After installing the Classroom Performance System software on 32 bits Windows XP, I encountered the following error message:
CPS encountered an error attempting to initialize the main form.
Exception -- System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException: Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
Message -- Class not registered (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80040154 (REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG))
Application Version -- 5.40.1264
Operating System -- Microsoft Windows NT 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2
Document --
Stacktrace --
at ADOX.CatalogClass.Create(String ConnectString)
at EI.DB.Util.UtilADODatabase.CreateDatabase(String sFileName, String sPassword)
at com.einstruction.cps.util.UtilCPSSchema.CreateCPSDatabase(String sFilePathName)
at com.einstruction.cps.middletier.control.DatabaseManager.CreateNewDatabase()
at com.einstruction.cps.middletier.control.DatabaseManager.ExecuteAction(DatabaseManagerAction action, Boolean checkCPSPassword)
at com.einstruction.cps.middletier.control.CPS.ObtainStartupConnection()
at com.einstruction.cps.middletier.control.CPS.startUp()
at com.einstruction.cps.middletier.control.CPS.runCPS()
This occurred because:
1) My computer was upgraded from SP1 to SP2
2) A version of MDAC lower than 2.8 was installed before the upgrade
3) As a result, some MDAC components were not upgraded to version 2.8 or above
The solution was:
1) Download MDAC_TYP_281.EXE
2) Extract MDAC into a temporary directory
2.1) Go to Start > Run
2.2) Type: cmd
2.3) Press Enter
2.4) type cd "whatever directory that you downloaded MDAC to"
2.5) type mdac_typ_281 /C /T:"C:\MDAC FILES"
3) Copy these files and overwrite files in C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386
4) Reinstall MDAC manually ( Method 2 at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899861 )
4.1) use C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386 as source directory
4.2) Copy any missing files from your Windows CD's i386 directory to C:\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles\i386
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Troubleshoot mac crashes & errors
This may be a blog about Windows, but sometimes, I think it is OK to post a Mac tip or two.
Scenario: One day, you find that your Mac computer has mysteriously got stuck at startup screen, or is showing some odd error message.
You call in a technician, and he says that you need to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the entire Mac OS. And he suggests that you buy a new Mac from him to save yourself the trouble (preferably the latest model with all the bells and whistles).
Is there another option? Yes; this option is cryptically called fsck.
1. Switch on your Mac.
2. Immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and "S" keys.
You'll see a bunch of text begin scrolling on your screen. In a few more seconds, you'll see the Unix command line prompt (#).
3. Type: "fsck -y" (without the quotes).
4. Press the Return key.
You will see some technical text. If your disk is damaged, you'll see this message:
***** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED *****
5. If so, repeat steps 3 and 4 again until that message no longer appears.
6. When the message no longer appears, type "exit".
7. Press the Return key.
Your Mac should proceed to start up normally. Hopefully that technician won't get your business.
Scenario: One day, you find that your Mac computer has mysteriously got stuck at startup screen, or is showing some odd error message.
You call in a technician, and he says that you need to reformat the hard drive and reinstall the entire Mac OS. And he suggests that you buy a new Mac from him to save yourself the trouble (preferably the latest model with all the bells and whistles).
Is there another option? Yes; this option is cryptically called fsck.
1. Switch on your Mac.
2. Immediately press and hold the Command (⌘) and "S" keys.
You'll see a bunch of text begin scrolling on your screen. In a few more seconds, you'll see the Unix command line prompt (#).
3. Type: "fsck -y" (without the quotes).
4. Press the Return key.
You will see some technical text. If your disk is damaged, you'll see this message:
***** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED *****
5. If so, repeat steps 3 and 4 again until that message no longer appears.
6. When the message no longer appears, type "exit".
7. Press the Return key.
Your Mac should proceed to start up normally. Hopefully that technician won't get your business.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Troubleshooting blue screen crashes (for non-geeks)
Here is a scenario I have seen many times: You have a computer that keeps giving you blue screens of death (i.e. error messages that show up as a blue screen).
