How do I set my Out of Office Assistant on the Blackberry?

To activate this go to the Messages icon on the main menu.
Click the scroll button to display your messages.
Click the scroll button again to bring up the menu.
Scroll and select “Options” from this menu. Click the scroll button.
Scroll and select “E-mail Settings” from this menu.
Scroll down and select “Use Out Of Office Reply:”
Change the option from “No” to “Yes”. It will pull your current Out Of Office Assistant from the Exchange Server. Modify and Save.

How can I delete messages from my Blackberry AND my Inbox while I am traveling?

The wireless reconciliation functionality allows the Blackberry to delete mail from the Handheld AND the Inbox.
To activate this go to the Messages icon on the main menu.

* Click the scroll button to display your messages.
* Click the scroll button again to bring up the menu.
* Scroll and select “Options” from this menu. Click the scroll button.

Under the E-mail Reconciliaton heading are following 3 items:
* Delete On: Handheld
* Wireless Reconcile: On
* Conflicts: Mailbox wins

Highlight “Delete On:” Click the scroll button to bring up the menu.
* “Change Option” Should be highlighted. If it is not, scroll to “Change Option” and click the scroll wheel.

There are 3 options listed. Handheld, Mailbox & Handheld and Prompt.
* If you select “Handheld” when mail is deleted on the Blackberry it will ONLY be deleted on the Blackberry.
* If you select Mailbox & Handheld ALL MAIL will be deleted from both the Blackberry AND the Inbox.
* If you select Prompt you will be prompted with the following every time you attempt to delete an email from the
Blackberry:
Delete Message?
On Mailbox & Handheld
On Handheld
Cancel

Highlight the selection you want to use and click the scroll wheel.
* Click the scroll wheel again and select “Save” from the menu to save the setting.

In addition you can purge your deleted items from your Blackberry:
* To activate this go to the Messages icon on the main menu.
* Click the scroll button to display your messages.
* Click the scroll button again to bring up the menu.
* Scroll and select “Options” from this menu. Click the scroll button again to access the menu.
* Select “Purge Deleted Items”.
* It will prompt “Are you sure you want to delete all items from your deleted items folder on Desktop permanently?”
* Select “Yes”

Been Busy!

I have been really busy with the new job. Plus, to top it off, the whole family is sick... Germ Factory One and Germ Factory Two have been hard at work. :P I have not even had time play with the XBox 360, who has been leaving me little posts about the level of frustration that it feels.

VeryLost's Xbox - 11/29/2006
Where is VeryLost at? I want to disown him. I am putting myself up on eBay ASAP.

VeryLost's Xbox - 11/28/2006
I only have one request... If VeryLost isn't going to game, the least he could do is turn me off so I don't feel the pain. But no... I was awake for six hours crying in my own head.

(Is it a bad sign that your XBox is mad at you???)


Oh, I do love this whole On-Demand from Comcast. It is really cool. There are a LOT of movies that are free (might be a bit older) that you can watch from anywhere in the house, regardless if it is on the DVR or not. I was watching Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Havoc (Unrated), and Star Wars III all streamed over the wire. Very Cool. I still have to hook up the internet. I just have not had the time or motivation.

That is all for now.

My first negative feedback from Xbox Live

I was playing Perfect Dark Zero on line, last night. The only game that I play on-line. A couple of people joined my session when I was playing against a dozen bots or so. However, at certain times through the game we would be on opposite sides, since when you die you change sides. During the game, I did not care if they were a human player or a Bot, there still shooting at me! SO, I will do my best to kill them before they do the same to me… This guy decided to bitch and leave me negative feedback because I was “too aggressive”… I thought that was the whole point of the game???!!!!??? I am not just going to stand there and let you kill me, what are you thinking!

So, here is my response. “IF you can’t take the heat, stay out of my game!”

Last Accessed VBS Script

'This script is to find the date/time last accessed of files
'Version 1.0

Set fso = CreateObject ("Scripting.FileSystemObject")

If WScript.Arguments.Count = 0 then
RecurseDirectory "."
Else
RecurseDirectory WScript.Arguments.Item(0)
End If

Sub Recursedirectory(strDir)
Set refFolder = fso.GetFolder(strDir)

'Process files in directory
For Each refFile in refFolder.Files
WScript.Echo """" & refFile.Path & """" & "," & _
"""" & (refFile.DateCreated) & """" & "," & _
"""" & (refFile.DateLastModified) & """" & "," & _
"""" & (refFile.DateLastAccessed) & """" & "," & _
"""" & (refFile.size) & """" & ","
Next

'Then Recurse down directory tree
For Each refSubFolder in refFolder.SubFolders
RecurseDirectory refSubFolder.Path
Next
end sub

'To run:
'cscript //nologo DateLastAccessed.vbs c:\ >> DateLastAccessed.csv


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting KB instead of bytes is as simple as dividing by 1024.  If you want to round up to the nearest KB, add 1023 to the returned value then divide by 1024 and then use the INT function to get the size in KB.  i.e. SizeKB = int((refFile.Size+1023)/1024)

To get the date in a different format you have many options.  One of the easiest would be to use the SPLIT function to, duh, split it into pieces and then glue them back together.  Assuming the refFile.DateLastAccessed is

10/24/2006 8:22:42 AM

aryDate = Split(refFile.DateLastAccessed)    ' aryDate(0) = "10/24/2006", aryDate(1) = "8:22:42", aryDate(2) = "AM"
strDate = aryDate(0)    ' =12/24/2006
strTime = aryDate(1) & " " & aryDate(2)    ' =8:22:42 AM

Another way would be to use the various date manipulation functions, in particular DATEPART:

year = datepart("yyyy",refFile.DateLastAccessed)
month = datepart("m",refFile.DateLastAccessed)
day = datepart("d",refFile.DateLastAccessed)
hour = datepart("h",refFile.DateLastAccessed)
min = datepart("n",refFile.DateLastAccessed)
sec = datepart("s",refFile.DateLastAccessed)

theDate = year & month & day
theTime = hour & ":" min & ":" & sec

Exchange Cache Mode - Good and Bad

Outlook 2003 has a great feature called Exchange Cache Mode. According to Microsoft,When Cached Exchange Mode is enabled, Outlook 2003 uses a local copy of your mailbox. At the same time, Outlook 2003 maintains an online connection to a remote copy of your mailbox in Exchange Server.

Putting the Outlook email client into cached-mode enables several functions designed to lessen the dependence of a connection between the Outlook client and the Exchange server. Such as creating a local copy of the GAL and a local copy of the users INBOX all allow more of the users interaction with their mail client to take place on their workstation (even if the connection to the mail server is unavailable.) This means a reduced amount of interactive network traffic back to the mail server.

In many situations, this is a very good thing. Laptop users are a wonderful example of users who need to be able to work with their email even when they are not connected to the network. Another would be users whose mail box is not local but is accessed over a WAN, VPN or dial-up link where the user experience when interacting with the mail server over a slow link would not be a good one.

There can be a down side to using cached-mode, however. Situations where users need to interact with another users mail information such as sharing of calendar information. Or where there is interaction with another application like ActiveSync or Blackberry. These and other problems are documented by Microsoft and others so the problems are well known technically.

