoft. Greetz, Peter.

I think the suggestion made by flyingonempty has the best potential. Let all the bandmembers record their own track and trade it with each other over e-mail, IM or ... and mix them up at the end. This technique is sometimes used by bands for recording purposes, when they're not able to be in the same studio at the same time. For rehearsals, this wouldn't be a real solution however, since you all want to interact with each other at the same time, specially with new material. Greetz, Peter.

The pin-numbers are just those on the integrated circuit ("Chip"). If you play around with modern cars and engines, you would have already seen lots of them in the engine management ("ECU"). Basically this is what the schematic (using a MAX3232 this time) of a home-made convertor might look like: The only real difference between a MAX232 and a MAX3232 is that the latter uses TTL (3.3V) logic, while the former uses CMOS/TTL (5V) logic. Of course you don't actually need this info, since you're going to use a Nokia cable, but the pin designations on the drive might be of help Greetz, Peter.

A schematic would be too obvious, wouldn't it? Nah... I did everything from the top of my head; it isn't "Really" a schematic, is it. But... your wish is my command and I pulled out my trusty screwdriver to see what goes where (I used a 2mm connector at the drive's end, so I wouldn't have to wrestle with loose cabling and pins) and these are the results: goes to pin 9 of the MAX232, so that would make it RX goes to pin 10 of the MAX232, making it TX goes to GROUND of the MAX232, making it... GND Designators are for the drive, so you connect pin 1 of drive to TX of the PC, 2 of drive to RX of PC, 3 of drive to GND of PC; the 4th pin on the drive is not used. Greetz, Peter.

I'ld need to check it first, of course, before I can give you a final answer on that, but I'll have a look B) I recall a small and easy tip of one of my professors (about 20 years ago) on university to find out what pin/wire is the RX and what's the TX. It had something to do with being actively high or low in its idle state and measuring that level with a multimeter to determine which is which. (I believe RX is active high when idle, but it could be the other way round) Don't think I will be able to find that note after 20 years, but I will take my multimeter with that tip in mind and tell you the result. Greetz, Peter.

From experience I know it's best to visit some vague websites in the .ru, .cc and .ws TLD's Another tip: Google for phrases like "Crack", "Hack" and "Keygen" and follow the sites marked with "This website can be hazardous to your computer"

And will never get there (unless Einstein was wrong) Given electrons travel at the speed of light (~300,000km/s) we will always have the delay-factor, which will get worse when some form of digital encoding is used (which is common nowadays). And maybe our planet is "Only" 40,000km in circumference, almost all long distance communication travels over satellite, adding a "Few" kilometres to an actual direct-line distance. With the last FIFA World-cup a couple of weeks ago, this phenomenon became a real "Issue" over here in Holland: people watching the match on a good old analog television-set knew when a goal was scored about 4 seconds prior to those with a digital (DVB) receiver. So while the "Digital" people had full HD-picture quality, they were always 4 seconds late It's just a problem we'll all have to "Suffer" in this digital age of electronics. Greetz, Peter.

I don't know of a solution, but I can predict one major problem in advance: "Latency" To explain this problem: have you ever phoned someone (your mum, dad, whoever) at the other site of the world and did you notice the delay between you and that other party? OR Did you watch the news on TV, where one correspondent talks to the news-host and it took some time before the correspondent replies to a question from the host? This delay is inevitable with long distance communication-lines; with digital connections this delay is even worse (upto several seconds depending on the used codec). So to answer your question: it will not be usable, I'm afraid. But hey: what stops you (or your friends) from buying an airline- ticket every once in a while? Greetz, Peter.