You follow standard advice:
1) You have scanned for viruses and spyware
2) You have disconnected your computer from the Internet
3) You have reinstalled Windows
But the computer crashes keep coming. At this point, many computer technicians will say, "This computer cannot be repaired. Junk your old computer and just buy a new one from me. They are quite cheap anyway."
But for those of us who can't afford or prefer to keep our old system, there are actually simple ways to find out what it wrong and fix them.
--- Poor Ventilation (overheating internal components) ---
After many years of use, computers tend to get clogged up with dust and grime.
1) Use a very strong vacuum cleaner to all the openings and areas that you can reach around the computer. Use a cotton wool stick to help dislodge the dust further inside.
2) Place the computer in a cool place (like near the window).
3) There are some holes around and under the computer. When you switch it on, you can use your palm to feel for wind currents from the computer. After you have located them, make sure that there are no obstacles around these holes.
4) If the computer warranty is void and you don't mind opening it up, you can give its insides a through cleaning with alcohol or an electronics-friendly cleaning fluid. The areas with a fan and protruding metal fins (i.e. heat sinks) should get most of the attention as they are most in need of cooling.
5) If you are using a desktop computer, you can open and expose one side of the computer to a fan as a last resort.
--- Bad Memory ---
1) Download Memtest and run a test until it has at least 100% coverage. The program is foolproof - you only need to press a button and wait for an hour or so.
2) If there is a problem, you can change the bad RAM chip. Bring your computer down to a place that sells computer spare parts and ask them to replace the chip for you.
3) Tip: Some brands of RAM have lifetime warranties (e.g. Corsair, Kingston). Depending on the terms of your warranty, you may be able to change it at their service centers for free.
--- Bad Hard Disk ---
1) If the hard disk makes a clicking sound or revs up and down, and the computer crashes shortly afterwards, that means that you must change the hard disk.
2) You can run Windows Check Disk to ensure that it is working. (Scroll down for the web page for the Graphical Version.)
3) After that, go to the website again and follow the Command Line version. Run the "chkdsk c:" instruction.
4) When it is finished, see if it says "0 KB in bad sectors". If there is a non-zero number in the "x KB in bad sector", it means that it is best to change the hard disk.
You follow standard advice:
1) You have scanned for viruses and spyware
2) You have disconnected your computer from the Internet
3) You have reinstalled Windows
But the computer crashes keep coming. At this point, many computer technicians will say, "This computer cannot be repaired. Junk your old computer and just buy a new one from me. They are quite cheap anyway."
But for those of us who can't afford or prefer to keep our old system, there are actually simple ways to find out what it wrong and fix them.
--- Poor Ventilation (overheating internal components) ---
After many years of use, computers tend to get clogged up with dust and grime.
1) Use a very strong vacuum cleaner to all the openings and areas that you can reach around the computer. Use a cotton wool stick to help dislodge the dust further inside.
2) Place the computer in a cool place (like near the window).
3) There are some holes around and under the computer. When you switch it on, you can use your palm to feel for wind currents from the computer. After you have located them, make sure that there are no obstacles around these holes.
4) If the computer warranty is void and you don't mind opening it up, you can give its insides a through cleaning with alcohol or an electronics-friendly cleaning fluid. The areas with a fan and protruding metal fins (i.e. heat sinks) should get most of the attention as they are most in need of cooling.
5) If you are using a desktop computer, you can open and expose one side of the computer to a fan as a last resort.
--- Bad Memory ---
1) Download Memtest and run a test until it has at least 100% coverage. The program is foolproof - you only need to press a button and wait for an hour or so.
2) If there is a problem, you can change the bad RAM chip. Bring your computer down to a place that sells computer spare parts and ask them to replace the chip for you.
3) Tip: Some brands of RAM have lifetime warranties (e.g. Corsair, Kingston). Depending on the terms of your warranty, you may be able to change it at their service centers for free.
--- Bad Hard Disk ---
1) If the hard disk makes a clicking sound or revs up and down, and the computer crashes shortly afterwards, that means that you must change the hard disk.
2) You can run Windows Check Disk to ensure that it is working. (Scroll down for the web page for the Graphical Version.)
