For ease, and getting rid of a lot of clutter in this forum, I've compiled of the best computer guides in one topic. These are in their original state and mostly unchanged from how they were originally written. The guides are property of their writers and Sal's Forum.

Any copying of these guides will earn you severe punishment, on these forums or anywhere else.

For your convenience, the guides were divided up into three main posts, and given titles.

Contents - If you want to skip to a certain section, press CTRL+F and type in the title.

*X Drummer X's Keylogger Guide
*Mal's Security Guide
*Djpailo's Massive Guide To Security
*Naota's Computer Maintenance Guide

*Drok's Computer Guide

*Queen Missy's Guide on Reformatting
*Kaze's Interior Hardware Installation & Configuration Guide*


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X Drummer X's Keylogger Guide

I know most of you are being cautious about being hacked, and these are some of the good anti-virus programs that would be recommended to download.

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::Anti-Spyware Programs (Usually these pick up keyloggers)

Name: Microsoft Anti-Spyware (Also acts as a FANTASTIC firewall)
URL: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.as...wareInstall.exe
Rating: 10/10 (Best I ever had)

Name: Spy Sweeper
URL: http://www.webroot.com/shoppingcart/tryme....&vcode=DT02
Rating: 9/10 (Excellent)

Name: Ad-Aware SE Personal
URL: ftp://ftp.download.com/pub/win95/utilities/aawsepersonal.exe
Rating: 8/10 (Very good)

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::Anti-Virus Programs

Name: AVG
URL: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5
Rating: 10/10

Name: S-T-I-N-G-E-R
URL: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
Rating: 10/10

Name: Trend Micro
URL: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp
Rating: 9/10 (Excellent)

Name: Spy Bot Search & Destroy
URL: http://kujoe.com/freeware/spybotsd13.exe
Rating: 7/10 (It's alright.)

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::Firewalls

Name: ZoneAlarm Security Suite
URL: http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/1043..._55_062_011.exe
Rating: 10/10 (AMAZING!)

Name: McAfee Personal Firewall Plus
URL: http://us.mcafee.com/Root/RunApplication.asp?appid=33
Rating: 10/10 (AMAZING!)

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::Port Scanners (Advanced users)

Name: Advanced Port Scanner 1.2
URL: http://www.handyarchive.com/download/1013/pscan12.exe
Rating: 8/10 (Very good)

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::Other tips and important info to keep you safe

-Mozilla Firefox alternative browser

Another good thing to download would be Mozilla Firefox. It's an alternative browser. It's 10x better then Internet Exploer, and doesn't have stupid pop up ads and spyware such as those stupid toolbars that get installed without you knowing into your browser. The link to it is HERE. I've posted a guide to make your Firefox load 10 times faster in the Help section of the TRWF boards. Or click HERE to go to it.

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Ok, now that you have all the programs to keep you safe, I also know a way to mix up hackers everytime you type in your password, just read this to be extra safe tongue.gif.

When you are typing your username and password in, type 1 letter of username and password at a time. Example:

My username is Jesse, My password is 12345.
I would type it in like this:

J1E2S3S4E5

You type J in username, then click pass and type 1, then click username and type e, and click pass and type 2, etc. etc.

Thats what it would look like on the keylog file that gets sent to the hacker.
Note: Do not press enter ever when going from username to password, always click!

Ok, now that you know that, you should also do this;
after you type in your username and password and it says Connecting to server, quickly type in random letters and numbers and press enter. So the hacker would think all of that crap is part of your username and password.

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If nothing works, as a last resort; burn all your files to a cd and reformat all your drives on your computer. But I don't think you'll need to do this after you read my guide =)
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Always keep your computer up to date by downloading the latest windows update for your computer at http://www.microsoft.com/

Made by X Drummer X



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Mal's Security Guide

Contents + Introducion
NOTE: This guide is also posted by ME on Global RuneScape. Please do not flame me and say I nicked it, Because I posted it on Global RuneScape too. So I didnt steal anything. Thankyou.
This is a security guide by me, its mixed - theres info for protecting your password on runescape, and info on stopping virus's etc from getting onto your computer. It's split into sections:

• Contents + Introduction
• Information
• Fake Emails
• Scams
• Entering your password
• Sites to trust your password with
• Why you shouldnt use autoers
• What to do if you get a virus
• Bank Pin
• Reporting
• Security Programs
• Other Help

Information
A 'virus' is a program made by somebody to mess up your computer. Once they are clicked on, or sometimes run automatically, they cause damage to your computer. This damage can be deleting information, etc.

A 'trojan horse' is a program pretending to be something else. a Trojan/Trojan Horse can destroy things on your computer, delete lots of information, sometimes even stopping your operating system (the program your computer uses for everything) to load up. Trojan's can also send information on your computer to the creator of the trojan.

A 'keylogger' is a program which sends every key you press to the programmer of the keylogger. These are used to get peoples passwords and other secret information.

'Spyware/Adware' are programs used to keep track of websites you visit and what is done on them, etc.

There is all these horrible types of things and more, But by using this guide you can stop alot of them happening. Make sure to scan your computer for virus's every few days, Using a good virus scanner such as AVG Anti-Virus. And use programs to get rid of other bad stuff, such as Ad-Aware

Anyway, Lets get on with the guide! Guide last updated: 23rd March 2006

Fake Emails
You might recieve an email one day. It could be something like 'You are now a player moderator' or 'We need your details to upgrade your account' or something. Now, whatever email its from, even if its from passwordsupport@jagex.com or support@jagex.com or something that sounds official, delete it. I am serious. They may sound like a Jagex Moderator but there are not! I got this email a few days ago:
-----------------------------
From: Jagex Mod
Subject: Your character status updated
Date: Nov 03 2005 10:46

Greetings, adventurer!

You have been chosen by Jagex Staff moderators for the role due to your past record in the game, your RuneScape character have chance to be changed to a Player Moderator!
You are trusted by the Jagex staff and so can be equally trusted by you. After you will accept your new status you will have Silver Crown next to your name.

To accept your Player Moderator status and read new rules please login to your account and follow the instructions.

Sincerely, Mod Ash
Jagex Mod
-------------------------------
And another one:
-------------------------------
Dear Runescape player,

We tracked you a time ago and saw that you'r a big fan of the game.
You'r one of the thousand selected players who we wanted to reward because of there nice and fair playing.
The prices are:

Non-Member:
-50.000 coins cash
-Full rune set

Members:
-Full Zamorak, Saradomin or Guthix set
-500.000 Coins cash
-15 Dragon longswords

To get you'r price we need some info from you'r account, please fill in these things:

Caracter Name:...........
Caracter Pass:..............
Bank Pin (if you have one):....



Thank you for filling in these details.
You'rs faithfully,
Jagex Staff
--------------------------
IF THEY GIVE YOU A LINK DO NOT CLICK IT! IT IS A BIG SCAM! It will either contain keyloggers/virus' or will be a scam website where you enter your username and password and bam - they have your account. Also, in the second fake email, it asks you to enter your information. Thats not good guys, not good! Dont trust these emails, nomatter where there from.

Scams

1). Some guy in RuneScape might private message you and start saying: Hello. I am a jagex moderator blardy blardy blar or something of the sort. Do not listen to them Unless they have a Silver Crown next to there name. Players with silver crowns next to there name are Player Moderators, which means they are more trusted by Jagex. They can mute people, ban people etc.

People with a gold crown are Jagex STAFF! Personally i have never seen one and you have 1 out of a million chance of seeing one because they usually either come on different accounts or get player moderators to do the testing

2). Some guy in RuneScape might say "Oh look RuneScape's new update stops you from typing your password in look ******* you try!" Then when you try it doesnt block it and the hacker gets onto your account, changes your password and recovery questions, then bam.. he has your account. Dont fall for this scam!

3). Somebody in RuneScape might say 'FREE ARMOUR TRIMMING!' Then ask you to give them your armour so they can put gold on it or whatever. Do not trade your armour! They steal your armour and you never see it again! Armour trimming is not possible in RuneScape. You can get trimmed armour, it comes from members treasure trails and is tradable to free players, But Please, Remember, Neither Free Players or Members can trim armour! Nobody can! It can only be obtained from treasure trails or buying it from somebody else. All trimmed armour originally came from a treasure trail!

4). Somebody may say 'Free Item Duplicating!' They say if you trade them an item, they will give you double of what you gave them - back... for free. But once you trade them an item, they steal it. Or often you will trade them like 1 gold, they will give you 2 gold. Then youll trade 2 gold, and they will trade 4 gold. Then you will trade 4 gold, and they will trade 8 gold, etc. But, Once you get to trust them and think that they really are duplicating your gold/item, you will trade a very expensive thing and they will steal it. Or, the other way: Somebody tells you to drop the item you want duplicating and press ALT + F4, then you will get double the items you dropped. But if you press ALT + F4 it quits you out of your RuneScape window, and the scammer steals your items you dropped! Watch out!

MORE SCAMS COMING SOON, SO BE CAREFUL TO AVOID THESE UNTIL WE GIVE YOU MORE TO WATCH OUT FOR!

Entering your password

When you go to http://www.runescape.com, just incase a keylogger is on your system, you should follow these tips and tricks...

1. Like x drummer x said, you should enter your password letter by letter. For example, my username is baconboy30 and my password is 44129. I would enter it by clicking in the username bar and typeing: B (click on password) 4 (click on username) a (click on password) 4 (click on username) c
(click on password) 1 (click on username) o (click on password) 2
(click on username) n (click on password) 9 (click on username) boy30 (click on log in)
Make sure you click, not press tab.

2. When you go onto runescape and enter your password, make sure you ARE on runescape.com! The only sites you should ever trust with your runescape password are http://www.runescape.com, http://www.runescape.net, http://www.miniclip.com, http://www.mofunzone.com, and http://www.jagex.com!

