Scramble that Shutdown button!

For those who had encountered a suspicious virus that forces your computer to shutdown, then please create a shortcut – ‘scrambler’ and leave it on your desktop for future access.

1.] If you see any warnings / suspicious activity, then get yourself ready and create a shortcut.

2.] Type this command inside your ‘shortcut wizard’ and save it to your desktop for easy / faster access. This can be done by ‘right-clicking’ on your mouse and select ‘shortcut’ key.

Right-click >> New >> Shortcut

Command: shutdown –a

3.] Accept the changes and you are done!

Notes: you will only need to activate this command, if you have a virus that is trying to shutdown your computer. Don’t use it as a game; it may corrupt your system or workflow.

Shutdown your computer with a ‘count-down’ timer!

If you are busy or need the toilet for obvious reason, then why don’t you create a shortcut with count-down timer?

1.] Create a new ‘shortcut’ on your desktop.

Right-click >> New >> Shortcut

Command: shutdown -s -t 600

- Can’t be bother with the calculation? Take a look at my cheat sheet…

Cheat Sheet Calculation
———————————
420 sec = 7 min
600 sec = 10 min
1000 sec = 16.6 min
1100 sec = 18.3 min
1300 sec = 21.6 min
2400 sec = 40 min

Good Luck!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 1.2c
Revision: 21 Build 6

Repair Userinit with BartPE rescue disk

A few days ago, I was trying to repair a boot sector from a virus infection. It took me a while to resolve this dilemma. But, in the end, it wasn’t the “boot.ini” file that was eaten alive. It was actually a registry problem. The little bugger had removed one of the “userinit.exe” registry strings. How inconvenient…

For those who had this problem, I would recommend you to print this article and keep it as a copy for guidance. But, don’t forget to create a ‘bootable disk’ with BartPE program. You will need to do that first before reading this article.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/

Notes: building a live bootdisk requires a fresh copy of Windows XP CD. By any chance, if you don’t have one, you better ask the neighbour for a fresh copy. I would recommend “Ashampoo Burning Studio” for this task. However, if you don’t want to boot from a disk, then why not use a removable device and boot it from there. You will need this application: UNetbootin application.

http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/

This program will help you transfer any ‘Rescue Disk / Windows OS’ onto a removable device. The software will also help you choose the correct disk. But, it will take a while and you got to have patient.

Manual Registry Repair
——————————–

1.] Insert your Live CD / USB system into your computer and let it boot. But, don’t forget to re-configure your BIOS.

2.] Click: ‘Start >> Run >> Type: cmd.exe’.

3.] Type in: ‘regedit’ and press Enter. Select the HKEY_USERS hive.

4.] From the file menu (tabs), just select the ‘Load Hive’ option. Browse through your internal drive (system drive) and locate the following director: ‘C:\Windows\System32\Config\’

5.] Select this file name: SOFTWARE (File without extension), and click Open.

6.] Give your new registry hive a name. I would recommend you to keep it simple and short. For now, I would call this as: MyXPHive.

7.] Look into your new hive and locate this directory: HKEY_USERS \ MyXPHive \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion \ Winlogon

8.] Modify this strings and set its value. But, don’t forget to include the trailing comma.

userinit (REG_SZ) – C:\Windows\System32\Userinit.exe,

9.] When you are done, you will need to unload your hive. To perform this task, just select ‘MyXPHive’ branch, and then in the File menu, choose ‘Unload Hive’.

10.] Exit BartPE and reboot your computer.

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 1.1A
Revision: 23.5 Build 11

Kill that autorun for good!

Getting infected from another computer is a big hassle and it will also hurt other user’s computer. So, what is the biggest problem about these infection? Well, the attacker creates a file that attach itself on your USB devices. This will only happen if your friend’s computer or your work computer is infected with an “Autorun” viruses. However, I can’t tell you which viruses were used to molest your mini – devices, because there are tons of them in the wild and they are like virtual ants!

First of all, if you want to stay away from these chaos, then please avoid sharing your USB devices with your friends or insert any USB devices to an un-protected computer.

Secondly, if you see anything suspicious in a public computer, you should stop and check the system for any anti-virus program. So, to make it clear, the computer should be protected and clean. The system’s “Start Menu, My document Folder and the Hard Drive,” they should be tidy, clean and protected. Also, if the machine is acting sluggish, I would advice you to step away from the computer and ask the administrator for assistance.

For now, if you already owned a computer / laptop, you should install some of the security program and update your “OS System” with the latest patch. I would also recommend you to ‘Disable Autorun’, just to give another layer of protection. This is useful if your friend needs to use your computer.

