I love trying to repair something I have never been challenged with before. The only fear is the possibility of not being able to fix the issue after I play around and break it further. Let me explain this. A computer geek has to not only diagnose the issue, but has to use trial and error often in order to fix the situation.  Given that explaination, I would like to share what recently happened to my husbands PC computer.

Backup Blackberry

While driving home one night I mentioned to my husband, “you should probably backup your Blackberry contact information onto your computer in case something ever happens to your phone.” Just like most individuals, his entire personal & business contact list is inside this little piece of metal. Nothing is wrote down anywhere, and he has never used the software that came with the phone to back it up.

He agreed I was right (rarely happens). After he found the USB connection and the CD which came with the Blackberry phone, he then proceeded to install everything on his own. Outlook was his method of choice on his PC, to sync (backup) his contact list with.

Not only did he backup his Blackberry contact list, but he decided to clean house on his computer desktop. He started throwing as much as possible into his “Recycle Bin.” I am sharing this information with you because the result of what happens next cannot be precisely explained. I am uncertain if the installation of the Blackberry software (my guess) caused the problem, or the vast amount of mixed matched files/icons he disposed of caused the issue.

Delete Everything but the Kitchen Sink

After dragging everything but the kitchen sink into his “Recycle Bin,” he then tried to open a MS Word document and received an error message; “Microsoft Word has encountered a problem and will open in Safe Mode.” There was no alternative to opening MS Word, other than in “Safe Mode.” No matter what I tried to do/not do - MS Word was not starting up other than in Safe Mode!

My first reaction was for him to try and shut off the computer and turn it back on. This did nothing. During my research on the Internet, I found (or didn’t find) out there is not a great deal of supporting material to help fix this error within MS Word. What I did find, I would like to share with you in hopes it will save you more time in fixing the issue than what I had to spend fixing it.

What? Word in Safe Mode…

First off, I learned through others comments - the installation and reinstallation of MS Office will not fix the problem (which was something as a last resort, I was willing to try). Therefore, I didn’t wast my time trying this option. I did however try to “Restore” his computer to an earlier time. This did nothing except put back the ugly icons on his desk which were in the Recycle Bin.

Second, I found a website which recommended backing up the registry and navagativing deep in the Registry, where Word’s Registry key lives. The website suggested to delete a certain folder. I love to live on the seat of my pants - so guess what… I did this one, and I hate to tell you this, but I didn’t work.

Third, further research on the subject mearly explained a hiccup in MS Word’s hidden “Normal.dot” file.  The “Normal.dot” file can become corrupt for unknown reasons.

To Technical ~ Dumb it down please…

The least “geeky” way for me to explain this phenomia would be this: MS Word uses the hidden file “Normal.dot” to create blank documents. It is a Global Template which Word uses when it starts. If ”Normal.dot” becomes a corrupt file - you’ll receive the wonderful error message “Microsoft Word has encountered a problem and will open in Safe Mode.” Not only will you receive this message, but “Safe Mode”  is the only option for MS Word to startup in.

Quick Fix

Delete the hidden file “Normal.dot” which is corrupt, and upon the restart of MS Word, it will create a new file because it cannot locate the old one.

1. Select My Computer -> Tools ->  Folder Options -> View -> UNCHECK “Hide Protected Operating System Files” (close Folder Options window)
2. Select Start -> Search -> All Files/Folders 
3. Select More Advanced Options -> make sure “Search hidden files and subfolders” IS checked
4. Type normal.dot in the search box -> select Search

Once the “Normal.dot” appears in the search results window, delete the file. As stated earlier, Word will recreate this file upon startup. There may also be a file “~Normal.dot” as well. I deleted both files just to make sure, and the issue was resolved. You choose…

Start MS Word. Just a note, you may or may not have to re-enter your name/initials upon restart of the program, in a pop-up box. If so, enter the appropriate information and enjoy MS Word without having to work within “Safe Mode.”

The information which I have provided serves as a diary for my future reference in case of a similar situation. If you benefit from my research, please leave a comment.