3) After that, go to the website again and follow the Command Line version. Run the "chkdsk c:" instruction.
4) When it is finished, see if it says "0 KB in bad sectors". If there is a non-zero number in the "x KB in bad sector", it means that it is best to change the hard disk.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Repair distorted sound in Windows XP / Windows Vista
Recently, I observed this mysterious phenomena on a few computers, including my sister's laptop: One fine day, the computer begins to stutter, literally. When you play a piece of music or a movie, the sound will be chopped up and it will repeat itself.
Sometimes the problems will go away when you install an "important update" from Microsoft. Other times, you can only clear the problem with a fresh installation of Windows.
I have found a workaround to this: introducing the Tritton Sound Bite USB portable speakers. Not only does it give great sound, it also solves the problem completely.
Tip: If you are in Singapore, you can only buy this type of speaker at Harvey Norman stores. Sim Lim Square does not sell it - I have once searched the whole building in vain.
Sometimes the problems will go away when you install an "important update" from Microsoft. Other times, you can only clear the problem with a fresh installation of Windows.
I have found a workaround to this: introducing the Tritton Sound Bite USB portable speakers. Not only does it give great sound, it also solves the problem completely.
Tip: If you are in Singapore, you can only buy this type of speaker at Harvey Norman stores. Sim Lim Square does not sell it - I have once searched the whole building in vain.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Yahoo Error 999
Unable to process request at this time -- error 999Unfortunately, we are unable to process your request at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please try again later.
This is what I advise people who just want to read their email:
1) Use the Firefox browser; you may still be able to read your mail despite the error
2) Access https://mail.yahoo.com (note the 's' in https)
3) Access http://m.yahoo.com (this is meant for mobile phones with limited bandwidth so it looks ugly)
4) Login to Yahoo Messenger, then click on its Yahoo Mail button to access your email
5) Disconnect your Internet connection and switch off your modem. After a few minutes switch them on again and try accessing Yahoo Mail.
6) Switch to Google Mail. Its free, good and has little spam.
A more detailed explanation of this problem with solutions can be found here.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
How to make Internet website
Building a website used to take a lot of effort and technical skills. Now, even a computer newbie can set up a webpage easily. Below are some useful resources for getting started.
----- Explanations -----
- The Basics of a Website
- What is a domain vs. a subdomain
----- Useful Services -----
Disclaimer: I do not receive any commission or revenue by introducing these services.
- Domain Names: Dynadot
Most computer newbies make the mistake of buying a domain name through their web host. Not only will it cost much more, but the web host may also hold the domain name "hostage", making it difficult to transfer to another hosting company.
Wiser users use an independent domain name reseller. Dynadot provides domain names at only US$8.99 (SGD$13) per year. If you buy a .info domain name, you can pay even lesser. (But be aware that .info names are associated with spammers because they are so cheap that the crooks often buy them in bulk.)
- Email & Simple Web Hosting - Google Apps
If you wish to have 100 free email accounts with 7GB of storage each, superb spam protection, free webpages etc, check out Google Apps. [Unless you are very rich or running an organization with 10 or more staff, the free edition is good enough.] Likewise, there is no need to pay for ineffective spam protection or stingy email accounts from your ISP.
- Blogging Service: Blogger
If you do not want to go through the trouble of designing and maintaining a website just to post some simple text or pictures, you can use a blogging service.
- Discussion Groups (Google Groups)
You can also start your own discussion groups and newsletters without any computer programming knowledge.
- Hosting Videos - Google Videos
You can use Google Videos to host your video files. Unlike its popular cousin YouTube, you can post video files longer than 15 minutes and retain their copyrights.
- Hosting Large Files - MediaFire
MediaFire hosts files as large as 100MB for free. Registration is optional. You can embed the files on your website as if you are hosting it.
- Free Web Host
If you just want a no-frills free web host, try out 0fees.net. It is pretty good and totally ad-free! It is perfect for newbies to get a taste of what it is like to run a website.
If you are still designing your website, it is best to just register the domain name (to prevent it from being taken away) but not subscribe to any paid web hosting plans until it is almost completed. In this way, you will save much money. One of my friends subscribed to a year's web hosting plan without thinking and ended up never even touching it at all.