3. You might want to check out a password generator. A good one that has been checked for trackers etc and had none on is jeremyemery's, found at
http://members.lycos.co.uk/educ8ors/passwordgen.htm. If you want to discuss it then visit the official topic at http://s4.invisionfree.com/Sals_RS_Forum/i...showtopic=14017.

Sites to trust your password with

Only trust these websites with your account. They are websites owned or affilated with Jagex:

jagex.com
runescape.com
jagex.co.uk
runescape.co.uk
runescape.net
runescape.org
miniclip.com
mofunzone.com

Why you shouldnt use autoers

An autoer is a peice of software that helps you gain levels unfairly in the game, for example an auto miner will mine for you while your not there. For starters, these are completely illegal to jagex rules. They have an auto detecting system and you will be banned straight away.

Another reason why you shouldnt use autoers is because most of them dont help you, they have keyloggers etc on them and will usually steal your password.

DONT USE AUTOERS BECAUSE YOU WILL LOOSE YOUR ACCOUNT!

What to do if you get a virus

I reccomend using AVG Antivirus Free Edition. Its free, and good. You can download it from http://www.grisoft.com. Once you have downloaded the program you should install it and open it up. First, check for updates. Then set it up to how you want to use it.

You should scan your computer regularly. I do mine EVERY night, but you don’t have to do it that much. Once every 4 days should be good, aslong as you scan EVERYTHING you download. To Scan your computer, run AVG Anti-Virus and click on test center. You will then get another menu come up.



Click on the big image next to scan computer for a full computer scan. You can set it up more in the settings for AVG.

Bank Pin
RuneScape now has a feature called "bank pin." Basically this is a 4-digit numbered code like 1024 or something. If you would like to know how to create a bank pin, please visit the Sals Bank Pin Guide by RunescapinRunescaper

Reporting
If you find another RuneScape player breaking the RuneScape Rules, then you can report them. Using the report abuse feature. To use the report abuse feature, you need to click the button under the chat bar:


Then a bar will pop up:

Replace 'Rule Breaker' with the person who has broke one of the rules, and then click on the rule they have broke (offensive language, item scamming, etc)

Then in the chat bar it should say 'Thankyou, your report abuse has been sent' - If it doesnt say that its either because you typed in the name wrong or it has been over 60 seconds since they broke the rule.

The moment you see somebody breaking a rule, you must report them instantly. When you report somebody to Jagex, it sends the last 60 seconds of activity from what the player has been doing. So if the report is sent after sixty seconds they wont see the scamming part.

Security Programs

~Firewall~
For a firewall I reccomend Sygate Personal Firewall. Its great, easy to use. When you first install it every time you load a program etc, it will ask if you want to allow the program to run. If it is a program you know then select allways do this action and click allow. However, If you have never heard of it just click Disallow.

Download Link: ftp://ftp.demon.co.uk/pub/simtelnet/win95/secsys/spf.exe

~AntiVirus~
For a AntiVirus program you should use AVG Antivirus. Its a great program, No annoying questions that pop up that you dont understand. Easy to use, And will destroy all.. Kinda. You need to check for updates regurally, Once in a while it will check automatically but if you dont check yourself then you might get a virus and because AVG isnt updated it wont recognise it, and by the time it automatically checks it could have completely wrecked your pc. So yeh, other than that theres no work to be done at all. It automatically comes on at startup so you dont even need to think about it all the way until shutting your pc down.

Download link: http://grisoft.cz/softw/70/filedir/inst/avg71f_371a676.exe

~Spyware Removal~
For Spyware removal you defaunatly need SpyBot - Search and Destroy. It gets rid of EVERYTHING!

Download Link: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Dest...4-10122137.html
----------------------------------
Another Spyware Remover is Ad-Aware, Needs to be updated reguarally once again though.

Download Link: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...tml?tag=lst-0-2

~Browsers~

Mozilla Firefox is 10 times faster than Internet Explorer and other browsers. It is safer, and better. Trust me.. Use Firefox.

Download Link: http://www.download.mozilla.org/?product=f...&lang=en-GB



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Djpailo's Massive Guide To Security

Ok, before you download anything, make sure you back up your registry onto CD, USB stick etc...

To do this go to start>run>type "regedit" (without the speech marks)>(a box will open)>File>export>save as (make sure "all" is selected underneath, and also make sure you save it on your desktop, then you can transfer it to CD by right clicking the icon and send to CD.)

With all the downloads, make sure you read all the requirements, and that your PC can tolerate the programme. To find out some details about your PC, go to start>run>type "winver" (without the speech marks). Also, go to start>all programmes (optional)>accessories>system information.

If you need another download page, a mirror site, (quite reliable) is found here: Major Geeks

Updating

It is highly important you update you machine. Every first Tuesday of every month, Microsoft release patches which fix any bugs or flaws in your operating system. Windows 2000 users and above can go to Microsoft Update
You should choose "express" option, and it will install all critical updates available. If you are a more experienced user, click "custom" to choose which updates you wish to install. People with Windows 98 or lower must go here and manually search for any updates your PC needs although you may find the automatic way might work for your PC.

Anti Viruses

Anti-Viruses are one of the most important things your computer will ever have. Most remove viruses, worms, and a few trojan horses. A few can remove "bits a pieces" of spyware, but you should not rely on anti-virus software alone to remove spyware. There are 3 main free anti-viruses. Remember you should only use one anti-virus.

AVAST (Version 4.7.1001) (14.15MB to 14.60MB depending on language.)

The user interface is very nice, and it is very simple to use. It has a very good scanning engine, enabling users to scan deep within archives and registry keys looking for viruses.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- Avast
Official Download- Download Avast
Official Requirements- Avast Requirements List

AVG (Version 7.5.472) (17MB)

This anti-virus is made by grisoft. It has a decent user inter-face, but very good protection. Recommended by most runescape fan sites, it is well known for being very easy to use, whilst giving superb protection.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- AVG
Official Download- Download AVG
Official Requirements- AVG Requirements List

*note, that the requirements list for AVG is a PDF file. You will need Adobe reader to view it, or a similar programme.

A-SQUARED (version 3.0) (15.8MB)

This is a relatively unknown anti-virus, but has some decent reports to its name. The user interface is brilliant in my view, and it scans deep within your files. The one downside is that you will need 512MB RAM or more, otherwise it may take while to load up after boot-up.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- A Squared
Official Download- Download A-Squared
Official Requirements- List unknown. Please check download page, and possibly download English help files.

The payable one which I'd go for is Kaspersky. I honestly believe you should not go for Norton or MacAfee. These pieces of software are seriously bloated, and make your PC run much slower despite offering decent protection.

ANTI-VIRUS REMOVAL TOOLS

Here is a list of some common anti-viruses with their removal tools.

W32.sober and variants. here
W32.sasser and variants. here
W32.Beagle.J@mm and variants here
These are just a few. Lots of virus removal tools can be found here: Symantec

You can also just type the virus name (case sensitive) into Google.

You can also find a vast collection of removal tools here

Firewalls

Firewalls tell you who is trying to get into your pc. When you first download the firewall, lots of pop ups will come up telling you certain things are trying to communicate with your PC. Some things are genuine, others are not. If you are unsure, type the process in Google. i.e. "Win Generic Host32.exe" etc. Remember you should one use one firewall.

SYGATE (version 5.6.2808) (5.5MB) *no longer support*

Sygate was recently acquired by Symantec whom own Norton. Due to this, people are saying Sygate will become bloated, but as of yet, it is still one of the best firewalls out there. Because of the takeover by Symantec, all support will be discontinued by Sygate, and the products will not be supported. Symantec claim they will carry on supporting the products, but speculation arouses over this, and that it is the end of a line, for one of the most successful firewalls for personal use.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- Sygate
Official Download- Download Sygate
Official Requirements- Sygate Requirements List

ZONE ALARM (version 7.0) (38.8MB)

This firewall is probably the most well known firewall, however, I feel it lacks ability in wireless networks, it is simpler to understand then Sygate. This firewall has known conflicting issues with Avast anti-virus. It has an excellent user-interface and is brilliant for any novice users out there. Since version 7.0 however, many people have argued that it has become more bloated, but I still recommend it.

Official Homepage- Zone Alarm
Official Download- Download Zone Alarm
Official Requirements- Zone Alarm requirements list

Sunbelt Personal Firewall (version 4.5.916) (6.18MB) (formerly Kerio personal firewall)

This firewall is relatively unknown, but from many computer forums, including neowin, and have heard good reports. It loads up fairly fast, and seems similar to zone alarm in user interface. The firewall has recently been accquired by sunbelt.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- Kerio
Official Download- Download Kerio
Official Requirements- Kerio Requirements List

OUTPOST (Version 1.0.1817) (2.5MB)

Again, this is a relatively unknown firewall, but I have heard a few rumours that it's starting to surface among the big three and a major contender. Whilst being discontinued, it still offers good protection for all, and considering there are few personal firewalls out there, it's worth a mention. It is also the smallest download size out of all the firewalls mentioned, so it will only take about 10-15 minutes on an average dial-up connection.

Official Homepage- Outpost Free version
Official Download- Download Outpost
*Requires registration.

Unofficial Download- Download Outpost
*Does not require registration.

JETICO (Version 1.0) (2.7MB)

Whilst being one of the smallest download size out of all the firewalls, it still offers great protection. Brilliant for dial-up users as this will only take 10 minutes to download. One downside to this firewall is that configuring processes can be a little tricky, and users must remember to save their settings, otherwise it will load up the default settings.

Screenshot:

Official Homepage- Jetico Homepage
Official Download- Download Jetico Personal Firewall
Official Requirements- Jetico Requirements List

Anti-Malware

Malware consists of; spyware, pop-ups, trojan horses and keyloggers. There are only really 3 big free ones, one of which is in the beta phase, meaning it is still buggy. The main thing to remember with these products, is that it is ok to use more than one. They will not interfere with each other like firewalls and anti-viruses. There are also products which prevent malware getting to your PC. These products may have conflicting problems, but I will explain this in greater detail later on in this section if applicable.

