http://www.pchelpforum.com Tech support with pc help and related computer help for all levels of user around the World en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:19:39 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.pchelpforum.com/images/styles/pchelpforum/misc/rss.jpg http://www.pchelpforum.com http://www.pchelpforum.com/monitors/81040-design-monitor-4-pc-performes-closest-mac.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:54:09 GMT Hi- I need a new monitor my MAG just isn't up to the task anymore. I am a photo/video editor and need something that is vivid, glossy and great in color representation. I work on iMACs and love the way they work. If someone could refer me to a monitor that performs like the iMACs do that would be great. ]]> Monitors kraftwerka http://www.pchelpforum.com/monitors/81040-design-monitor-4-pc-performes-closest-mac.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81039-does-firfox-not-like-windows-7-64-bit.html Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:20:12 GMT Its me again with another issue. I've been running Windows 7 Home Premium on my new PC for a week and a half now and one thing I've had a problem with is Firefox is extremely unstable. It randomly crashes, and those crashes take on various forms from the browser shutting down to a bsod. So far I haven't had any problems in regards to crashing/bsod outside of Firefox, it seems to be related to Firefox only...does Firefox not like WIndows 7 64-bit? If that's true, then that sucks because I can't see myself using any other browser. ]]> Browncoat1984 http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81039-does-firfox-not-like-windows-7-64-bit.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/hard-drives/81037-wheres-all-space-my-hard-drive-gone.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:06:47 GMT I have a 120GB HP laptop, the system says I only have 16GB left on my hard drive but on adding up all the files (pictures, videos etc) I can only... I have a 120GB HP laptop, the system says I only have 16GB left on my hard drive but on adding up all the files (pictures, videos etc) I can only find I have used about 40GB (give or take a few GB) There is the HP recovery drive but this is only showing 7.6GB used.
Can anyone help me find out where the missing 70GB is being used? I have done disk clean up and defragmetation but no luck

All help most gratefully received.

Martin :mrgreen: ]]> Hard Drives mnp1962 http://www.pchelpforum.com/hard-drives/81037-wheres-all-space-my-hard-drive-gone.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81036-windows-7-hardening-optimizing-guide-secupro.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:00:22 GMT *MODS: Creating this Guide costed me alot** of time and research, if you like it then please sticky this to help everyone on this forum protect and... MODS: Creating this Guide costed me alot of time and research, if you like it then please sticky this to help everyone on this forum protect and optimizing their computer system. I will keep this post daily updated with newer security tips.
This is my first post here and I wanted it to be a good one.
Thanks, please use this guide to protect your own system as well!





Windows 7 Hardening Guide - Lockdown
Created for Microsoft® Windows® 7 Ultimate (Compatible with other versions)
Created by Jeffrey S. (SecuPro) at 11-21-2009 UTC+1
Released at www.pchelpforum.com

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Part 1: General Information
Computers become more vulnerable to hackers and malicous software every day, in order to create a even safer and more trusted environment, hardening your PC is a must this days.
Alot of people think that having a firewall is enough, this is partitionaly true. But what if unknown spyware enters your computer and simply uses your trusted Windows Remote Services? The answer is just "Lock it down", every unnecessary service and component.

The Windows remote service is one of the most dangerous service in the Windows Operating System, because rootkits or trojans can modify it the way they want.
Like alot experienced Windows customers already know, The Windows Firewall does not give you any essential layer of required protection.
Actually, Windows Firewall, Windows Defender or Microsoft Security Essentials makes your PC even more vulnerable to infection and attacks.
Not because they do not deliver a PC protection, but because people trust them being a 'fully featured' security suite, and think they can do everything they want on the internet, as long as they are running in memory.

To be even more brutal, a unhackable secure computer does actually almost not exist. The only secure computer is a computer not connected to the Internet without removable media, but doing this would be nonsense for the common personal computer in the 21st century.

In order to fully 'harden' your PC, alot settings need to be changed. Keep in mind that hardening isn't all about security, but keeping your system clean and easy to overview is also very necessary.
One of the most importand things for a healthy computer is to know what is happening on your PC, this is another fault by Microsoft, because Windows does to much automatically without asking permission. Even a system administrator has to view his eventlogs daily to keep sure everything is working fine.

