Direct MP3 Download: Podnutz Episode 25: More With Mike

• Mike Petro joins us for more repair tech talk
• Verizon modems and routers
• Spyware evolution
• Great site for XP tweaks and fixes
• and much more…

Show Notes:

ComboFix found the rootkit, but did not remove it:
Rootkits sometimes show no signs other than preventing you from getting to a specific webpage instead you will be redirected somewhere else.

ComboFix is one of those programs that offers no harm in running it, much like Dial-a-fix. It finds deeply hidden issues in the registry that you would not find otherwise. ComboFix also gives you a list of files created in the last month. Experienced techs can spot a bad file and Pocket KillBox is a program that can be used to get rid of files that stubbornly refuse to allow you to delete them.

Getting rid of XP/Win/Vista AntiVirus 2008/2009 by running:
SmitFraudFix, CCleaner and SuperAntiSpyware

Hard drive diagnostic/recovery:
–SeaTools works with any hard drive regardless of the manufacturer. Short test.
-If the hard drive “whines” it is an indication the bearings are going out. Back it up and get it replaced ASAP.
-The problem with CloneZilla: it will always make a partition the same size as the old drive when moving data to a larger hard drive. Extra space is on a separate partition.
– A free Partition Magic alternative is EaseUs

Open Source utilities/resources:
–SourceForge beats download.com and softpedia.com
–Open Office is a great Microsoft Office replacement
-New techs can fill their toolbag for free with great open source programs
-Better support than larger companies
–UltraVNC has great support for Vista issues
-Learn the difference between UltraVNC and PCHelpware

Routers/Troubleshooting/Setups/Encryption:
-Verizon Westell 6100 DSL modem/router negotiates the PPPoE connection
– When modems and routers default to 192.168.1.1 it causes connectivity issues.
-Learn how to troubleshoot this issue.
-Router setup tips and wireless encryption
-DSL requires filters on your phone lines but not on the modem
-You can use one filter if you install it at the box outside of your house
-Try getting one from Verizon upon installation
-To check the DSL connection stream music from the web.

Mac vs PC
Steve’s new podcast coming soon!
The Great Tech Debate and “It Ain’t Gonna Be Pretty”
No Holds Barred/4 Voice Panel topic on ____ vs ____

Corrupted BIOS / troubleshooting
-Upon bootup, just a flashing cursor when the hard drive was recently replaced.
-Updating the BIOS can be risky
-Learn the things Mike tried and how he fixed it.

Other Topics Covered:
-Don’t buy laptops from Ebay
-Sellers don’t know how to package them
-FedEx offers a laptop packing kit (could not find a link)
–How to safely ship your laptop
-Installing the latest Windows SP3 solves all kinds of issues!
-Do it manually via the site if automatic updates will not work.
–Kelly’s Korner lots of obscure fixes!
-fixes reg files
–Dial-a-fix clears/removes restrictive policies.

Saving on canned air / Tip From Carey Holzman
-Use a leaf blower to clean out dusty PCs to save on canned air
-Make sure you get one that maxes no stronger than 150 MPH
-Watch Carey Holzman of Computer America use this method.
-Air compressors also work but require a water/oil separator in the line/hose because the compressor creates moisture.

Applying thermal grease – The Debate