RyanTAdams.com

Technology Advice by Ryan Taylor Adams

Why Do I Get an Error When I Try to Delete a File/folder?

December 13th, 2007 · Comments Off on Why Do I Get an Error When I Try to Delete a File/folder?

Every now and then, Windows will prevent you from deleting a specific file or folder. When you try to delete such a file or folder, Windows pops up an error that says “Cannot delete [file name]: It is being used by another person or program.” If you get such an error, check the following:
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Comments Off on Why Do I Get an Error When I Try to Delete a File/folder?Posted in: Guides

MoveOnBoot

December 13th, 2007 · Comments Off on MoveOnBoot

MoveOnBoot will let you move, delete, or rename files that are normally is use (and therefore not modifiable).

Download: MoveOnBoot

Comments Off on MoveOnBootPosted in: Downloads

Keep Share Connections (Mapped Network Drives) Alive

December 13th, 2007 · 1 Comment

If you have a mapped network drive (or a shortcut to a network folder), you may notice it takes a long time to access the network folder if you haven’t used it recently. This is because the default behaviour is to disconnect from all mapped drives after fifteen minutes of activity. If this is undesirable, you can change the time before a disconnection by doing the following:
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How Do I Reinstall Windows If I’ve Lost the CD?

December 13th, 2007 · Comments Off on How Do I Reinstall Windows If I’ve Lost the CD?

It happens to all of us. For some reason you need to reinstall or upgrade your Microsoft Windows installation, but you can’t find the installation CD. The good news, you can reinstall Windows without your original CD. The bad news, you’ll need your unique activation code, which is usually written on the lost CD’s case.
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Comments Off on How Do I Reinstall Windows If I’ve Lost the CD?Posted in: Guides

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder

December 13th, 2007 · Comments Off on Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder

Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a small tool that can reveal your registration code from the registry, that you used to register your copy of Windows. It will also display your product keys for Microsoft Office. It works on Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Server 2003, Windows Vista, Office 97, Office XP, and Office 2003.

Download: Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder

Comments Off on Magical Jelly Bean KeyfinderPosted in: Downloads

Startup Control Panel

December 10th, 2007 · Comments Off on Startup Control Panel

Startup Control Panel is a nifty control panel applet that allows you to easily configure which programs run when your computer starts. It does the same thing as MSCONFIG, but with a much more user friendly interface. You can download a stand-alone version (good for a single use) or the Control Panel version (which creates a permanent icon in your Control Panel).


Standalone version: http://www.mlin.net/files/StartupCPL_EXE.zip

Control Panel version: http://www.mlin.net/files/StartupCPL.zip

Comments Off on Startup Control PanelPosted in: Downloads

Bootvis

December 10th, 2007 · 1 Comment

This simple program was created by Microsoft, but has been removed from their servers. The program is useful for troubleshooting start up programs, but its must valuable feature is an “optimize boot” function. When run once, this feature can increase Windows boot up times by several seconds.

Download the latest released version here: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=664

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Belarc Advisor

December 10th, 2007 · Comments Off on Belarc Advisor

Belarc Advisor is a system inventory tool. It will report (in HTML format) information about your computer such as hard drives installed, memory configuration, users, and much more. It will also list all software installed and any product keys registered.

Download the latest version here: http://www.belarc.com/Programs/advisor.exe

Comments Off on Belarc AdvisorPosted in: Downloads

7-Zip

December 10th, 2007 · Comments Off on 7-Zip

7-Zip is a freeware alternative to WinZip or WinRar. It handles most of the same archive types (and a few of its own). A great program to have if you don’t need (and want to pay for) the advanced features of WinZip.

Download the latest version from: http://www.7-zip.org/

Comments Off on 7-ZipPosted in: Downloads

CPU-Z

December 10th, 2007 · Comments Off on CPU-Z

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system. Mainly the CPU and motherboard. I often use this when taking computer inventories, or to check the speed of overclocked computers.

Download latest version here: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Comments Off on CPU-ZPosted in: Downloads

RadioShack Pro-96 Digital Trunking Scanner Files

November 29th, 2007 · 2 Comments

The Pro-96 is a handheld radio scanner sold by RadioShack. From the RadioShack site:

This handheld scanner has an abundant memory capacity, able to store frequencies in 5500 memory channels. Plus, you can store up to 16,500 ID codes in one “working” 500 channel. Follow APCO 25 digital and virtually all analog Motorola and GE/Ericsson EDACS trunked systems. More cities are using these trunked systems, allowing city services to share the same set of scanner frequencies. The SAME feature provides weather and other emergency alerts for the areas you program into your unit.

I’ve been using this scanner for several years now and have found a few useful files along the way:

  • Pro-96 Manual – This is great if you have lost your hard-copy.
  • Pro-96 LCD Cheat Sheet – This is a quick reference as to the meaning of each symbol shown on the Pro-96’s display.
  • Win96.exe Program – Handy scanner programming software. You’ll need a cable (link) to program the scanner from your PC.

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Sebring Non-Functioning Door Lock Repair

November 28th, 2007 · Comments Off on Sebring Non-Functioning Door Lock Repair

Some time ago, the door latch on my Sebring convertible stopped working. The door could not be shut. The pictures show how I went about fixing it. The pictures should be enough for you to easily do it yourself, but here are a few tips:

Make sure the window is all the way up before you start.

When removing the door try to pull as strait out as possible so as not to break the clips.

Once the door is loose, you can reach around back and unhook the rod that goes to the door Handel. You will also have to disconnect the wire going to the door light.

It is much easier to remove the power mirror switch, and door/window switches before removing the door panel.

I recommend disconnecting all the rods before taking out the bolts that hold the lock in.

Even though the pictures are specific to a generation 1 Sebring convertible, the idea should be the same for all cars.

door1.jpgdoor2.jpgdoor3.jpg
door4.jpgdoor5.jpgdoor6.jpg
door7.jpgdoor8.jpgdoor9.jpg

 

Comments Off on Sebring Non-Functioning Door Lock RepairPosted in: Misc.

Replacing the Flasher Unit of a Chrysler Sebring

November 6th, 2007 · 1 Comment

If your turn signals are not behaving as expected (such as blinking too fast/too slow) chances are your flasher unit has gone bad. If your turn signals don’t work at all, the flasher unit could be the culprit, but be sure to check your fuses first. Replacing the flasher unit is very easy. Just follow these steps:
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