Tags: OS, Operating System, PC // Comments

Let’s face it, there are tons of websites with all the same information. You can Google what your looking for, an usually find an vast array of information pertaining to what your seeking. However, doesn’t it make you feel warm and fuzzy when someone else has experienced the same issues which you are trying to fix?

Since my purchase of the iPhone, I have been faced with many new and exciting challenges in the iTunes world. I was not much of an iTunes user prior to my iPhone.

iPhone Playlist

My most recent endeaver was wanting to have a play list on my iPhone which was enjoyable for my daily car ride. One day I plugged in my iPhone full of music, (which my son had graciously set up for me due to time constraints on my end) and found the music choices were not of my taste. I wanted to experience something that would make my butt want to jump out of my seat and start dancing on the side of the road. I wanted something that was going to be up lifting on a bad day. I wanted to at least feel as if I could sing the words to a song. None of this existed on my iPhone. So, the end result was - my 16 Gb iPhone was being neglected.

Unleash the Beast!

Why did I purchase this machine if I wasn’t going to utilize it to its full capacity? Its not like me to let technology pass me by, without me trying to break it at least once! So, this past weekend, I planed to take matters into my own hands and get the iPhone up and running under my direction.

Finding the right “Video Converter”

First order of business was to find a video converter. As stated earlier, I found information on Google pertaining to the procedure. As apposed to reinventing the wheel, I would like to give a link to the site SimpleHelp.net which has an awesome Tutorial and free product download on how install and use the program “MediaCoder” for your iPhone video conversion needs.

After your video has been converted

Add the “mp4″ version of the file to your iTunes folder
File -> Add File To Library

Select YOUR iPhone within iTunes.
Select the “TV” tab located below the top Menu Bar.
Scroll down past “TV SHOWS” to locate “MOVIES.”
Put a Checkmark in the “Sync Movies” box (or only checkmark your desired choices).
Sync your iPhone

Wella… Your the proud owner of a wonderful iPhone with super cool videos.

In case you were wondering, I also changed the music on my iPhone. So, if you see a strange women dancing on the side of the road - good chance it might be me.

Please leave a comment, if this was helpful to you.
Thanks

Tags: iphone // Comments

I am sure other PC users have fallen into my footsteps before. Late one evening I decided to clean up unused programs on my PC. I hastily decided to cancel my “uninstall” choice before it was finished. Bad move!

Programs installed on a PC contain  ”.dll” files (dynamically linked library; a library linked to an executable program). Without getting to geeky, lets just say they can be unfriendly if uninstalled incorrectly.

Incomplete “Uninstall”

After I cancelled the “uninstall” program choice, I noticed the selected program no longer existed within my “Add/Remove” program listing. Therefore I was 100% positive my selected program had been successfully uninstalled, even though I cancelled the process before it was complete. I then decided to call it a night and shut off my computer (something I don’t usually do).

When I started my computer the next morning, I received the following error message:

Windows cannot find ‘C:\Program’ make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again

I quickly returned to my “Add/Remove Programs” listing to verify my uninstall from the prior evening. Sure enough, the program was not listed. This meant the program did not exist any longer on my PC. Well, this is partially true. Unfortunately for me there were some little buggers lurking around somewhere which Windows did not like.

How to Fix PC Error and Clean Registry

After much research on my error message, I ran across a wonderful program. “CCleaner” is a freeware program which removes unused files from your system. It contains a registry cleaner and will remove tracks from Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera. In addition, this wonderful free program can create a registry back-up before cleaning it.

During my online research, I ran across an individual making reference to the product name. The “Crap Cleaner.” I am unsure if this is the name intended for the product, but I can swear by its performance.

The product takes less than a minute to complete. CCleaner contains NO SPYWARE or ADWARE!

CCleaner Saves the Day!

Another feature of CCleaner is its ability to be used as a privacy tool because, CCleaner erases all Internet History from your machine. Although this is a wonderful feature, and deleting our Internet History should be a common practice; do not forget, any passwords which were saved in your history will no longer be available to you once this program is used. You will have to re-enter previously saved passwords, and/or login information to websites which you may have chosen to “Remember Me” from previous login’s. This is a small price to pay when your computer is spitting error messages at you. Trust me.

