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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2006-03-16

A Free Email Newsletter from Fred Langa
That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware, 
Software, and Time Online

Please visit our sponsors and help keep the LangaList S.E. free!

1) No-Reformat Way To Add Or Replace A Hard Drive

If you don't mind just a little geekiness--- just a little, honest!--- there are several tips and tricks that can give you enormous flexibility in adding or replacing a drive in a PC. It's fast, fairly easy, and can save you many headaches in trying to retain as much of your original setup as possible. In fact, you often can add or replace a drive--- moving the OS and all your data from the old drive to the new--- *without* having to reformat or reinstall anything. That's what we discuss in a new article posted at http://www.informationweek.com/1080/langa.htm .

The information in this article stands on its own, but it also fits into a wider context: You can read it as-is, or think of it as "Part Two" of a three-part article: Previously, in "Another Hidden Gem: The Windows Disk Management Tool" http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=180207718  we looked at a little-known tool built into Windows for creating, formatting, or deleting partitions and drives; changing drive letter assignments and paths; and so on.
In the current article, we look at a slightly nonstandard way of physically adding a drive to an existing, in-use system--- a way I find much easier than the methods recommended by some drive manufacturers.

Although each of these first two columns stands alone, they also form the foundation for our upcoming discussion of an extremely low-cost terabyte server--- a PC that gives you a full 1,000 GB of network-sharable hard drive space in a fast, rock-solid
system, and for only about $500!

But today, get that important second piece of the puzzle over at http://www.informationweek.com/1080/langa.htm . And then stay tuned!

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"Hi, Fred: Just a line to say a great Plus! news letter, the best investment
I've made for some time. I always get a great deal out of each new arrival. My best regards, John McCrea"

Thank you, John.
The LangaList Plus! Edition contains even *more* content---
tips, tricks, advice, downloads....---
than the Standard Edition you're now reading.
Get all the details:

http://langa.com/plus.htm

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2) Aussie Oddity (Mystery Slowdown)

Dear Fred, A cry for help from a very frustrated Aussie reader of your excellent newsletter (consistently great stuff, mate).

Your edition of 12 January carried an item about a reader having his CPU cycles eaten up (see http://langa.com/newsletters/2006/2006-01-12.htm#3 ). I've got a related problem: CPU usage of about 69-70%, more than enough to stop just about anything from running and something that can only be solved by rebooting. I've checked the visible Windows processes with the task manager and found that the System Idle Process is running at 97-99%, so whatever is chewing up my cycles is invisible to Windows.

I can't find any particular trigger for the problem (my system can hang just sitting idle with a simple screen saver in operation). I've checked out the Registry numerous times with the current version of jv16 PowerTools, run up-to-date anti-virus software (NOD32) and also Webroot's Spy Sweeper 4.5. I thought the problem might be a rootkit infection: Spy Sweeper did detect one some time back associated with a spyware item but reported that it had been removed and subsequent scans haven't shown anything out of the ordinary. Also tried several free rootkit detection tools and external scanning services on the Web without turning up anything.

Suggestions would be very welcome. I shudder at the thought of wiping my C: drive and reinstalling Windows XP and a small mountain of software , but at the moment I can't think of anything else.

By the way, my system is based on an AMD Athlon 64 4000+ with 2 GB of memory and when the system is working properly most applications barely put a dent in system resources. Do hope you can help. Best, David Nourse

I have a question about this: "...the System Idle Process is running at 97-99%" and "CPU usage of about 69-70%." The two don't add up; the CPU usage has to add up to 100, always. If the CPU is at 70%, then the idle process can't be higher than 30%, and if the System Idle process is steady at 97-99%, then all the rest of the processes must be at 1-3%: Again, all the processes have to add up to 100%. That's all there is.

So let's tackle that first. Make sure you're correctly sorting the processes in Task Manager so you can see everything: in Task Manager, click the Processes tab: Click on the CPU heading there to sort the processes according to how much CPU usage they're getting. (In other words, sort the list so the most CPU-hungry processes are at the top of the list.) There, you'll see exactly whatever's consuming your CPU time. The running processes' percentages will always add up to 100.

As we said back in January, if your system is very busy, the list may be a little confusing as items jump to the top of the list and then jump back down again as they go active and inactive; but if you watch for a little while, you'll see what's consistently at or near the top. And if something really is eating about 70% of your cycles, it will show up near the top of the sorted list. Once you've identified it, then you can do whatever's needed to control or eliminate it.

Now, if in fact the system bogs down even when Task Manager is showing almost no load--- if you see slowdowns when the System Idle process is steady at 97-99%--- then the problem and its solution may not lie within Windows per se.

