[Downloading Multi-Volume Archive]

Several years ago I downloaded large files that were split into multiple volumes.

Maybe I was lucky, but I never had any problems.

I don't use file sharing sites very often, so it doesn't make sense for me to pay

and become a premium member of any one site.

I forgot about the most important rule when downloading multiple volumes.

ALWAYS download the first archive that extracts and combines all the other

volumes. Use WinRAR or WinZIP and attempt to extract the archive BEFORE

downloading the other volumes. If the "number one" archive is ok a message

box will appear asking for the location of the next volume in the series.

Because I haven't downloaded multi-volumes in many years, I made a foolish

mistake. I downloaded all the secondary volumes (z01, z02, etc.) before the

zip file that starts the extraction.

Here is the message from WinZIP:

bad CRC b36108d9 (should be b6d4bcac)

I also tried WinRAR and Universal Extractor. They all failed.

Before I delete all the volumes I downloaded, is there anything I can do to salvage

this mess?

[Remanufactured Ink Cartridges]

When technical publications were still printed on paper I remember countless
articles about buying refilled or remanufactured ink cartridges. A friend
purchased kits with ink and syringes. He kept telling me about all the money
he saved by refilling the same black cartridge dozens of times. I tried it once.
It was a complete disaster!

I've purchased remanufactured cartridges a few times. Some were ok, but the
color ink was always less vivid than a factory cartridge. After buying a few more
that were not recognized by my printer I quit. It seemed like a waste of money.

Are there companies buying the best inks and refilling cartridges? If not, why not?
How difficult could it be to buy bulk quantities of high grade ink?

I'm about to order several new factory cartridges. Is there anyone selling really
good remanufactured cartridges at a substantial savings over factory ink?

[Problem with dsCrypt]

jaclaz, I really appreciate your thoughtful reply. Thank you!

When I built my first computer from an article in an electronics hobby
magazine many years ago, I started thinking about backing up data.

You cannot imagine how foolish I feel. To my friends and business
partners I'm the guy who constantly gets upset when they fail to
backup everything. It's probably been 20 years or more since I
screwed up in such a big way!

All my USB flash drives are stored in a hardshell and fully padded case.
Definitely not in my pocket.

I realize the internet could not exist without encryption. For my own
personal files, I've always had a creepy feeling about scrambling data
and then hoping it will be successfully restored over and over.

I won't mention the names of any encryption apps, but I just read another
scathing review on CNET from someone who downloaded a popular
encryption app. There are a lot of folks who lost files using these apps.

jaclaz, I'm sure you're correct about all the possible causes of file corruption,
besides the encryption app itself. I don't carry my flash drives around like
a bunch of pocket change. The problem is, what difference does it make?

I still can't believe I encrypted three important files with no backup. I haven't
mentioned what happened to my friend who recommended dsCrypt, and
I never will.

[Problem with dsCrypt]

Despite the risk of a USB stick being lost or stolen I have never used encryption
software. There are too many extremely negative reviews about encrypted
data being lost forever because the software damaged files during the encryption
process, making it impossible to decrypt.

A friend has used the same portable app called dsCrypt for years with no problems.
He convinced me to try dsCrypt. It's very easy to use and seemed to work with
no problems. Well, the worst has happened!

I've got three text files that I've encrypted and decrypted many times with dsCrypt.
About one hour ago I attempted to decrypt these files. I'm getting a "Data is Invalid"
message box. I fear that dsCrypt has destroyed these files, which is the reason I
avoided all encryption software.

The extention "dsc" is added to all files encrypted with dsCrypt, but changing the
filename or extention has no effect on the encryption or decryption process.

If you understand this type of software I would appreciate any suggestions. If these
three text files are lost forever, I will never use encryption software again.

[Trouble with Portable Encryption Apps]

I've tried three apps and they all have problems.

ICE Encrypt and Remora USB Disk Guard run ok with 98SE, but they
completely failed to encrypt files and folders.

Cypherix LE seemed perfect. During the install it selects your operating
system from a menu and installs the correct files on a USB flash drive.
Cypherix creates an encrypted container or "vault" for any files or folders.