AD-AWARE 2007 (version 7.0.14) (17.07MB)

This is probably the best free product you will ever come across. This software is a must, and is probably the best at stopping keyloggers, and it removes tracking cookies very well. Some cookies contain keyloggers and handle personal information, however if you block cookies, you may hamper your browsing experience. The new version comes with many new features, most notably, a new scanning engine that can detect more malware.

Screenshot:

Official Homepage- Ad-Aware se
Official Download- Download Ad-Aware Se
Official Requirements- <a href="http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_2007_sys_req.php%5b/url" target="_blank" title="External Link: 'http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_aware_2007_sys_req.php%5b/url'">*top paragraph*

SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY (version 1.4) (4.89MB)

This is highly recommended and works fabulously well with ad-aware. If ad-aware misses anything, this will be sure to find it. Previous versions had a bug with "DSO exploit" but this big has now been fixed in version 1.4 and the immunization tool works a treat with preventing you going to harmful sites. It also has a tea timer which stops any outgoing and incoming processes, almost like a basic firewall, but do not use this as your firewall.

screenshot: <a href="http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spybotsearchanddestroy0hw.png" target="_blank" title="External Link: 'http://img14.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spybotsearchanddestroy0hw.png'"></a>

Official Homepage- Spybot Search and Destroy</a>
Official Download- [url=http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html]Download Spybot Search and Destroy
Official Requirements- Spybot Search and Destroy Requirements List*scroll down to view*

Note, if you use the tea Timer in this tool, these is a bug, when a pop up message comes up from the tea timer, part of the text is not visible, this can be fixed by reading the bug fix here

WINDOWS DEFENDER (Version 1.1.1593) (4.95MB)

This is very good, in that it has a built in feature which also prevents spyware. This software used to be owned by GIANT, but as the company went bust, Microsoft brought the company and brought the rights of their products and put their name on the product. One major downside to this product, is that it's only available for Windows XP sp-2 and above. I highly recommend this product to anyone that meets the requirements. It's protection also works in the background, so you do not have to worry about manually starting the product.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- Microsoft Homepage
Official Download- Download Windows Defender
Official Requirements- Windows Defender requirements list

WEBROOT SPY SWEEPER (Version 5.5)

This is a brilliant anti-spyware, which also comes free with preventing spyware getting into your PC too. However, you have to pay for the updates, you can only download it on trial, but you should download it once every few months because it always finds something the other anti-malwares miss. You can buy it if you want though, I would recommend it. Unfortunately, the trial has been removed, and you must buy the product. I still recommend it, because it really does seem to find spyware that other anti-spyware products miss.

Official homepage- Webroot Spyware sweeper homepage
Official download- Download spyware sweeper
Official Requirements- Webroot anti-spyware requirements list
*scroll down to see the requirements.

ANTI-MALWARE REMOVAL TOOLS

*use these removal tools to remove anti-malware*

Look2me removal tool
SysProtect Remover removal tool
Virtumonde removal tool
SpywareStrike 2.5 removal tool
CoolWebSeach removal tool
Click2FindNow (or I-Lookup) removal tool
Spy axe removal tool (also removes SpySheriff, PSGuard and WinHound)
WildTangent Removal tool
lop.com removal tool

CWSHREDDER (version 2.19)

This product sweeps your computer clean for the most annoying spyware ever created "Cool Web Search" and variants. It is highly useful, but not very necessary if you don't have much malware. Ideally, you only need to scan with this product once a month. The product was owned and created by merijn, but has since been brought by another company; intermute and then trend micro, but thankfully it has been kept free of charge.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- Trend Micro
Official Download- Download CWShredder.
Official Requirements- CWShredder Requirements List

PREVENTING SPYWARE

Javacool, provide two products, which do not interfere with each other, or any products mentioned above, and they stop spyware. Highly recommended because they both work in the background and other superb protection in blocking malware of all kinds. I just use Spyware Blaster, but you can use both, if you prefere.

Spyware Blaster and Spyware Guard

screenshot:

Official Homepage- JavaCool
Official Download- Download list
Official Requirements- unknown. Should be compatible with Windows 2000 and above. Windows 98 may be compatible, and Windows 95 users must check.

AROVAX SHIELD (version 2.1.103) (1.91MB)

Another product that is top quality is called Arovax shield. Despite being relatively unknown, and thus on a rogue spyware list because of uncertainty (but recently de-listed), this programme is similar to spyware blaster, and has no conflicting problems that I am aware of. It also works in the background. I currently use it, and have thus had no problems or sudden malware. It used very little memory resources, so is an ideal solution, especially with computers that have low RAM and a small CPU processor. Recently updated to version 2, it now provides blocking for customers using the Opera browser. This should be used as an alternative to the tea timer provided on Spybot, if you have under 512MB RAM.

Screenshot:

Official Homepage- Arovax Homepage
Official Download- Arovax Shield Download
Official Requirements- Arovax Shield Requirements

Anti Root-kit software

Root-Kits are nasty peice of programmes that may dwell deep within your registry (thats where all the infomation about your computer is stored). They cannot be removed by anti-malware products, but here are a list of products that can scan and remove them for you. I suggest using one of these programmes about once a month for ultimate protection.

TREND MICRO ROOTKIT BUSTER (version 1.6 Beta) (1.91MB)

This is probably the most well known anti-root kit software. Operated by Trend Micro, it will remove many rootkits that may dwell within your computer. I recommend downloading it, and scanning with it once a month. It has a simple user interface, so its not too hard to use either. You may be worried that its in beta phase, but similar to when Windows Defender used to be in beta, this is a programme you need.

Screenshot:

Official Homepage- Trend Micro Rootkit Buster Homepage
Official Download- Trend Micro Rootkit Buster Download
Official Requirements- list unknown

SOPHOS ANTI-ROOTKIT (version 1.3) (1.10MB)

Another excellent utility to remove Rootkits. It has a very simple user-interface, and does a thorough scan of the enitre computer. Used in conjuction with Trend's Anti-Rookit buster, you should be clean of most rootkits out there.

Screenshot:

Official Homepage- Sophos Homepage
Official Download- Sophos Anti-Rootkit Download
*requires reigstration

Official Download- Sophos Anti-Rootkit Download
*does not require registration

Official Requirements- Sophos Anti-Rootkit requirements

Cleaners

Cleaners will clean out your cache, i.e. your temporary files which you have downloaded of the internet. These also include cookies and images. Quite useful, may make your browser go slightly faster, but the first scan with them will increase your hard drive space.

EasyCleaner (version 2.0.6.380) (2.81MB)

This product extensively searches the registry for invalid keys and is fabulous to use with CCleaner (see below), to really clean your registry. It can also find duplicate files on your computer, and run uninstallers for products. I Highly recommend this product, due to its simple user interface and a great utility programme overall.

Screenshot-

Official Homepage- Official Homepage of EasyCleaner
Official Download- Download EasyCleaner Now!
Official Requirements- Official Requirements for EasyCleaner

CCLEANER (version 1.40.520) (1.43MB)

CCleaner, a.k.a crap cleaner, is probably the best at doing this. It will also find invalid registry keys. I have never ever had any problems deleting registry keys it finds. I highly recommend this product. Its highly efficient scanning engine means that it is an effective solution at "tidying" up your machine.

screenshot:

Official Homepage- CCleaner
Official Download- Download CCleaner
Official Requirements- Requirements list unknown. I can't find a list of requirements anywhere. An alternative list of requirements, which is unofficial is found here

Unfortunately, I have never come across a product which even comes close to this one. A lot of cleaners, which are specified to clean registry keys, are highly dangerous.

USEFUL LINKS

<a href="http://www.pchell.com/%5bPC%20Hell%5b/url" target="_blank"> A great site with tons of removal instructions for malware and spyware. Check here first if you ever need to remove anything. Very easy-going instructions to for beginners.

Merijn: A great source of information and fixes and provides links to many useful downloads. This is the creator of hijack-this, a product which is used in computer forums to solve extreme spyware. Hijack-this scans your PC for processes and provides a list. Do not use this programme. It is for advanced users only.

Process Library: Processes keep viruses and spyware running. To see a list of your processes, press Ctrl>Alt>delete at the same time. This will bring your task manager up quickly and will show your current processes. Write them in this site to find out what they are and if they should be stopped. Remember that all processes are case sensitive.

Sophos- This site provides an extended list of viruses, worms and trojans horses. It won't tell you how to remove them, other then buy their products, but will give you lots of information on what you are dealing with. You can then type the virus in Google to get more information on it.

Neowin- This is a brilliant site, concerning everything to do with computers. If you need computer help, a quick browse in their forums is a great idea.

<a href="http://jreece.com/tune-up" target="_blank" title="External Link: 'http://jreece.com/tune-up'">Make your PC faster</a>- This guide by Jreece is a brilliant guide in cleaning and making your PC faster. I highly recommend reading this guide.

There are also other alternative browsers which you could use. Firefox and Netscape. Firefox uses a totally different engine from internet explorer to load webpages. Thus the pages may look different. However, pages load much faster in Firefox and Mozilla were the first company to introduce tabbed browsing. Netscape used Firefoxs' engine, and their latest browser is stunning. They have a cool feature of using Internet Explorer's engine, and Mozilla's (who make Firefox) engine. They have a small icon on the bottom left, so you can easily switch between the two. The downside with Netscape, is that you may have to download other junk with it, and the download is much bigger then Firefox.

I hope this guide was useful to you. It took nearly 3 hours to make and find all the links. Use it wisely. This guide has been written by DJpailo, and was not copied (except copying from old forums to new forums;)). The information was gathered after good experience with security over the internet.

DJpailo

Latest update to the guide was adding version numbers and adding download sizes for conveniance.

update: added colour to the text lol, adding "updating" section, adding new programmes

update: new section added "anti-malware removal tools". New link added to links section.

