This weekend I decided to start cataloging my DVD collection so I set out to find the appropriate software. [Read more…] about EMDB – DVD Collection Software
This Site
Thursday Random Stuff…
Google Chrome Updated
Bugfix. “The stable channel has been updated to 40.0.2214.115 for Windows, Mac and Linux.”
Download or update from within the program.
Superfish! (No, it’s not a hipster band)
ARS Technica – Lenovo PCs ship with man-in-the-middle adware that breaks HTTPS connections
Follow-up: ARS Technica – Lenovo honestly thought you’d enjoy that Superfish HTTPS spyware
Crap like this is why I always do my own clean installs.
Lenovo Owners:
Step 1 – Check if you have it: https://filippo.io/Badfish/
Step 2 – Remove it: https://filippo.io/Badfish/removing.html
About That Samsung 850 Pro SSD Firmware Update
I mentioned a few days ago that there was a firmware update for the Samsung 850 Pro SSD.
The EXM02B6Q firmware is still not available via Samsung Magician. Now I know why. This firmware update is destructive. That means you’ll have to either re-install Windows or restore from a system image.
What I Did:
1 – Backed up my computer via Acronis TI.
(Never, ever update SSD firmware without a system image.)
2 – Downloaded and burned the ISO to CD.
3 – Boot from CD and flash firmware.
4 – Power OFF then power back on. Drive would not boot.
5 – Restore image I made earlier. Success!
1 run on the AS SSD Benchmark:
OEM SSD Software
Below is a list I created of SSD software from the major brands. (Because I was bored/curious.)
If I’ve left something out please let me know.
[Read more…] about OEM SSD Software
Non-Free Apps I Use
Q – I’ve followed your freeware guides for years. Thanks! What programs do you use that aren’t free?
A – You’re most welcome. Though I’ve used many over the years, here are the non-free programs I currently use:
[Read more…] about Non-Free Apps I Use
Alternative To Moving Libraries
As many of you know, I consider moving libraries an essential part of my backup strategy.
I decided to post this article because through the years I’ve discovered some folks don’t get it and some folks don’t want to do it.
There is an alternative. [Read more…] about Alternative To Moving Libraries
Advice On Installing Windows 8.1
I am constantly asked installation/partitioning advice on installing Windows.
Below is my advice on installing Windows 8.1.
[Read more…] about Advice On Installing Windows 8.1
Merry Christmas
Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag
An interesting blog post was brought to me attention by a reader. Many Geeks will recognize the blogger, Scott Hanselman:
The real and complete story – Does Windows defragment your SSD? (be cure to check out the comments too)
The gist of this post is to tell us we’ve all been wrong and Windows 8.1 does in fact defrag SSD’s.
However, we need to dig a little deeper. [Read more…] about Windows 8.1 SSD Defrag
Backup Locations
Y’all know I’ve no sympathy for folks who don’t backup their computers and info.
This morning I heard “I don’t have anywhere to backup my stuff”.
I have backups of backups. Backups in safes. Backups off site…
Feel free to pass this image on.
Fix KB3000850 Will Not Install
I had a couple of Windows 8.1 computers that would not install KB3000850.
KB3000850 is also called “The November 2014 update rollup for Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 R2.”
The specific error code was 80070002.
The Windows error logs directed me to C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. There I found complaints about system files.
The cure for that is:
From an ELEVATED command prompt [Command Prompt (Admin) ] > type sfc /scannow and press the Enter key >
Let it do its thing > Reboot and install your update.
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