In that case, I'd start with the BIOS ( http://www.google.com/search?q=enter+bios ). Make sure the settings there are OK. If you're not sure what the settings should be, make note of what they are now (a digital camera can be a big timesaver here--- just snapshot each screen in the BIOS to record the current settings) and try the "Default" or "Optimal" settings that most BIOSes offer. Pay particular attention to any 64-bit specific BIOS settings. If any setting makes things worse, just revert to the original settings.

Usually, the BIOS also offers a "system health" or similarly-named area where you can see temperatures and fan speeds in real time. Check these, and let the system run for at least as long as it normally takes for you to see the slowdown in Windows. Make sure the temperatures stay stable, and aren't climbing into a range that might cause the system to throttle back.

Before you leave the BIOS, note the BIOS version number and compare it to the latest-available BIOS update on your vendor's site. It's pretty early in the game for 64-bit general purpose PCs like yours, and a newer BIOS may correct the problem you're seeing, if it's BIOS or hardware related.

Likewise, you may be running into issues with 32-bit Windows and drivers on 64-bit hardware. Yes, it's all supposed to work, but again, it's early in the game. You might want to visit the vendor sites for each peripheral component you have (hard drives, video, USB, etc.) to make sure you have the latest versions, and that no vendor warns against running their hard/software on a 64-bit capable platform.

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3) "Google Is Not Your Friend"

Fred: An interesting article you may want to read if you have not already: http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9588_22-6034666.html?tag=st.num . I am interested in your opinion on this subject matter; do you think zdnet is sensationalizing this topic or is this a real concern?
 
Keep up the good work!  I look forward to every issue of the newsletter. ---Kevin T.

Thanks, Kevin. Google is the Big Dog in search engines now, so it's falling prey to the simplistic mindset that thinks, "If [name of company here] is tops in their field, they must be evil in all things; and their smaller competitors must be righteous in all things."

It's the same silly mindset that assumes that, say, Microsoft (the Big Dog in PC software) is automatically evil in every regard, while a company like, say, Apple is always on the side of the angels.

Gimme a break.

Google sure ain't perfect, but it was the *only* major search engine NOT to cave into the US government's requests. Yahoo, AOL, and MSN all folded without any resistance whatsoever, and turned over their records--- *your* records and mine. Somehow, they all get off the hook, but Google--- the one company that tried to preserve its customers' privacy--- came off as the bad guy.

Similar thing in China: *All* these companies work within the Chinese government's repressive restrictions, but somehow Google comes off as the bad guy.

Again, Google isn't all sweetness and light; and when they're in the wrong, they should be nailed for it. But then, so should every other company that acts the same way. Singling out a company for censure while ignoring actions by other companies that are as bad, or worse, is just plain bad journalism.

In short, *none* of these companies is our friend; they're in business for themselves. But in this particular instance, I think Google tried to take morally higher ground than its competition. For that, I think it deserves praise, not censure.

Plus! subscribers might also want to see #13, "Gmail's Long Tail" in http://langalist.com/plus/newsletters/2006/2006-03-13plus.asp , too.

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4) Husband's/Wife's PCs Don't Communicate

My computer is running XP Home and my wife's runs ME. Her PC has a floppy, a CD drive and a HP all in one printer/scanner/copier/fax. Mine has a CD, a CD/DVD writer and a HP printer. I would like to have them networked so I can access her floppy, or the all-in-one when needed.

I did my research before starting and made sure that they should be able to be networked. I have the cable hooked up (it is the one where the ends are reversed) and they have been networked before. I must have made some changes to services or something because now they are not networked.

I went back into msconfig and clicked the Normal startup button to reset all the drivers. I have gone back thru the network wizard and tried to set up a home network all to no avail. I used the XP CD on the ME PC and did the "Perform Additional Tasks" routine.
The computers are named and the workgroup is the same on both computers.
I had an IT person (my son) try to network them but he was unable. My son says that XP doesn't like to be networked with ME and that I should reformat the ME PC and install XP on it. I had rather not do that unless necessary. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am wondering if there is something in the registry or somewhere that I could delete so that I could start over clean? ---Harold

First, a couple of common stumbling blocks: Make sure you've temporarily disabled all firewalls and similar software; they can get in the way of trying to establish (or re-establish) a networking connection. Also, make sure that "print and file sharing" is enabled on both PCs. Need info? Search "file sharing" in the XP and ME's box's Help files; or use these searches:
http://www.google.com/search?q=file+sharing+xp
http://www.google.com/search?q=file+sharing+ME+millennium

We've also covered easy ways to zero-out network settings several times in recent issues. Here's the short form: Use hardware manager and "uninstall" any networking cards or devices. Reboot, and let Windows rediscover and install the "new" hardware. Optionally, but a good idea, run a Registry Cleaner to dig out any now-obsolete entries left over from the previous setup. Do this on both the XP and the ME box.