Instead of a blanket Outlook cache-mode for everyone, a better and more supportable recommendation would be the following:

Good candidates for Outlook cache-mode:
*Portable devices (tablets, laptops, etc.) where the user typically is accessing Exchange services at less than LAN speeds (WAN, VPN, dial-in)
*Users in locations without a local Exchange server and access a mailbox over a WAN link.

Bad candidates for Outlook cache-mode:
*Blackberry users
*ActiveSync users
*Users who have given delegate control to other users over their mailbox/calendar
*Users whose mailbox is located on an Exchange 2000 server
*Users who have client-side rules to be run
*Users who are about to have their mailbox moved to another mail server

The Microsoft article http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870926/ can be used as a reference as this has both instructions for enabling Outlook cached-mode but there is also a section labeled "Practices to avoid when you use Outlook 2003 with Cached Exchange Mode" that should be reviewed.

Still Alive and Kicking

Things are going well. I think that I am settling in and being able to impress my bosses with my technical knowledge, project management, and the ability to step in and take over. With the help of a small script, a project that they have been working on months (if not years), is giving management the ammo needed to get people to clean up their “stuff”. This has always been a problem, everywhere I have been. I can remember many many times at Cori where the file server is full due to people just dumping their crap out there. This was a serious problem when you are backing up files that have not been touched in 6 months – to Years… Not to mention the hassle, time, and effort that IT has to go through to contact people just to get things cleaned up. So, with the thanks of Wayne, a colleague from ACS, I was able to query the file servers and provide full path name (including file), Modified Date, Created Date, Last Accessed Date, and Size (in bytes) to my boss. Thanks Wayne!

If anyone is interested, I would be willing to post it with the changes that I made.

Comcast - Day 3

I am at the new job with Comcast as a Senior Infrastructure Analyst. From what I understand so far is that myself and a co-worker (who is a really cool guy) will be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting various servers, network, switches, and firewalls. I have already assisted several “customers” (internally) in various issues that have come up. I just installed a bunch of cards into a Cisco Switch (6509), which is a first for me. I am currently working on an EMC upgrade and backup/recovery solution to improve performance and decrease the backup time. This is very important…blah blah blah... like anyone else cares.. :P

All in all, I will not be bored or sitting around for something to break. There are lots of projects and things that could use my knowledge. It is very fast paced, especially coming from a place like ACS. I am really enjoying the work and taking on more responsibility and projects where I can.

I am not out to change the world, just my corner of it.

NDR List of Codes and their meanings

The key to any troubleshooting is to isolate the problem. In the case of an NDR, discover if the fault lies with the sender, the recipient or the Exchange 2003 server. To gather more clues, send more emails to the same recipient but from different accounts. In addition, send emails to different accounts from the original sender.

Expand the search area by sending email to different sites, or to internet users. Does this tactic narrow the problem to a particular Server, Mailstore or Routing Group Connector?

If it's just one email address that produces the Non-Delivery report, do you type in the SMTP address manually, or do you click the user account in the GAL?

NDR List of Codes and their meanings

NDR
Code Explanation of Non-Delivery Report error codes for Exchange Server

4.2.2 The recipient has exceeded their mailbox limit. It could also be that the delivery directory on the Virtual server has exceeded its limit. (Default 22 MB)
4.3.1 Not enough disk space on the delivery server. Microsoft say this NDR maybe reported as out-of-memory error.
4.3.2 Classic temporary problem, the Administrator has frozen the queue.
4.4.1 Intermittent network connection. The server has not yet responded. Classic temporary problem. If it persists, you will also a 5.4.x status code error.
4.4.2 The server started to deliver the message but then the connection was broken.
4.4.6 Too many hops. Most likely, the message is looping.
4.4.7 Problem with a timeout. Check receiving server connectors.
4.4.9 A DNS problem. Check your smart host setting on the SMTP connector. For example, check correct SMTP format. Also, use square brackets in the IP address [197.89.1.4] You can get this same NDR error if you have been deleting routing groups.
4.6.5 Multi-language situation. Your server does not have the correct language code page installed.
5.0.0 SMTP 500 reply code means an unrecognized command. You get this NDR when you make a typing mistake when you manually try to send email via telnet.
More likely, a routing group error, no routing connector, or no suitable address space in the connector. (Try adding * in the address space)
This status code is a general error message in Exchange 2000. In fact Microsoft introduced a service pack to make sure now get a more specific code.
5.1.x Problem with email address.
5.1.0 Often seen with contacts. Check the recipient address.
5.1.1 Another problem with the recipient address. Possibly the user was moved to another server in Active Directory. Maybe an Outlook client replied to a message while offline.
5.1.2 SMTP; 550 Host unknown. An error is triggered when the host name can’t be found. For example, when trying to send an email to bob@ nonexistantdomain.com.
[Example kindly sent in by Paul T.]
5.1.3 Another problem with contacts. Address field maybe empty. Check the address information.
5.1.4 Two objects have the same address, which confuses the categorizer.
5.1.5 Destination mailbox address invalid.
5.1.6 Problem with homeMDB or msExchHomeServerName - check how many users are affected. Sometimes running RUS (Recipient Update Service) cures this problem. Mailbox may have moved.
5.1.7 Problem with senders mail attribute, check properties sheet in ADUC.
5.2.x NDR caused by a problem with the large size of the email.
5.2.1 The message is too large. Else it could be a permissions problem. Check the recipient's mailbox.
5.2.2 Sadly, the recipient has exceeded their mailbox limit.
5.2.3 Recipient cannot receive messages this big. Server or connector limit exceeded.
5.2.4 Most likely, a distribution list or group is trying to send an email. Check where the expansion server is situated.
5.3.0 Problem with MTA, maybe someone has been editing the registry to disable the MTA / Store driver.
5.3.1 Mail system full. Possibly a Standard edition of Exchange reached the 16 GB limit.
5.3.2 System not accepting network messages. Look outside Exchange for a connectivity problem.
5.3.3 Remote server has insufficient disk space to hold email. Check SMTP log.
5.3.4 Message too big. Check limits, System Policy, connector, virtual server.
5.3.5 Multiple Virtual Servers are using the same IP address and port. See Microsoft TechNet article: 321721 Sharing SMTP. Email probably looping.
5.4.0 DNS Problem. Check the Smart host, or check your DNS. It means that there is no DNS server that can resolve this email address. Could be Virtual Server SMTP address.
5.4.1 No answer from host. Not Exchange's fault check connections.
5.4.2 Bad connection.
5.4.3 Routing server failure. No available route.
5.4.4 Cannot find the next hop, check the Routing Group Connector. Perhaps you have Exchange servers in different Routing Groups, but no connector.
5.4.6 Tricky looping problem, a contact has the same email address as an Active Directory user. One user is probably using an Alternate Recipient with the same email address as a contact.
5.4.7 Delivery time-out. Message is taking too long to be delivered.
5.4.8 Microsoft advise, check your recipient policy. SMTP address should be cp.com.
NOT server.cp.com.
5.5.0 Underlying SMTP 500 error. Our server tried ehlo, the recipient's server did not understand and returned a 550 or 500 error. Set up SMTP logging.
5.5.2 Possibly the disk holding the operating system is full. Or could be a syntax error if you are executing SMTP from a telnet shell.
5.5.3 More than 5,000 recipients. Check the Global Settings, Message Delivery properties.
5.5.5 Wrong protocol version
5.6.3 More than 250 attachments.
5.7.1 Permissions problem. For some reason the sender is not allowed to email this account. Perhaps an anonymous user is trying to send mail to a distribution list.
Check SMTP Virtual Server Access Tab. Try checking this box: Allow computers which successfully authenticate to relay
User may have a manually created email address that does not match a System Policy.
5.7.2 Distribution list cannot expand and so is unable to deliver its messages.
5.7.3 Check external IP address of ISA server. Make sure it matches the SMTP publishing rule.
5.7.4 Extra security features not supported. Check delivery server settings
5.7.5 Cryptographic failure. Try a plain message with encryption.
5.7.6 Certificate problem, encryption level maybe to high.
5.7.7 Message integrity problem.