DJpailo



______________________________________________________________________________




Naota's Computer Maintenance Guide

<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->
< NOTE: All screen shots are taken from Windows XP Pro. >
<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->

If your computer has been running slower then it used from the time that you perchased it, you might want to view this guide. The most trouble people will have with spy-ware and ad-ware is not removing it. Even though they know how (atleast in my experience).

Computer Maintenance
(for Ad/Spy-ware removal and protection, scroll down to the Orange text).

(WINDOWS USERS):
Sometimes your computer will run more slowly if it just hasn't been maintained the correct way. So the first step to take to speed your computer up would be to preform a Defragment and a Disc Clean up. Depending on your hard-drive size and speed, A Defragment could take from 30 minutes, to 3 days; so it's best to only defrag if you can leave your computer running for awhile. Where is the Disc Defragment you say?



From here you can either choose Analize, or Defragment. (Windows 95/98/SE users will have a much different window. Just click "Defragment" to defrag. By clicking 'Details' you can accually see what it's doing. I don't know why they removed that for XP). Once you start this, you can stop it any time you want.



If you have a 400gigabite hard-drive it could take up to 5 days. 10 gigabite could take up to a few hours.

<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->

Disc Clean up it just above Disc Defragment. Atleast it should be...


When loading this tool, you may notice it will get stuck. Don't worry, it's still working, just that part of your hard-drive has more files on it.

Okay now be sure to check everything you want deleted, and then click "Next" (note: it will totally wipe out the area you are clearing. Be sure there is nothing you want when you delete it). This step could also take some time.


<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->

You may also notice a slow start-up. One way to fix that would be open the MSConfigurations and edit them like this: )Once you have typed "msconfig" click "Okay").



Besure to click the "Start-up" tab. Then, click Disable All and then choose the items you want to start on a start-up. Your computer will start up just fine if nothing is selected. But I also must say your computer might have some anti-virus, or firewall that starts up. Be sure to identify that and check it off (meaning it will start when your computer starts up). After you click "Apply" and then "Okay" it will prompt you with a question. Restart or not? It doesn't matter but to be on the safe side you should restart.



<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->

<-------------------//-------------------><-------------------//------------------->

SPYWARE/ADWARE PROTECTION & REMOVAL

For Spy/Ad-ware removal and protection we will be working with these programs

• Ad-Aware (Free)
• Spybot (Free)
• A Squared (1 Month Free)
• PeerGuardian 2 (Free)
• FireFox (Free)

First things first. Lets tell you what each one does and how it can help you!

Ad-Aware
Wait a sec, Ad-aware? Isn't that INSTALLING Ad-ware on my computer? No it's not! Ad-aware scans your entire hard-drive for ad-ware and some spy-ware. Hence "Ad-Aware". Aware for ad-ware. It is free so you can get updates when-ever you wish. Very simple user interface. Try to update ALTEAST once a week.
Download: Download.com

Spybot - Search & Destroy
This will run through your hard-drive and registry. This program is very powerful when it cleans your computer so I recommend you use the "Back-up" feature before you scan your computer. Also it can block pop-ups with its Immunize feature.
Download: Download.com

A Squared
I would have to give this one 5/5. Meaning it's the best one of all three spyware/adware removals mentioned in this Guide. While updating itself without interupting you, It will scan you computer for ad/spy-ware, trojans, worms, and other nasty hax. It will block pop-ups, attempted trojans invations (like opening your CD-Drive, forcing your homepage change, and opening a notepad). Top notch. All this is soooo good, and the one downside is you get one month free and requires email activation.
Download: Emsisoft.com

[font=ArialPeer Guardianbfont]
Peer Guardian is a nifty little program. It will block incoming and outgoing IP Adresses that are owned by Ad sites, Spyware sites, Government sites, P2P Sites, and Educational sites. Advanced users can create their own block-lists. As you can see it blocks P2P sites, meaning if your going to use this, and a p2p program that's not torrents, it will either run slow, or not run at all. This also blocks ads on websites (oh my gosh! F2P with no ads?! It's true!). But you have to becareful when you use this. If "<b>Block HTTP" is on, it will block sites like MSN and Yahoo because it's trying to place cookies on your computer, or just has tons of ads. So if you try to access a website and its not working, be sure to turn "Block HTTP" off. Here is a screen shot of settings if you just want it to block non-website (rouge) connetions to your computer.

Download: PhoenixLabs.org

Mozilla Firefox
This is an alternative web-browser for Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, Safari, and whatever else there is. This is the best there is (in my opinion and meny others) and we think all others should be deleted. This is a very, very good browser. It will block pop-ups, show missing installations, and much more. "It's the safest browzer on the web". It supportes Tabbed windows (like Netscape) and you can drag the current website to the bar below the URL bar! (like Safari). Customizable skins and you can import your settings from Internet Explorer and Netscape (Bookmarks too).
Download: Mozilla.com


______________________________________________________________________________

Drok's Computer Guide


Contents:-If you want to skip to a certain section, you can also use CTRL+F here!

• How to find simple things about your computer.
• PC Components and you.
• Windows Tips 'n' Tricks

How to find your computer specs.

This will run you through some simple steps to find out details about your Computer hardware.
All of this was taken from Twin's guide, with help from Naota.

[/size]CPU & RAM:
Right-click "My Computer" and click properties. That should bring you up to something like this:



Make sure you have the "General" tab selected.

Another way to find your Processor or CPU is to right-click "My Computer" and click "Manage." Click "Device Manager" and then click "Processor."



Video:

Right-click "My Computer" and click properties. Then click the "Hardware" tab. Then click "Device Manager."



Then expand the "Display Drivers" list by click the + next to it.



By Twin4819 and Naota.



PC Components and You.

We're going to run through the basic components of a computer now.

Welcome.
Let's get straight to business. A computer is like a woman. It has a mother(board), a graphics card (something to look at), the sound card (voice box. Note: No off switch included in woman version of sound card), a CPU or Processor (the brain) and a memory module (Which remembers everything short term. Such as "Did you put the trash out?". Only the PC version is "Did you defragment your C:\?". RAM is included in the memory module).
Now, as confusing as that was, it was humorous. So in summary, so far:
System Unit =

• Motherboard
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• CPU (Central Processing Unit, also known as Processor)
  
• Memory Module
• Hard Drive

The Motherboard
The Motherboard basically holds everything together. It's the base platform that all components of the computer are attached to. The motherboard is lined with things called Integrated Circuits (IC). These are like microscopic pathways that are capable of carrying elecrical current. Each IC can contain millions of elements of elements, such as transistors. Transistors act like electronic switches, that open or close the circuit for electronic signals.

Graphics Cards
The graphics card is used to handle the GUI, and the other images you see on your computer. Without your video card, you wouldn't be able to see what I'm typing right now.
The video card defines how quickly your computer renders images (how fast they load), and basically tell the CPU which pixels to light up, and in which colour, to let you see what you want.
The problem with some Video cards is that they aren't compatible with certain processors, or less compatible.

Sound Card

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the most important chip on the Motherboard. It interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.
The CPU significantly impacts the overall computing power of your PC, and manages most of the computer's operations. It contains the control unit, and the arithmetic/logic unit.

Memory Module
During processing, the processor places instructions to be executed and data needed by those instructions, into memory.
Memory stores three basic items:

• The operating system and other system software that control usage of PC equipment.
• Applications that carry out specific tasks, like word processing.
• Data being processed by apps (applications)

Random Access Memory, or RAM for short, consists of memory chips that can be read from and written to by the CPU and other devices. When the computer is booted up, the certain OS files load from things like the Hard Drive into RAM. These remain in the RAM whilst the computer is powered on.
The processor interprets the data that is in RAM. During this period, the contents of the RAM may change.
Most RAM is volatile, meaning it loses the data content when the power is turned off.

The cache is also included in the Memory module. The cache basically stores frequently used instructions and steps. This means the processor can call on these to make processing in a computer, faster.When the CPU needs an instruction, or data, to complete a task, it first searches the cache. This means it has the opportunity of completing a task faster, if it has been done before. Kind of like a human does, eh?

Hard Drive
To summarise the Hard Drive, basically it stores data.


<More coming. Please add your two cents worth if it can complete this guide. I've covered everything I can.>

Written by Jakerius.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Tips 'n' Tricks
Note: Where it says "Open up the Registry, you can do this by going Start -> Run and typing in 'regedit'.

Speed up browsing of Windows 2000 and XP Computers.
Open up the Registry and go to :
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace
Under that branch, select the key :
{D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}
and delete it.
This is key that instructs Windows to search for Scheduled Tasks. If you like you may want to export the exact branch so that you can restore the key if necessary.


Make your folders private
- Open My Computer
- Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive (C:), unless you have more than one drive on your computer).
- If the contents of the drive are hidden, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.
- Double-click the Documents and Settings folder.
- Double-click your user folder.
- Right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.
- On the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.

Reset Password disk
Useful if you forget your password and need to access your PC.
- Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click User Accounts.
- Click your account name.
- Under Related Tasks, click Prevent a forgotten password.
- Follow the directions in the Forgotten Password Wizard to create a password reset disk.
- Store the disk in a secure location, because anyone using it can access your local user account.

Disable CD Autorun
- Click Start, Run and enter GPEDIT.MSC
- Go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System.
- Locate the entry for Turn autoplay off and modify it as you desire.

Change IE title bar
Open regedit (Start -> Run -> regedit)
In regedit navigate to this key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Microsoft -> Internet Explorer -> Main
change the value of the string "Window Title" to whatever you want on the title bar of Internet Explorer - to have no title except the title of the web pages you are browsing do not enter anything for a value.
Note: I couldn't find this on Windows Home, but I found the reg entry on Windows XP Professional. Also, from this folder you can change several things to do with IE, such as if IE displays the Status (loading) bar or not etc.

Editing the "Send To" Menu
First open - X:\Documents and Settings\username\SendTo (it is hidden) where X is your drive letter and username is your username make and delete shortcuts to folders and devices at will.