When I attempted to run Cypherix I got an illegal operations box. I usually
avoid any app that causes an illegal operation, unless the app is irreplaceable,
which is usually not the case. If someone knows what's causing the illegal
operations problem please let me know.

With 98SE, I only need to protect folders that are loaded onto flash drives,
because they are used with other operating systems. A protected folder
that won't open without a password, similar to a WinRAR encrypted archive
is really all I need. Simple is better.

[Mice & Multi-Boot System]

I'm using a Kensington 72121 with a multi-boot system. It works fine with Windows
and Linux operating systems.

This Kensington model is no longer manufactured, but it's still available on a few sites.
The 72121 I'm using now is working ok. I prefer corded mice. Logitech's M500 seems
like a good substitute.

I've got some unique software running on 98SE that was created for my business. If I
keep 98SE the only way I could install Logitech's SetPoint software is with KernelEx.
I've tried KernelEx a few times. There were so many problems I always restored the
system before the KernelEx install.

Besides the big guys like Microsoft or Logitech I've noticed many other brands that I
don't know much about. Can someone suggest a mouse and software package that
is compatible with 98SE?

[Spool32 is OK - Want to Enable/Disable]

If you started with computers before the graphical interface or GUI, that may be
one good reason for keeping a copy of 98SE. I've got diagnostic software (for
electronic testing) that was created when 98SE was at its peak.

I created several batch files that run in the root before 98 starts, and scripts that
are moved in and out the Startup folder.

Two processes that I don't need most of the time are systray.exe and spool32.exe.
Disabling these two at startup reduces the load and has no negative effects.

Recently, I installed the virtual printer CutePDF Writer. If spool32 is disabled, I've got
to reboot. It's incredibly easy to terminate spool32, but running this process without
a reboot is not easy!

I tried varies Run and DOS commands without success. There is a tiny applet from
www.nirsoft.net called Explorestart. It terminates explorer.exe and immediately
restarts explorer. Useful if your system slows down or is about to completely freeze
up. If explorer.exe can be killed off and restarted without a reboot, it must be possible
with spool32.exe.

There probably is an applet that will reload one or more system processes without a reboot.
I know all the commands for "restarting" 98. In my system a restart is slower than a reboot.

[Flash Player Problems]

I've known about KernelEx for a long time. Tried it once or twice, but never really
went down the road far enough to see if my copy of 98SE could be updated.

After making the usual backups, I installed a newer version of JRE which went fine.
K-Meleon, my favorite browser seems to manage the new plugin with no problems.

If you're not familiar, K-Meleon is very lean Mozilla style browser (Gecko Engine) that
loads web pages fast.

The problem I do have is Adobe Flash. After setting KernelEx to XP_SP2 the install
worked, but right at the end where is says "Done" the box froze and had to be
terminated with the Task Manager. Again, K-Meleon recognized the new flash
plugin. I used the installer for Flash Player_v10.3.181.14 (non-ie browsers).
Without KernelEx you're stuck with version 9. Maybe I should have tried version
11 or 12. Most streaming sites will work with version 10.

When the flash plugin tries to load I get "illegal operations" several times, Finally,
the browser must be terminated and restarted.

I've already rolled back my system before the flash player install.

Is there a non-ie version of Flash Player that might work?

A foolish thought I guess, but it's a shame there aren't good alternatives to
Adobe Flash. There are a few open source projects, they don't seem very
successful.

[KernelEx 4.5.2]

From: KernelEx Newbie

Subject: KernelEx and Converter App

I wanted a simple pdf import and export app for 98SE. Free PDF to Word

Converter is perfect.

Functions:

Imports all or part of a pdf to MS Word

Edit pdf in Word

Export edited pdf

I don't need a pdf editor with hundreds of options. The installer for Free PDF

to Word Converter is less than 1 mb.

There are two installer packages but they are not the same:

http://www.freepdfsolutions.com/free-pdf-to-word-converter.html

http://download.cnet.com/Free-PDF-to-Word-Converter/3000-10743_4-75732609.html

The installer from the publisher (freepdfsolutions) does nothing when you

double click with your mouse. Changing KernelEx properties doesn't help.