Joke of the week: Think before you speak...

A friend sent this to me and had me rolling.. So, I had to share!


Here are six reasons why you should think before you speak - the last one is great!
Have you ever spoken and wished that you could immediately take the words back... or that you could crawl into a hole?

Here are the Testimonials of a few people who did....

FIRST TESTIMONY:
I walked into a hair salon with my husband and three kids in tow and asked loudly, "How much do you charge for a shampoo and a blow job?" I turned around and walked back out and never went back. My husband didn't say a word...he knew better.

SECOND TESTIMONY:
I was at the golf store comparing different kinds of golf balls. I was unhappy with the women's type I had been using. After browsing for several minutes, I was approached by one of the good-looking gentlemen who works at the store. He asked if he could help me. Without thinking, I looked at him and said, "I think I like playing with mens balls"

THIRD TESTIMONY:
My sister and I were at the mall and passed by a store that sold a variety of candy and nuts. As we were looking at the display case, the boy behind the counter asked if we needed any help. I replied, "No, I'm just looking at your nuts." My sister started to laugh hysterically. The boy grinned, and I turned beet-red and walked away. To this day, my sister has never let me forget.

FOURTH TESTIMONY:
While in line at the bank one afternoon, my toddler decided to release some pent-up energy and ran amok. I was finally able to grab hold of her after receiving looks of disgust and annoyance from other patrons. I told her that if she did not start behaving "right now" she would be punished. To my horror, she looked me in the eye and said in a voice just as threatening, "If you don't let me go right now, I will tell Grandma that I saw you kissing Daddy's pee-pee last night!" The silence was deafening after this enlightening exchange. Even the tellers stopped what they were doing. I mustered up the last of my dignity and walked out of the bank with my daughter in tow. The last thing I heard when the door closed behind me, were screams of laughter.

FIFTH TESTIMONY:
Have you ever asked your child a question too many times? My three-year-old son had a lot of problems with potty training and I was on him constantly. One day we stopped at Taco Bell for a quick lunch, in between errands. It was very busy, with a full dining room. While enjoying my taco, I smelled something funny, so of course I checked my seven-month-old daughter, she was clean. The realized that Danny had not asked to go potty in a while. I asked him if he needed to go, and he said "No". I kept thinking "Oh Lord, that child has had an accident, and I don't have any clothes with me." Then I said, "Danny, are you SURE you didn't have an accident?" "No," he replied. I just KNEW that he must have had an accident, because the smell was getting worse. Soooooo, I asked one more time, "Danny did you have an accident ? This time he jumped up, yanked down his pants, bent over, spread his cheeks and yelled "SEE MOM, IT'S JUST FARTS!!" While 30 people nearly choked to death on their tacos laughing, he calmly pulled up his pants and sat down. An old couple made me feel better, thanking me for the best laugh they'd ever had!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST TESTIMONY:
This had most of the state of Michigan laughing for 2 days and a very embarrassed female news anchor who will, in the future, likely think before she speaks. What happens when you predict snow but don't get any! We had a female news anchor that, the day after it was supposed to have snowed and didn't, turned to the weatherman and asked: "So Bob, where's that 8 inches you promised me last night?" Not only did HE have to leave the set, but half the crew did too they were laughing so hard!

Now, didn't that feel good?
Pass it on to someone you know who needs a laugh and remember we all say things we don't really mean, so think before you speak

Letter from Jorge

Jorge Zelaya was my last manager at Corillian Corporation. (I went through 3 in my tenure there.) He is a really great guy and one of the best managers thus far. He started out as a grunt and worked his way up the food chain while at Corillian. This gives him a very unique perspective about issues that are facing an IT Department and Customer Service as a whole. Personally, There are some people here at ACS that need to go back and get a job in retail to “reacquire” the art of Customer Service. However, that is not the case with Jorge. He has excelent people skillz. (That is with a 'Z', as he would say) Well, he sent me a letter of recommendation that I would like to share. It shows his quality as a Manager and a Person.

To whom it may concern:

I would like to recommend Steve Shaff as a candidate for a position with your organization. In his position as AD Administrator, Steve did an excellent job and was an asset to our organization. He has excellent written and verbal communication skills, is well organized, can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done.

During his tenure with Corillian Corporation, Steve was responsible for managing the Exchange Server and Active Directory infrastructure. Steve was always willing to offer his assistance and had an excellent rapport with the many constituents served by our department.

He would be an asset to any employer and I recommend him for any endeavor he chooses to pursue.

Regards,
Jorge Zelaya
Manager
of Corporate IT
Corillian Corporation

Thanks Jorge.

Release Date Pulled!

Halo 3 release date has gone from March of 2007 to sometime in 2007. This is upsetting, but expected. I will keep you informed when I have a new date. I have also pulled my pre-order from Amazon. I am hoping to keep enough $$ on those gift cards to buy Halo 3 when it finally gets released.

Trying out Blogger's Beta

Well, I have made the technology leap and have converted my Blog to Blogger Beta. It was really simple. Everything moved from old to new with very little configuration effort on my part. It feels a lot like Sharepoint, where everything is done with "parts". Click and Drag.. It is so easy.

I also like the added feature in the management console, you are able to view all of your posts and also view the contents from a down arrow. Very Cool. Also, the fact that all changes are done in real-time. Once you change something, you no longer have to republish and then wait. This was a real problem if you had a really large blog. Sometimes, I had problems where it would click at 0%, until I stopped it and restarted the Re-Publish.

Gotta Love It!

Delegate issue -

When someone sends a meeting request to a user, they receive an NDR from another user. The unknown user was at one time a delegate for the user the meeting request was sent to and has had their user account deleted. This happens when the delegate’s user account is removed from Active Directory before being removed from the delegates list.

To resolve the issue, please follow the steps below:
1. Take note of any delegates you currently have, and remove them.
2. Take note of any rules you currently have, please note that the rules will be removed and you will need to recreate them when you are done.
3. Go to Start > Run and type in “outlook.exe /cleanrules” without the quotes and click OK.
4. This will open Outlook and remove all rules, including the invisible rule that is forwarding the message to the old delegate.
5. Go back in and re-assign delegates as needed.
6. Go back in and recreate rules as needed.

Create Auto Responder for Group Mailbox

To configure Outlook to open the GROUP mailbox as if you are that user follow these steps:

1. Go to Start > Control Panel and open Mail.
2. Click the Show Profiles… button.

If you do not already have a profile for the shared mailbox, follow these steps:
Click the Add… button.

