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The LangaList
Standard Edition

2004-09-23

A Free Email Newsletter from Fred Langa
That Helps You Get More From Your Hardware, 
Software, and Time Online

Please visit our sponsors and help keep the LangaList S.E. free!

1) The Pleasure Of *Not* Having To Update

Hi Fred. It's always been my experience with large service packs from Microsoft, that they're best applied immediately following a fresh install of the software to be updated. Even better, they may be "slipstreamed" or "integrated" into the software first. SP2 for XP is no exception, and after slipstreaming it and creating a new XP install CD from the original, I've done a fresh install and experienced no problems.... Best of all, I no longer have 100MB of updates waiting for me after a fresh install of XP SP1! All my favorite apps and games are running normally.... Randolph Way

Indeed, Randolf, making your own "prepatched" setup CD is surprisingly easy--- a point and click exercise with only a few geeky parts. Your hybrid install CD will work exactly as the original one did, even to the point of using the same 25-character Product Key, but it will be completely up to date with all patches and updates, up to and including SP2. Any system you set up with the hybrid CD will be pre-patched to current levels, in one step. You'll be totally up to date from the start, rather than facing maybe an hour or more of additional downloads to bring the new installation or reinstallation to SP2 levels.

You only need three things to get started:

1) Your original, legitimate XP setup CD. (Almost any variation of an original setup CD will work: Pro or Home; retail or OEM; full install CD or upgrade CD; etc.).

2) A CD burner, blank CD, and software capable of creating a bootable CD (eg. Nero, Roxio, etc.)

3) About a gigabyte of free space on your hard drive for temporary file storage. (This space can be recovered after you've made your new CD.)

I've posted a fully-illustrated step-by-step guide to producing your own up-to-date installation CD at
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=47212312 .
Every critical step is accompanied by a screen shot so you'll know exactly what to expect. I've included live links to the (free) downloads you'll need to create the CD, and also included links to other sites that discuss the same process, so if my method doesn't work for you, for any reason, you can find another that will.

I've already used my own updated installation CD here, and it was very cool to set up a new XP PC and see the process end, in one step, with a complete, up-to-date SP2 setup, with no additional downloads or patches needed.

Check it out---all the information you need to make your own, full pre-patched XP installation CD is at
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=47212312 .

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2) Ripoff Or Not?

Hi Fred, Enjoyed your LangaList article on spyware removal, because we are currently having an issue in my office. The outside IT firm my boss uses is taking our desktop machines away -- to the firm's office--- to remove spyware. They maintain that they must remove the hard drives & hook them up separately to san & clean them. There are no plans to do anything to the server.

I told my boss that this is a load of BS, & there is no way this is correct. The way you clean malware is to run a scanning & cleaning program on your machine, with it -- and its hard drive -- where they always are. My boss told me he believes the consultant.

Who's right? ---Susan H.

A load of BS? Well, Sue, it's not your imagination <g>. Indeed, your boss may need to scrape his shoes.

Most PCs systems, most of the time, can be cleaned successfully in situ; nothing fancy needed at all.

In some stubborn infestations, or in cases where a system is infecting or being reinfected by other systems on a LAN, you might need to temporarily unplug the PC's network cable; you may also have to clean the PC from safe mode or from a boot floppy. But even in these severe cases, there's still no reason for the PC to leave the premises; or to be physically disassembled.

In the very worst cases, where all data on a system is at imminent risk of loss (um, if this IT team is so good, why don't you have backups?), then I can imagine a few rare instances where you'd want to remove the hard drive and work on it on a special dedicated PC. But this would be extremely uncommon, and would suggest some huge gaps in security and preventive maintenance to let the PC get in that bad a shape.

Now maybe there's more to this story than we know; that's possible. But on the basis of what you've told me, it sounds like hauling the systems away for disassembly and decontamination is a wee bit of overkill--- and a fine way to rack up billable hours and travel time. I think a more rational and efficient--- though far less lucrative--- approach would be to spend the night at the offices, going from PC to PC with a boot CD, scanning and disinfecting the machines in place; and installing desktop software (firewall. anti-spyware, anti-virus, etc.) to prevent future infections. Depending on how many PCs there are, and the size of the IT crew, you might be able to do the whole office in one night, with zero downtime for your office staff during normal working hours. And I doubt that any of the systems would have to be taken out of the building.