The installer from CNET makes a lot of noise. It identified two missing DLLs:

GdiPlus.dll

api-ms-win-core-heap-l1-2-0.dll

After trying the DLLs in the installer directory, Windows System, and System32

I added copies to all three locations. No luck. I'm getting two message boxes

(files attached).

Tinkering with the KernelEx properties sheet is not helping.

I wish the installer was self-extracting. I would open the archive and add the DLLs.

(I tried opening the installer with Universal Extractor. Doesn't work.)

Should I quit this app or can KernelEx help?

If KernelEx cannot work its magic can you recommend another converter?

There are countless free pdf to word converters, but most of them cannot

import part (also called extraction) of a pdf or export the word document as

a new pdf. I've seen some open source editors that are very good, but I

don't need a high end professional editor with countless features.

[Video Converter]

I must be insane because I keep trying video converters that claim to be
compatible with 98SE. Runtime errors, missing DLLs, and a million other
problems that stop these "compatible" apps from running.

The last one I tried was DVDVideoMedia Free Video Converter. After
downloading two missing DLLs I got a runtime error.

I don't need a converter that has a long list of file formats. All I really need
right now is an app that will convert FLV and MP4 files to WMV.

If there is a video converter that will actually run smoothly with 98SE please
provide the URL.

Thanks guys.

[My Computer System Tray App]

For reasons I've mentioned before, I'm keeping 98SE (with Unofficial SP2) on a laptop.
I have three computers at home. The "speedy" computer is running a Linux Distro.

Recently, I found the smallest USB mass driver in the world. I'm probably the last
guy at this forum who was unaware of this driver. It's remarkable! I was able to
junk almost all of my old USB drivers. This one (created by someone in Italy) loads
and unloads your devices fast. I plugged in a very old USB-IDE external HDD and
it was up and running in less than one minute.

If you want to try it, here's a direct download link: WinTricks USB Driver

I started to search freeware sites for a System Tray app. There are probably a billion,
so maybe you can help me find what I want. I'd like to display "My Computer" in the
System Tray. I need a menu that will display the contents of My Computer. The right-
click Context Menu must be funtional, like it would be when you open My Computer
on your Desktop.

[Maximus-Decim Driverpack]

Please forum members, no arguments with me. If you still maintain a 9x system, I'm sure
your level of knowledge about these operating systems is considerable. I've googled hundreds
of times and found answers from the very bright folks at MSFN!

The copy of 98SE I'm using now was moved (not cloned) from a desktop to a laptop. I created
a script that stripped out everything except the original Microsoft drivers installed with the
operating system. The laptop was partitioned exactly like the desktop. When the system was
moved all the settings and software were saved. All I had to do was install the new drivers for
the laptop.

I use several batch files that are moved in and out of the root directory. These batch files
import or delete Registry Keys and Values before Windows starts. I have a menu in the Quick
Launch Toolbar that allows me to select the batch file I want on the next reboot.

The instructions for installing the Maximus-Decim Driverpack are ok, but fail to mention how
laborious it is to remove your old 9x USB drivers. Almost all drivers for 9x systems do not have
a simple uninstall option.

Here they are for 98SE_v4.10.2222:

http://www.technical-assistance.co.uk/kb/win98se-usb-mass-storage-drivers.php

If you do not delete all Registry Keys and Values for your old USB drivers, the system will
attempt to reinstall the same drivers when you reboot. In fact, the only way to permanently
remove an item from the Device Manager is to delete all related Registry entries. The Device
Manager is a very simple itemized list of complex command lines in the Registry. If you delete
an item in the Device Manager it will reappear on the next reboot. Deleting the correct Registry
entry will automatically remove the item from the Device Manager. After carefully deleting
your old USB Registry entries the next step is the old driver files. DLLs, INFs, and any applets
listed in Add/Remove Programs.

Has anyone successfully installed the Maximus-Decim Driverpack before cleaning out all your
old USB driver files and Registry entries? If you know how to perform this small miracle, please
let me know.