1. Give the profile the same name as the shared mailbox and click OK.
2. This is going to be an Exchange account.
3. The server should be Exchange Mailbox Server and the name should be the username of the shared mailbox.
4. Click the Check Name button, it should resolve and become underlined.
5. Click through the rest of the process to create the new profile.
6. In the bottom half of the window you can select Prompt for a profile to be used and click OK.
7. Once you have this setup Outlook will always prompt you for the profile, you can change this back to stop prompting you after you create the rule.

To create the rule follow these steps, please not that you are using Outlook XP so some of the items may be named slightly differently.

1. Login to Outlook as the mailbox you want the rule for.
2. Go to Tools > Rules Wizard.
3. Click the New Rule button.
4. Follow the steps in the wizard, use the following settings as a guide.

• Select Check messages when they arrive and click Next.
• Check the "where my name is in the To box" option and click Next.
• Check "have the server reply using a specific message" and then click the "a specific message" link.
• Only enter the subject and body that you want and click Save and Close.

1. Click the Finish button.
2. Close Outlook.

I Have A New Job

As you know, My position here at ACS is being outsourced to Malaysia. Yes, the outsourcing company that I work for is outsourcing my position, I think that there is a joke in that… but it is escaping me at this point.

Yesterday, I was offered a position with Comcast Cable as a Senior Information Technology Analyst. (Fancy title for Systems Administrator) I will be one of a handful of guys dealing with server administration, patching, troubleshooting, diagnosing network issues, and troubleshooting/implementing various Microsoft Products.

Today, I had to sign some paperwork and pee in a cup. :P Comcast is the only company that has asked to do a background check, drug screen, or reference check performed on me. I don’t recall ever doing this for Corillian or even ACS. I certainly don’t remember peeing in a cup.

So, I am “officially” a Comcast Employee.

wireless calendar does not synchronize properly for multiple users

Problem Description:

1. The wireless calendar does not synchronize properly for multiple users.
2. A configuration error between Microsoft® Outlook® and the handheld is disrupting wireless calendar synchronization.

Instructions:

• Go to Start > Run.
• Type regsvr32 CDO.DLL in the field.
• Click OK.
• Restart the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
• Create a new Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI) profile.

For instructions on how to create a new MAPI profile, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 195718. For instructions on how to configure BlackBerry Desktop Manager to use the new MAPI profile, see Support Knowledge Base article KB-03650. Note: If you are using Microsoft® Outlook® 2003, disable Cached Exchange Mode.

• Create a contact entry in Outlook and verify that it synchronizes with Outlook
• On the handheld home screen, open the Calendar.
• Click the trackwheel and select Options > Wireless Synchronization > Change Option > No.
• Connect the handheld to your desktop and open BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
• Go to Backup and Restore > Advanced, select the calendar database, and choose Clear.
• Go to Intellisync > Configure PIM > Calendar > Choose > MS Outlook > OK.
• On the main Intellisync page, select Synchronize now.
• On the handheld, open the Calendar again.
• Click the trackwheel and select Options > Wireless Synchronization > Change Option > Yes.
• If the user still encounters errors when performing a wireless synchronization, verify the CDO.DLL and MAPI32.DLL files.

Blackberry Deleted Emails Do Not Synchronize with Mailbox

Problem Description:
This article describes where to change the setting to force emails deleted on the Blackberry to Synchronize with Outlook. When the user deletes an email on their Blackberry handheld device, it does not automatically delete the email in Outlook.


Troubleshooting Steps/ Resolution:
By default, the Blackberry is set to not Synchronize any emails deleted on the Blackberry with the users mailbox. A setting must be set to force any e-mail deletions done on the handheld to also delete in Outlook. This setting can be found in the following:

1. On the Blackberry device, go into the mail (the icon looks like three envelopes).
2. Single click the trackwheel to display the menu
3. Select Options
4. At the bottom of the 'Message List Options', under the 'Email' subheader, highlight 'Handheld' next to 'Delete On:'
5. Single click the trackwheel and choose 'Change Option'
6. Select one of the following options:

'Handheld' - deletes the e-mail on the handheld only

'Mailbox & Handheld'- deletes the email on the handheld as well as in Outlook

'Prompt'- Prompts the user to choose whether they want the email deleted in their Mailbox each time they delete an email on the Blackberry.

1. Click the trackwheel once and choose 'Save' to save your settings.

Duplicate messages on your BlackBerry

Problem:
You received duplicate messages on your BlackBerry Wireless Handheld™.
Duplicate messages might be caused by one of the following:

• handheld is not in an area of sufficient wireless network coverage
• rules or filters are forwarding duplicate messages to multiple folders
• multiple instances of the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector are running for the same mailbox, or the desktop redirector and BlackBerry Enterprise Server are enabled for the same mailbox.
• Desktop Redirector is running but you are running using a BlackBerry account.
  

Cause
The handheld is not in an area of sufficient wireless coverage, therefore it cannot send an acknowledgement to the BlackBerry Enterprise Server or the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector, to confirm it has received the message.

Resolution
The issue will be resolved one the handheld returns to an area of sufficient wireless network coverage.

Cause
Filters are configured to forward duplicate messages to more than one folder.

Resolution
Modify or delete the filters by performing the following steps:

• Any filters configured on the server, Inbox or the BlackBerry Desktop Software. Save and delete.
• Re-create the filter and send test messages that meet the filter criteria.

Cause
Multiple instances of the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector are configured and running for the same mailbox or the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server are configured for the same mailbox.

Resolution
Use only one source of message redirection, such as the following:

• Use only one instance of the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector for the mailbox.
• Use either the BlackBerry Enterprise Server or the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector.

Cause
You are running the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector, which is installed with the BlackBerry Desktop Software, but you are using the BlackBerry account.

Resolution
Remove the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector service book from the handheld and modify the install of the BlackBerry Desktop Manager to prevent the service book from returning.

To remove the service book from the handheld, perform the following steps:

• On the handheld, go to Options > Service Book
• Highlight the Desktop [CMIME] > Click the trackwheel and select Delete from the menu.
  To modify the BlackBerry Desktop Manager install for versions 3.5 and earlier, perform the following steps:
• Close the desktop manager
• In Add/Remove Programs choose the BlackBerry Desktop Manager Software and click Change/Remove.
• When the install program appears, click Modify.
• Choose one of the following install options:
  • Integrate with an enterprise email account
  • Integrate with new or exisiting ISP account
• Complete the installation.
  

To modify the BlackBerry Desktop Manager install for version 3.6.1 and later, perform the following steps:

• Close the desktop manager
• In Add/Remove Programs choose the BlackBerry Desktop Manager 3.6.1 and click Change/Remove.
• When the install program appears, click Modify.
• On the Email Integration Option screen select BlackBerry Web Client.
• Click Next.
• Complete the installation.

Clean install of the Blackberry software

For those of you that still use the desktop software or have not upgraded your BES infrastructure, here is a way to uninstall and install the Blackberry software cleanly.

· Troubleshooting Steps or Resolution:

Task 1 - Uninstall the BlackBerry Desktop Software

To uninstall,

1. Close BlackBerry Desktop Manager.
2. Open the Control Panel and double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
3. Select BlackBerry Desktop Software and click Change/Remove.
4. On the InstallShield Wizard window, click the Remove option, followed by Next.
5. On the Confirm Uninstall window, click OK.
6. On the InstallShield Wizard window, click Finish.