Of course, with all the PCs swept clean at once, and with them all set up to guard against reinfection, the outside IT company would stand to lose a lot in future service calls. Perhaps this is what swayed them to use their clumsy, inefficient--- but highly billable--- method instead.

Again, there may be more to this story than we know--- some other factor that would make this company's approach make sense. But on the basis of what you've told me, it sounds like the IT company is more interested in protecting its revenue stream than in protecting your PCs.

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3) More Printer Driver Bugs

Hi Fred, I had a problem like Bob's (see "'Spoolsv' Eats 99% Of CPU Time" http://langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-07-12.htm#3 ) when I bought an HP940c in 2001. It turned out to be HPZSTATX.EXE, a totally useless program. Here's what I found after many days of searching:

From: http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist_h.htm :

HPzstatx.exe: Nightmarish Printer Status Monitor task which is installed by the setup program of many HP DeskJet printers when installing on a Windows 9x/ME PC. HPZSTATX does not get installed if you install your printer via the "Add Printer" icon in the Printers Panel - it only gets installed if you run the HP setup program. Everything that HPZSTATX does, it does badly : it uses too many system resources, and, worse, it frequently "hangs" the printing of documents with, in most cases, only a reboot solving the problem. This is twisted! A printer manufacturer producing a buggy piece of software which so often prevents the user from..... printing!

Recommendation : If you have been experiencing printing jobs not coming out, get rid of HPZSTATX using one of the following methods : either delete HPZSTATX.EXE from the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM folder in Safe Mode, or disable it with Starter, or rename it to HPZSTATX.EXE.OLD.

I'm sure this will help someone, if not Bob. ---Bob Berles

Thanks, Bob. In a way, I can sympathize with printer vendors--- they have to be expert in papers, inks, electromechanical constructs, *and* some fairly complex software. That's a lot.

On the other hand, they often do a lousy job with the software, and they gouge us on the ink prices. OK, never mind. I don't feel sympathetic any more. 8-)

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--- ( Your Clicks On Ad Links Help Keep The LangaList S.E. Free! ) ---

"When I placed my order for the Langa List Plus version, I didn't see
anything about if you automatically re-bill until I cancel. I don't
like automatic rebilling.--- Bill"

Neither do I! That's why I never auto-rebill Plus! subscribers; each $12
subscription is for one year, and then you're given the option to sign up
again, or not. If you do nothing, your subscription stops, and that's
that. But the overwhelming majority of Plus! subscribers do choose to
renew--- which is why this newsletter is still going strong!

The LangaList Plus! Edition offers many benefits--- it's ad-free, spam-proof,
and contains even more content--- tips, tricks, advice, downloads....---
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Get all the details:

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4) Cookie Cleanup Issues

Hi Fred, I'm running WindowsXP-Home. It has a utility called Disk Cleanup. I run this every few days and I thought it was deleting cookies. I also run Ad-Aware 6.0 which claims to delete cookies.

It appears that XP doesn't have a file for the Cookies like Windows98. The cookies on my machine are hidden under file names like

                    C:\documents and settings\connie\cookies

I discovered them by running a search on my name, Connie. I've had this PC since December and there were cookies for every website I've ever visited. I believe there must have been 500 or more. I deleted them by hand.

I just wanted to ask if there is a way to change the location or the way
they are named so the utility or Ad-Aware can find them. Thanks, Connie

Win98 is a single-user system; its Cookies could be kept in a single location. XP is, at its core, a multi-user system. Even when it's used by one person, it's still set up internally to allow for multiple users; or multiple accounts for the same user. That's why each user--- each account--- has its own private Cookie stash, separate from any others. (See next item, too.)

But it's easy to clean up Cookies. Most browsers have basic Cookie-cleanup routines built in. For example, if you use Internet Explorer, next time you're on the web, click Tools/Internet Options/Delete Cookies.