Keyboard shortcuts
Copy. CTRL+C
Cut. CTRL+X
Paste. CTRL+V
Undo. CTRL+Z
Delete. DELETE
Delete selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin. SHIFT+DELETE
Copy selected item. CTRL while dragging an item
Create shortcut to selected item. CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item
Rename selected item. F2
Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word. CTRL+RIGHT ARROW
Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word. CTRL+LEFT ARROW
Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph. CTRL+DOWN ARROW
Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph. CTRL+UP ARROW
Highlight a block of text. CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys
Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document. SHIFT with any of the arrow keys
Select all. CTRL+A
Search for a file or folder. F3
View properties for the selected item. ALT+ENTER
Close the active item, or quit the active program. ALT+F4
Opens the shortcut menu for the active window. ALT+SPACEBAR
Close the active document in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously. CTRL+F4
Switch between open items. ALT+TAB
Cycle through items in the order they were opened. ALT+ESC
Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop. F6
Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer. F4
Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. SHIFT+F10
Display the System menu for the active window. ALT+SPACEBAR
Display the Start menu. CTRL+ESC
Display the corresponding menu. ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name
Carry out the corresponding command. Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu
Activate the menu bar in the active program. F10
Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu. RIGHT ARROW
Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu. LEFT ARROW
Refresh the active window. F5
View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer. BACKSPACE
Cancel the current task. ESC
SHIFT when you insert a CD into the CD-ROM drive Prevent the CD from automatically playing.


Use these keyboard shortcuts for dialog boxes:

Move forward through tabs. CTRL+TAB
Move backward through tabs. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB
Move forward through options. TAB
Move backward through options. SHIFT+TAB
Carry out the corresponding command or select the corresponding option. ALT+Underlined letter
Carry out the command for the active option or button. ENTER
Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box. SPACEBAR
Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons. Arrow keys
Display Help. F1
Display the items in the active list. F4
Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box. BACKSPACE

If you have a Microsoft Natural Keyboard, or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key and the Application key , you can use these keyboard shortcuts:

Display or hide the Start menu.
Display the System Properties dialog box. +BREAK
Show the desktop. +D
Minimize all windows. +M
Restores minimized windows. +Shift+M
Open My Computer. +E
Search for a file or folder. +F
Search for computers. CTRL+ +F
Display Windows Help. +F1
Lock your computer if you are connected to a network domain, or switch users if you are not connected to a network domain. + L
Open the Run dialog box. +R
Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
Open Utility Manager. +U

Helpful accessibility keyboard shortcuts:

Switch FilterKeys on and off. Right SHIFT for eight seconds
Switch High Contrast on and off. Left ALT +left SHIFT +PRINT SCREEN
Switch MouseKeys on and off. Left ALT +left SHIFT +NUM LOCK
Switch StickyKeys on and off. SHIFT five times
Switch ToggleKeys on and off. NUM LOCK for five seconds
Open Utility Manager. +U

Keyboard shortcuts you can use with Windows Explorer:

Display the bottom of the active window. END
Display the top of the active window. HOME
Display all subfolders under the selected folder. NUM LOCK+ASTERISK on numeric keypad (*)
Display the contents of the selected folder. NUM LOCK+PLUS SIGN on numeric keypad (+)
Collapse the selected folder. NUM LOCK+MINUS SIGN on numeric keypad (-)
Collapse current selection if it's expanded, or select parent folder. LEFT ARROW
Display current selection if it's collapsed, or select first subfolder. RIGHT ARROW

Add sound to Windows events
To turn on the Windows XP default sound scheme, follow these directions:

Single-click the Start menu.
Single-click the Control Panel.
Single-click the Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices icon.
Single-click the Sounds and Audio Devices icon or the text labeled "Change the sound scheme."
Make sure you're on the Sound tab and locate the pull-down menu under Sound scheme.
Select the Windows Default option and press Apply. Windows will ask you if you want to save the previous sound scheme. Since there wasn't a sound scheme already loaded, just choose No.

If you look under the text labeled "Program events," you'll be able to sample your new sounds or customize them with your own. Read Customize Events Sounds if you'd like to learn how to do this yourself.

How to cheat in Minesweeper!

- Start Minesweeper,
- Type "xyzzy" without the quotes,
- Hit Shift and Enter at the same time,
- Minimize all application windows that hide the desktop. The uppermost pixel in the top left corner of your desktop will turn black when you mouse over a mine, and white when it's safe to click.

Note: Decrease your resolution to make the pixel bigger, thus easier to see.

If you have any questions about these, feel free to ask.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


101 Run Commands!

101 run commands (Start -> Run)


Accessibility Controls
access.cpl
Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs
appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools
control admintools
Automatic Updates
wuaucpl.cpl
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard
fsquirt
Calculator
calc
Certificate Manager
certmgr.msc
Character Map
charmap
Check Disk Utility
chkdsk
Clipboard Viewer
clipbrd
Command Prompt
cmd
Component Services
dcomcnfg
Computer Management
compmgmt.msc
Date and Time Properties
timedate.cpl
DDE Shares
ddeshare
Device Manager
devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel (If Installed)*
directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter
dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility
cleanmgr
Disk Defragment
dfrg.msc
Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc
Disk Partition Manager
diskpart
Display Properties
control desktop
Display Properties
desk.cpl
Display Properties (w/Appearance Tab Preselected)
control color
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility
drwtsn32
Driver Verifier Utility
verifier
Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc
File Signature Verification Tool
sigverif
Findfast
findfast.cpl
Folders Properties
control folders
Fonts
control fonts
Fonts Folder
fonts
Free Cell Card Game
freecell
Game Controllers
joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor (XP Prof)
gpedit.msc
Hearts Card Game
mshearts
Iexpress Wizard
iexpress
Indexing Service
ciadv.msc
Internet Properties
inetcpl.cpl
IP Configuration (Display Connection Configuration)
ipconfig /all
IP Configuration (Display DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /displaydns
IP Configuration (Delete DNS Cache Contents)
ipconfig /flushdns
IP Configuration (Release All Connections)
ipconfig /release
IP Configuration (Renew All Connections)
ipconfig /renew
IP Configuration (Refreshes DHCP & Re-Registers DNS)
ipconfig /registerdns
IP Configuration (Display DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /showclassid
IP Configuration (Modifies DHCP Class ID)
ipconfig /setclassid
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
jpicpl32.cpl
Java Control Panel (If Installed)
javaws
Keyboard Properties
control keyboard
Local Security Settings
secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out Of Windows
logoff
Microsoft Chat
winchat
Minesweeper Game
winmine
Mouse Properties
control mouse
Mouse Properties
main.cpl
Network Connections
control netconnections
Network Connections
ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard
netsetup.cpl
Notepad
notepad
Nview Desktop Manager (If Installed)
nvtuicpl.cpl
Object Packager
packager
ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbccp32.cpl
On Screen Keyboard
osk
Opens AC3 Filter (If Installed)
ac3filter.cpl
Password Properties
password.cpl
Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc
Performance Monitor
perfmon
Phone and Modem Options
telephon.cpl
Power Configuration
powercfg.cpl
Printers and Faxes
control printers
Printers Folder
printers
Private Character Editor
eudcedit
Quicktime (If Installed)
QuickTime.cpl
Regional Settings
intl.cpl
Registry Editor
regedit
Registry Editor
regedit32
Remote Desktop
mstsc
Removable Storage
ntmsmgr.msc
Removable Storage Operator Requests
ntmsoprq.msc
Resultant Set of Policy (XP Prof)
rsop.msc
Scanners and Cameras
sticpl.cpl
Scheduled Tasks
control schedtasks
Security Center
wscui.cpl
Services
services.msc
Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows
shutdown
Shutdown Windows in 30 seconds
shutdown -s
Abort Shutdown
shutdown -a
Sounds and Audio
mmsys.cpl
Spider Solitare Card Game
spider
SQL Client Configuration
cliconfg
System Configuration Editor
sysedit
System Configuration Utility
msconfig
System File Checker Utility (Scan Immediately) (Requires XP CD. Very useful)
sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility (Scan Once At Next Boot)
sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility (Scan On Every Boot)
sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility (Return to Default Setting)
sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility (Purge File Cache)
sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility (Set Cache Size to size x)
sfc /cachesize=x
System Properties
sysdm.cpl
Task Manager
taskmgr
Telnet Client
telnet
User Account Management
nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager
utilman
Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl
Windows Magnifier
magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure
wmimgmt.msc
Windows System Security Tool
syskey
Windows Update Launches
wupdmgr
Windows XP Tour Wizard
tourstart
Wordpad
write

So there you go. A little bit of this, a little bit of that.

Queen Missy's Guide on Reformatting


A guide on how to reformat your hard drive





Introduction

So... you want to reformat your hard drive? Is your computer always laggy and coming up with missing dll errors? Or is it because you can’t get rid of that stuborn virus? Well if you are yearning for a fresh start than this is the option for you.

What ever the case maybe, I must warn you that reformatting is a very long and difficult process and that it should only be a last resort to solving any of your computer problems. In addition to that I would like to remind you that all your data which includes documents, music, videos, etc will all be deleted so remember to back them up.

Ok! Now if I haven't scared you guys too much, lets begin!

What you will need

You must have the following items before you start:

• Windows Operating System installation CD
  (normally comes with your computer when you bought it)
• Microsoft Office CD with a valid product key
• Device drivers
• Back up files

Outline

Just for your knowledge, this is what you'll technically be doing to your hard drive when you follow the 8 steps below

• Deleting all data on the hard drive
• Installing Windows Operating System
• Installing Microsoft Office

Steps

1. Back up all your data
2. Audit your current PC setup
3. Set your BIOS to boot from CDROM
4. Boot from Windows OS installation CD
5. Install missing drivers
6. Install Microsoft Office
7. Restore back up data
8. Update Windows

1. Back up all your data

Reformatting will wipe away all your data. Therefore it is wise to save all your data on a CD, external hard drive or a separate partition of your hard drive.