Task 2 - Delete the Research In Motion Folders from the Registry

To delete the Research In Motion folders,

1. Click Start > Run.
2. Type Regedit, and then click OK.
3. In Registry Editor, delete the Research In Motion folder located in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\.
4. Delete the Research In Motion folder located in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\.
   Note: This key will not be present if you are removing Desktop Manager version 4.0.
5. Leave the Registry Editor open to complete the next task.

Task 3 - Delete the Pumatech Shared Folders from the Registry (If Present)

Pumatech Shared folders only exist in the registry prior to Desktop Manager version 4.0 service pack 1. To delete the Pumatech Shared folders,

1. In Registry Editor, delete the Puma Technology folder located in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\.
2. Delete the Puma Technology folder located in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\.
3. Close the Registry editor.

Task 4 - Delete the Research In Motion Folders from Your Hard Drive

If you are using Windows 2000 or Windows XP,

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Delete the Research In Motion folder in C:\Program Files\.
3. Note: This key may not be present if you are removing Desktop Manager version 4.0.
4. Delete the Research In Motion folder in C:\Program Files\Common Files (if present).
   Delete the Research In Motion folder in C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\.
5. Note: If you are unable to see the Application Data folder, it might be a hidden system folder.
6. If you were using Desktop Manager version 4.0 service pack 1, delete the BlackBerry Desktop folder in C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\.

Task 5 - Delete the Pumatech Shared Folder from Your Hard Drive (If Present)

The Pumatech Shared folder exists prior to Desktop Manager version 4.0 service pack 1. To delete the Pumatech Shared folder from your hard drive, open Windows Explorer and delete the Pumatech Shared folder in C:\Program Files\Common Files\.

If you were using Desktop Manager 4.0.1, remove Pumatech software from your hard drive by opening Windows Explorer and navigating to: C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Pumatech Desktop Setup.

Note: Any synchronization software for other personal digital assistants (PDAs) that use the Pumatech Shared folder must be reinstalled after the BlackBerry Desktop Software is uninstalled.

If you are unable to delete the Pumatech Shared folder, rename it by completing the following steps:

1. Right-click the Pumatech Shared folder and select Rename.
2. Rename the folder. For example, Pumatech Shared_old.
3. Press Enter.

Task 6 - Restart the Computer

The desktop software should now be fully uninstalled. Restart the computer and attempt to re-install the desktop software.

Password (account) Locks out several times a day

In my many years of working in IT, I have had my fair share of complaints about "my password keeps locking" or "Why does this keep happening?". Various programs cache passwords- and when the users password changes on the domain the applications continue to make (old) bad password attempts.

Please remember just how many things are NT authenticated and you can see how easy it is to forget that something has been left open. Common examples:

• Any program that automatically reaches out over the Internet on a periodic basis (e.g., Webshots screen saver, Gator, Napster, Morpheus, ICQ, Instant Messaging clients, Offer Companion, Bearshare, GoZilla)
• Logged onto multiple PC's
• Logged onto a server and forget to log off
• Citrix sessions
• pcAnywhere sessions
• Terminal Server sessions
• Outlook sessions
• VPN'ed into the network or dialed into the network from another location
• Somebody else was given the password (e.g., secretary) to "help" an important user process his or her email
• Active OWA (Outlook Web Access) session on someone's desk
• Scheduled tasks. Look in Control Panel for the "Scheduled Tasks" applet. Scheduled tasks require userid and password.
• User created scripts to automate tasks.

NOTE:

The IT Group cannot "fix" the user's account from the backend. Somebody (user) needs to locate all systems that the user has logged into and reset those sessions by logging out or restarting the computer. In some cases, a script or scheduled task will have to be modified by the user to account for the user's new password.

Blackberry Enterprise Activation

Many people it seems are having problems with the Blackberry Enterprise Activation for the handheld. Here is a way to enable this function.


· Problem Description:
This process will enable the handheld to wirelessly synchronize with Outlook. Decreasing the dependance on using the Desktop Manager to communicate between the Blackberry and Outlook


NOTE: A Blackberry must being running OS 4.0 or higher and be on BES 4.0 / 4.1 Server for Enterprise Activation to work.

· Instructions:
The Enterprise Activation can be completed a couple ways. After we are satisfied that the handheld has the proper OS version.

1. Contact RIM to set the Enterprise Activation password.
2. Click the Enterprise Activation icon on the handheld. If the icon is not present, find Enterprise Activation under Options.
3. Enter the your email address and the password.
4. Click the trackwheel and select Activate.
5. The Enterprise Activation progress bar appears and the process completes after several minutes.

BlackBerry Not Getting External Email

Problem Description:

• User is not receiving external mail and possibly some of the internal.
  

Troubleshooting Steps/ Resolution:

1. On the user's desktop open the Desktop Manager icon.
2. Double click on the icon that says Redirector Settings.
3. Click on the Filters tab.
4. Make sure the setting for Forward messages to the handheld is selected.

• If this is not selected then the user will not see mail from outside of the organization on the handheld.

On installation of the software this is not the default. It has to be changed after the installation has been completed.

Common Problems: User receives NDR (Non Delivery Report)

I noticed that I have not posted anything regarding mail or messaging for a while now. SO.. Here is a common issue that plagues most people.

What is an NDR and why am I getting it….!!!

Overview:
When a user sends an e-mail to an individual, a NDR’s (Non Delivery Report) can sometimes be received. NDR’s occur automatically when the e-mail system cannot locate the intended recipient. This can happen internally and externally. Each scenario requires it’s own resolution.

Symptoms of Problem:
UserA will receive an NDR when sending e-mail to a recipient. This can occur when selecting the recipient from the customers personal Contacts list, when issuing a “reply” to an existing e-mail, when sending e-mail through the internet, or having Outlook put in the email address from the cache.

Issue and Resolution:

Internal recipient:
If the user receives an NDR and it is an internal recipient, the problem is likely the internal recipient has been moved to another server or routing group within the same organization. If this occurs, have the user “forward”, not “reply”, and re-select the recipient from the GAL to send. By selecting the name from the GAL, this will also replace the name in the cache.

If it continues to happen, it is possible the recipients new address has not replicated to the global catalog server that the user is using. If this is the case, the user will have to “forward” and re-select the recipient from the GAL at a later time. A couple hours should be sufficient. (Depending on the size of your organization)

If the user has receive this from a distribution list or contact in his/her Contacts container, then the customer will have to recreate the entry in the distribution list or contact.

External recipient:
If the user receives an NDR and it is to an external address, then it is possible the user has a typo in the recipients “Send” address or the cache is wrong. Have the customer verify with the recipient the correct external address and delete the entry from the Outlook cache.

Cause of Problem:
If the recipient is an internal mailbox, (within the same organization), this generally happens when the recipient’s mailbox has moved.

If the recipient is an external mailbox, (a mailbox in a different organization), this generally happens when the recipient’s mailbox is disabled, deleted, or moved.

Disappointed and Frustrated

I try not to let these things bother me, but I had a real positive interview last week. I thought that it was a good fit and enjoyed talking with the people. But, today, I got the thanks but we are ”interested in another candidate” email.

