Musings from a Tech Cowboy

Windows Live Wave 3 Beta

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:45:25 GMT

Time to try it out. Install it from http://downloads.live.com

This is posted using the new WL Writer. lots of new stuff there like the video tools.

things I’ve noticed so far.

created a group in Messenger called Family then thought maybe it should be Stanzel Family. I don’t see anyway to delete the first group, even though I haven’t invited anyone
not sure I know what a group is. all the links to the websites are greyed out.
Movie maker add-ins take you to a page that talks about Gallery and Movie Maker add-ins at the top but the link for flickr seems to be just for photos. references that it’s already setup in gallery which it is, but doesn’t show in the options in MM.
personal text in the groups invite send setup doesn’t show up in the invite.

Looks interesting.

My Brother, at it again.

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:31:25 GMT

Dash Express - GPS plus cellular network for traffic based routing

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 05:03:34 GMT

I signed up to be a Dash Express beta tester tonight from this Gizmodo post. I don't drive nearly as much in Boulder as i used to in Seattle, but it would still be great to get into the test.

Windows XP SP2 and 72 patches

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 04:37:53 GMT

I needed to run an app on Windows XP that just wouldn't work on Vista or via Virtual PC becuase of some old usb to serial drivers, so as you can see below I went back to a dual-boot pc. Scary that I had to start with 72 patches, but really a nice improvement that I could do them all at once. I remember a clean install used to be a whole series of reboot, windows update, reboot, WU, etc.

Update: of course it wasn't just one run at Windows Update but this is still great to only have 2 more patches after IE7 was one of the first 72. I worked on the original WU back in 1997 getting an update policy in place that the OEMs would accept and dealing with the control issues for who should offer driver updates.

Live Collections and Search

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 04:15:56 GMT

So I see the cool VE maps on some of the celebrity collections and think I need to get one of those myself. I go to my live.com page and can't seem to figure out what category to look in. Why can't the search box before for the current task I'm doing - adding stuff to live.com. Search should work as a feature for all services. ugh.

Vista won't boot after XP install

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:51:38 GMT

Here's one that baffled me for awhile today. I installed Windows XP on a Windows Vista box and Vista wouldn't boot again. Didn't even get a boot selector. Of course, the solution is obvious once you think of it, XP isn't aware of Vista so the only way to dual boot without messing with the config is to install XP first then Vista. Background and instructions are in the Microsoft support KB article here. Steps clipped below.

To resolve these issues, follow these steps.

Note You can run the commands in the following procedure by using the command prompt. If you run these commands in Windows Vista, run them at a command prompt that has elevated user rights. To do this, click Start, click Accessories, right-click the command-prompt shortcut, and then click Run as Administrator.

Use Bootsect.exe to restore the Windows Vista MBR and the boot code that transfers control to the Windows Boot Manager program. To do this, type the following command at a command prompt: Drive:\boot\ Bootsect.exe –NT60 All

In this command, Drive is the drive where the Windows Vista installation media is located.

Note The boot folder for this step is on the DVD drive.

Use Bcdedit.exe to manually create an entry in the BCD Boot.ini file for the earlier version of the Windows operating system. To do this, type the following commands at a command prompt.

Note In these commands, Drive is the drive where Windows Vista is installed.

•	Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit –create {ntldr} –d “Description for earlier Windows version” Note In this command, Description for earlier Windows version can be any text that you want. For example, Description for earlier Windows version can be "Windows XP” or “Windows Server 2003."
•	Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit –set {ntldr} device partition=x: Note In this command, x: is the drive letter for the active partition.
•	Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit –set {ntldr} path \ntldr
•	Drive:\Windows\system32\Bcdedit –displayorder {ntldr} –addlast

Restart the computer.

Haven't been blogging - maybe I should?

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 03:40:54 GMT

I obviously haven't been blogging, not that I had a big fan base that was disappointed becuase of this or anything. I think I'll seperate out my family stuff to my personal Live ID (stanzel.com domain hosted by Windows Live) and use that plus the .Mac and iWeb stuff from Apple to host family photos and personal stuff. So that leaves this to be my place to post tech news of interest, musings and of course my favorite, a place to store a few tech support tips I might need again someday.

Microsoft Live Labs: Photosynth

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 16:11:18 GMT

This is extremely cool and show the incredible potential of bringing the collective experiences of many people together. I've had a chance to play with this internally and think it's a blow you away experience the first time you see it. The use of the SeaDragon technology is amazing.

