Can't Install ATI Catalyst on Laptop (Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic)

Toshiba, Sony and Panasonic laptops have drivers that prevent you from installing any other drivers from the graphics card manufacturer unless it is the version by the laptop manufacturer (obviously a modified version)

Now there is little problems with that, if you don't play games or chase after the latest mm of performance gain. BUT it could be a problem if you install Windows 7 on your laptop because Windows Vista that came with your laptop had Catalyst installed already right? but with Windows 7, you should be running a more generic driver or a Toshiba/Sony/Panasonic driver (which would be likely downloaded from Windows Update)

Anyway, now for my story, I realised without ATI Catalyst that my LCD screen can not be calibrated and made brighter (too dark). External LCD monitors can be calibrated through the buttons but laptops don't have buttons for the laptop.

SOLUTION: (Skip to this section if you don't want story or background info)

Go to: http://www.hardwareheaven.com/modtool.php

That's it really haha, all the info is there! Basically a program that modified the drivers so your laptop won't refuse them and if they not refused then ATI Catalyst will recognise the drivers installed as being the compatible ones and tada!

Remember, follow instructions on the site, I won't make a "in a nut shell" guide this time but basically need the latest ATI Catalyst install file and the Mobility Modder program.

Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

The Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 is out now.

It is basically a virtual machine or a virtual pc running inside Windows 7, just like how you can run Linux or whatnot inside Windows.


It is available for anyone who owns Windows 7 Professional and above.

Runs pretty smoothly, but accessing things off the Windows 7 HDD can be a bit slow and lagging, for example running a song off Windows 7 in Windows XP mode feels like running a song on a weak wireless network, very choppy and lagging.

Yet to install any software on it to run or use a printer etc. with Windows XP. Maybe more RAM can solve the lagging problem, but Windows Xp Mode is much better than most Virtual machines OS you can install because it maps all your Windows 7 HDDs as network drives (BY DEFAULT, not set up required) so you are not stuck with running the local Windows XP virtual HDD only.



The download link is:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

"Windows cannot delete the active system partition"

Windows cannot delete the active system partition

Sounds like you are trying to delete or edit a partition that had/has a Windows installation on it, Trying to install a new window in that partition? (you can just install over it during the install process) Trying to use that partition for something else like as data storage? Well then you will need remove the system before you can re-format the partition for use.

Try this:

• Make sure the account you are logged into Windows with is an Admin one
• Windows + R
• msconfig
• Enter
• Boot > Delete the OS or windows you do not want any more
• Apply > Restart

Now go right-click My computer > Manage > disk Management > Try to re-format the partition, shrink it, delete it etc.

OK, so that doesn't work. This website : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/itprovistasetup/thread/af3a1e24-214f-4e0e-b917-9530a27534de


Deactivate / Inactive an active partition:

Suggests doing things in command prompt to deactivate the partition you want to reformat. After doing a Google search I found out that only 1 partition can be active, so instead of doing the command prompt stuff, I tried this emthod and it worked:

1. Right-click My computer > Manage > Disk Management
2. Select the partition you are now wanting to use > Right-Click > Mark partition as Active
3. The other partition should now be inactive and ready for you to reformat, etc.

Hope this works for you! =]

Mass Storage Controller Driver missing (Windows 7)

(Toshiba laptop) device manager: no drivers found for "Mass storage controller"

What it most likely is, is the SD or all-in-one card reader on your laptop. For my model, I installed the Texas-Instrument drivers. Your laptop may be different, search the laptop CD for the drivers or laptop manufacturer's website.


SOLVED

Performance Information and Tools

The Windows Experience Index for your system could not be computed.

Could not measure storage performance.
the temporary file needed to perform work could not be placed on the disk. Could not find a suitable drive for the file.

SOLUTION: tb found

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itproperf/thread/466f9a99-d148-492a-8903-32c010726fa2

^ suggests that the drive letter could be the problem, chances are likely because I also have windows 7 installed on a drive with the letter B: as par the website the link leads to.

I will try to change the letter of the drive to avoid re-installing Windows 7. Will post back if it is not as risky as I am thinking right now. WEI isn't that important anyways.

Windows 7 "no connection error" - ALT + TAB not work

I am calling it the No connection error because I figured the error was caused by Windows Explorer having a box pop up above the system clock that says No Connection.

This box, being not very visible will cause your ALT-TAB to not work at all, Minimise and Maximise not work well and windows being inactive when they pop up (e.g. MSN) and cause you to type not into the chat window.

To fix it just click on the power icon, Wi-Fi icon and try to close that box that shows No connection.

Here are things that won't fix it that I have tried:

-locking computer, unlocking
-restarting explorer and then launching it again from task manager
-logging off and back on

Very strange and ANNOYING error/problem with windows 7 >=( especially as it's run pretty nicely over the weeks.

avast causes windows 7 to have a black screen upon login

After installing an old version of Avast (weird weird) and then updating it to the newer version, my Windows 7 would show a black screen and my cursor and be locked at the screen forever after the welcome screen (after login).

Restart, and same thing, after the welcome screen it goes into the black screen. So it isn't a boot problem, my guess is some driver or software that is hugely not compatible with Windows 7.

The way I fixed it was:

(p.s. write down these instructions if you need them because you can't run the Internet when booting off the DVD, for that matter you shouldn't be able to read this blog on the broken computer :\ ............ good point)

1. Put in the Windows 7 DVD
2. Hold down the power button (only way to restart the computer in my situation)
3. Boot off the DVD
4. Go through the prompts until you see the screen where you can click "Repair my computer" (bottom right of the screen)
   
5. Now select the option to recover from a system restore point.
6. Follow those prompts and then it will ask you to restart

My current theory is Avast Anti-Virus, maybe I need to download an installer for a W7 compatible version instead of updating a really outdated version.