The next steps are ones you've already done; but with the settings freshly reset, they'd probably be worth repeating: On the XP machine, right click on "My Network Places" and select Properties; "Network Connections" will open. In the normal two-pane view, you can click on "Set up a home or small office network"  and follow the prompts. (If "Set up a home or small office network" isn't visible, use Start/Help and search for "Set up a home or small office network" in the Help system.) At the end of the Network Wizard, you'll be asked if you want to make a network setup floppy; say yes. Take the floppy to the ME machine and run it to set up that PC in a way that *should* get it talking to the XP box.

If not, then you might suspect the cable; because it worked at some point in the past isn't a guarantee it hasn't been damaged in the interim, and they're relatively cheap to replace. If I were you, I'd also look at an inexpensive hub--- they can cost as little as $10 or so for a basic, 4-port 10/100 ethernet unit--- because their connection/activity lights can be a useful diagnostic in themselves; and because it gives you more flexibility than a plain crossover cable.

Finally, the information here http://www.windowsnetworking.com/ may help.

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5) Password Frustration

Fred, I'm on my second year Plus! subscription and it's worth every penny!

I know there are many product on the market to automatically remember and fill web passwords. I've used RoboForm for several years now, both at work and home.
Do you know of a similar product that works with local applications? I have no less than a dozen applications at work which require me to input a password for each use. Each application has to have a unique password that must be changed every thirty days with a multitude of criteria for each password. Short of writing the passwords on a Post-It note attached to my monitor, do you know a better way to wrangle the passwords? Thanks, Mark

I have a few apps like that. Depending on how the software presents its password dialog, various password-fillers may or may not be able to see the dialog and fill it in. (It sounds like Roboform isn't seeing most of yours.)

First, a small digression: Local app security often can be broken in a variety of ways, and once someone has open access to your PC, it's only a matter of time before most normal application passwording can be bypassed. There are many cracking tools to bypass Office document or spreadsheet passwords, for example, so the first line of defense is to keep unauthorized people away from and out of your PC.

If you really need local document-level security, you might consider something more robust than the password tools built into various apps. For example, you might elect to encrypt particular files, or whole folder trees, with a high-quality encryption tool. (See 'Easy Encryption:" http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=10100525 ) That's not only more secure than most application passwording, but also can let you use one password to lock and unlock a large number of files.

That still won't work for some things. One example: Website-editing/management software may require a login and password via the local app or utility, which then uses that to access a remote site.

For software like that, I use Roboform's "Safenotes," which are freeform, plain-text files encrypted by and kept track of by Roboform. I'll use the Roboform password-generator to create a new password when needed, and then store it in a Safenote. I can open a Safenote via Roboform's single master password, and then leave the Safenote open on my desktop so I can copy/paste passwords as needed from the Safenote to the various dialogs. Roboform can be set up to close and lock any open Safenotes after a specified time interval, or when (say) the PC's screensaver kicks in. This way, the Safenote is open and easily accessible when needed, but can either be shut manually, or will auto-shut itself, when it's not being used.

Other tools have similar functions. While nothing can make juggling many different passwords completely simple, they can at least help. <g>

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6) Is This Information Useful?

If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, maybe a friend would find it useful too! Just use the following link to recommend the LangaList--- your friend may find a new source of useful information and you just may win one of three FREE ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS to the LangaList Plus! edition given each month. (If your name is drawn and you're already a Plus! subscriber, your current subscription will be extended by a full year.)

Check out the details at http://langa.com/recommend.htm . Thanks for recommending the LangaList--- and good luck!

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7) Windows Disk Management In Win2K

Fred: I run Windows 2000. I keep it updated so it's as current as current can get. Your articles about Windows Disk Management System are exciting and I understand a version of it is available on Windows 2000. But be damned if I can locate it. Can you help? I am a Plus subscriber and you have been more help to this fumbler than you'll ever know. Regards, Ralph Knapp

It's very similar to the XP info: Click Start/Settings/Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Computer Management/Storage/Disk Management

You also can get there in one step by entering "diskmgmt.msc" in the Run line of the Start menu.

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8) More Reader Sites!

Do you have a home page or website? (It doesn't matter what size.) Please click over to http://langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join the hundreds and hundreds of LangaList readers who have "Loaded the Code!" (If you've already "Loaded The Code" and are wondering if your site will appear here or on the Langa.Com web site, please see http://langa.com/link.txt )

Speaking of which: Here's another eclectic sample of reader sites--- some professional, some very personal:

View A Randomly-Chosen Reader Site From Among All Listed
http://langa.com/randomlink.htm

Manually Browse All Posted-to-Date Sites Starting At
http://langa.com/readersites.htm

John's Crazy World
http://www.jrepinski.blogspot.com/

manitoulin island radio
http://www.manitoulinisland-radio.net/

"I'm just sayin'"
http://mrchris.efx2.com/

religious jewelry
http://www.etwj.com/

The letter jar
http://www.theletterjar.com/

New Computer Advice Start-Up Site
http://www.productiveconnection.com/advice/

graystar books
http://graystarbooks.com/Links.htm

Stickman's Escrima Blog
http://escrima.blogspot.com/

T-shirts
http://www.cafepress.com/mooned

no-nonsense web hosting
http://www.nononsensehosting.com/

Experiment of Michelson Morley and the Original Formula
http://www.jfreire.com/

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9) Another Clueless Sales/service person?