Link to Microsoft Live Labs: Photosynth

Trying out Windows Live Writer

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 06:36:48 GMT

noticed this post from the VE team tonight(morning) and decided to give Windows Live Writer a try.

I've moved to Boulder to help the VE team win in mapping and local search. Here's my office

Deleting Windows Live OneCare backups

Tue, 15 Aug 2006 06:01:38 GMT

I really like the simplicity and ease of Windows Live OneCare but sometimes it doesn't let me do what I think it should. BTW, I just saw a report saying it was #2 in retail in it's second month - congrats to the team!

I moved a firewire hard drive from one PC to another and needed to delete the 3000+ backup files. Doesn't work, access denied. So I tried the support site and found a great FAQ, but it actually doesn't work. So with an extra 15mins on my hand while my daughter was napping, I tried calling tech support. to my surprise, they answered quickly and found a solution with just two sessions on hold. So here it is if you find yourself in the same spot....

cmd
cacls "e:\<onecare backup folder>" /t /g administrators:f

BUT this only deletes the first 999 .zip files, you have to manually delete the rest but the command line above fixes the permissions so it's possible to do so.

happy computing...

IE7 uninstall profile issue and a regedit solution

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 05:38:00 GMT

First, I can't believe you have to uninstall IE7 beta 2 to install beta 3. I thought the plan was to get millions of people to use the IE betas. Well that's not a good plan if so.

I found the "show updates" checkbox at the top of add/remove programs and can't believe I've never seen or used this before but then the trouble began. When I uninstalled though, I got an error saying that I need to uninstall from the same profile that I installed from. Well this computer(my macbook pro running Windows XP) only has one profile. I had to delete the old one when something got corrupted and Outlook quit syncing. So now I realize maybe I should have blamed that on IE7!

Found the solution here. I wonder how many people can actually use regedit without fearing they'll turn their computer into a doorstop.

Start - Run - regedit

HKCU,SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer

Add a new string, name it InstalledByUser
Give it the value 0x10001

Run the uninstaller - it will note that this will break your computer, but that is lies, it works fine.
Reboot.
IE6 is back.

so now I have IE6 working again and I'm thinking of going to IE7 beta 3. btw, for some reason the IE icon in the start menu is still the new IE7 one. huh

Final Cut Express HD

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 06:36:39 GMT

I picked up an upgrade to FCE 2 today, FCE 3.5 and took over an hour to install it on my MBP and Intel iMac. I just opened the user manual to find it's 1153 pages long and only covers FCE, not LiveType or Soundtrack. About a year ago, I decided I'd just stick with iMovie for video editing, now tonight I remember why. Why do I make things so much harder than they need to be? Just for the challenge of learning them?

Google Spreadsheet Launches

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:58:08 GMT

Google launched the beta of their spreadsheet today. http://spreadsheet.google.com I signed up and got in after about 1/2 day and have to say that it's pretty intuiative and simple. I think the best thing will be the anywhere access aspects and sharing. But I haven't been able to try sharing, because I dont' know who else has an account. Leave me a comment here if you want to try spreadsheet sharing with me. http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?dist=newsfinder&siteid=google&guid=%7BDB29470C-0C11-4179-9D75-B2BA94CF9FD0%7D&keyword=

iWeb simplifies photo album publishing

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:52:16 GMT

The 1.1 update to iWeb makes it super simple to drag and drop a photo album and automatically(nearly) create a webpage. http://www.mac.com/web/en/Blog/013C4180-4787-4847-BAAB-319222AFC652.html As always, Apple publishes some great tutorials in both text and video. http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/iweb/index.html

.Mac update to public folder URLs

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 05:48:05 GMT

this is a small but nice improvement. http://www.mac.com/web/en/Blog/F2FA7728-4393-45C8-810F-B31320563819.html Public folder urls, now have the form http://idisk.mac.com/membername-Public So if you want to see a photostory of Ellie from her first month you can go here http://idisk.mac.com/stanzels-Public or you can leave something for us there too. I really do wonder how they keep the spamers away and how they keep people from using public folders for free storage without getting a .Mac account.

GetaMac - aka Apples New Switcher ads

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:31:23 GMT

I have to admit, the new Apple ads are pretty spot on directly addressing peoples concerns with going to the Mac.