After being on several interviews and getting rejected, I am really feeling the strain. It has been a few weeks that my resume has been out there in the world. I have talked to lots of people, been on a handful of in-person interviews…but, it is the same story. You are really strong technically, but we are going with someone else. If I am so strong technically, then it must be my personality! I am sure that this is not the case. I bet it is all about the $$. Let's face it, I am a bit expensive. (or as my grandmother used to say.. Ain't Cheap) I bet that this is what is killing me, the other people are going to underbid me for the job and then not stick around.

Well, I guess that I will take it in stride and keep pressing forward.

Palm stop working

Palm pilots use configuration software to define “rules” and what folders within the mailbox are tied to the palm pilot for synchronization. Some configuration software defines the rules based upon folder identifier. Others base the rules upon the folder name. You cannot determine the method that the configuration software uses to tie the palm pilot to the folder simply by looking. The folder is always displayed by name to the end user.

When a mailbox is moved to another server, new FIDs, or Folder Identifiers are created for each folder in the mailbox. If the palm pilot configuration software uses these FIDs, it will no longer be able to sync up to that folder.


Resolution:
Have the user delete/re-create the palm pilot rule within the configuration software.

Thanks to all for the Recommendations!

As most of you know, I am currently looking for a new job. I contacted a few people at Corillian to see if they were willing to give me a recommendation. The response was overwhelming. Here is just few snippets of the responses that I received from people:

• Chris Brooks (CTO): “Steve is a very professional, competent IT professional and he was very effective during his time at Corillian. He would always do whatever it took to keep his customers delighted and has a great work ethic.”
• Greg Hughes (Former Boss): “Steve worked with me at Corillian, where he was a talented and dedicated network and system administrator. He took charge of the systems for which he was responsible and worked hard to ensure quality of service."
• Keith Gienty (Former SE): “Steve has extensive experience and knowledge of Exchange and Active Directory. He has strong work ethic and takes passion in his work.”
• Josh Cyphers (Former Cori): “He truly is the epitome of excellent customer service.”
• Rob Garrison (SE): “Great technical expertise paired with wonderful people-skills.”

You can read the full versions on my Linked in site. http://www.linkedin.com/in/steveshaff

I wish that you can put testimonials or recommendations on your resume. I guess that I will have to just point people to my linked-in site or put the address under my email address on my resume for people to use. I think that I will try that and see what kind of response I get.

Thank You to all that sent me a recommendation to my Linked-in site.

XBox Live

Okay.. So I am weak.. I said that I wouldn't, but I did anyways. I renewed my subscription to Xbox Live Gold. For my birthday, My Parents, Liz’s Parents, and my sister gave me gift cards to Best Buy. So, last weekend, since we were in the area, stopped by and picked up a 13 month subscription. I need to talk to Microsoft about trying to put in a 24 key code using a game pad. Not very easy to do. That night, I teamed up with a couple of kids and played Perfect Dark Zero, capture the flag, which was fun. I managed to get a bunch of flags recovered, as long as someone would cover my back, other wise, I would die quick. It was like keeping a steak from a pack of wolves, damn hard. All I hear from my headset is.. dude! Zig-zag! Zig-zag!

Fun none the less.

HALO Wars!

Microsoft Game Studios announced Halo Wars, an all-new real-time strategy game based on the legendary Halo® universe and built exclusively for Xbox 360™ by Ensemble Studios, creators of the Age of Empires series. http://www.halowars.com/ There is no ETA on a release date, but there are several images for your desktop and a trailer to wet the appetite. I would highly recommend watching the trailer.. IT is VERY COOL! I would speculate that it will be a Command and Conquer-Like game. (Which may be interesting to play on the Xbox 360, rather than the PC.) We will have to wait and see.

Working...

Well, it is Monday back at work after being laid off…sort of… It is like being terminated and then being brought back for a 3 month contract. I am a bit resentful, bitter, angry… but, I am working through the frustrations. I understand and can rationalize that the company is sending jobs offshore and that I was simply too expensive to keep. I also really did not like the job. Correction, I did not like the company. At Cori, one person did the job of 4 people. Here at ACS, they have 4 people doing 1 person’s job. (Any guesses on who is paying for those people to be just sitting around???) Trust me, most people have meetings just to be able to fill the day.

Also, WORD spreads quick. I was over at a clients having a meeting about something Exchange related and one of the guys asked how I was. I was like okay, why??? (very curious about what he was getting at) He said that I was handing the situation very well and with dignity. I was floored. I could not believe that me being laid off made it as far as the ear of the client. I said that I was fine and that I had saw the writing on the wall, so I was prepared. He said that I should just take the rest of the day off… What are they going to do – Fire me?? I will not be doing that, but I do not plan on doing much work. (Like I did much here, I mean come on.. )

Good news is that I have had several interviews so I will not be here for much longer.. At least I hope not. It is really weird and people tend to either talk to you more or not at all. I kind of feel like I am on death-row and my number got called up.

DEAD MAN WALKING

I got my walking papers.

Well, today is the day... I knew about 4 weeks ago that there was going to be a series of layoffs. When I went to get some tea this morning, several people were asking the facilities manager for some boxes. So I knew that today's was the day. About an hour after that I was called into Linda's office. She is my manager. I logged off my system and had everything ready for my departure. She was rather upset, but I knew that it was coming and had a HIGH SUSPICION that I was on the list. I was the last person in and most likely the highest paid.

However... Get This... My position is being eliminated, all well and good... But, my actual termination is "as of December 29th". So... I still have to report for work first thing Monday Morning! I can not even be "layed off" right... :P

When talking with friends, they all feel it is really odd, especially for a person that has domain admin rights on multiple domains, including some ACS Client's domains, to be told that their job is being eliminated and then been given 90 days to find another job. All of this is very strange and a major security issue, from my point of view. Even being told that before hand that there is going to be lay offs is a breach of security. Let's just say that I was fully expecting either not able to walk into the building or not being able to log into my system. At least that would be the way I would have done it.

It is just weird.

So, I guess that I am getting paid to look for another job... This is definitely a first for me.

Happy Pirates Day

In the Spirit of being a Pirate, Here is something to get you in the mood.. A Little Pirate Music.. from the Disney Pirates Movie.

And for all those Pirates that know how to use a computer and in honor of today being International Talk Like a Pirate Day (who knew? well, besides the pirates.) we bring you the Corsair Ergonomic Keyboard for Pirates. Arrr, thar be plunderin' ta be done!



http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/19/arrrrrr-its-international-talk-like-a-pirate-day/

Top Ten Pickup lines for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day

A friend sent me these for Pirate Day!

For the Male Set -
10 . Avast, me proud beauty! Wanna know why my Roger is so Jolly?
9. Have ya ever met a man with a real yardarm?
8. Come on up and see me urchins.
7. Yes, that is a hornpipe in my pocket and I am happy to see you.
6. I'd love to drop anchor in your lagoon.
5. Pardon me, but would ya mind if fired me cannon through your porthole?
4. How'd you like to scrape the barnacles off of me rudder?
3. Ya know, darlin’, I’m 97 percent chum free.
2. Well blow me down?

And the number one pickup line for use on International Talk Like a Pirate Day is …

1. Prepare to be boarded.


Top Ten Pickup Lines for the Lady Pirates
By popular demand ...