[USB Flash Drivers for 98SE]

Flasche, that link you posted looks like a good bet.

I'm sure you've all seen USB sticks that are waterproof and can
survive being dropped from a tall building or run over by a truck.
These sticks are very expensive! That's why I said "moderately priced."

Thumb drives are powered by the USB port. There may be some very
unusual thumb drives that require more power than an ordinary USB
port can provide. I have never read about or seen a stick drive that
required a battery.

I asked for brand names because I was hoping there was a generic
driver that a forum member used successfully with one or two specific
brands. I don't want to experiment.

Any thumb drive with a USB 2.0 plug will fit the "Squid Hub" that's
connected to my ThinkPad.

Well, if I buy a couple of sticks in a local Walmart or Target I can
always return them.

[USB Flash Drivers for 98SE]

My copy of 98SE was originally customized by a business partner. It now resides
on a IBM ThinkPad that was built to run XP.

I have three OCZ Rally2 USB drives. When they were purchased several years ago,
OCZ provided drivers at their site. I still use this ThinkPad because it has unique
software that was created for a now extinct business.

Google lists a blizzard of generic drivers for USB flash. I remember downloading
several collections of these drivers. I use GoBack v4.0 that lets you mount a virtual
drive. Without frequent complete backups or using an app like GoBack I would never
tinker with flaky software!

I'd like to buy some new USB drives for this ThinkPad. Are there one or two moderately
priced brands with downloadable drivers that are guaranteed to work with 98SE?

[Canon Print Head Alignment Problem]

I've got a Canon MP450 that I use occasionally with a laptop running a customized

version of 98SE. If I don't use this MFP for ten days or longer, I print a few test

sheets that have fonts in many different colors. It's the only way to keep the

cartridges from drying out and becoming useless.

The sheets come out completely clean. The problem is the fonts are frequently

fractured or misaligned. It's not consistent. If you print a few paragraphs, not all

the fonts come out misaligned. A few lines look good, followed by several lines

where the fonts are slightly slanted or fractured.

I've tried the "Auto Head Align" from the maintenance screen on the MP450, and

the "Print Head Alignment" from the Canon software. The results are the same.

If you're familiar with the procedure, there are rows of rectangular patterns. You

select the pattern where the spaces between the stripes are almost invisible. The

middle row is "0" going down to -5 and up to +5. I suppose the print head would

be considered "perfect" if the patterns selected were all in the middle or "0."

Here are the results from the alignment procedure I just performed:

A = 0

B = 0

C = -2

D = +1

E = -2

F = 0

G = +1

H = +2

I = -1

J = 0

K = +1

L = 0

The cartridges are factory, not aftermarket. I've repaired and constructed many different

kinds of mechanical and electronic devices, but I don't know much about these MFPs. It

seems like the print head is defective. Maybe there is something I could try that is not in

the Canon pdf manual. Tinkering with the numbers might be worth a try. I thought about

setting all the numbers to zero, just to establish a new baseline. Then I could gradually

go positve or negative until the fonts appear normal. Probably a waste of time.

[KernelEx 4.5.2]

Thank you jumper!

I've got all the original documentation for this ThinkPad. The processor is a P3.

7zip is a great app. I've got it installed on another desktop. For some reason

a self-extracting copy of FireFox never crossed my mind. Good idea. I'll download

the file and try it.

[KernelEx 4.5.2]

Hello Joe,

Please read my original post again.

After FF 10 failed to extract, I tried FF 8 because it was listed in the KernelEx release notes as

"working" with FF 8. I tried every system in the properties tab, starting with 2000. FF 8 also

failed to extract.

It seems that most folks are not having significant problems with KernelEx. For some reason,

my system cannot install anything with KernelEx enabled. In the past, I've fixed problems that

seemed to be unique to my system. It can take hours, days, sometimes weeks before you find

that one file causing all the trouble.

Just to be clear, this copy of 98SE runs smoothly. There were no problems before installing

KernelEx. That's why I keep multiple backups.

[KernelEx 4.5.2]

This copy of 98SE is running on a IBM ThinkPad. Very few processes run in the background.

