Windows 7 - MiniTool Partition Wizard

Have you ever encounter a stubborn SD card or USB flash drive that you just cannot remove the partition(s) ?

Well this happens to me when I was creating a bootable USB flash drive for Chromium OS, after the installation and I need to re-use the flash drive, it just doesn't work.

To my surprise that Chromium OS required at least 8 partitions to be created in the USB flash drive and I have no way to recover those partitions by using "diskpart" command, let alone the partition manager GUI in Windows 7.

I come across a forum recommending such utility, so I share with you guys.

You can download the free version from MiniTool website, at time of writing the latest version is Partition Wizard Free Edition v.9.1

1. Download the utility (link shown above).

2. Install and run the utility, a start-up splash screen will be displayed, just select the "Launch Application" option.

3. Once the utility have started you will be presented the main screen as shown below. It will have some similarities to Windows's own partition manager GUI.

4. Select the correct USB flash drive or SD card drive. Please be very careful not to select your local hard drive as this utility doesn't differentiate it.

5. Right-click the drive, a list of many options is displayed.

6. For my case I've selected "Wipe Partition" option.

7. There's a few sub-option available, mine was to "clean" the entire USB flash drive so I can re-use it for other purposes. I've selected "Fill Sectors with Zero (Quick)" option. Now you do understand the terms "Zero Fill" right ? If not, please google it for more information.

8. Now you need to click "Apply" button for it to start making the changes.

9. Please be patience while waiting for it to complete, as my USB flash drive is a 32GB capacity it took me for more than 1 hour to complete the tasks.

10. Once completed, you need to re-create back the partition(s) else the drive will not work, well it's entirely up to you of how many partitions you wanted to create, but to make it simple for me I just need a single partition.

11. Well I think I do not need to show you any more screenshots on how to create a partition, you can do this by using the same utility or by using Windows's own partition manager. Explore yourself on the available functions but WARNED, all data will be lost in the USB flash drive so proper backup is required before you perform any testing on this utility.


HAPPY COMPUTING !!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Kodibuntu - Free Media Centre OS

Have anyone heard of XBMC or now more commonly known as Kodi ? I used to play around with XBMC but Kodi make it even more better.

With the latest release of Kodi (at time of writing is version 14.0-Helix), it includes tons of bug fixes, supported hardware and most importantly it runs on 64-bit architecture. If you're not familiar with 64-bit architecture, please google around and study yourself.

So what is Kodi ?
Kodi is a Linux based OS, using Ubuntu's kernel as a platform to provide intuitive user's interface & abilities to playback tons of multimedia file's format.

The installation of Kodi was very simple & straightforward (I'm using the Kodibuntu version due to reason I want it to be as bare as possible). The software run straight away after boot-up, now another best thing of Kodi is that you're able to install "Add-ons".

What is Addons ?
Addons is a module developed by Kodi Team for Kodi only. Think of it as "apps" for your smartphone... got it ? There are also individuals who developed these addons for Kodi so rest assure there's tons of addons available.

Now I would like to recommend a visit to TVAddons website, the website contains another tons of addons for Kodi.

Take note that Kodi and TVAddons are different entity entirely, so do not go to the wrong channel asking for help or references.

I'm not going to do another walk-around for Kodi or TVAddons, please refer to their website for more information & guides, these guys have done a great job and I'll be ashamed to take their credits.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Time Telekom - DNS Server

ns1.time.net.my = 203.121.16.85
ns2.time.net.my = 203.121.16.120

Microsoft Office 2013 - Disable Office Start Screen

Don't you just hate it when the "Office Start Screen" pops-up all the time when all you just wanted to do is to get to your documents fast and easy (just like Office 2010) ?

Now here is a workaround for it, but it involved some registry editing, not for the faint hearted.

1. Run --> CMD --> regedit.

2. Browse to --> HKCU\Microsoft\Software\Office\15.0\Common\General.

2. Create a new "DWORD" key named "DisableBootToOfficeStart".

3. Modify the value to "1 (Hexadecimal)" as shown below.

4. Now restart your computer and all Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc. will skip the "Start Screen".

HAPPY COMPUTING !

Outlook 2013 - Enable Fast Loading

I've just upgraded my Microsoft Office 2010 to 2013 version, although the installations completed relatively fast and hassled free (my Outlook 2010 settings still remains the same) and activation was a breeze.

The only drawback was my Outlook 2013 loading is very slow, not sure what is the problems until I've google it and found Microsoft's recommendations (though from a forum), it seems that not only I'm experiencing the slow loading problems, other users around the world also have similar problems.

A workaround was publish/recommended by Microsoft and the steps as below :-

Note : This workaround involved in editing the registry settings, there are similar safer way but you need to wait for the loading to complete before configuring it.

