Category: tech tips

Windows Live Applications on Windows 2003 Server

After searching far and wide I found a solution to not being able to install the lates version of Windows Live applications on Windows 2003(and 2008) Server.

My desire is pretty much for only Live Writer but all the ‘Live’ apps are now completely bundled.

You can’t simply download and install the ‘writer installer’ anymore. [this was a solution for Live Writer beta 3]

After downloading the full Windows Live installer – wlsetup-all.exe

You must make adjustments to the actual installer that will allow for a ‘server’ install (A ‘non supported’ OS).

First download and extract ‘Resource Hacker’ to a folder (desktop is simplest)

Next run ResHacker.exe and open the setup file – wlsetup-all.exe

Locate CONFIG 0. and expand

Then go to ‘View’ on the menu bar and ‘Find’ enter ‘Workstation’ and find any references and replace with Server.

Then ‘Compile’ and Save the installer.

You can then run the install and all should work!!! Did for me anyways.

Good luck.

From Giz Windows 7 tips

Gizmodo has a huge collection of tips, tricks and how to’s for the up coming version of Windows – Windows 7.
I highly recomend reading if you are interested in the future of Windows.
I have had a running VM (virtual machine) of Windows 7 for months now and I am quite excited about the performance; much better that Vista (for me anyways)
I will post some more info on my VM experiences in another log.
For those that are already using Vista the ‘jump’ will be minimal. And for those on Windows XP it will be an easier transition than going from XP to Vista.
http://gizmodo.com/tag/windows-7/?skyline=true&s;=t

Gmail adds contact synchronization over the ‘air’

Fellow Gmailers and ‘techies’,

There is an updated sync tool from Google that works ‘over the air’ and not only synchronizes calendars but also contacts!. I have not tried this yet but sounds like I will be giving it a go later this week.I have been using Google’s ‘calendar sync’ with my Outlook for a while and I love it!

This may not be necessary for me or regular ‘Active Sync’ users because I sync my contacts already, but it is worth trying out. Anything to assure ‘uniform data’!This sounds like it takes that to the next level.
Google Sync uses a Microsoft Exchange server to keep all of your contact and calendar data in sync over the air. If you’ve added a new calendar appointment from your desktop, Google Sync will push the update to your phone. Likewise, changes you make from your phone are automatically synced to your Google account in the cloud.

If you try it let me know how it goes.

http://www.google.com/mobile/default/sync.html

Windows Media Center How To’s

Some have asked me how to work with the fantastic Media Center in Vista and its ‘father’ WinXP Media Center Edition.
There are other ‘open source or freeware’ apps and plenty of quality ones to purchase available to do what Media Center does, but I have used most of them and they don’t compare with the Vista (or WinXP) Media Center.
Some example of the other application Myth TV, Media Portal, Beyond TV, Sage TV, and XBMC to name a few of the quality ones I’ve used (use).
If you don’t have Vista, or WindowsXP Media edition some of the freeware applications can do a very good job and some of the retail applications will too.
You can even use a media center PC to save money by kissing cable or satallite goodbye! (see below)
Well, anyways here are some great links that will help more than I can with a a simple email response.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/help-how-to.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-media-center/get-started-on-windows-vista.aspx

some other good stuff:
http://lifehacker.com/298408/turn-your-windows-pc-into-a-media-center-powerhouse-on-the-cheap

http://lifehacker.com/software/router/hack-attack-turn-your-60-router-into-a-600-router-178132.php

http://lifehacker.com/software/dvds/hack-attack-burn-almost-any-video-file-to-a-playable-dvd-232322.php

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/using/setup/default.mspx

And even more great resources:
42 keboard shortcuts for Media Center:
http://www.simplehelp.net/2008/06/18/42-keyboard-shortcuts-for-controlling-windows-media-center/

Review of media center apps:
http://lifehacker.com/5130610/hive-five-winner-for-best-dvr-app-windows-media-center

Saying goodby to cable and satallite tv using online services:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10125962-94.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

http://lifehacker.com/5115183/ditch-satellite-tv-for-online-alternatives-and-save

Some of my favorite sites:
http://www.hulu.com/

http://www.fancast.com/

http://www.cbs.com/classics/