I backup to a usb stick or removable hard drive. A virtual partition or "sandbox" can

be used as a protected environment where you can test files or new software without

harming your system. That's all I was trying to say.

Only critical system processes run in the background during the installation of new

software. They have never caused problems during an install.

The problem is more serious than I thought. When I couldn't install Firefox I downloaded

UniExtract. I was hoping to extract the files manually, and then proceed with the Firefox

install. The problem is UniExtract won't install either! It seems that KernelEx is reacting

poorly with one or more of my system files. At least, I think that might be the problem.

Unless a KernelEx expert can help me, I won't be using this amazing application. It's

kind of sad that I can't extend the usefulness of this old system with KernelEx. I've

been using computers for decades. Finding the cause of a problem that has not been

reported by others is almost impossible.

[KernelEx 4.5.2]

I'm keeping my old 98SE system for many reasons. Before I installed KernelEx I bullet proofed

my system. Make sure you can quickly restore from a backup, mount a virtual partition, etc.

You can damage any of these Windows systems in microseconds. Don't ever forget that!

After installing KernelEx I downloaded Firefox 10.0.2 because it was on the list of working

apps. The properties tab had XP SP2 selected, which seemed logical to me. The extractor

reaches 95-to-98%. After that the process stops. The task manager shows "not responding."

I also tried Firefox 8.0, because it was in the release notes for KernelEx 4.5.2. Same problem.

I think I tried every system on the properties tab, starting with 2000. I also tried the default

setting with KernelEx enabled. The extraction always freezes up. Is there a solution?

Thanks guys.

[Selectively Enabling Javascript Web Page Links]

Thank you very much allen2.

I didn't think such minute control of javascript was possible! Noscript is exactly what

I was searching for.

Thanks again, allen2.

[Selectively Enabling Javascript Web Page Links]

There is no reason to run javascript on every web page you view. Most browsers

make it easy to toggle javascript on or off.

I'm looking for a context menu applet that will allow me to enable or disable

javascript on individual web page links (like buttons, etc.). Googling for

an applet that will do the job is frustrating. All I get are "how to's" on disabling

a mouse right-click context menu so folks can't hijack stuff from your site.

Whenever I think something is impossible, a smart guy or gal finds a way.

Is there a context menu applet that will toggle javascript selectively?

[Backing Up Cell Phone Data with 98SE?]

The two mobile phones I'm using right now are not on the BitPim

list of supported phones.

I consider myself an advanced (sometimes expert) level computer

user. Open source apps can be great, but they assume the user

already has comprehensive knowledge of a particular subject. In

this case, cell phones. I'm sure I would do the same if I developed

an open source app. Creating an extensive "hand holding" help file

takes forever. I've tried, and it's a real nightmare!

I read tons of science fiction when I was kid. My favorite authors

were the "old guys" like Bradbury, Heinlein, Clarke, etc. For some

reason, I hate seeing the fiction I read many years ago on the little

(TV) or big (Movie) screen. It always stinks.

I really do appreciate all your replies. Thanks guys.

[Backing Up Cell Phone Data with 98SE?]

I use a Samsung and Kyocera mobile phone.

While googling for open source apps, I found BitPim too.

Scroll down the page and you'll see downloads for Windows

2k/XP/Vista/7.

That's the problem. I don't think there is an app compatible

with older systems like 98SE.

A command line app that runs from a floppy or stick would be

ok with me.

Thank you, jaclaz.

[Backing Up Cell Phone Data with 98SE?]

It's easy enough to find USB adapter cables for almost any mobile phone.

Is there an app compatible with 98SE for backing up cell phone contacts,

settings, etc? If it exists, it's probably an open source app. I can't find

anything.

[98 SE SP 3.32]

OK Dave-H. Thank you.

I used to go wild testing unstable apps or upgrades on virtual systems.

If something goes wrong you're not really hurting anything. You just

dump the virtual copy and start again.

I was sort of hoping that this Beta 4 version was stable enough to be

considered the final version.

You're definitely right Dave-H. It's better to be safe than sorry!