Here's a site with many old Apple ads.

Windows Live ID and sign-in

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:25:40 GMT

Why doesn't the new Windows Live ID service, let you know when you have CAPS LOCK on?

Talking about VideoEgg:

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:05:44 GMT

This looks like an interesting site to check out for video hosting and video podcasting.

Quote VideoEgg: index

Talking about TechCrunch

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 06:58:32 GMT

I'm not a fan of the Web2.0 label, but it get's people excited. This is a great place to get a pulse of the w2 pulse.

Quote TechCrunch

Talking about Eventful: My Demands

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 06:56:59 GMT

this is cool in the community space centered around events.

Quote

Eventful: My Demands

Photo Album: National Geographic

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:37:06 GMT

National Geographic

phuket-waters-680782-lw

new-river-bridge-516968-lw

gallery-opening-xl

grand-central-xl

vatican-pigeons-xl

victorian-homes-xl

cape-town-bathhouses-90760-lw

vanu-levu-island-498089-lw

abusir-desert-526679-lw

ice-ride-517989-lw

More Photos...

Photo Album: Ouray

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 03:27:37 GMT

Ouray

IMG_8081 Stitch

Photo Album: Pearl Street Mile

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:57:48 GMT

Pearl Street Mile

IMG_6991

Photo Album: NG Adventure and Exploration

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:55:10 GMT

NG Adventure and Exploration

abusir-desert-526679-lw

ice-ride-517989-lw

matanuska-glacier-221184-lw

mauna-ulu-molten-rock-214744-lw

rakekniven-free-climb-519303-lw

surfer-678227-lw

victoria-falls-flight-504883-lw

vimy-aerial-view-500000-lw

vimy-plane-499927-lw

Custom List: Interesting Sites

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 18:13:56 GMT

Interesting Sites

AjaxWrite
like writely.com but requires Firefox

Custom List: Ajax Homepages

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 18:12:18 GMT

Ajax Homepages

NetVibes
FR homepage, like Windows Live
Live.com
Windows Live Start Page

Blog list: Blog list

Wed, 10 May 2006 05:33:52 GMT

My Brother, trys a blog
and uses my good name!
MiniMicrosoft

Book List: Book List

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 15:05:59 GMT

James Surowiecki: The Wisdom of Crowds
How the many can be smarter than the few.

Custom List: My WebSites

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 14:58:38 GMT

My WebSites

Stanzel.com
Occasionally used to post video and try different types of htmland hosting
Our Apple Homepage
Great, easy publishing from any Mac!
Our Apple iWeb site on .Mac
A place to host videos and photos as well as blog with the new iWeb

