DjLizard.net

Perform a registry hive recovery using the information in my System Volume Information article for the hive mentioned after CONFIG\ (typically SYSTEM).

Sorry, Windows 2000 users, Microsoft hath cursed thee without an enabled-by-default automatic registry hive backup facility. Try ERUNT, though, and perform similar steps to roll back your failed SYSTEM hive when it inevitably fails.

Here's an explanation of the Autopatcher takedown notice provided by our friends at Lunarsoft.net. Make sure you Digg it.

I've started Dial-a-fix over and here is what I have so far:

As you can see it's mostly empty (for now) but there are great plans.
Currently, the "Scan" button on the "Find issues" tab looks for over 40 separate problems relating to the registry, services/drivers, shell/Explorer.exe, and Internet Explorer. It also displays restrictive policies.

It's written in Delphi and coming along nicely. A few rules lists will be moved to outside of the program .exe for easier access (such as restrictive policies). It will support languages. It will support Vista, Server 2003, and XP Pro x64. It will still support Windows 98. You can even resize or maximize the window now.

I spent all weekend working on it, and I plan to spend all of next weekend working on it as well. I have a lot of work to do but I'll keep everyone posted.

It's last minute… but I'll be on Computer America from 11PM to Midnight (Eastern time). That's the second hour of the show. I'll be on with Steve Bass from PC World.

Steve is writing an article in November about hassle-free software… and he wants to give Dial-a-fix top billing! He also requested my presence on Computer America.

Edit: it was fun!

Free copies of some of Microsoft's office software will soon be available. Microsoft said it would make ad-supported copies of the Works package available within "months".

The programs will not run in a web browser but will be installed on a PC and have their cost offset by running adverts while in use. Microsoft said the service would debut with Works 9.0 that was due to launch by the end of the year. Word processing and spreadsheet software are expected to be the main part of the package.

The ad-supported version will have a store of adverts it will show to people while they put together documents or spreadsheets. The store of ads would be refreshed every time that computer goes online. Microsoft has not said which PC makers it is working with on the project who will pre-install the ad-supported copies of Works.

The software company said the trial would run until mid-2008 and was being run to find out if it can generate enough cash to support such a service. The usual retail price of Works in the US is $39.99 (£20).

It is my birthday today. Consider sending me some birthday money! :D

It appears that Microsoft has non-officially confirmed that there will be another service pack for Windows XP. According to an e-mail from a Microsoft spokesperson: "We're currently planning to deliver SP3 for Windows XP in the first half of CY2008. This date is preliminary, and we don't have any more details to share at this time."

A bit more info here.