PC Runs Faster

After installing and running the program, I rebooted my computer (a common practice after an install/uninstall). Upon restarting my computer, the error message had been corrected and has never reappeared.

www.cnet.com

www.cnet.com is one of my favorite secure download sites. If you wish to try this product, search “CCleaner” on your own, and enjoy a faster running PC. Quite possibly an error free one as well.

Tags: Computing, Operating System, PC // Comments

Since my conversion to the other side (Apple), I have found myself steadily trying to prepare my Mac G5 to run with similar software as my PC. I do not wish to use Apple’s dual boot “Boot Camp” program, when I have an office already set up with a PC and a Mac. I can easily slide my chair from one computer to the other, depending on my task at hand. The Mac is starting to dominate my life, however there are small details which still require my attention on a PC.

One puzzling feature which consumed my life for 3 days straight was the inability to copy/burn a Mac .dmg file from my PC onto a DVD. I researched this missing link on Google, and many other forums. Nothing worked as it should have. One individual posted, “Nero” would do the trick. Each and every time I would try to open the .dmg file to copy it within the burning software, my “.dmg” file either could not be seen by the software or the program gave me an unhappy error. Believe you me, I was more unhappy than the program was.

Help is on the way…

My failed attempts landed me on a discussion between two individuals. This is where I stumbled upon a great program called “TransMac.” TransMac allows Windows Vista/XP/2003/and 2000 to access/view Mac CD/DVDs .dmg and sparseimage files. TransMac has a built in copy/burn feature to create Mac CD/DVDs on your PC. This program also supports HFS, HFS+, and HFSX volumes (Mac OS). Lastly, it can format disks for use on a Mac from your PC.

TransMac

Finally, after days of dead ends and headaches I found a program that would work. Upon first opening the TransMac program, it initializes and scans available drives. Once the program is open, your main hard drive will not be an option in the disc drives. Do not be alarmed!

TransMac is very straight forward with the toolbar and navigation. To copy/burn a CD/DVD simply select:

1. Tools
2. Burn CD/DVD
3. Select your CD/DVD drive
4. Select the location on your computer where the file is located that you wish to copy “Disk/ISO image file to write”
5. Select “OK”

Test your newly created CD/DVD on your Mac.

Happy burning!

Tags: Computing, Mac, OS // Comments

Mac or PC

I have had a Mac G5 computer sitting at my house since 2005. My husband used it for his media business for only one year. After his project ended, the Mac sat in a corner very lonely and unused.

Recently I decided to up my skill-set of graphic design to a higher level by enrolling in a local community college. Here I met some wonderful individuals of all backgrounds. My instructor has a vast amount of knowledge in many areas within graphic design, and I thank him for his patients with my many questions.

Back to School

During my quest to learn Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator better, I decided to dust off my husband’s Mac G5. Using the Mac at home made the transition to and from school much easier. I found myself using the wrong fingers and keystrokes using a Mac at school and a PC at home.

Since I am a curious geek chick, I enjoy breaking and exploring computers as much as possible. Sometimes I get myself into a pickle, and other times I feel well accomplished by my success to push the envelope and conquer the situation between machine and computer geek.

The Basics Can Drive You NUTS

Recently, I felt intimidated using a Mac. I wasn’t familiar with how to install software, eject a USB device, delete a program, or burn a CD/DVD. I lacked the basics. I always understood the cosmetic appearance between a PC and a Mac were 100% opposite. Browser open/close are on the right in a PC environment and on the left in a Mac environment. However, beyond navigational purposes I was quite lost.

Prior to these college courses, Adobe lived on my PC. Anything which had to be done within web design or graphic design was completed on my lovely PC. Yes I was a die hard PC user, I must admit. In addition, I guess one could say my recent purchase of an iPhone helped me to evolve to a Mac user.

Conquer This Baby!