If you want a more thorough tool for wiping out *all* your stored Cookies, you can also easily set my (free) cleanup batch files to delete any folder, including your Cookie folder if you wish. http://langa.com/cleanup_bat.htm

Or: Use any one of hundreds of available Cookie-cleanup tools: http://www.google.com/search?q=clean+cookie

Note that focused security tools like Ad-Aware are not designed simply to sweep your Cookie cache clean. Rather, tools like Ad-Aware look for Cookies of a type that can be abused by unethical web sites; and then lets you delete those Cookies, if you wish.

But note that most cookies--- even the so-called "tracking" Cookies--- are usually either benign or even actively helpful. The people who make anti-Cookie tools will do all they can to convince you that all Cookies are evil--- imminent threats to your security. But they say that because they're trying to get you to use their tools. Yes, *some* Cookies can *sometimes* be misused in *some* limited ways; but it's rare. Almost always, Cookies are a very low-risk thing, and simply not worth a lot of worry.

A great general tool for viewing your Cookies, seeing what information is actually stored inside, and then selectively deleting the ones you don't want to keep, is Karen Kenworthy's free "Cookie Viewer:"  http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptcookie.asp

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5) Single User / Multiple Accounts

Fred - I have a question that I'd like your professional opinion on (really just want to know if my way of thinking is the same as yours).  It "seems" that the number and ability of today's viruses to wreak havoc on our systems has increased many fold.  Assuming we are using W2K or XP on our systems, if the current user was just an average user, NOT one with administrative privileges, would that not tremendously reduce the ability of most viruses to do damage to our systems?  If the user does not have the right to modify or change OS system files, we'd be better off.  The complaint I always hear it that it is a pain to log off and then log back on as an administrator to perform some task (like adding programs etc).  Second question, assuming I know what you are going to say regarding the first question is, how do you sell that notion to management? ---Dan

Yes, Dan, and that's actually what Microsoft, various security experts, and others (including I) have recommended: On your XP or 2K system (or Linux box, for that matter), you set up at least two accounts, even if you're the only user. One account should have full admin privileges, and the other should have much more constrained settings. You "live" mostly in the second account so that if that account gets hacked, infected, or otherwise compromised, the risk to the system as a whole is reduced. You then use the Admin account to do cleanup and system-wide maintenance.

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6) Recommend This Newsletter And Win!

If you think the LangaList is a worthwhile read, maybe a friend would find it useful too! Just use the following link to recommend the LangaList---your friend may find a new source of useful information and you just may win one of three FREE ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTIONS to the LangaList Plus! edition given each month. (If your name is drawn and you're already a Plus! subscriber, your current subscription will be extended by a full year.)

Check out the details at http://langa.com/recommend.htm . Thanks for recommending the LangaList--- and good luck!

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7) A Resurrected NetLaunch

Hello Fred, My all-time favorite dial-up Internet dialer, Netlaunch, from win98 has "risen from the ashes" after 5 years with a version for XP.  I have tried other freeware dialers and none of them hold a candle to Netlaunch.  I am very happy to have it after upgrading to XP Home last week.  Here is the info:

The main site url is http://www.blackcastlesoft.com.

This new version for Windows 2000/XP has been completely re-written from the ground up. Detailed information can be found here (http://www.blackcastlesoft.com/netlaunch/about.asp).

Screenshots: http://www.blackcastlesoft.com/netlaunch/default.asp

Best regards, Steven Groginsky

Thanks, Steven. Very impressive feature list!

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8) They Loaded The Code

Over three thousand of your fellow readers have "Loaded the code." Please click over to http://langa.com/code.htm , and maybe you can join them! (If you've already "Loaded The Code" and are wondering if your site will appear here or on the Langa.Com web site, please see http://langa.com/link.txt )

Speaking of which: Here's another eclectic sample of reader sites---some professional, some very personal:

View A Randomly-Chosen Reader Site
http://langa.com/randomlink.htm

Manually Browse All Posted-to-Date Sites Starting At
http://langa.com/readersites.htm