These data include:

• My Documents
  (music, pictures, videos, etc..)
• Favourites/Bookmarks
• Program Setup's
  (SwiftSwitch, Mozilla FireFox, Ad-Aware, etc..)
• Device Drivers
  (These are usually found on the CDs that came with your hardware. If you don’t have these the alternative is to download them from their manufacturer’s website. Most drivers, utilities and troubleshooting materials are usually posted under the support section).
• Anything that you will need!

2. Audit your current PC setup

Just as an extra precautionary step to backing up the data, it is good to take note of all the hardware devices that are running. To get the brand and model of these devices, follow these steps:

Method 1

1. Click Start, Click Control Panel
2. Click Systems, Tab Hardware, Click Device Manager
3. Print Screen, then print out a hard copy or save it for reference

Method 2

1. Download free Belarc Advisor ( a utility that will create a report detailing your system, its installed hardware components, software applications and serial numbers)
2. Run a report and print it out for reference

Method 3

1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories
2. Point to System Tools and select System Information
3. Expand Componets to identify the devices

3. Set your BIOS to boot from CDROM

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer
2. Hit the F10 button or any key that enters the BIOS
3. In the BIOS menu, enter the Boot Sequence from the Advanced BIOS option
4. Select CD-ROM to be the first boot up device and HARD DISK to be second
5. Save settings and exit the BIOS

The next time you restart your PC it will boot up from the CD drive.

4. Boot from Windows OS installation CD

The reason why it was important to do Step 3 'Set you BIOS to boot from CDROM' is because it is not possible to run the Windows installation from Windows itself. The aim is to delete the C: drive partition where Windows is installed and re-format it. It's not possible to do this if Windows is booted from the C: drive because it can not delete the partition from which it is running.

To boot from the Windows OS installation CD follow the following steps:

1. Insert Windows OS installation disk into the CD drive
2. Restart computer
3. Follow the prompts and a blue screen will appear (If you get stuck, switch off and on again to re-boot. You may have to do this several times)
4. Press ESC to bypass the repair and install a fresh copy
5. Delete the current partition where Windows is installed
6. Create a new partition
7. The next window will show the format options:
   Format the partition by using the NTFS file system (quick)
   Format the partition by using the FAT32 file system (quick)
   Format the partition by using the NTFS file system <--- Select
   Format the partition by using the FAT32 file system
   Leave the current file system intact (No Changes)
8. Follow the remaining prompts to fill in your Region, Language, Keyboard, Time Zone, EULAgreement, Computer Name, Computer Description, Password, Network and you are done!

5. Install missing drivers

Once you get Windows XP up and running, there is a chance that not everything will be working well. It may be hard for you to print, connect to the net or listen to music. To see what's wrong, go to the device manager:

1. Click Start, Click Control Panel
2. Click Systems, Tab Hardware
3. Click Device Manager

It might end up looking this like this:

The yellow question mark indicates that Windows knows that the hardware exist but does not know how to control it. To fix this, insert each driver CD and install the appropriate software that is needed for each of these devices.

If you are finding that you don't have certain drivers then the list that you printed out in Step 2 will help you out. Log onto a different computer and use the net to download these drivers from their manufacturer's website. Most drivers, utilities and troubleshooting materials are usually posted under the support section. Drivers are normally readily available for download, a useful website is DriverGuide. Once you've found them, download the drivers, burn them onto a CD and then proceed to install them onto your own computer.

The two paragraph above was there to prepare you for the worst case senario. In actual fact if you bought a manufactured computer (i.e. Dell, Compaq, Hp, etc) chances are, there is a CD which contains all your drivers and all you would have to do is run that CD and everything will be restored. If you are really lucky most of your devices will be plug and play which means that they will be detected automatically and will work automatically.

6. Install Microsoft Office

Insert Microsoft Office CD into your computer and follow the prompts. When you are asked for the product key enter in the numbers/letters that is found on the CD case.

7. Restore backup data

• Install all antiviral software, firewalls, and security programs first
  (Absolute must before going on to the net)
• Run setup of all other programs
• Copy all your data from your back up CDs

8. Update Windows

As soon as you get onto the net go to Windows Update and patch things up so that everything is up to date and secure. Another thing that is worth updating is your Java software.

9. Congratulate yourself!

You now have a fresh, clean computer!




Reformatting wizards make life a lot easier by reformatting your computer without you having to delete partitions, create new partitions and re-install drivers. Reformatting wizards will restore your computer to its original state as you first bought it.

The reason why I have put this down here instead of having it as the first option is because not everyone gets this option. If your computer did come with a reformatting wizard CD which would probably be called something like 'QuickRestore System Recovery CD' then I would highly recommend that you to use this CD to reformat your computer instead.

Similar rules apply when you use the QuickRestore CD

1. Back up ur data
2. Audit your current PC setup
3. Set your BIOS to boot from CDROM
4. Boot from QuickRestore CD
5. Install Microsoft Office
6. Restore back up data
7. Update Windows

This should restore your computer to the factory image.




This section is for Q&A. Feel free to post a sensible question or if you want to give an answer make sure u got the right information. If u are unsure, don't post. Any constructive criticism will be appreciated. If u got tips on reformatting I’ll be more than happy to add them.

Question
Where do I go for more help?

Answer
For more help, post in this thread and me or a Techie will try and help you out. Please refrain from pm’ing me for help on reformatting as my inbox is always bursting and I’m not always here on slams. Having said that post here and we’ll all try to help u out. Everyone else who reads this thread is also welcome to help out, but if u do please post good solid useful information.

For more information visit Windows Reinstall. This site contains step by step pictures of Reinstalling Windows.

Question
I have a virus and I don’t know what to do. Should I Reformat my computer?

Answer
No. Reformatting will get rid of your virus but it should be your last option. Reformatting is a very lengthy and tiresome process. Try using anti-virus programs to remove it first.

Question
How often is reformatting done?

Answer
If you are finding that you are doing it more than once a year than you should really go and buy some decent anti-virus programs. The average user might need to reformat every 2 – 3 years.

Question
How do I know what file system I have on my hard drive?

Answer
Under Windows XP there are two file systems: NTFS and FAT32. To figure out which one you have, double click the My computer icon on the desktop and right click on your C: Drive and choose Properties. Look for the “File system” entry. It’ll either say NTFS or FAT32.

Question
I've done everything you've said but i do not get the option of booting from the CD. It just takes me back to my normal Windows log in.

Answer
I would just like to point out that Windows OS Installation CD is different from Microsoft Office XP Professional. The Windows OS Installation CD normally comes with your computer free of charge (You may not need a product key to use it). You need this CD to perform the reformatting. If you have used the Microsoft Office XP Professional instead then don't worry as you have not done anything to your hard drive.

Question
Why did you recommmend to format the the partition by using the NTFS file system?

Answer
NTFS is safer and more secure than the others. If your computer is going to be sharing files over a network with A Windows ME, 98 or 95 computer select FAT32 otherwise choose NTFS. (FAT32 was used on Windows Me and 98 was an evolution of the FAT system used on Windows 95). If the drive is brand new and has never been used before then use one of the options that end in “Quick” otherwise proceed with NTFS.

Question
I reboot, the CD runs and then i get a black screen. What is happening?

Answer
The black screen you are seeing is MS DOS. Leave the CD in and re-boot (turn off the computer, then turn on). If the same things happen, then reboot. You may have to do this a couple of times before the CD kicks in.



_______________________________________________________________________


Kaze's Interior Hardware Installation & Configuration Guide

Kaze's Interior Hardware Installation & Configuration Guide
The Ultimate Interior Hardware Installation and Configuration Source (v6.1)

Here, I will be posting useful guides to help all you computer owners achieve maximum performance from your computers. Upgrading, adding, decreasing or fixing, you can find it all here at Kaze's Interior Hardware Guide! All of the below guides were written by Kaze of Sals Realm of Runescape, unless otherwise noted. (Approved by Salmoneus.) Don't forget to check my signature to see the newest upcoming guide! Also, feel free to PM me if there's a part of the guide you do not understand and would like a further explanation of. You can also post it in this topic.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before using my guides, I recommend searching on Google for a more professionally written guide on what you need, after all, I'm not a professional computer engineer so my guides aren't perfect. I am not responsible for any errors or damage you may cause to your computer while using this guide. Do not mess around with anything inside the computer that you don't know about. Once again, I am not responsible, and I suggest using a more professionally written guide if you don't trust this one. I also recommend reading the guide over first, and not following it step by step along with what you're doing first. Read it over and make sure you're capable of doing everything it says to do. The guides below were created for the sole purpose of helping people install hardware into their computers and must not be copied or posted anywhere else but Sals Realm of Runescape Forums without my permission. Good luck, enjoy the guides and follow the steps carefully!.

All guides are labelled with a time consumption level (5mins+), a list of materials needed and a difficulty level (1-10/10).
Difficulty: 1-3 = Beginner Level Procedure, 4-7 = Intermediate Level Procedure, 8-10 = Advanced Level Procedure




Installing a New Graphic Card
Difficulty: 7/10
Time Consumption: 30mins - 60mins
Materials Needed: A graphic card you'd like to install, a screw driver for opening the computer case and screwing the card in/out

Ok, if you're trying to install a new graphic card you're just purchased, it's simple, if you've opened a computer before that is. Ok, so you've ran to the store, picked up the latest graphic card you could find, slapped a wad of cash on the counter, ran out the door and ran home, raging to install the card and start gaming. But wait, how do you do it? That's why I'm here; to help you on your quest of installing that card!
Ok, before you even look at this guide, I can't stress it enough. USE THE MANUAL THAT CAME WITH THE CARD BEFORE YOU USE THIS GUIDE. The only reason you should be using this guide is if your guide is too confusing. So, take the card out of the box carefully and place it on a flat surface. NOT carpet. The static of the carpet can fry the card and destroy it completely. I suggest a kitchen counter or a thick wooden table.
Take out the power cord from the computer before opening the computer case. Now, don't even think about opening that computer case without grounding yourself. This means touch something metal, e.g a metal case or poll, to make sure you have no static. You have to do this because one slight shock of static that you can't even feel can completely fry the card and possibly even the whole computer all together, so watch out.
First off, is the card PCI, AGP or PCI-Express (PCI-E)? (If you don't know, look up your card's info on Google or in the instruction manual.) Almost all new graphic cards are AGP and PCI-E. If it's PCI or PCI-E, it should fit in on the motherboard right next to the sound card and other hardware, it usually has a fairly long slot. If it's AGP, there's usually a brown slot (or it can be another color, depending on your mobo) on the motherboard, near or far away from the PCI slots, and it should fit there. If it has a fan on it, make sure the fan is spinning when we test it or the card is broken or isn't connected properly.