Notes: this tutorial is also for Vista users. Therefore, it is best to implement this settings.

1.] Install Notepad++ from here and copy this Registry script into a blank page.

REGEDIT4
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IniFileMapping\Autorun.inf]
@="@SYS:DoesNotExist"

2.] Save the file as a registry file (name.reg) and and double-click the file to run it.

3.] Reboot your system and let the new settings take effect.

4.] You are done!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version 1.2b
Revision: 32 Build 11

How to stop Firefox from freezing

On the 18th of June, 2010, I’ve found a solution that will temporarily stop most of the freezing issues when you are using Firefox as your default browser. However, this tutorial is also very dangerous as it requires modification within your browser’s configurations’ -settings.

Now, before you start clicking on the settings and the forbidden configurations from Firefox, I would highly suggest you to read this article carefully before you proceed.

1.] Execute Firefox and type this code into the address bar: “about:config” and hit “Enter” to proceed.

2.] Scroll down and look for these settings. However, if it doesn’t exist, just right-click (anywhere) on the board and create a new Integer / Boolean / String. However, you must be very careful and don’t mess it up!

browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone – False (Boolean)
—————————-
- This command will disable the built – in “Anti-Virus” scanner. It will also reduce your time and it will reserve some of your precious memory.

config.trim_on_minimize – True (Boolean)
—————————-
- This command will reduce Firefox’s memory usage when you minimize your browser. It will also transfer most of the data into your internal HDD to suppress memory – consumption.

browser.cache.memory.enable – True (Boolean)
—————————-
- This command will cache most of your data and it will save bandwidth / time to load such website or images from a specific page.

3.] Close Firefox and click on “Tools >> Add-ons”

4.] Select these plug-ins and disable them: “Skype extension for Firefox and Microsoft. Net Framework Assistance”. But, don’t forget to disable these functions, if you are not using them: “Windows Media Player (Dynamic Link Library) and Google Update.”

5.] Restart your browser and clean your ‘Internet Temporary Files’ with CCleaner.
You can find this tool / software from an external mirror or a site.

6.] You are done!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 12.1a
Revision: 16 Build 11

How to Clear DNS Cache for beginners

Everytime you surf the NET, your operating system will directly store all of your DNS information. This could also lead to problems, such as: “DNS unable to resolve, error loading pages and server timeout.” But, don’t just hold your breath and think its gone after reboot.

How to solve this?
As an IT geek, you may use this tutorial for cleaning / flushing your ‘DNS cache’. So, don’t get all excited if you are just a beginner. This tutorial was also analyzed and tested by idiot – proof – users.

1.] First of all, you must check your system ‘Services’ for this process: ‘DNS Client’. If this process is disabled or set to manual, then you will have to alter / reconfigure it to ‘Automatic’. Without this process, you cannot flush your ‘DNS Cache’.

Click Start >> Right Click: My Computer >> Manage >> Services and Applications >> Services >> Search for this process: DNS Client.

2.] At this stage, you will need to click ‘Start >> Run >> Type: CMD >> Type: ipconfig /flushdns’

Vista Operating Systems

1.] Click on your Vista ‘Start Logo’. Its right infront of your desktop!

2.] Click on ‘All Programs >> Accessories >> Right –click on Command Prompt (CMD) >> Select: “Run As Administrator…”

3.] In Command Windows, you will need to type in this script: ‘ipconfig / flushdns’.

4.] You are done!

Warning: this last guide is only for Windows XP Home / Pro & Vista only! If you want to use this option for Windows 7, please skip this paragraph and look for it somewhere else…

Alternative: if you really want to block Windows XP / Vista from negative entries and errors, you can alter these parameters. However, I would recommend you to create a backup before usage or touching your registry.

1.] Click ‘Start >> Run >> Type: Regedit’.

2.] Navigate yourself to the ‘Parameter’ directory.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters

3.] Create a new ‘DWORD’ value and called it: ‘NegativeCacheTime’.

4.] Give your value a Zero and apply the changes.

Notes: for Windows Vista, there is a longer route. But, it will work if you carefully add these values.

a.] Right –click: ‘New >> DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
b.] Name your new value as: “CacheHashTableBucketSize” and give it a value of 1 (Enable).
c.] Repeat ‘Step 3 – NegativeCacheTime’ and give it a value of 0 (Zero).

NegativeCacheTime = 0

5.] Reboot your computer and do whatever you want. It’s your computer!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 11.1
Revision: 22 Build 12

HD Tune – Hard Drive Monitor

Introduction: If you are really worried about your internal hard drive, there is no need to worry! You can easily use this software to check / analyze your drive’s health, temperature, status and supported features. Nevertheless, this tool is not just about monitoring your hard drive. What it does, it can benchmark your hard drive and alert you if the temperature is over the standards.