- Reliable Web Host
I was using PolurNet Communications as my web host. They were rather good until one of their servers was hacked. I have switched to Vriends Hosting (which has a 100% uptime guarantee) with 0fees.net as my backup server.
If you are just building a new, simple website, the cheapest plan is usually good enough. One of my established websites (which has over 12000 visitors a month) does very fine with that plan.
----- Internet Marketing -----
- What is Internet Marketing?
If you do not know how to do marketing on the Internet, read this first.
- Advertising
You can earn money from putting advertisements on your website, or start your own advertisement campaign.
- Google Zeitgeist
This is a good starting place to know what people are interested in, so that you can make advertisements, websites and blogs to take advantage of the market trend.
- Google Trends
If you want to know what to call your website, product or service, you can try this free service from Google. You can input a few possible names and pick the most popular terms.
----- Explanations -----
- The Basics of a Website
- What is a domain vs. a subdomain
----- Useful Services -----
Disclaimer: I do not receive any commission or revenue by introducing these services.
- Domain Names: Dynadot
Most computer newbies make the mistake of buying a domain name through their web host. Not only will it cost much more, but the web host may also hold the domain name "hostage", making it difficult to transfer to another hosting company.
Wiser users use an independent domain name reseller. Dynadot provides domain names at only US$8.99 (SGD$13) per year. If you buy a .info domain name, you can pay even lesser. (But be aware that .info names are associated with spammers because they are so cheap that the crooks often buy them in bulk.)
- Email & Simple Web Hosting - Google Apps
If you wish to have 100 free email accounts with 7GB of storage each, superb spam protection, free webpages etc, check out Google Apps. [Unless you are very rich or running an organization with 10 or more staff, the free edition is good enough.] Likewise, there is no need to pay for ineffective spam protection or stingy email accounts from your ISP.
- Blogging Service: Blogger
If you do not want to go through the trouble of designing and maintaining a website just to post some simple text or pictures, you can use a blogging service.
- Discussion Groups (Google Groups)
You can also start your own discussion groups and newsletters without any computer programming knowledge.
- Hosting Videos - Google Videos
You can use Google Videos to host your video files. Unlike its popular cousin YouTube, you can post video files longer than 15 minutes and retain their copyrights.
- Hosting Large Files - MediaFire
MediaFire hosts files as large as 100MB for free. Registration is optional. You can embed the files on your website as if you are hosting it.
- Free Web Host
If you just want a no-frills free web host, try out 0fees.net. It is pretty good and totally ad-free! It is perfect for newbies to get a taste of what it is like to run a website.
If you are still designing your website, it is best to just register the domain name (to prevent it from being taken away) but not subscribe to any paid web hosting plans until it is almost completed. In this way, you will save much money. One of my friends subscribed to a year's web hosting plan without thinking and ended up never even touching it at all.
- Reliable Web Host
I was using PolurNet Communications as my web host. They were rather good until one of their servers was hacked. I have switched to Vriends Hosting (which has a 100% uptime guarantee) with 0fees.net as my backup server.
If you are just building a new, simple website, the cheapest plan is usually good enough. One of my established websites (which has over 12000 visitors a month) does very fine with that plan.
----- Internet Marketing -----
- What is Internet Marketing?
If you do not know how to do marketing on the Internet, read this first.
- Advertising
You can earn money from putting advertisements on your website, or start your own advertisement campaign.
- Google Zeitgeist
This is a good starting place to know what people are interested in, so that you can make advertisements, websites and blogs to take advantage of the market trend.
- Google Trends
If you want to know what to call your website, product or service, you can try this free service from Google. You can input a few possible names and pick the most popular terms.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Singapore Internet Tips
----- Free Internet Access -----
If you have a notebook computer with wireless networking, you can get free Internet access in Singapore:
- Wireless@SG
- Apply for free Internet
----- Phone Service -----
You can SMS Singapore Friends for free on the Internet:
- Singtel Users
- M1 Users [I am using this provider.]