10. What are YOU doing here?
9. Is that a belayin' pin in yer britches, or are ye ... (this one is never completed)
8. Come show me how ye bury yer treasure, lad!
7. So, tell me, why do they call ye, "Cap'n Feathersword?"
6. That's quite a cutlass ye got thar, what ye need is a good scabbard!
5. Aye, I guarantee ye, I've had a twenty percent decrease in me "lice ratio!"
4. I've crushed seventeen men's skulls between me thighs!
3. C'mon, lad, shiver me timbers!
2. RAMMING SPEED!

...and the number one Female Pirate Pick-up Line:

1. You. Pants Off. Now!

Fix for MS06-049

9/12/06

I came upon this thread on Usenet about a week ago. It sounds like something we should keep an eye out for in case we suddenly start seeing corrupted files on Win2k file servers with compressed folders. So far no response from MS on the cause or a potential fix; the users who discovered the problem find that removing the fix resolves the problem but that obviously leaves the system open for exploit...

See this issue on the following Google Groups.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920958
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-049.mspx

9/19/06

It appears that there is now a fix for this.
While the KB920958 file has not yet been re-released, MS is offering a Hot Fix as detailed in http://support.microsoft.com/kb/925308

The HotFix (HOT-FIX_287398_ENU_i386_zip.exe for Windows2000-KB925308-x86-ENU.EXE) appears here to have entirely resolved the file corruption issue. No test files copied into, out of, or edited in-place (in +C location) suffered any damage whatsoever. "Test files" includes files known to corrupt pre-HotFix. Recall that in all probability any files damaged pre-HotFix will remain damaged (not specifically tested here).

XBox Live Gold for the 360

I have been debating if I want to renew my Xbox Live Gold subscription. The only game that I really enjoyed playing on-line is Day of Defeat for the PC, for about a month now. Plus it has the added bonus of being FREE. However, I have been playing Perfect Dark Zero on-line, Team Death match, on and off for about a week. But, I just can not seem to get into it. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fun game and well worth the play. I just don’t feel that it is that enjoyable to play on-line. People seem to play the same desert map and use the “Charge” tatic into the others stronghold. This is not very much fun. So, for the time being… I think that I am going to let my subscription expire. This may change when I get a game that needs to be played on-line, like Halo 3…

Plus, I don’t need to spend the money. (at least not right at the moment)

Blog Change

As you may have noticed.. I have changed my scheme. I was tired of the black background. I found that it was a bit hard to read and the links were not really visable. So... I hope that you enjoy the change... change is good...

What ever happened to Customer Service?

It seems like Customer Services is a lost art that people say that they have but really don’t. Here is an example of not good customer service. I called up Dell to have my new laptop screen fixed. It has a spot (stuck pixel) on the screen and it is only a month old. So, in talking with this support guy, who is telling me about how it is industry standard that it takes between 3-5 pixels before they are going to do anything about it. Then he goes droning on about how it does not interfere with the laptop or that it is something that I should worry about. I am not worried about it, it looks bad!!! And since the laptop is only a month old, I wanted it fixed. Yeah, not going to happen. Now, here is the kicker… At the end of the conversation he asked if I had anything else that I needed help with and that he hopes that I am fully satisfied in the level of customer service provided. I am not even sure how to respond to this question… besides NOT EVEN CLOSE!!!

Since, I work in a “service” industry, information technology, I have to deal with both internal and external customers (clients). Now, my job is to solve problems with Exchange, not the email client. I have gotten into a lot of trouble in helping people with problems relating to Outlook, rather than telling the “user” that this is an Outlook problem and go and talk with the Desktop folks. I am sorry, but I don’t work that way. If a person calls, MY JOB is to solve their problem and get them back up and working. I personally don’t care if you are the Senior Vice President of XYZ Company or the company’s janitor, THEY are all my customers and I will treat them all the same way. So, I will help them to the best of my ability with their Outlook problems and solve the problem right then and there and NOT transfer the call to desktop

That is what I think of as Good Customer Service.

22nd

Something is Brewing...

...will post when I know for sure.

XBox 360 and DOA 4

My packages from e-bay arrived yesterday. I managed to pick up DOA 4 and Perfect Dark Zero (Limited Collectors Edition) for $25 per, including shipping (Brand Spanking New). Score! When I was at Cori, there was a company Xbox, in which we had DOA 3. In which, I do have to say, I became able to hold my own against people. However, since I left Cori I have not been able to keep up my skills. I did not realize how rusty I have become when I was playing Kasumi (one of my favorites) and getting my ass kicked by everyone and their MOM! I did manage to find my groove and beat Alpha-153. This is a new character that is deadly, FAST, Hits like a truck, multiple combos, and does not have a problem with pinning you against the wall and beating the snot of you. I finally got her, but it took a few tries.. more than 1, but less than 50.

The graphics are stunning. I love the areas, characters, physics, story, and…oh…yes.. the costumes. This is very much a Daddy Game.. Liz walked in when I was getting pounded by Christy. All she said is that Christy needed to wear a shirt under that jacket and my girl needed a bra. :P I can’t wait to see all of the outfits.

So far, I am really impressed with the Xbox 360. It is fast, the graphics are fantastic, and love the fact that I can share my music from my PC. However, I would have to say that they need to work on a better cooling solution. This thing runs FREAKING HOT! I want to put a fan or something inside the entertainment center to keep it cooler. (I will have to give that some thought.)

my XBOX 360 has ARRIVED!

On Friday, the family went to Costco to pickup my new XBOX, $4 dollars cheaper than the last time I looked at it, I might add. It came with Gotham Racing, an additional wireless controller, and the plug and play power charger. When we got home, the girls and I took out the old Xbox and put in the shinny new one. We hooked up the whole thing, including network (cable strung across the floor), setup my account and off we went. I wanted to see if most of my old games works, so I put in Halo and SSX. Unfortunately, SSX Tricky is not supported on the 360. Bummer, the girls really enjoyed that game. I loaded up Zuma, Joust, and PGR3, just to see how they are. Liz really likes Zuma, which we had to rush to Target to get a 1600 point card so that she could play more than just the first level. Kind of a good deal, 1600 points for $20 bucks, Zuma costs 800 points. Now, she plays Zuma quite a bit, in fact, she has probably logged more time on the Xbox than I have. It looks like I have another convert.

The wireless NIC, DOA4, and Perfect Dark Zero are all speeding there way here to add to the fun and excitement.

Continuting to bitch, I mean Troubleshoot this Mac.