Along the way of learning how to set up my Mac to resemble the comfort zone environment on my PC, I had a great deal of road blocks. My lack of knowledge could even be frustrating at times. This only made me dig deeper into to the situation to “conquer.” If you are a computer geek, you can understand this gut wrenching notion of feeling helpless to a hunk of metal.

During my quest to dust off a wonderful piece of machinery, I have learned a great deal of programs available to the Mac world. Needless to say, I am the proud owner of my husband’s Mac G5 and would love to own a Mac Book Pro in the near future! Hint Hint!!!

Tags: Computing, Mac, Misc, OS // Comments

Technology is always moving faster than most of us can keep up to. Many have been forced into purchasing Microsoft Vista on our new machines, but miss the look and feel of Windows XP. Here you will find a few tweeks that can make you relax and feel at home with your new computer. Soon you will be buzzing around again like an old pro.

First off, where is the START button?

Vista has replaced “Start” with their lovely logo. As pretty as it is, once selected your brought into a whole new wold of panic. Everything has a new look and organization. If you are comfortable with the organization within the “Start” structure, skip to the next tip. If your missing the feel and convenience of the classic Window’s XP “Start” menu, follow these steps.

1. Right click the Windows Logo (”Start”)
2. Properties
3. Classic Start Menu
4. OK

Test drive your classic “Start” menu. Ahh, now doesn’t that feel better?

Where is “My Computer”

Another issued I discovered and did not care for in Vista, was having to locate where the accessibility to desktop icons I use frequently had been moved to. If your like me, I utilize “My Computer, Network, Control Panel” and others on my desktop for easy access. Here is how we can put them back for you.

1. Right click any vacant area on your desktop
2. Personalize
3. Change Desktop Icons (upper left)
4. Select a check mark for the options of “Computer, User’s Files, Network, Recycle Bin, and Control Panel”
5. OK

How to Change Vista Shut Down Power Buttons

The default setting for Window’s Vista power button is Sleep. This can catch you off guard if you own a laptop and believe you are shutting it off for the first time, to then return and it is still running. Don’t worry, this can be configured easily within the Power Settings.

1. Open Control Panel
2. Power Options
3. Change Plan Settings
4. Change Advanced Power Settings
5. Scroll down to “Power buttons and lid”
6. Locate ”Power buttons action”
7. Select Setting: “Shut down” (drop down list)
8. Locate ”Start menu power button”
9. Select Setting: “Shut down” (drop down list)

Back to Peace

Like every new release of Windows, the icons are prettier, they are always in different locations, and the names change. However, with these quick shortcuts we can bring you back to peace with your new operating system. Have fun and enjoy!

Tags: Operating System // Comments

The most common problem with a PC is the neglect of preventive maintenance. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, most PC owners neglect simple preventative maintenance, which can save them countless hours of unproductively.

As a IT professional, I would like to share with you a favorite website along with many tips. One of my all time favorite websites as a geek (don’t worry if your not) is Major Geek.

Recently I was approached by a client with a PC which was running dirt slow. You could actually watch windows open and close. The poor computer had four different anti-virus programs trying to run at the same time. You can over due it! In addition, it had malware, Trojan’s, and a outdated Windows XP Service Pack. All of these things can lead to a very sick PC.

Use the Major Geek website as a reference for excellent downloads.

How To Protect Your Computer

1. Install an up to date anti-spyware:“Malwarebytes” was recently recommended by a friend, to use on a heavily infected PC. Malwarebytes worked flawlessly for me. My long time favorite has been “Spybot-Search & Destroy,” although I would choose Malwarebytes over Spybot.
2. Install an up to date anti-virus: AVG Free Edition comes highly recommended. Currently, I personally use this software on all of my personal and business computers. With the free edition, the user can adjust the setting to accomodate a desired system scan time.