To know how the Operating System functions, alot of practical experience is required. It is importand for a two-sided firewall and AntiVirus/AntiSpyware software to notify the user when something suspicous is attempting to occur.
To much notifications might become annoying or even irritating, but for some PC's it is the only way to prevent attackers entering the machine because the software can only recognize signatures, but doesn't actually know the responsibilities of the process or service.

In order to create a comfortable environment, it is importand to have a clear view on your files. That doesn't mean you have to save them on your desktop, but in a easy accessible BUT secure directory.
The desktop is meant to be to portal and startplace of the user interface, it is not meant to be a dump of unnecessary and dangerous files like the most people do.
To keep it clear and easy accessible, only shortcut your most necessary files and folders at the desktop.




Part 2: The Basics
To start creating a better environment, it is importand to clean your system and for check updates daily.
The first thing you should always do is checking your Windows for updates. If they are available, download and install them directly. This is highly recommended for all software, especially security-related software, but also Adobe Flash, Shockwave, Adobe Reader and your webbrowser. When your system is fully up-to-date you should remove the temporary files and folders in order to recover space.

Also it is recommended to only install software that you really use. The most people think that you can simply remove it from your computer by using the control panel.
That is true, but they forget all the mess that remains in various directory's and registry entries.
And some basic installers even do not completely remove the program files. So when you uninstall a program, always check if it doesn't have any remains.

In order to keep your PC clean, I recommend you to use special software. I personally prefer TuneUp Utilities, just like hundredthousands of other customers. Webroot Window Washer is also a perfect application to scan your computer for unnecessary or privacy-related files, but I do not recommend it as stand-alone optimization software, but it is a excellent partner for TuneUp Utilities.

To give you PC a clear view, modify the user interface until you feel comfortable in it, also clear your recycle-bin and temporary files daily. I also recommend you to automatically delete all your browsing history every time you quit your browser.




Part 3: Hardening and optimizing your PC
Lets start hardening the machine now, follow the steps below to significantly increase your PC's security and performance.

*rul*
__________________________________________________ __________
WARNING: IF YOU ARE USING A COMPUTER IN A NETWORK, DISCARD THIS STEPS.
I HAVEN'T TESTED THIS WITH A NETWORK.

IF YOU ARE NOT A EXPERIENCED ENOUGH USER, THEN STOP
FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE FROM HERE OR USE A VIRTUAL MACHINE,
IT IS IMPORTAND TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING INSTEAD
OF EXPERIMENTING WITH YOU MACHINE.

Forum: http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/
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Follow the steps below to make your computer super fast and secure!
Administrator Rights are required.



● Updating the Drivers
If you have bought a ready-to-use PC, go to the site of the manufacturer like Lenovo for example. If the PC is manually build, then visit the site of your motherboard manufacturer like Intel or Asus.
WARNING: NEVER INSTALL A BIOS UPDATE UNLESS YOUR EXPERIENCED
ENOUGH TO DO SO, OR IF THE TECHNICAL SUPPORT RECOMMENDED IT.

Intel Driver Update Utility:
Intel® Driver Update Utility

Asus Download Center:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Lenovo Support and Downloads:
Lenovo Support & downloads - Home page





● Modify unnecessary services
GoTo Start > Run > services.msc
In order to edit the startup type, right click it and go to properties. There will be a list box allowing you to do so, dont forget to click apply.
Always read the orange text before modifying a service!

Manual: Application Experience
Disabled: Computer Browser (If your computer isn't connected to any network)
Manual: Desktop Window Manager Session Manager (If you don't use Aero)
Manual: Diagnostic Policy Service
Manual: Diagnostic Service Host
Manual: Diagnostic System Host
Disabled: Distributed Link Tracking Client (If your computer is not connected to any network)
Disabled: Fax
Disabled: HomeGroup Listener (If your machine is not in a HomeGroup)
Disabled: HomeGroup Provider (If your machine is not in a HomeGroup)
Disabled: Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) (If you are using a third-party firewall and a hardware gateway or router)
Disabled: IP Helper (Unless your ISP offers IPv6, which is very unlikely)
Disabled: Netlogon (Not required for a standalone system or home network)
Disabled: Offline Files
Disabled: Portable Device Enumerator Service
Disabled: Print Spooler (If you don't use a printer)
Manual: Protected Storage
Disabled: Remote Access Auto Connection Manager (If you use a hardware gateway or router)
Disabled: Remote Desktop Configuration
Disabled: Remote Desktop Services (Always disable due to security reasons)
Disabled: Remote Desktop Services UserMode Port Redirector
Disabled: Remote Registry (Always disable due to security reasons)
Disabled: Routing and Remote Access
Disabled: Secondary Logon (If you have one account only)
Manual: Security Center
Disabled: Server (If your computer is not connected to any network)
Disabled: Tablet PC Input Service (Unless you use Tablet PC)
Disabled: TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (If your computer is not connected to any network)
Disabled: Telephony (If you use a hardware gateway or router)
Manual: Themes (If you use the Windows Classic theme)
Disabled: Windows Error Reporting Service
Disabled: Windows Event Collector (Only if you never use the Event Log viewer or Task Scheduler)
Disabled: Windows Event Log (Only if you never use the Event Log viewer)
Disabled: Windows Media Center Receiver Service (If you don't use Media Center)
Disabled: Windows Media Center Scheduler Service (If you don't use Media Center)
Disabled: Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service
Disabled: Windows Search (If you don't use the Windows Search feature frequently)
Manual: Windows Time (If you don't want to update system tray clock time using the Internet)
Disabled: Windows Workstation