Dear Fred, Please add my thanks for your excellent publication. It has a priority to be read when it hits my inbox.

I have a question that your article in the last issue raises as a part of replacing an existing hard drive.

I recently had a hard drive on my Desktop reported by the HDD monitor to be increasing in temperature, and at the same time the noise level of this hard drive was becoming ever higher. This drive was a Maxtor 5400 RPM version drive and I requested some assistance in selecting a replacement drive from my desktop support organization. I really wanted to replace the sick drive with a 7200 RPM version.

However, the tech support person was adamant that I had to replace it with another 5400 RPM HDD.

Is this an appropriate recommendation or can I upgrade my defective HDD to a higher rotational speed model? Thanks again for your work. ---Bill Clark

I can't think of many good reasons why a higher rotational speed would cause trouble on a PC. I suppose there could be an issue with power-supply size and current draw--- the faster drive will probably need more power at spin-up, and could cause a problem if your system were teetering on the ragged edge of electrical sufficiency. But is that likely? No. And besides, the answer there would be to get a new power supply. They're cheap and easy to install.

Faster drives may generate more heat, so if your PC were at the outer limits of thermal specs, adding a new heat source might cause trouble. But is that likely? No. And besides, the answer there would be to improve the PC's cooling with a cheap and easy fan upgrade.

Perhaps the sales/service person was referring to something else entirely. If the new drive was serial ATA for example, and your system allowed only parallel ATA; that could be an issue. But most motherboards built in the last few years have had SATA connectors on them; and in any case, this has nothing to do with rotational speed. ( http://www.google.com/search?q=parallel+ata
http://www.google.com/search?q=serial+ata )

Perhaps the new drive optimally uses an access standard beyond what your PC can handle; a DMA mode versus PIO mode issue, for example. (See http://www.google.com/search?as_q=dma+pio&as_sitesearch=langa.com
http://www.google.com/search?q=dma+pio ) But there too, most PCs simply use the fastest available access, whatever it may be; and this also has nothing to do with rotational speed.

There can be issues of drive capacity, especially if you're using an old version of Windows (eg Win9x). In some cases, you have to partition a drive into relatively small chunks so that an older OS can see and access everything. In other cases, with *really* old hardware, the BIOS simply may not recognize a huge hard drive. But we're talking truly antique gear in that instance; and even that has nothing to do with rotational speed.

In short, I don't think rotational speed has any real, deal-breaking downside; your support person either misunderstood, didn't know... or was trying to unload some extra 5400rpm drives. <g>

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10, 11, 12, 13) Plus! Edition Only:

Today's LangaList Plus! Edition contains about 40% more content including:

• *Tons* Of High-Quality FreeWare
     (save thousands! free software in virtually every category!)
• "Delayed Write Fail"
     (thorny problem may not be so hard to fix)
• Memory Problems Corrupt Backups
     (... and a tool to help find and fix memory trouble)
• Nasty Hardware Problem
     (tracking down what may be a dying motherboard)

The Plus! Edition costs only PENNIES PER ISSUE and comes with a money-back guarantee. Try it--- you can't lose!

Info: http://langa.com/plus.htm 

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14) Just For Grins

Guess what? The original author of the infamous "cook an egg with your cellphone" piece ( http://langa.com/newsletters/2006/2006-03-06.htm#15 ) reads the LangaList!

Fred, Just to say thanks for featuring me in 'Just For Grins' this week. That Egg Cooking page, published on the site in 2000, has really taken off this year. It started with big hits from Australia last September (50,000 in one week) and since then has chugged along at around 1,000 hits per week. In early February it was featured on Slashdot and the page got 250,000 hits in one week! It's bit like a harmless virus that spreads from forum to forum!

Just out of interest here is an article about the page and me:
http://tinyurl.com/9m6zw

Also, thanks for LangaList! Best wishes, Charlie.

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(Give a gift subscription to the LangaList Plus edition!
Click <a href= " http://langa.com/plus_gift.htm ">here</a>)

The LangaList is published about 72 times a year, or about 6 times a month. See you next issue, 2006-03-27!

Best,

Fred
( Editor@Langa.Com )

Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win a prize!)

An easier-to read formatted HTML version is available in the "Current Issue" section of http://langa.com. (The HTML version of each issue normally is available by 9AM EST [UT-5] of the issue date.) All past LangaList issues are also available at the Langa.Com site.

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