1. Run --> regedit.

2. Browse --> HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common



--> HKCU\Software

--> HKCU\Software\Microsoft

--> HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office
 

--> HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0

--> HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Common

3. Create a new "Key" named "Graphics".

Create New Folder --> Graphics

4. In "Graphics" folder, create a new "DWORD" key named "DisableHardwareAcceleration" key.

Create new Key --> DisableHardwareAcceleration

5. Modify the key to value "1" in "Hexadecimal" option.

Modify Value = 1 (Hexadecimal)

6. Restart your computer for the effects, your Outlook 2013 should be loading at a much more faster rate.

HAPPY COMPUTING !!!

Notebook - HP EliteBook Folio 9470m UltraBook (Disassembly)

This is just a references for disassembling the HP EliteBook Folio 9470m UltraBook model. You may not need to go to the extend of dismantling to the "bare" for common upgrades like RAM and HDD or mSSD, but just in case some genius out there decided to have a go (its not for faint hearted, be warned).

1. Push side way to remove the notebook's battery as shown below.

2. Remove the screws as shown to disclose the storage's bays (2 screws).

3. Once the cover is removed, it will reveal the storage bays which consist of 1 x mSSD slot and 1 x SATA HDD bay. Depending on the country of purchase, some models may comes with mSSD or HDD only or maybe both.

Note : Some model comes with mSSD Cache 32GB.

mSSD Location.

HDD Bay Location.

4. Remove the screws as shown to reveal the RAM slots and other components.

5. Once the cover is removed, you can now view the keyboard's screws as shown below (3 screws).

6. Once the keyboard's screws have been removed, turn over and slowly and very carefully to remove the keyboard. Please take note that the keyboard have an interlocking mechanism (or notches), so removing it must be very slow, careful and a steady hand.



Remarks : Becareful not to damage any connectors and its ribbon cables shown below, it will affects keyboard's functionalities.

Remarks : Below picture is the exact location of the keyboard's notches location.

7. Once the keyboard is removed, turn back to the bottom. Now proceed to remove all screws as shown, becareful of the screws length where some is shorter than the normal. A total of 19 screws.

Note : You need to peel off the CMOS battery which is sticked onto the chassis and ensure also the antenna cables is disconnected before removing the mid chassis.

8. Once the "Mid Panel" is removed, it will disclose the mainboard of the notebook. Proceed to disconnect all the connectors as shown below (4 Connectors).

9. Once all the connectors is disconnected, now we need to remove the mainboard's screws first as shown below (2 screws).

10. Once the mainboard's screws is removed, now we need to remove the "CPU's Fan" as shown below (1 screw) and its connector.

11. Now once the "CPU's Fan" is removed, we can proceed to remove the mainboard slowly. Note that it will be a bit tricky as the "Audio/Headphone" port is stuck in between the base chassis. The below picture shows that the mainboard removed.

12. The "LCD Screen" is still attached to the chassis, to remove it you must remove the screws as show below (4 screws). But take note before removing the screws you may need to slightly open the screen at 90 degrees angle for an easier approach.

13. Now the "LCD Screen" is separated from the base chassis. This is how it looks like once the screen is separated.

14. Now I'm not going to show how to remove the LCD screen as this will be quite easy to perform, but be aware of the "LCD's Inverter" board which might cause some electrical shock. Also a mishandling of the screen will rendered it either crack or malfunction.


Also since I've successfully dismantled the notebook, I've took the liberty to label most or commonly known parts as shown below.

Now I will not recommend this procedures unless really necessary and will definitely void all warranty that applies. So do this at your own risks.

Happy Computing !

Notebook - Lenovo IdeaPad Z500 (Disassembly)

I've no idea why Lenovo called it IdeaPad and I've no idea why in world they doesn't allow access to the common parts like HDD & RAM.

Shouldn't the most common components/parts that are easily available for upgrades should be also easily accessible ?

I took a hard time trying to figure out how the heck to remove the back cover to access the RAM which I was trying to upgrade, fortunately with years of disassembly of notebooks around my belt I did managed to remove the cover and have access to the RAM.

I find it very ridiculous to go all the way to remove the back cover just to install/upgrade a RAM, why Lenovo can't think straight & just allow a particular section accessible by user for the upgrades (just like HP) ?  C'mon now in this era of technology, even my daughter knows how to handle a common upgrades... why Lenovo doesn't allow the access ?

Nevertheless, I'm not that easily discouraged person..... so here goes the :-

1. At the back cover of the notebook, there is hidden screws underneath the rubber stands.



 

All the screws including those hidden is highlighted here.

Hidden beneath the rubber stand.

 2. Before you can remove the back cover, there are more hidden screws located behind the keyboard.

Remove the keyboard, simple peel from the each sides carefully.

Remove screws as highlighted here.