● Using MSCONFIG
Now we are going to start msconfig in order to remove unnecessary startup processes.
1) GoTo: Start > Run > MSCONFIG
2) Click the tab "Boot"
3) If you want to boot up faster, then uncheck "No GUI boot"
4) Click the tab "Startup"
5) Disable any unnecessary item in the list, if you don't know a item or if it doesn't contain a manufacturer, always do a lookup at Google





● Control userpassword2
This is a more technically GUI where you can modify account settings.
To harden this follow the steps below:
1) GoTo Start > Run > control userpasswords2
2) Click the tab "Advanced"
3) Check "Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete" (Read the description)
4) Now click the "Advanced Button"
5) A new window appears, click at "Users"
6) Disable every account except Administrator and Guest, unless you do not use the Administrator account.
7) ALWAYS set a password for the Administrator account.
8) For additional security, set a password for the guest account. (A good password is: "R3Vlc3Q0NDQ=", this is the Base64 of "Guest444")
It doesn't matter if you don't know this password, you can reset it at all time using "control userpasswords2".




● Settings Group Policies
Now we are going to set the Group Policies (Its like the law of you computer)
There are different ways to do that, you can use "gpedit.msc" or you can download the "GPOAccelerator" from Microsoft.
I would recommend you the second option.

Method 1: (If you use the GPOAccelerator GoTo method 2, then follow this steps after your done using GPOAccelerator)
GoTo Start > Run > gpedit.msc
The Group Policy has way to much options to set them all manually, so we are going to modify the most importand security-related settings.


1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Password Policy
2) Set "Account lockout threshold" to "3"

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Account Policies > Account Lockout Policies
2) Set "Minimum password length" to "12"

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
2) Set "Accounts: Rename administrator account" to "Administrator2"
WARNING: This account is renamed now in order to prevent intruders to logon.

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
2) Set "Accounts: Rename guest account" to "Guest643$"
WARNING: This account is renamed now in order to prevent intruders to logon.

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
2) Set "Interactive logon: Do not display last user name" to "Enabled"

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
2) Set "Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DELETE" to "Disabled"

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Remote Assistance
2) Set "Solicited Remote Assistance" to "Disabled"

1) Open: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Remote Assistance
2) Set "Offer Remote Assistance" to "Disabled"

Method 2:
READ: SSLF Specialized Security offers Govenment-standard security, that means that all settings are very strict, keep this in mind before using it.
1) Download GPOAccelerator from:
Download details: Security Compliance Management Toolkit
2) Install GPOAccelerator
3) GoTo Start > All Programs > GPOAccelerator > GPOAccelerator > GPOAccelerator.exe
4) Click "Next"
5) Click "Local"
6) Choose the Baseline "Windows 7 Security"
7) Choose your type (Desktop/Laptop or Notebook)
8) Choose SSLF for maximum security (recommended).
9) Click "Continue"





● Setting a BIOS password (Additional)
A BIOS password is a additional password to prevent people from accessing your Operating System, keep in mind that a BIOS password doesn't provide any protection against a experienced computer-user, it doesn't provide any harddrive protection either.
To set up a BIOS password, you have to know how to access your BIOS.
The most motherboards use F2. Be very carefull when modifying settings in the BIOS.
The BIOS-password settings can be found in the security section. ]]> SecuPro http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81036-windows-7-hardening-optimizing-guide-secupro.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/processor-cpu/81035-game-performance-suddenly-low-processor.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:42:48 GMT My games suddenly have started running very slowly on my system, with significant mouse lag and an actual slowdown of action on the screen, not just... My games suddenly have started running very slowly on my system, with significant mouse lag and an actual slowdown of action on the screen, not just an fps decrease. Only this morning everything ran smoothly. I have noticed, checking the usage % on the processor, that the usage is around 80-85% which seems abnormally high.