Secondly, this software, it can examine your hard drive for bad / faulty sector. It can also perform a full scan (slower) if you desire! However, the it may take longer…

If you want to use this software, just to monitor your HDD, you can easily fetch the software from these links.

—————————-

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Hard-Disk-Utils/HD-Tune.shtml

http://majorgeeks.com/HD_Tune_d4130.html

Finally, if you want to analyze external hard drive or test HDD caches, you will need to buy their “HD Tune Pro” edition.

For support or bug reports, please use the author’s website.

http://www.hdtune.com/

—————————-
Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 1.12
Revision: 33 Build 11

Prevent users from writing to USB drives.

Introduction: Everyday in our lives and in our workplace or home, USB drives are extremely useful and easy to use! You just plug it in and backup your documents, files and applications without hassle or install drivers for it to recognize. This is because, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, they already have most of the driver for the thumb-drive drive. Most of them are already verified / certified by Microsoft. Therefore, in other term, you shouldn’t worry… pretty much…

Right, let’s get to the point about this USB write and execution sequences. This means, if you modify your “Registry Library”, you can actually stop other users from stealing stuff in your computer! The codes are simple and it can be used to disable “Write” on your computer, so that the drive doesn’t work when you plugged it in your USB port.

Notes: if you disable this settings, other users who is stupid enough to sneak into your computer and steal your stuff, they will have no chances to grab anything and copy it into their USB drive… tough luck for them!

To start this tutorial, please read the rest of the article…

1.] At your desktop, you will need to direct yourself to “Start >> Run >> Type: Regedit”.

2.] In the registry dialogue box, just scroll down and look for this directory with the following key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor

3.] In the panel, you will need to modify “Start”. You will need to change the ‘value – data’ box (Hexadecimal) and type 4. After the modification, click ‘OK’ and exit the Registry Editor.

“Start”=dword:00000003 (default)
“Start”=dword:00000004 (modified)

4.] Have fun and protect your computer from nastiest!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 13.1
Revision: 22.1

KMPlayer for the family and home user!

Introduction: During Christmas I had ordered a bunch of films, software and hardware for my new computer. However, I would like to play most of my movies with PowerDVD Ultra. But, it’s kind of heavy and I don’t want to waist my money and time on the latest updates! Also, this software cost a lot of money and the application is very large. Therefore, I am sticking with “KMplayer” and watch my movies, films and other movies on different formats, such as RMBV formats.

————————–
HTTP Streaming (AVI etc including none-streaming media)
Directshow playback (AVI, MKV… etc)
Real Engine + Directshow (require Real Player or Alternative)
QuickTime + Directshow (require QuickTime player or Alternative)
Mplayer Engine Supported
Divx / Xvid Supported
Winamp Input Plugin (decoder) Supported
Compressed Audio Album Support (Zip, Rar)
Audio CD(2000, XP only / Win9x-Support by winamp plugin)
Video CD/SVCD/XCD : CDXA Format (2000, XP only)
DVD playback
DTS Wave and AC3 files
WDM device support like TV or Camera
CD Image File (BIN/ISO/IMG)
AAC, OGG parser/decoder
Shockwave Flash/FLC/FLI
Ape/MPC/Flac/Module… etc

If you cannot watch your favorite movies / films with “KMPlayer”, then you’ll need to go to this website and download the Codec pack…

File Name: K-Lite Codec Pack
Url: http://www.filehippo.com/download_klite_codec_pack/

1.] Download KMPlayer from these links and install it to your computer.

Link*1: http://www.filehippo.com/download_kmplayer/

http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multimedia/Video/Video-Players/KMPlayer.shtml

2.] Install the application and ignore the toolbar installation. Also, you don’t really want those hanging around in your system.

Notes: this application is for Windows only! It will also support 64-Bit operating systems. So, don’t panic and waist your money!

3.] Slot in your disk and execute “KMPlayer >> Right click >> Open >> * locate your movies or film.”

4.] Sit back and enjoy!

For additional support and bug reports, please direct yourself to this forum.

Forum: http://www.kmplayer.com/forums/

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version: 13.1
Revision: 16 Build 24

7 Benchmarking Software for the Nerds!

Introduction: yesterday, I had a short email from a friend. He asked me to write an article for those who likes to benchmark and test their computer.

————————-
When you are using your computer for a long time, you will need to keep a record of your system temperature and their consumption. Without these tools, you may not know if your system / hardware is overheating or taking up system resources. So, my best advice is to use one of these monitoring software and check often.