Below, is a picture of a graphic card, but yours may not look very much like it, this is a common Radeon X800 GTO graphic card.
http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3230/x800gtocard1iv.jpg

Now, we have to locate your old graphic card. When you locate it, unscrew any screws that are holding it in and then slowly take it out without damaging it, and place is on a wooden table or counter; remember, not carpet. Try to not to touch the pins on the card, this can ruin it if your hands are dirty. (not that you should touch the pins in the first place.) Now, put the new card in the port it fits into on your motherboard. Make sure the card is put in the slot in a way that the monitor port is able to recieve access to the monitor cord, meaning it's facing out of the computer case and is visible if you close the case. Below, is a picture of an AGP slot next to some PCI slots. The AGP slot is always smaller than the PCI slot.

AGP and PCI Slots: http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/4310/agp9fz.gif

Once the card is put in properly to the AGP/PCI slot, turn on the computer and make sure the fan is spinning, but plug the monitor into your old graphic card if it's integrated, if you already took out your card, then plug it into the new card. Don't touch the insides of the computer while it's on unless you either want to ruin your computer or get an electric shock. If there is no fan on the card, then make sure the computer screen turns on in the first place when you connect your monitor's cord into the graphic card's port. If it does, you've successfully installed the card from the inside. If it doesn't turn on and you have an integrated card, plug the monitor into that card and start it up.
Right-click on My Computer and click Manage. Click Device Manager and expand the "Display Adapters" section. It should have your new graphics card and your old one in there. Install the new card through the "Add Hardware" Wizard, then disable the old one and your monitor may shut off or ask you to restart. Then just plug your monitor back into the new graphics card and it should work. (Credit to Twin4819 ). Now, there's the issue of installing it off the CD it came with. If it didn't come with a CD, you'll have to download the drivers off the product's website. Also, once the new drivers are installed, uninstall the old drivers for your old card to prevent causing any technical difficulties between the two.
If the card is properly installed, but the screen is still black, make sure the monitor cord is connected to the card properly and that there are no bent pins on the cord. If it still isn't working, contact the card manufacturer, or get a professional to help. I'm here to help you install it, not fix it. Though one thing I can recommend doing is upgrading the card's drivers to the latest version available. (Thanks Dark Light A )

The picture below is a picture of a motherboard to help you.

Your motherboard isn't likely to look exactly like that one though, depending on the brand and model. Good luck installing! =)

~ Kaze (Guide posted July 4th, 2006)



Installing RAM (Random Access Memory)
Difficulty: 3/10
Time Consumption: 10mins - 20mins
Materials Needed: Hands, a screw driver for opening the computer case, and however many sticks of RAM you plan to install.

Computer lagging? Ever get the message on your computer saying "Virtual Memory Low"? Well, that means you need more memory. (Duh XD). Memory is a vital source of a computer's funtionability. Without a lot of memory, not a lot of programs can be used at once, meaning you can only run a low number of programs, and even then, you will be lagging a lot. Installing more RAM is easy. First, you must determine what kind of RAM your computer uses. There are basically two major types of memory: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM). Dynamic RAM (or DRAM) is used for main system memory. There is also DDR, DDR2 and SDRAM. All of the types of RAM that were listed above are volatile, meaning they lose their memory when the computer is turned off. RAM is measured in MB (Megabytes) and GB (Gigabytes). 1MB = 1 million bytes, and 1GB = 1 billion bytes.
To determine what kind of RAM you have installed, go to Control Panel>>System. From here, you will see a basic overview of your computer's speculations. Here, it usually says "512MB SDRAM" (example), or another number or another kind of RAM. If it doesn't say what kind it is, try downloading a program that tells you about your computer. I recommend EVEREST, a very good program that lets you know all you need to know about your computer; many things I discovered, I never knew about my computer.
Once you determine what RAM you need, go buy the RAM stick and you're ready to install! RAM sticks are about the length of a man's hand from wrist to the tip of the middle finger, on estimate.

Below, is a picture of RAM sticks.
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/690/ram2jc.jpg

Like always, unlpug your computer from the power outlet and ground yourself to stop static. Once this is done, open your computer case and find out where the DIMM slots are; this is where you put the RAM. Most computers have anywhere from 2-5 DIMM slots. Look back at the motherboard picture link posted above to find out where your computer's DIMM slots are incase you aren't sure. When you find them, find an empty slot. This is where you use common math sense.

If you have 3 DIMM slots and you bought a 256MB stick of RAM, and 2 of the 3 slots has 128MB RAM in them, and 1 has 256MB, obviously, you're not going to replace the 256MB with a 256MB; you wouldn't be gaining anything. You would replace one of the 128MB's for the new 256MB, that way you're gaining 128MB.
256 - 128 = 128MB, for those of you who didn't get it.

Below, is a picture of common DIMM slots, as you can see, they're fairly long.
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2104/dimm1tt.jpg

You will find 2 clips on the ends of the slots that are holding in the RAM. Carefully unclip the 2 sides and the RAM should pop up. Take out the stick carefully; try not to touch the pins. Set them aside on a flat surface, not carpet. Put in the new stick of RAM and clip both sides together, make sure the stick is pushed in well enough. Once you do this, close the computer case and turn on the computer. The first page that comes up on most computers during start up is your BIOS information. This usually includes BIOS version and brand name, processor speed and amount of RAM installed. If you turn on your computer to see that your RAM is increased after you installed the stick of RAM, congratulations, you just earned some more memory. =) If you don't see your RAM when your computer starts, press F* key when prompted to enter your BIOS settings, where most computers can see which DIMM slots have how much RAM installed in them. If you still can't see it somehow, just boot the computer and go to Control Panel>>System to see your system info and see if your memory increased.
However, if your RAM doesn't work and it stays the same, or you get an error message, make sure the RAM is put in the slot properly, make sure the RAM is compatible with your mobo (motherboard), make sure the RAM isn't broken or damaged, and take it to a professional if you still can't find the source of the problem. Good luck installing!

~ Kaze (Guide posted July 4th, 2006)



Installing an IDE Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Difficulty: 8/10
Time Consumption: 60mins+
Materials Needed: The hard drive you plan on installing, a screw driver for opening the computer case, a slot in your computer where the hard drive can fit

Ok, so you have a computer. It's great. It's got a pentium celeron processor, a couple gigs of RAM, a top-of-the-line graphic card, amazing sound card, high-speed modem, and a CD drive to die for. But there's one problem with that, your hard drive is extremely old and small. An important part of a computer is it's hard drive, without that, the computer can't function in the first place, and you won't be able to save any files on it. If you have a small HDD, that means you can only store a small amount of files, obviously. Most newer HDD's that are in stores today range anywhere from 40GB to over 500GB. 1GB = 1024MB.
So, if you want to install a new hard drive, first, you need to know how big it is. If you're going to buy a hard drive, I recommend getting one with 40GB total size or more. Once you get the hard drive, place it on a counter or table-top like you would with any computer hardware, and do the usual procedure of grounding yourself, unplugging the computer's power cable and carefully removing the computer case. Remember: Hard drives are very delicate and must be taken care of with extra caution. Moving the hard drive while it is connected to the power source and turned on is highly not recommended and can ruin the hard drive. I've learned the hard way. HANDLE THE HDD WITH EXTREME CARE.
Now that that's out of the way, let's see where the hard drive will fit in your computer. If you're replacing your old hard drive, your new one can go into the same place as the old one did, once it's removed. So once the power cable is removed, you'll see 2 cables connecting to the back of your old hard drive. A wide, grey cable (usually) and a thinner cable leading to the power supply. The thinner cable is the power for the hard drive; without it, it won't work. The grey cable is called an IDE cable, and it connects to the motherboard as the primary master, slave or seconadry master or slave.

Below, is a picture of the hard drive ports.
http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/5576/harddrive23wt.jpg

Now, once you've carefully removed those cables from the back of the hard drive, NOT the motherboard, the hard drive should now be in the computer case with nothing connected to it. Whip out your screw driver and take out all the screws, but on the last screw, make sure the hard drive doesn't fall down in the case because it could get damaged, remember how delicate hard drives are? Once the old hard drive is taken out, put the new hard drive in the spot of the old HDD and screw it in. Now, the cord that you removed from the old HDD should now be dangling from the motherboard. Plug those into the new hard drive the way they were plugged into the old one. Congratuations, your new hard drive is successfully installed on the inside.

