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Techie Stuff

Archives for June 2008

foxmarks box
Each time I start up now, after doing some sort of upgrade, I get the foxmarks login box which I have to cancel, is there any way of stopping this coming?
pmd files
I need to download a file which is a "pmd file" is there any free software other than the expensive adobe page maker which will open the file for me?
svchost driving me mad
Hi all For a short while (about 2 weeks), whenever I've started the computer, I've had an instance of svchost running at 99 for about 5 minutes after everything else has loaded. I haven't installed any new software and I'd like to find out why. I've attached a copy of my HJT log if anyone would care to have a look and make…
PC Won't Boot - Catch 22
1. My PC will not boot into XP. A registry hive file is corrupt (system). 2. A quick Google shows that this file can be replaced with a recovery version from the repair directory. 3. When I attempt to do this (using Bart PE) the file will not delete or rename due to a CRC error therefore I cannot copy in the replacement.…
I guess it's easy when............
I guess it's easy when you know how, but how do you set google search for UK rather than the web?
dell tv not working?
We have a dell tv, flat screen - its only a year old and somehow it's not receiving the channels. we have checked all the wiring, ok. connectiion to aerial ok - as kitchen tv still works. remote batteries ok as can select menus etc. channel searches done etc. we;re confused if there;s 'parental lock' on it as it asks for…
I need to create a banner logo for my website,how?
I am a total technophobe and absolutely rubbish at anything on the computer.I cant even operate a TV remote control properly:o .I have however attemped a dive into the world of online commerce by trying to set up my own little website selling kids clothes.I have started to get stuff on sale but the web page is looking…
Google problem
Hi I'm having a problem with Google which is set as my home page as I use it that often. When I put something in search and then try to click on any of the given links, I get taken to some other advert or as was the other day x rated site. If I try to use the back button it wont let me either but stays on this hijacked…
Virgin Media On Demand Service Query
Hi, I am thinking of getting virgin media as I have heard they have a good on demand service. Does anyone have this? What’s it like? Does it have a back log of series to watch like lost, grey’s anatomy and scrubs? I know you have to pay for films. Do you have to pay extra to watch certain programmes? I think I read that…
Ways to open MS Office 2007 docx files for free.
What's the deal? When bringing out Office 2007, for its wordprocessor documents Microsoft introduced a new '.docx' file type, replacing the familiar '.doc' files. If you've not got Office 2007, you won't be able to open them. Yet there are now a variety of free add ons to let you do just that.* Windows PC user with an…
Menu's Not Appearing
I'm really struggling with this one. We formatted and reinstalled a laptop last week and put it onto a domain today. However once we've come to use the laptop most of the menu's are not appearing properly. As the picture below all you get is an outline of the menu. This is affecting the start menu and MS Office products,…
iPod volume
Hi all I have recently noticed that the volume on my iPod Nano isn't as loud as it used to be. Its a 2nd generation Nano. The volume setting on the iPod itself is on maximum (as it always has been) so no issues there. I know there is an option on iTunes to increase the volume, but I've never had to fiddle with that and…
getting music on to my pc
I am trying to copy some of my CDs on to my PC so that I can put some tracks of music on to Windows movie maker. I have managed to copy them using Rip Music, and they are now saved to the library. However, I think that to use them on windows movie maker I need to copy them in to my music. Is that right? If so, how can I…
Display has gone big!
Have just updated daughters PC for her to go on internet with Win XPSP2. After install display has become very small (high resolution). After a few mins it flips via an error message to lowest resolution and suggests rebooting and sending error message to microsoft! Under system info shows Plug & Play monitor RADEON 9200…
Problem "slipstreaming" XP Home SP2. DOS is beyond me.
I’m trying to “slipstream” XP Service Pack 2 (I know SP 3 is already here) with XP Home to create an XP Home SP 2 bootable CD-ROM and am following the instructions here http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp#nero, but am having trouble with the pesky DOS commands – if that’s what they are. I…
DVD Writer not working
Hi all, I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop that has a PhillipsDVD+- RW SDVD8820 in it. I was installing a broadband CD and it just stopped working. Now it won't read DVD's, Music CD's, installation CD's - it will only read CD's with data (i.e. Word, Excel, etc) on it. Any ideas on if it can be fixed before I have to look…
Buying an Apple Mac
HI Was wondering if anyone knows of a cheap place to buy an Apple Macbook Pro? My son needs one for a uni course and from what I have seen they are very expensive! Thanks
Upgrading a laptop to run faster
Hi. I'm thinking about buying a new laptop but am also considering upgrading my existing one. Here are the specs: Fujitsu Siemens 448 MB (although advertised at 512 MB) 50 GB HD Intel Celeron M 1,6 GHz Windows XP I'm seriously low on space and it often runs slowly so ideally I'd like to have at least 2GB Ram and extra Hard…
E Systems PC - switching off and on
I am having a bad electonic weekend, just posted about duff telly and now I am having a blonde moment with PC. E System PC - model Ei308. It has two buttons on front, one large with off/on symbol, one smaller with no symbol. When I close down at night, I select shutdown. However, when I come to switch back on, I usually…
DVI-D and RGB
Hi MSE'ers My computer has a DVI-D (white connector) output and a RGB (blue connector) output. I have my PC monitor plugged in via DVI-D and my TV plugged in via RGB. Do you know how to alternate between outputs? It seems to default to the TV and not my PC monitor. People have told me it is as easy as pressing a key on the…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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