Secondly, if you want to collect information that is related to your operating systems or hardware, then you can use some of these recomended software to fetch data.

Have Fun!

CPUMon
————————-
This software is small and absolutely robust! It can monitor ‘Dual Core’ and ‘Quad Core’ processors without problems. Nevertheless, it will also provide real – time statistic that can output CPU consumption and calculations as percentages.

From the other hand, this little gadget, it can run by itself when your computer is booting into Windows. So, there is no need to execute the application manually after boot!

Notes: this tool is customizable. However, if you are unsure about the “Extended” settings, please leave it alone. If you made a mistake. Here is the default setting.

Update Rates: 500
Graph Length: 80
Alpha Blending: 200

Link *1: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/CPUMon.shtml
Link *2: http://majorgeeks.com/CPUMon_d4608.html

Real Temp
————————-
This application can be use on any portable devices and it doesn’t need any installation. Therefore, you don’t have to do anything, usually the hard way. All you need to do is extract the compressed file (if it exists) and put it in a new folder. After that, you can monitor your CPU resources and consumption by clicking on the executable file.

For the latest updates and downloads, please use this website and report any bugs / glitches / issues to the administrator.

Application Website: http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/
Support Forum: http://forums.techpowerup.com/

CPU-Z
————————-
This application is for benchmarking. It can also collect various hardware information and give you a full report on your processors, system caches, motherboard (mainboard), memory and graphic’s card (GPU – Graphics Processing Unit).

For the latest updates and downloads, please use this website and report any bugs / glitches / issues to the administrator.

Application Website: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
Support Area: http://www.cpuid.com/contacts.php

GPU-Z (TechPowerUp)
————————-
This application is similar to CPU-Z. However, it will only collect information regarding your Video Card (GPU – Graphics Processing Unit). But, you can take a snapshot and upload your specifications and show it to the world. Not bad…

Application Website: http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/SysInfo/GPU-Z/
Support Forum: http://forums.techpowerup.com/

CPU-ID (Hardware Monitor)
————————-
This application is simple and user friendly. All it does is monitor your HDD temperature, CPU temperature, CPI temperature, system power consumption and voltages. However, there is a lack of settings and modification. So, don’t get all hype and give the application the big whistle!

Application Website: http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php
Support Area: http://www.cpuid.com/contacts.php

Tweaknow PowerPack (Free)
————————-
This application can perform many tasks! It can collect information about your computer hardware, defrag your system, clean your registry and many more! Give it a try!

Application Website: http://www.tweaknow.com/powerPack.php
Support Area: http://www.tweaknow.com/contact.php

HWiNFO32
————————-
This tool is similar to “Tweaknow” products. However, it doesn’t have all of the features that enable you to defrag your registry and tweak windows to your preferred settings. In other words, this application is only use to collect system information and for benchmarking.

Application Website: http://www.hwinfo.com/
Support Area: http://www.hwinfo.com/contact.html
Link *1: http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Info/HWiNFO.shtml
Link *2: http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/

Notes: this application can also export information into different format for benchmarking, testing or to show off your computer performance!

Copyrighted By Lair360

Version 32.1b
Revision: 11 Build 12

Windows – How to reset lost password.

Introduction: when I was repairing a laptop from a specific owner, there was a block on Windows.
This problem was created by the original owner, as he forgot his password. So he asked me to reset it without erasing his important data! Well… it took me 3 hours to bypass the security system without a password – recovery disk!

For those who forgot your password, please use this tutorial. Its better to learn it, if the technicians are unavailable in your country. It’s also useful if you’re on holiday, mostly, forgetting your password from all the fun and laughs.

1.] Go to a cafe and use a free computer and print this article. Nevertheless, you can also borrow your friend’s computer and read this article.

2.] Reboot your locked computer and press F8 to activate “SafeMode” environment.

3.] When Windows load, just select: Administrator account. But, don’t worry as It will not asks / request you for a password.

4.] Go to “Start >> Run >> Type: CMD”

5.] At command prompt type, just type in this command: “cd C:\Windows\System32″.
Then press Enter.

6.] Create a backup of “logon.scr”.

Command: copy logon.scr logon.bak.

7.] Now, you’ll need to type in: “copy CMD.EXE logon.scr” and select “Yes”.

8.] Finally, you can reset your password by typing in these commands!

Command: net user administrator NewPassword (You’ll need to replace NewPassword with your own password)

Notes: if your account is Bob, you must type it in, like this: net user Bob YourNewPass

9.] Reboot your computer and logon with your new password.

Just remember this code: net user *user_name* *new_password*

10.] Finish!