Below, is a picture of primary and secondary ports on a motherboard.
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6720/pands5pt.jpg

Now, we have to test it. Cover the case carefully, plug in the power, press the power button to turn it on and pray it worked. Your system BIOS should show up, and it might say that you have new hardware installed. If you got the hard drive brand new, it might have an OS (Operating System) already pre-installed to it. If it does, boot it up. The bad thing is you'll lose your old data from your old hard drive. If it doesn't have anything at all on the hard drive, you'll need to boot with an OS CD. Maybe Windows XP, 2000, 98, whatever you want. Install the OS onto the new hard drive and congratulations, we're just about done. Once you install your new OS, go to the control panel and click on "System". Then, click on the hardware tab and go to the Device Manager. (This works on Windows XP, I don't know about earlier versions.) On the device manager tab, click on hard drives and see if your new hard drive is there. If it is, then that's great. Now, go to the control panel and go to "Add Hardware" wizard. Follow the steps and install the new hard drive, and you've successfull completed the procedure.
Now, optionally, if you'd like to keep your old files, and I'm sure you would, you'll need to transfer your old files onto the new hard drive. If you want to do that, simply put in the new hard drive, not replacing the old one, but replacing your CD drive. The IDE and power cables fit into the HDD the same way as the CD drive does. Now, boot your old hard drive and you're just about ready to transfer, once you get a transferring program. It's not as easy as dragging and dropping your old files onto the new HDD. I recommend a program like Acronis Easy Migrate or DiscWizard for Windows to transfer your files. If you do transfer your files, you don't need to worry about booting with an OS CD, because it will be the same thing as booting your old files and info, just on a bigger hard drive. So transferring is taking everything from your old HDD onto your new one, no worries about having to re-install Windows.
Now, if your hard drive isn't working so well after a few days, turn off your computer immediately and replace it back with your old one and take the new one to a computer shop to get it repaired and analyzed. Hope you enjoyed my guide on how to install a new hard drive, and I wish you all the best of luck while installing it.

~ Kaze (Guide posted July 5th, 2006)



Installing an Optical Drive (CD Drive)
Difficulty: 6.5/10
Time Consumption: 30mins - 45mins
Materials Needed: The CD drive you plan on installing, a screw driver for opening the computer case, a slot in your computer where the CD drive can fit, a CD to test it with

(Excuse all the dust...it's a rather old computer. )

CD lagging when you put it in? CD's not working in the first place? Maybe it's time for a new CD drive. This guy, written by Twin4819, is a guide to helping you install a CD drive into your computer. (A.k.a an optical drive). First off either print this out or write it down if your going to install a drive. Next unplug all the cords from the back of your computer. (Power Cord, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, etc.) Ground yourself like usual, then open your case and pop the front panel off. Some cases have internal locking mechanisms that keep stuff from moving around freely. For example: This case has a side panel that slides off and front panel that pops off and has locking mechanisms (green) on the inside.

(Link to picture with side panel and front panel off case:
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/1597/10000816vz.jpg

After opening your case and taking off the front panel, you need to (if you haven't before) remove a steel/aluminum plate covering the empty drive slot. Some just break off and some you need to unscrew depending on your case. Look for your Molex connector and your IDE cord which should have MASTER and SLAVE labled on the cord itself. Some of them can be color coded. For example: For my MASTER I have a black connector and for SLAVE I have a white connector. (Link to image with MASTER IDE and Molex connector (IDE cord is the long black one which is hard to see and the Molex connector is the white one): http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2158/10000842iv.jpg

If you already have a CD drive in your computer (which you should) then most likely it will already have the MASTER IDE cord plugged in and the Molex connector already plugged in. The jumper on the back of the drive itself should be in the MASTER position.

(Link to back of drives: http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6703/10000827by.jpg )

(Link to jumper positions: http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/5732/jumpers2ui.jpg )

As stated above, if you already have an optical drive installed then it will most likely be your MASTER. Now look on the back of the drive you are going to install. If you're going to keep your other drive in as MASTER then change the jumper on the back of your other drive to the SLAVE position. If you're going to replace your drive that was already installed then just unplug the IDE cord and molex connector and take it out. Then make sure on the new drive you have it in the MASTER position. After you have installed the drive then you can make sure it's in position and screwed/locked in and put your front panel back on. Then put the side panel back onto your case. Plug your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord back in. Turn on your computer and if it "freezes" on startup or freezes when loading Windows then you will need to unplug everything and take your case back apart and check all the connections to the newly installed drive and make sure the jumper is in the correct position.

Now, once your computer loads up, you should see a balloon on your taskbar saying new hardware has been found. Click it and install the CD drive though the Add Hardware Wizard. Once you do that, take a test CD that is clean and working and try it out on the CD drive. If it doesn't work, then either the CD is dirty or the drive's IDE cables might not be correctly pushed in. If the CD drive doesn't even turn on, check the power cords and make sure they're tightly inserted. If it still doesn't work, contact the Cd drive's manufacturer or take it to a professional. Good luck on installing a new CD drive!

The guide on installing an optical drive was created and written by Twin4819, all credit to him. It was only edited by myself. Thanks again Twin!

~ Kaze (Posted July 8th 2006)




Installing a 3.5 Inch Floppy Disk Drive (The Standard Size)
Difficulty: 3/10
Time Consumption: 20mins - 40mins
Materials Needed: A floppy drive you'd like to install, a screw driver for opening the computer case and screwing the drives in/out, a free space that it can fit and face outwards in your computer, a floppy disk with files on it to test

A floppy drive: http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/949/floppyuj5.jpg


Over 20 years ago, when CD's were thought to be something that would come and go in a matter of years, floppies were all the rage. Throughout this guide, I will be helping you install a floppy drive. =) Floppy drives are used to hold floppy disks, and floppy disks carry info and hold info on them, but 3.5 inch floppies usually have only a little over 1MB space. (About the equivalent amount to a 1 minute song.) So, you have the floppy drive, an empty slot, a screw driver and a test disk, right? Well, if you do, get ready to put that drive where it belongs - in the computer.
First, make sure the test disk is working properly, and make sure it has a few picture files in it to test to see if they open. First, ground yourself to stop static electricity, then unplug the computer power cord and remove the computer case. If you're replacing the old floppy drive, you'll simply need to put the new one in the place of the old one. If you're putting a new one in, you'll need to find an empty spot, which is usually under the CD drive or ontop of the hard drive. If you're installing a new floppy drive, not replacing another one, please skip over this next set of steps.

A floppy IDE cable: http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7311/floppycablexb9.jpg

First, you should find your old floppy drive. Once you find it, unplug the IDE cable and power cable from it. Remove the IDE cable from the floppy drive only, not from the motherboard, or you'll have to relocate where you took it out from, and unless I'm doing it for you at your house, I can't help you much with finding the floppy drive IDE port unless I use pictures. =P The power cable is the cord with a rectangular shaped end, and it's smaller than the hard drive and CD drive opwer cables. Once you loacte it, remove it, along with the IDE cable. Once you've onde that, slowly unscrew the floppy drive and take it out and place it on a counter, not carpet. So now you have an empty slot to put the new floppy drive in. I suggest cleaning out the dust or dirt that's in the spot of where the old drive used to be before putting in the new one.
Now that you have an empty space, it's time to put the new drive in. Take the new drive and slowly put it in the spot the old one was in. Screw it in, and make sure it's locked in tightly. Now, plug the IDE cable and power cables back into it.

A floppy drive connected to the IDE and power cables: http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/2135/flopconnectdn2.jpg

If you're installing a floppy drive when there is no old one there, simply locate the floppy drive IDE port on the motherboard, which is thinner than the hard drive and CD drive IDE cords, and plug it into the back of the floppy drive. Then, find the power cable from the power supply and plug that into the floppy drive as well.

A floppy disk next to a floppy drive: http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/6512/1i...thfloppygz8.gif

Now, we have to test it. DO NOT put the floppy disk into the drive slot yet. Close the lid, plug the power cord back in and turn your computer on. If the BIOS recognises that there is new hardware installed, great. Once your computer boots up, you should see a balloon in the lower-right corner of the screen saying "New Hardware Found." Click that, or go to the Control Panel and ten double click on "Add Hardware." Follow the steps, install the floppy drive from there, then put the floppy disk into the drive. Now, double click on 'My Computer'. You should see a floppy drive icon. Double click on that, and you've successfully entered the floppy disk. Now, double click on the files that are in it to test if they work. If they do, great! You've successfully finished this procedure. Hopefully this floppy disk guide will help you install that drive.

~ Kaze (Posted: July 16th, 2006)



Installing an Internal 56k Internet Modem
Difficulty: 4.5/10
Time Consumption: 15mins - 30mins
Materials Needed: Hands, a screw driver for opening the computer case and screwing the card in.

In the 20th century, 56k modems were all the rage. They used to be considered a very fast internet connection. Nowadays, 56k modems are trash, and are sold in run-down computer stores. Nowadays, DSL, Cable, Ethernet and routers rule the internet world. So, whether your parents don't want to go through the hassle of buying a better modem, whether you don't want a DSL or cable modem (that would be shocking), or whether you just want to stay with your old-school 56k, I'm going to help you install it from the inside. I'd just like to remind everyone that I won't be helping you connect to the internet, just helping you put the card in.
Below, is a picture of a 56k internal internet modem. As you can see, it has 2 phone jack ports on it.
http://www.ambros.co.uk/productimages/56k-modem.jpg
Okay, so you have your card, a screwdriver and about half an hour spare time, right? Good. Okay, like usual, unplug your computer from the power cord after shutting it down, ground yourself to get rid of static electricity, then slowly open your computer case. Once you open it, you should find an empty IDE port, because pretty much all old 56k modems use IDE or ISA ports. (Refer to the motherboard picture posted above to locate these ports.) Once you locate a port that it can fit into that is empty, slowly put the card in, screw it in and make sure the phone cord ports on the card are facing the outside of the computer case when you close it. That was easy, right?
Once you close the case properly, plug your computer back in and turn on your computer; it should recognize that you have new hardware installed. Once your computer loads up, go to the Add Hardware Wizard in the Control Panel and follow the on-screen instructions to install the card. Now, you have to connect to the internet, which is long, complicated and different, depending on your computer, so it would be hard for me to write a guide on that. Good luck connecting to the internet and enjoy your old-school 56k Internal Internet Modem.

~ Kaze (Posted July 26th, 2006)

More guides coming soon.
Special thanks to: Twin4819 (Assistant Guide Writer), Dark Light A (Suggestions), And everyone else for the wonderful and supportive comments.
Comments, suggestions, additions or constructive criticism are always welcome.