The other things on the snapshot were Windows Updates, could be possible I guess, I am re-downloading the updates now so will update on that soon.

Editing Vista and Windows 7 Boot Menu (no longer boot.ini)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2676-bcdedit-how-use.html

No liabilities of what you do with that link. :)

Auto Login Windows 7

Mr. Carter does a good job at explain this:

http://windows7tester.blogspot.com/2009/02/auto-login.html


In A nut shell:

• Windows + R
• "control userpasswords2"enter
• Uncheck: “Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer”
• OK
  

Gec Living: Windows 7 Rants And Raves: Older software

I installed older software that worked on Vista and because it was a virtual DVD drive, it had drivers, obviously not compatible with Windows 7 but compatible with Vista, even though Vista = Windows 7 in some ways. They advertised it was the driver and core system that was unchanged but yet it doesn't work >.<

• I have seen RAM increased performance
• I have seen cooling performance (might be weather dependent as I have never checked Vista on the same weather, day and conditions)
• Yet to see any real battery improvements

So if you can bother to tweak and is obsessed with the performance gains then Windows 7 could be for you1

Manually Install a Driver (Vista and 7)

Start > Control Panel > Device Manager

Right-Click the device > Properties > Update Drivers > Browse My computer for drivers software

Follow the Prompts :)

Am I 32 or 64

Start > Control Panel > System

Under "System" heading it should say:

"XX-bit Operating System" where XX = 32 or 64
Chances are if you don't know what 64 is, your running on 32. :D

Windows 7 Video Wallpaper :P Yummy!

I was wondering how to do it because I can do sideshows but no mention of videos. Sideshows = Yummy too ;)

But here is a link that is way more prepared than I am at explain.

But once again for my lazier delightful readers here it is in a Nut Shell:

In good conditions (Aero is turned on and no weird settings has been set):

• Download this patch: (32 bit Windows 7) OR (64 bit Windows 7)
• Convert the video you want to use into WMV (don't worry if it already is)
• Right-click it and select "Set as Desktop"
  

Converter suggestion by excellent site: Any Video Converter

More information and detail for less lazier users:
http://windows7center.com/tutorials/how-to-enable-dreamscene-in-windows-7/


Enjoy! and Very Very Special Thanks to windows7center.com


DON'T KNOW IF YOUR WINDOWS IS 32 OR 64 BIT? CHECK OUT "AM I 32 OR 64" POST

Windows 7 Rants And Raves: Printer

OK, so now I did as I suggested in the previous post DON'T USE MANUFACTURER SOFTWARE IF MICROSOFT WINDOW'S SOFTWARE/DRIVER WORKS FINE >.< So I uninstalled fingerprint scanner software, manually installed the fingerprint driver and I sort of have it work, not as good as in Vista though, yet.....

Anyways, tried to install a printer, really old one (Refer to HP Driver post) on how an alternative driver for a newer printer worked for it, turns out in Windows 7 they removed that newer driver for the older printer so now even that newer version of my printer is too old.


FOLLOW UP: Windows 7 originally comes with a limited number of drivers. Hit update drivers in the screen of the list of drivers to download more drivers. Problem solved!

Windows 7 Rants and Raves: Installing Drivers Guide

Use all stock MS drivers unless it creates a problem.

Like it will usually show as no driver installed anyways, if there is a problem.

To save hassle just let MS load everything it can and don't over-install a driver with a manufacturer one with the exception of say my example where the sound works but my HD driver from RealTek gave a benefit of increase in performance and quality.

Windows 7 Rants and Raves: Wireless shows limited connectivity

Uninstall driver for the wireless adapter and let Windows find a MS driver for it. :(

Windows 7 Rants and Raves: IN a nut shell

• Good new features
• Nice interface
• Changing wallpapers :P (In Vista also)
  

• Missing some drivers but which OS doesn't! Get them from the manufacturer
• Not that much faster/cooler than I expected but no worse than Vista
• UAC is a pain in the but, turn it off! if your not scared of the scary warnings from Windows about turning it off

* Updated due to impulse and first impressions errors made in previous post.

Windows 7 Rants and Raves: Fingerprint Scanner not detected

So far in Windows 7, everything has been set up, with the exception of:

• Bluetooth driver
• Multi and SD card reader
• HD Sound driver
• Fingerprint
  

Next on my attack list :) : Fingerprint

EDIT: Manually install the drivers for Windows 7 32 or 64 bit. Driver is the "tcwbfadv.inf" file.
doesn't really matter, just point windows to the right folder and it should find the driver.

http://www.upek.com/support/downloads/drivers/windows.asp

Windows 7 Rants and Raves: RealTek Driver for Windows 7

"My speakers and sound on Windows 7 sounds crap!"

I knew it! I am not a high tech sound freak but I can tell between a standard crappy tiny laptop speakers and a HD Harman/Kardon :P

OK for you guys and girls with A200 Satellites and want to get your HD back, OR if you have RealTek HD gear in your machine try this link and get the latest Windows 7 supported drivers:

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsCheck.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=24&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

I've noticed that compared to stock Windows 7 sound drivers, that the sound quality is of higher clarity and also that the volume at level 20 is louder with HD drivers compared to stock Windows 7 sound drivers.