Don’t Forget Your Memory

1. Install more Memory: Installing more memory is a quick fix to a faster running PC. Windows XP can operate on 256 Mb RAM. Microsoft Windows Vista memory requirements are larger than those of its predecessor Windows XP. My recommendation is at least 1Gb RAM, possibly more depending on the software used.
2. Belarc Advisor: A very useful software program which identifies what is under your hood. This free tool identifies your hardware and software. Use this program if you do not want to dig inside your computer, but wish to upgrade your memory. Belarc Advisor produces a detailed profile of hardware and software installed on your computer, including all software serial numbers.

Updated Service Pack

Lastly, make sure your PC has the most current Windows Service Pack installed along with any security updates. These updates are created specifically to fix any existing bugs, and enhance the performance of your software.

Tags: Computing // Comments

Normally when you visit this site you can be assured of learning something computer related. After reading my daily fix of Twitter, I found a tweet by @Dana_Willhoit that I would like to share with you. She and other Twitter members have put together a blog to help displaced animals in need due to Gustav (Gulf Storm).

Please visit the Gustav Pets site http://gustavpets.com and do what you can to contribute to saving the lives of desperate animals in need of your immediate assistance.  Also, if you own a blog could you PLEASE spread the word with a gracious post directing others to the Gustav Pets site http://gustavpets.com and help the cause? You can make a difference.

Tags: Misc // Comments

I have to give a special “Thank You” to Pai from http://thepaisano.com. Being tagged is a game bloggers play where they have to write six random things about their self, and tag six other people.

Honestly this was a great deal of fun for me, I enjoyed having to reflect random “About Me” ideas which others may not know about myself.

So here goes:

1. TV is not something I choose to watch much of, I much prefer reading a manual (sick I know - I am a true geek chick).
2. Being outside during a hot muggy night and sitting on my classic 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Regency Ninty-Eight’s trunk and gaze at the stars, is one of my all time summer favorites (it use to be grandpa’s car).
3. I am a collector of skeleton keys, vintage typewritters, and keychains from worldly travels.
4. Really enjoy trying new food and am pretty much open to anything.
5. Borders computer book section is where you can find me if I am MIA.
6. Long walks with my family and dog is something I look forward to at the end of the day. 

Here are the rules:

Okay, for those of you tagged, here (apparently) are the rules, as I was given:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here are the following six people I tag:

phillymac
DaddysToolBox
crazeegeekchick
Dana_Willhoit
NikkiPilkington
damnredhead

Tags: Misc // Comments

Are you having difficulty sending photo’s to friends on Twitter? Want something quick, reliable, and fun? Gyazickr for the iPhone makes sharing photos fast, easy, and fun.

Recently I purchased an iPhone from AT&T. Being the geek that I am, my personality enjoys exploring new gadgets and gizmos. Anything to save time and make life easier.

As you may have figured out through previous posts, I enjoy utilizing Twitter to network and meet great individuals (like yourself). While exploring the Apple App Store on my new iPhone, I located a great application called Gyazickr, which allows iPhone users to upload photo’s and share the selection with other Twitter users as a tweet.

Gyazickr allows you to upload a desired photo from your iPhone with a caption. Gyazickr works as a Twitter application only, not a client. If you are looking for a Twitter iPhone client I would recommend TwitterFon.

How to set up Gyazickr

Setting up Gyazickr is as simple as logging into Twitter.
1. After you have download the application use your Twitter user ID and password to log in. 

2. Gyazickr will give you a “Everything Worked Beautifully” message, indicating your setup was a success.

3. In order to locate your image on your iPhone use either of the two icons located in the lower left of the application and maneuver to your image of choice. 
4. Decide which image from your iPhone you wish share as a tweet on Twitter.
5. Enter a caption.
6. Select “Post” in the lower right hand side to forward your new photo tweet onto Twitter.

Lets Remain Private, Shall We?

Sharing images with friends can lead to wonderful conversations. My advise to anyone who is new to sending images via the Internet, would be to NOT upload anything you do not wish to share with the world. If you wish for an image to remain private, do not share it on the Internet.

What Do You Like?

Please have fun with this application. Drop me a comment to let me know what you prefer to use on your iPhone for image sharing. I would love to hear from you!

Tags: iphone // Comments