- StarHub Users
When you switch on your phone in Singapore, select Starhub as your roaming partner. You can then use Local Direct Calls to save money calling your companions.
----- Travel Information -----
Foreigners can visit the Singapore Tourism Website for initial research on sightseeing.
To find out more about the place you are visiting, you can use:
- Maps: Singapore Land Authority
- Maps: Street Directory
- Phone: Yellow Pages
To know how to get there, use:
- Route Planning: gothere.sg
- SMRT & Bus Information (including Arrival Times)
If you plan to take Singapore's reliable public transport instead of taxis, buy an ez-link card at any MRT station (including Changi Airport).
In exchange for S$5, it will save you a lot of money due to distance based fares. If you travel to more than 5 places a day, get the Singapore Tourist Pass for S$8 per day to save even more money.
I also advise frequent bus travellers (both locals and foreigners) to get the TransitLink Guide for only S$2.50 at most MRT station.
----- Others -----
Computer parts are relatively cheap here, and if you like to buy some, you can check out the Sim Lim Square price lists. [subscription required]
Singapore is served by an extensive network of libraries. You can search the National Library online catalog.
If you have a notebook computer with wireless networking, you can get free Internet access in Singapore:
- Wireless@SG
- Apply for free Internet
----- Phone Service -----
You can SMS Singapore Friends for free on the Internet:
- Singtel Users
- M1 Users [I am using this provider.]
- StarHub Users
When you switch on your phone in Singapore, select Starhub as your roaming partner. You can then use Local Direct Calls to save money calling your companions.
----- Travel Information -----
Foreigners can visit the Singapore Tourism Website for initial research on sightseeing.
To find out more about the place you are visiting, you can use:
- Maps: Singapore Land Authority
- Maps: Street Directory
- Phone: Yellow Pages
To know how to get there, use:
- Route Planning: gothere.sg
- SMRT & Bus Information (including Arrival Times)
If you plan to take Singapore's reliable public transport instead of taxis, buy an ez-link card at any MRT station (including Changi Airport).
In exchange for S$5, it will save you a lot of money due to distance based fares. If you travel to more than 5 places a day, get the Singapore Tourist Pass for S$8 per day to save even more money.
I also advise frequent bus travellers (both locals and foreigners) to get the TransitLink Guide for only S$2.50 at most MRT station.
----- Others -----
Computer parts are relatively cheap here, and if you like to buy some, you can check out the Sim Lim Square price lists. [subscription required]
Singapore is served by an extensive network of libraries. You can search the National Library online catalog.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Kids & teens can bypass child protection software
Earlier, I wrote about giving teens and children their own computer to use. A fellow blogger then suggested using child protection software.
While child protection software may help, we better not underestimate the ability of teens and children to disable such protection, and then hide the fact that they did so.
After all, the information on how to do these is often publicly available - http://www.zensur.freerk.com/#3.5
I know a teen who disabled the anti-spyware software I installed for his parents so that he can install some questionable Peer-to-Peer software. The computer became infected with spyware and slowed to a crawl soon after.
The poor parents only knew how to check email, surf the Internet and type Word documents. They called me to fix their computer when some persistent pornographic advertisements started appearing (due to one of the many spyware the computer was infected with).
When I made known the sabotage, the teen was unrepentant and seemed more frustrated that his favorite program could no longer run. He was last seen trying to disable the anti-spyware software just before I left.
While child protection software may help, we better not underestimate the ability of teens and children to disable such protection, and then hide the fact that they did so.
After all, the information on how to do these is often publicly available - http://www.zensur.freerk.com/#3.5
I know a teen who disabled the anti-spyware software I installed for his parents so that he can install some questionable Peer-to-Peer software. The computer became infected with spyware and slowed to a crawl soon after.
The poor parents only knew how to check email, surf the Internet and type Word documents. They called me to fix their computer when some persistent pornographic advertisements started appearing (due to one of the many spyware the computer was infected with).
When I made known the sabotage, the teen was unrepentant and seemed more frustrated that his favorite program could no longer run. He was last seen trying to disable the anti-spyware software just before I left.
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