The issue started around the time I updated my video driver but I am unsure if it is related, as I did a system restore which rolled back the driver to what it was when everything was working fine.

Other than the driver I have not change my system in any way.

What sort of things could cause this? ]]> Processor/CPU Rhelamos http://www.pchelpforum.com/processor-cpu/81035-game-performance-suddenly-low-processor.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/sound-etc/81034-headset-recieves-no-sound-fron-front-ports.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:39:33 GMT I have a sound card which i plug my speakers in to at the back of the pc and this works fine. Now I am trying to get on Teamspeak and have a headset... I have a sound card which i plug my speakers in to at the back of the pc and this works fine.
Now I am trying to get on Teamspeak and have a headset that has 2 jacks pink and green which matches two ports on the front of the pc.
I expected to just plug and play with that but when I plug them in the front, the sound continues in main speakers, nothing herad in headset.

I expected the headset to overide the speakers and all sound would now go through the headset. I have no idea if the microphone would work at this point.

So
1) How can I enable the front ports to work, ie send out and receive sound.
2) can i get the headset to overide the speakers when I plug it in, or do I have to unplug speakers each time I want to use?

Thanks in advance. ]]> Sound etc joker123 http://www.pchelpforum.com/sound-etc/81034-headset-recieves-no-sound-fron-front-ports.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/graphics/81033-new-forums-need-graphics-help.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:25:54 GMT Hi everyone, I was hoping to find some help on here about a new graphics card. I did put my specs in my profile. (at least I hope I did it right)... Hi everyone,
I was hoping to find some help on here about a new graphics card. I did put my specs in my profile. (at least I hope I did it right) I'm using a NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 and the motherboard (I think) is an ECS Iris8. I just need a bit of help if you all don't mind. I don't need the best out there just a decent graphics card to play my games (currently trying to play mass effect and dragon age origins.)

Thank you.. ]]> Graphics Andrew9188 http://www.pchelpforum.com/graphics/81033-new-forums-need-graphics-help.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/general-software/81032-custom-menus.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:15:41 GMT im looking for a good custom menu for dvd menus program. i found a pretty nice one called AVS DVD authoring and its real cool at first except 2... im looking for a good custom menu for dvd menus program.
i found a pretty nice one called AVS DVD authoring and its real cool at first except 2 months into the year subscription it tells you you need to resubscribe again.

i wanna have a main screen then go to a chapter screen and be able to put in my own images and music for each screen and all that goodness. an dim having a hard time finding a free to use one. not a trial cuz it seems all the trials put their logo in the middle of all your stuff. anyone have any free full version software ideas?ive tried a bunch and all are missing alot fo stuff i want. i wish powerpoint could do it lol. im basically looking for a progam with the options of powerpoint but for dvd making. i have nero but it doesnt let me customize things and it makes me sad ]]> General Software josh7272 http://www.pchelpforum.com/general-software/81032-custom-menus.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-xp-2000/81029-tv.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:05:31 GMT while watching tv on net, the screen freezes, starts and stops. is there anything i can do to stop this? hopefully yes. please advise. thank-you,... while watching tv on net, the screen freezes, starts and stops. is there anything i can do to stop this? hopefully yes. please advise.

thank-you,
jsk4224 ]]> Windows XP/2000 jsk4224 http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-xp-2000/81029-tv.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/motherboards/81028-pc-boots-fan-spin-no-beep.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:07:22 GMT Hi, I am again cursed with misfortune of having a problem when assembling my core i7. Here are the components of my build. Core i7 920 Asus... Hi,

I am again cursed with misfortune of having a problem when assembling my core i7.

Here are the components of my build.
Core i7 920
Asus P6T deluxe
HX1000watt corsair psu
kingston 2gb ram(single module).
GTX 260 ZOTAC
750Gb HDD

The problem is that when I power on my computer , all the lights work , fans spin and hear HDD and DVD drive opens and closes.
The mouse also lights up (I have a Razer KRAIT).
No Beeps, no Post , no VGA signal , Monitor doesn't turn on from standby.
The key board also doesn't flash lights nor respond.

