Liz’s Random Tech Tips #1 : Texxors.com

Liz’s Random Tech Tips #1

April 17, 2007 Posted by Liz in : Hacks, How-to, Microsoft, Tips , trackback, Email this post

Editor’s note: Liz is a tech support person and all-around electro-guru. She’s got all kinds of random fix-it tips running around in her brain, some of which occasionally make it to paper (or pixels in this case). Below is the first installment of Liz’s Random Tech Tips.

Windows Vista and the 1950 Pro

Installing 7.3 drivers for the Radeon 1950 Pro can sometimes cause a BSOD (”blue screen of death” for the uninitiated), or corrupt the original drivers. To fix this, install the “drivers only” version of 7.3 to get it to stop, and don’t install the CCCC (Catalyst Control Center Crap).

Network Problems (Windows XP)

The god of networking fixes is here: WinSockXPFix.

Run the tool. It modifies some registry keys, resets some settings, and generally makes sure it all works fine.

Unless your settings are different, make sure the connection settings are set to automatically configure settings under Tools > Internet Options > Connections > Lan Settings. Check “Automatically Detect Settings,” and make sure there is no proxy server set.

Laptop Batteries

Laptop batteries can cause SO many issues. They can cause no power, a blank screen, OS corruption, and even video driver issues.

If you have a problem with a laptop, try taking the battery out and plugging it in with the AC adapter only. If that fixes it, ta-da you’ve found your problem.

Sprint Aircard on Windows Vista

At my job we sell a lot of Sprint Aircards, particularly the Pantech PX-500. I’ve found a fix that will let us use them with Vista.

First off, you have to install the disk, even though the software doesn’t work, because it’s the only way to get Vista to recognize the card. Just installing the drivers won’t work. After the card is activated, instead of using the software, go to the “NETWORK AND SHARING CENTER” (you can get there from the Control Panel). From there, click on “Set up a Connection or Network.” Follow the steps to set up a dial-up connection. Choose the Pantech modem. When it asks for a number to dial, input #777 and hit Next.

That’s it. Every time the card is plugged in, the computer will automatically dial up, and then you’re on. Just remember to remove the icons for the Sprint software, and you’re good to go!

Only 26 million more devices to find fixes for and I can sleep…