Music List: All Music

Sun, 05 Dec 2004 01:25:27 GMT

All Music

: 01 - Overture - Barbra Streisand
: 01 - Runnin' With The Devil - Van Halen
: 03 - Only a Dream in Rio - James Taylor
: 04 - People Are Strange - The Doors
: 05 - Times Like This - Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
: 06 - Drugs And Kittens - I'll Drink To That - Howwhywuz, Howwhyam - Mighty, Mighty Bosstones
: 06 - The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill - The Beatles
: 07 - Smoke - Ben Folds Five
: 08 - You're My Best Friend - Queen
Electric Light Orchestra: 09 - Strange MagicOle ELO
: 10 - U2 - -40-
: 15 - Crazy - Barenaked Ladies
The Sundays: 24 HoursBlind
George Michael: A Different CornerLadies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael Disc 1
Ilene Woods: A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart MakesClassic Disney Vol. 1: 60 Years Of Music & Magic
Various Artists: A Very Special PlaceSanctuary: 20 Years of Windham Hill Disc 2
Maria del Rey: AbuelitaLullabies of Latin America
Air: All I NeedMoon Safari [US/UK]
Various Artists: Allegro assai - BachGreat Melodies of the Classics (Disk A)
Garbage: As Heaven is WideGarbage
Liz Phair: Baby Got GoingWhitechocolatespaceegg
Bonnie Raitt w: Baby MineA mother's heart
Madonna: Bad GirlErotica
Steven C. Anderson: Big Rock Candy MountainFavorite Silly Songs
: Blue Öyster Cult - Fire Of Unknown Origin - 09 - Don't Turn YourBack
: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - Roll Me Away
Nirvana: BreedNevermind
Massive Attack: Butterfly Caught100th Window
Mixed: By-m-ByeThe Lullaby Collection
Blues Traveler: Canadian RoseStraight on Till Morning
The Beatles: Carry That WeightAbbey Road
Various Artists - Sylvia Capova, piano: Chopin - Nocturne op. 55 No. 2Sylvia Capova, piano - Romantic Piano Music, Volume One [Seenotes.] [52' 28]
Charlie Haden & Pat Metheny: Cinema Paradiso Love ThemeBeyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories)
J. Pat OMalley: Colonel Hathi's March {From the Jungle Book}Classic Disney, Vol. 1
Various Artists: Come DancingBritish Invasion [Delta]
Everything but the Girl: CompressionTemperamental
Original Soundtrack: CrossroadsBoys on the Side
Vaughan Brothers: D/FWFamily Style
Frank Black: Dance WarThe Cult of Ray
: Diana Krall -maybe Dream a Little Dream of Me
Dada: DogPuzzle
ELO: Don't Bring Me DownDefinitive Collection [UK]
Annie Lennox: Don't Let It Bring You DownMedusa
Weezer: El ScorchoPinkerton
Sting: Fields of GoldFields of Gold: The Best of Sting 1984-1994 [Australian Import]
Various Artists: Godfather Waltz - The GodfatheMob Hits CD#1
The Beatles: Hello Little GirlAnthology 1 Disc 1
Cherry Poppin Daddies: Here Comes the SnakeZoot Suit Riot
Jane's Addiction: HypersonicStrays
The Cranberries: I Just Shot John LennonTo The Faithful Departed
Various Artists: I Melt With YouAlterno-Daze: Survival of the Fittest -- '80s
Chris Isaak: I WonderBaja Sessions
Fine Young Cannibals: I'm Not SatisfiedThe Raw & the Cooked
Stone Temple Pilots: Interstate Love SongPurple
Barenaked Ladies: It's All Been DoneStunt [US]
Various Artists: JamboreeEchoes of Nature, Vol. 4: Thunderstorm
The Cure: Just Like HeavenKiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Susan Tedeschi: Just Won't BurnJust Won't Burn
ABBA: Lay All Your Love on MeGold: Greatest Hits
Madonna: Like a PrayerThe Immaculate Collection
Erasure: Love Is a LoserWonderland
Chris Isaak: Lovers GameChris Isaak
U2: MofoPop
Various Artists: More Than a FeelingPure 70's
: Nirvana - Mr. Moustache
Beck: Nothing I Haven't SeenSea Change
Various Artists: November WindsNarada Equinox Sampler, Vol. 1
Garbage: Only Happy When It RainsGarbage
Sade: PearlsThe Best Of Sade
Silverchair: Petrol & ChlorineFreak Show
Wild Cherry: Play That Funky MusicLet's Go Disco - 1
Tori Amos: Professional WidowBoys For Pele
: Queen - Classic Queen - 10 - Tie Your Mother Down
Charlie Parker: RepetitionEssential
Various Artists: Set Urself FreeClub Dance Slammin' Mix Classix
INXS: Shine Like It DoesListen Like Thieves
Semisonic: Singing In My SleepFeeling Strangely Fine
Avril Lavigne: Sk8er BoiLet Go
Luna: Slash Your TiresLunapark
Vanessa Williams: Sleep Well, Little ChildrenStar Bright
: Smash Mouth - Walkin' On The S
Beck: Sunday SunSea Change
Steve Winwood: Talking Back to the NightChronicles
: The Alan Parsons Project - May Be A Price To Pay
Madonna: The Power of GoodbyeRay of Light
John Cougar Mellencamp: The Real LifeThe Lonesome Jubilee
Dave Matthews Band: The StoneBefore These Crowded Streets
: Track 01
: Track 11
: Track 2Untitled - 05-09-99 (1)
: Track 20
Various Artists: Track 8Chopin - New Age of Classics
: Various Artists - (You're My) Soul And Inspiration
Miles Davis: Venus De MiloThe Complete Birth Of The Cool
Creed: Wash Away Those YearsHuman Clay
ABBA: WaterlooGold: Greatest Hits
Spin Doctors: Yo BabyHomebelly Groove...Live
The Bee Gees: You Should Be DancingGreatest Disc 1
101 Strings Orchestra: Young at Heart101 Strings Plays Frank Sinatra