3. Now you can remove the ODD (Optical Disc Drive) or more commonly known DVDRW drive. Removing the drive will disclose more hidden screws.

The ODD after removed.

 

More hidden screws.

 

 4. Then you need to carefully remove the back cover, you must be very careful at this stage as not to break any of its interlock mechanism, else you will find it difficult to secure the cover back.

5. Once the cover is removed, it will revealed the mainboard. I took the liberty to label each common components in case that someone might need to change/upgrade other components as well.

 6. This is the existing RAM 4GB found inside the notebook. Some how the label was not very helpful at all in determining the RAM's specifications, I've to googled again.

7. This is the new RAM I've bought from my trusted vendor in Plaza Low Yat, C-Zone shop. A Kingston 8GB PC3-12800 CL11 (2 pcs).

8. The RAM have been successfully installed and Windows is booting like normal, the new 16GB total RAM seems to be in effects immediately where Win8.1 is booting at a much faster rate than previous.

Seriously, its took me about 30-45 mins just to disassemble and assemble it back. Lenovo have to re-think or re-design their notebooks, especially for consumer models.

Come on guys (Lenovo), at the age and era of advanced technologies these common components can be simply upgraded without any hassles.

Happy Computing !

TM - New DNS Server Address

I think some of you might have encountered some internet disruptions services, especially those using Streamyx and Unifi services.

Actually TM (Telekom Malaysia Bhd.) have announced in their website that the age old DNS servers is now in upgrading and they have changed the IP address of their DNS servers.

Previous DNS Server IP address :-

• Primary DNS = 202.188.1.5
• Secondary DNS = 202.188.0.133

The new changes only affect the Primary DNS server, thus the new configuration as below :-

• Primary DNS = 1.9.1.9
• Secondary DNS = 202.188.0.133

TM have advised to configure your router to "auto-assign" in the DNS options, but some of us preferred to manually configure this, if that's the case please re-configure the DNS as shown above.

For more information, please visit TM's website here.

Windows 7 - WSUS Offline Updater

Recently there's been several request from end users requesting for Windows Update/Patches, it's not a problem doing the updates..... the problems arises where you have to click every computers to run the updates and its a repetitive tasks.

Also every computers is downloading the same updates over and over again, it was a bandwidth waste. So there must be much more simpler way in doing this (beside using Microsoft Windows Server Update Services or commonly know as WSUS).

I found a few alternatives available in the internet, this is the one that I preferred due to the following reasons :-

1. Auto download catalogue of update list.
2. Auto download updates (as per your selections).
3. Options to download others updates (such as .NET Framework).
4. And able to perform single click installation on clients.
5. No installation required both on the servers & clients (portable software).

Now a few screenshots below shows a few of the many selections available. You may download this software here.

 

 

Oh by the way... did I mentioned this is FREE ? And if you find it useful, some donation to the developer will help to continue his efforts.

 

Happy Computing ! :)

 

 

Windows XP - Serial (RS-232) Port Emulator

Again my friend have requested my help to solve yet another communication port issue and this time its a RS-232 (COM) port or mostly known as COM1 or COM2 ports.

The problems arises when a software always detect the availability of the port each time it starts which if failed will return an error message. To avoid this annoying message the workaround is to install a COM1 port (which the software detects) and sadly Windows doesn't allows that.

Although you may be able to install the port (manually), Windows will try to detect the physical port availability and if failed it will give you a "bang sign" (exclamation mark) in your device manager.

The simplest workaround is to emulate the port hence the word "Emulator", I've found a FREE program that just works the magic.

Download the program here courtesy of HW-Group.

The installations is very easy and depending on the operating environment, you need to select accordingly, mine is "Standalone Application".

After installation complete, just run the application and configure accordingly, as I need it to emulate "COM1" port the following was my settings.

Note : the "IP Address" was a loopback address, this is to avoid any IP Address conflict in the network.

Now you might want the emulator to start automatically each time the computer startup and also each time the program start it automatically create the port for you.

Select "Settings" tab --> Select (tick) --> "Create VSP Port when HW VSP Start-up" option.

Now you also need to add it into "Startup" folder for the program to auto launch each time :-

1. Create a shortcut of the program.

2. Move it to :-
--> For Windows XP = "C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" folder.
--> For Windows 7 = "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" folder.

3. Now Right-click on the shortcut --> Select "Properties" --> at the "Shortcut" tab --> under "Run" dropdown box --> Select "Minimized" --> Click "OK" button.

Note : This is to ensure the program doesn't pop-up / displayed during start.

Of course this small utility have more capabilities but mostly are designed to work with its own products from HW-Group. There are many virtual port emulator available and with tons of features and functions, but I just need to emulate the port to avoid the error message thus a simple yet easy to configure utility is the main objective.

Happy Computing !