All the connections have been triple checked and single stick of ram tried in all slots as well as , reseting CMOS , changing battery.

Just before I power on the pc , the onboard power switch on the motherboard is red and reset green. (just something i noticed)

I am gutted to say the least , (maybe it's a sign for me to revise more?!) , please help.

thanks. ]]> Motherboards bindo245 http://www.pchelpforum.com/motherboards/81028-pc-boots-fan-spin-no-beep.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81027-two-questions.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:54:03 GMT Just upgraded to a new PC with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and I have two questions. The first is how can I disable those annoying security... Just upgraded to a new PC with Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and I have two questions. The first is how can I disable those annoying security warnings whenever I try to open a .exe or similar file? I never found that useful in XP and I highly doubt 7 will change that.

My second question is how can I make it so that all folders in Windows explorer are viewed as a list? I don't see any *apply to all* feature and its annoying having to change the view every time I open a new folder. ]]> Browncoat1984 http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81027-two-questions.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-xp-2000/81025-screen-flickers-freezes.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:20:16 GMT Well i just reformated my computer when a system config file got corrupted from a power outage off sorts. Basically the computer flicked on and off... Well i just reformated my computer when a system config file got corrupted from a power outage off sorts. Basically the computer flicked on and off rapidly about 4 times before i could unplug it. But anyway now that ive reformatted back to windows service pack two and have downloaded all the driver i could find with driver detective and installed a few games and so on so forth. Here is a basic rundown of whats happening

The programs start fine.

As soon as the program (the login screen to a game or the start up screen) starts the screen starts to flicker a few times 2-4 (3-5 second inter volts) and then it will completely freeze up.
One plus side of things is that i can access the ctrl+Alt+Delete menu and shutdown the programs, so i haven't had any blue screens of death nor cold shutdowns

The two programs im am trying o run are

Team Fortress 2
World of Warcraft

I havent installed any other video games or other programs for fear of not being able to alleviate this problem and wasting a colossal amount of time.

Can anyone help me? ]]> Windows XP/2000 dday77 http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-xp-2000/81025-screen-flickers-freezes.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81024-installed-epson-cd-now-wont-boot-up-help.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:15:30 GMT Hi, my gf just installed a new Epson printer using the cd that came with it and when it completed and she rebooted her laptop, as requested, she gets a message along the lines of 'Computer may not be booted. This may be due to a recent hardware of software. Please insert Windows recover disk'.
i tried the first of the 2 recovery disks that my gf made when the laptop came (the instructions were to do this as it didn't come with a recovery disk)and the screen i got was blank apart from the message: This Pc is not supported by the system recovery disks. You will not be able to continue with these disks'. Just so you know, when we do reboot the laptop, one of the messages reads:
File: /Boot/BCD
Status: 0x000000f
Info: an error occured while attempting to read the boot configuration data.

Is there no way to get into safe mode so i can uninstall the epson software please? ]]> buel10 http://www.pchelpforum.com/windows-vista-7/81024-installed-epson-cd-now-wont-boot-up-help.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/all-other-hardware/81023-new-build.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:56:14 GMT hello i.ve put together a pc which powers up ok sees the memory and graphics card then freezes up i cant get into the bios at all can anyone help... hello i.ve put together a pc which powers up ok sees the memory and graphics card then freezes up i cant get into the bios at all can anyone help i'm on the verge of taking it into the local shop if i can't sort it

thanks in advance ]]> All other Hardware jojas http://www.pchelpforum.com/all-other-hardware/81023-new-build.html http://www.pchelpforum.com/sound-etc/81022-logitech-x-530-speakers-problem.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:50:01 GMT I just bought 5.1 surround sound logitech x-530 speakers. I was previously only using 2 speakers. I've just plugged them all in and only the subwoofer and the two rear speakers are giving out sound.

Sound Chip Vendor: ATI Technologies Inc
Sound Chip: IXP SB600 High Definition Audio Controller
Motherboard Model: Acer F690GVM

Realtek HD Audio Manager settings:
Audio I/O - 6CH Speaker

Also using AC3 Filter on default settings (not sure if that's relevant or not)

Thanks for help and advice in advance ]]> Sound etc Merlodicus http://www.pchelpforum.com/sound-etc/81022-logitech-x-530-speakers-problem.html