My Gift To You Guys At The Atar Forums

admin_papa (31.08.2008)
Hi Folks! Just wanted to share my new experience. If your system denies to start due to an error related to lost HAL.DLL, invalid Boot.ini or any other important system boot files you can repair this by using the XP installation CD. Just boot from your XP Setup CD and enter the Recovery Console. Then run "attrib -H -R -S" on the C:\Boot.ini file and delete it. Launch "Bootcfg /Rebuild" and then Fixboot Regards, Carl

_tech_guru_papa_ (08.09.2008)
Hello Everybody That's me again. This time we will learn how to use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot and restore often startup errors in Windows Vista. INTRODUCTION You can use the Bootrec.exe tool in the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) to troubleshoot and repair the following items in Windows Vista: -Master boot record (MBR) -Boot sector -Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store Note: When you are troubleshooting startup mistakes by using the Windows RE, you should first try the Startup Repair option in the System Recovery Options dialog box. If the Startup Repair option does not fix the error, or if you must troubleshoot more steps by hand, use the Bootrec.exe tool. MORE INFO To run the Bootrec.exe utility, you must start Windows RE. To do this, follow these steps: 1.Put the Windows Vista setup disc in the disc drive, and then start the computer. 2.Press a key when you are prompted. 3.Select a language, a time, a currency, a keyboard or an input method, and then hit Next. 4.Hit Repair your computer. 5.Hit the operating system that you want to fix, and then hit Next. 6.In the System Recovery Options dialog window, click Command Prompt. 7.Type Bootrec.exe, and then press ENTER. Good luck with your Windows Vista, since with this OS your still need it. Cheers, Carl

_tech_guru_papa_ (27.09.2008)
I have to state this is for Intel based systems only (mainly laptops) and you would be well advised to image your disk BEFORE YOU TRY THIS just in case something happens and you cannot boot your Vista (IMAGE, IMAGE, IMAGE!!!) Once you have your disk images precede with the following: Backup your registry or make a restore point just in case. Under search: regedit Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Servic es\ Locate: folder "iaStor" Under "iaStor" you will find a folder named "Parameter" > delete this folder Locate: folder "iaStorv" Under "iaStorv" you will find a folder named "Parameter" > delete this folder Reboot Regards, Carl

_tech_guru_papa_ (14.09.2008)
Hello Everybody

_wowmanjac_ (24.10.2008)
Hi sexy girls at this forum! My name is Mike and I want to hook up with you so much. Please reply!

_tech_guru_papa_ (06.10.2008)
Hi Folks! This post opens set of articles devoted to computer security. At first, I would like to give some basic definitions for variety of modern computer threats. All these threats are currently known as Malware. Malware ("malicious software") is any program or file that is harmful to a computer or computer user. This would include, computer viruses, Trojan horses, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers, web-page hijackers, driveby downloads, and any programming that gathers information about a computer user without their expressed permission. 5 years ago, the most security threats that most people came across were Viruses. This is no longer the case! There are new threats out; and they take no prisoners, no longer is an anti-virus application sufficient to stop the invaders, the web is a complex place and the technology is getting so advanced that you need to act now to protect your machine and your private\personal data. A quick overview of some of the more common malware that you might find, sorted by level of threat: SPYWARE Spyware is any technology that aids in gathering info about a person or organisation without their knowledge. On the Internet (where it is sometimes called a spybot or tracking software), spyware is programming that is put in someone's computer to secretly gather info about the user and relay it to advertisers or other interested parties. TROJAN Trojans are malicious programs often used by hackers to attack target computers, usually to provide a backdoor into the system but sometimes just to cause destruction. Remote Access Trojans (RATs) are the most famous class of trojans and they usually come in two parts - a server that is sent to infect the victim, and a client that the hacker uses to connect to the server after the victim is infected. There are many ways that hackers can use to infect a target with a trojan, and careful security measures aren't always enough - a strong anti-trojan program can easily detect tens of thousands of trojans that would otherwise be near-impossible for a human to find. VIRUS An application or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are manmade. A simple virus that can clone itself over and over again is relatively easy to produce. Even such a simple virus is dangerous because it will quickly use all available memory and bring the system to a halt. An even more dangerous type of virus is one capable of transmitting itself across networks and bypassing security systems. WORMS Worms are in a similar category to viruses. Usually spread by email and containing their own email engine, they attempt to spread themselves to all the people in your address books, impacting greatly on network traffic on the web. Sometimes you will find viruses also contain Worm code so the virus is able to mail multiple people using its email engine, whilst infecting the machine with a specific virus, making the sender of the virus hard to find as it looks like it has come from someone you know. KEYLOGGERS A keylogger is a program that has been dropped onto a PC that actively monitors all your keystrokes and mouse clicks to try to capture both personal data, passwords, and browser habits, it will also capture any data entered on any web site including secure sites like online bank sites. This data is then stored in an encrypted text file either on the machine or sent to a pre-defined server for the sender of the keylogger to access at his discretion. ADWARE Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are displayed while the program is running. The authors of these applications include additional code that delivers the ads, which can be viewed through pop-up windows or through a bar that appears on a computer screen. The justification for adware is that it helps recover programming development cost and helps to hold down the cost for the user. HIJACKERS A hijacker is a expression used to explain a registry entry on your machine that has been placed there to re-direct your browser to another site, usually ad-purposed. These are not normally harmful for the machine, other that the fact that it will stop you from getting to the web site you wish to visit. It is more of a frustration than a security risk; however, some Hijackers will attempt to redirect you from Hijack removal sites. Hope you like this article. Next time I will write about tools used to prevent of/remove particular threat types listed here. Regards, Carl