Scott's Freeware Goodies
http://www.comcen.com.au/~scottford/_sgg/f10000.htm

QwikBak (freeware/shareware) Backups
http://pgsd.co.nz/qwikbak.htm

Welkom op Peter's Homepage
http://www.euronet.nl/users/boerie1/index.html

The Poole Patch
http://www.thepoolepatch.com/

The Leftover Chef
http://www.leftoverchef.com/

Custom Boat Repairs
http://www.customboatrepairs.com/index.html

able college & PK Austin
http://home.earthlink.net/~stollerusa/

The Other Casualty Of War
http://home.comcast.net/~paulbylin/index.html

Gold Key Security
http://www.gold-key-security.com/index.html

"The Blog That Should Not Be"
http://blogs.linux.ie/ungod/

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9) Do The "Security Tango"

Fred - The many suggestions your readers share helps this senior citizen stay online.  The subject of security is often frightening but I have found http://www.securitytango.com/ . Nothing in it is new to your readers but it gives those of us who remember adding a motor to an adding machine as a great technological advance <g>, a source to help us recall what is needed to "stay safe".

Keep up the good work and please take pleasure in the knowledge that you and your readers are a great asset. ---John Schmitt

Looks like a good overview, John, in a lively--- and thus non-boring--- format. Nice find!

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10) Just For Grins

Several of my family members and friends live in the Pensacola, Florida, area that was hit hard by a recent hurricane. After a few days of shock, and a few more days without power or phone service, a few harbingers of normalcy began to emerge; a sense of humor among the first. The cleanup may take months, but the spirit of the people there will recover sooner, if this note from Regina Barry (one of my sisters, who lives there) is any indication:

30 Things Hurricanes Teach Us
 
1. An oak tree on the ground looks four times bigger than it did standing up
 
2. Even after all these years it is still nice to spend time with Col. Mustard in the ballroom with the lead pipe.
 
3. When house hunting look for closets with lots of leg room.
 
4. Water from the shower is much colder than water from the kitchen sink--and tastes just as bad.
 
5. AA, C and D are the only alphabet we need ( batteries )
 
6. The four-way stop is still an ingenious reflection of civility.
 
7. Radio can be the best way to watch television.
 
8. Chain-saw wielding men are nothing to be afraid of.
 
9. SUV's are the best makeshift tents on the market.
 
10. You can use your washing machine as a cooler.
 
11. It's your God given right to sit on your back porch and eat Chinese takeout by candlelight in your underwear.
 
12. We shouldn't complain about "useless" tools in the garage-- we actually DO need a generator
 
13. You can' t spell "priceless" without I-C-E.
 
14. Downed power lines make excellent security systems.
 
15. Lakes can generate waves.
 
16. Gasoline is a value at any price
 
17. Cell phones: Breaking up isn't hard to do.
 
18. The life blood of any disaster recovery is COFFEE
 
19. The need for your dog to go out and take care of business is inversely proportional to the severity of the storm.
 
20. Candlelight is better than Botox--- it takes years off your appearance
 
21. Air Conditioning: BEST. INVENTION. EVER.
 
22. Water is a comfort food. But 3-day-old Cheetos are too.
 
23. Shadow animals on the wall---still fun.
 
24. No matter how hard the wind blows, roadside campaign signs will survive.
 
25. You should never admit to having power at your house in the presence of co-workers or neighbors who do not.
 
26. There's a plus to having NOTHING in the refrigerator.
 
27. Getting through the day should be an Olympic event.
 
28. The movie theater can be a most pleasant place, even if the feature is Alien vs. Predator
 
29. Somebody's got it worse.
 
30. Somebody's got it better. Obviously, they're getting preferential treatment.

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11) Plus! Edition Highlights:

• System Sounds Quit?
    (here's an easy fix for this annoying problem)
• One-Stop Free Information Resource
    (amazingly deep resource on all things PC)
• 3D Interface
    (a totally different way to organize your desktop)

Plus! edition subscribers not only get much more content in every issue (like the above), but also have access to a private web site with over 100,000 words of special content and features not found in *any* issue of the newsletter; along with dozens of private downloads and much more--- all for just $1 per month!

Check out: http://langa.com/plus.htm

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(Give a gift subscription to the LangaList Plus edition!
Click <a href= " http://langa.com/plus_gift.htm ">here</a>)

See you next issue, 2004-09-30! (No issue next Monday)

Best,

Fred
( Editor@Langa.Com )

Please recommend the LangaList to a friend! (And maybe win a prize!)

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