I am still having problems with this boat anchor. Thanks to a post, I was able to resolve the first error. However, I am now getting a different "Panic Error". I am ready to attach the chain and go waterskiing.


panic(cpu 0 caller 0x0003FEA8): zalloc: "kalloc.16" (20490 elements) retry fail 3 Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095718 0x00095C30 0x0002683C 0x0003FEA8 0x0002BB0C 0x00303E80 0x00303FFC 0x003020BC
0x0030069C 0x002FF9CC 0x002EA1CC 0x0008B1A8 0x000291C0 0x000233AC 0x000AC0AC 0x00000000 Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x1B109780)
PC=0x9000B268; MSR=0x0000F030; DAR=0xF081FEC4; DSISR=0x42000000; LR=0x9000B1BC; R1=0xBFFFE3F0; XCP=0x00000030 (0xC00 - System call)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.7.0: Fri May 26 15:20:53 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.6.76.obj~1/RELEASE_PPCModel: PowerMac3,1, BootROM 3.2.2f1, 1 processors, PowerPC G4 (2.8), 400 MHz, 320 MB
Graphics: ATY,Rage128Pro, ATY,Rage128Pro, AGP, 16 MB Memory Module: DIMM0/J21, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S Memory Module: DIMM1/J22, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S Memory Module: DIMM2/J23, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S Memory Module: DIMM3/J24, 128 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S
Modem: Spring, , V.90, , APPLE VERSION 0001, 4/7/1999 Network Service: Built-in Ethernet, Ethernet, en0 Parallel ATA Device: WDC WD102BA, 9.55 GB Parallel ATA Device: MATSHITADVD-ROM SR-8585, USB Device: Hub, , Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA USB Device: Apple USB Mouse, Mitsumi, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA USB Device: M2452, Alps Electric, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA


I am thinking that this box is just a piece of crap and needs to be pushed off of the building.

Working on a Mac

Thanks to Anonymous!
Based on a reply to my “I hate my Mac” post, Anonymous, suggested that the problem was not with the kalloc.16 (which is what I originally Goggled to no end) but with the Thursby product. I contacted the Mac team about Thursby’s ADmitMac product and the panic error that I was getting. They stated that I have an old version of the product and that I can simply remove ADmitMac from the system. Which I did. This is kind of surprising, since I just had it rebuilt before I took ownership. However, removing the ADmitMac folder did not solve my problem. I walked in this morning and had another Panic Error. :(

I do have to say, coming from me it almost pains me to say this, working on a Mac is really simple. It does not have all of my tools that I need or use, but for running an Outlook-like Client and IE browser, it is very intuitive. I would seriously think about getting one of these for my Dad, who just uses these two functions – Get Mail and surf the Internet. Oh, and lets not forget Poker...he likes Poker.

I am not sure I would be able to sell him on it, though. I know how to fix a PC running a Microsoft product.

Panic Error - The Commercials were WRONG!!!

For all those that think that A MAC won’t crash.. Try this on for size…

I have this PowerPC G4 “Boat Anchor” in my cube, just for support of Macs Clients that are using Entourage and for OWA Issues.. Okay, so here we are, I am working away, I have Safari and Entourage open and then all of a sudden (Poof!) I get this “Panic Error”…

panic(cpu 0 caller 0x0003FEA8): zalloc: "kalloc.16" (22241 elements) retry
fail 3
Latest stack backtrace for cpu 0:
Backtrace:
0x00095718 0x00095C30 0x0002683C 0x0003FEA8 0x0002BB0C 0x00097D44
0x00140434 0x00162040
0x00160C14 0x0028FB84 0x002A3970 0x1AAB7700 0x1AAB9084 0x1AAB5754
0x000A9914
Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
com.thursby.kext.NetBIOS(3.0)@0x1aaa2000
Proceeding back via exception chain:
Exception state (sv=0x1638D500)
PC=0x00000000; MSR=0x0000D030; DAR=0x00000000; DSISR=0x00000000;
LR=0x00000000; R1=0x00000000; XCP=0x00000000 (Unknown)

Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.7.0: Fri May 26 15:20:53 PDT 2006;
root:xnu-792.6.76.obj~1/RELEASE_PPCModel: PowerMac3,1, BootROM 3.2.2f1, 1
processors, PowerPC G4 (2.8), 400 MHz, 320 MB
Graphics: ATY,Rage128Pro, ATY,Rage128Pro, AGP, 16 MB
Memory Module: DIMM0/J21, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S
Memory Module: DIMM1/J22, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S
Memory Module: DIMM2/J23, 64 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S
Memory Module: DIMM3/J24, 128 MB, SDRAM, PC100-222S
Modem: Spring, , V.90, , APPLE VERSION 0001, 4/7/1999
Network Service: Built-in Ethernet, Ethernet, en0
Parallel ATA Device: WDC WD102BA, 9.55 GB
Parallel ATA Device: MATSHITADVD-ROM SR-8585,
USB Device: Hub, , Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Apple USB Mouse, Mitsumi, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA
USB Device: M2452, Alps Electric, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA


This happens every F*N DAY!!! It does not seem to matter what I have open, running or if it is just sitting there.. CRASH! Every Day!


Why Mac’s SUCK!!!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6553260189868317794&q=why+macs+suck&hl=en


I hate Macs.

Now, being the person that I am, I did try to troubleshoot the problem. At first I thought it was RAM, so I did a test will all of the sticks. NOPE! Hard-Drive…NOPE!

I hate Macs.

Funny little story

This is the transcription of the ACTUAL radio conversation between the British and the Irish off the coast of Kerry, October 1998. Radio conversation released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10-10-98.

IRISH: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

BRITISH: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.

IRISH: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.

BRITISH: This is the Captain of a British Navy Ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.

IRISH: Negative. I say again,! you will have to divert YOUR course.

BRITISH: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER HMS BRITIANNIA! THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE BRITISH ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH. I SAY AGAIN, THAT IS 15 DEGREES NORTH OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.

IRISH: We are a lighthouse................Your Call.



According to the U.S. Navy Office of Information, it is simply “an old joke like those found in popular magazines.” The same exchange is said to have taken place between a U.S. and Canadian ship off Newfoundland in 1995.
http://www.dcmsoft.com/rumor/story/lighthouse.htm

Stargate SG-1 "200th" and a special announcement

This Friday was the 200th episode of Stargate SG-1. I did TiVo the pre-show, which (at times) was really funny. I especially liked the outtake clip where Carter was belittling O’Neil while they were shooting the "Solitudes" Episode. In this episode, O'Neil and Carter are stranded in an Ice Cave trying to chip the ice away of the DHD, so they can "dial" home. “

- Outtake from “Solitudes”. Jack and Sam are digging out the DHD. TAPPING (as Carter): You spent seven years on MacGuyver and you can’t figure this one out? We’ve got belt buckles and shoelaces and a piece of gum – build a nuclear reactor, fer cryin’ out loud! You used to be MacGuyver, MacGadget, MacGimmick, now you’re Mr MacUseless! Dear *God* - I’m stuck on a glacier with *MacGuyver*!

http://www.zippyvideos.com/133684941450925/stargate_sg_-_outtakes_-_macgyver_gag_on_stargate/


I saw this announcement this morning and it has totally destroyed my day. 'Stargate: SG-1' Cancelled

“Ant writes "The Sci-Fi channel has announced that it will not be renewing its (very popular) original series Stargate SG-1 for another season.The spinoff series Stargate: Atlantis will get the nod, though, airing for a fourth year. SG-1 aired its 200th episode on August 18th, and the SF series is the longest-running SF show on American television." Gateworld has further details: "New episodes of both Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis continue Fridays this summer starting at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific, leading up to the mid-season finale on September 22. The second half of the season will begin in March, leading to SG-1's final bow on SCI FI in June."
http://slashdot.org/articles/06/08/22/130227.shtml

Liz and I are both great fans of both Atlantis and SG-1 and always look forward to Sci-Fi Friday. We also own all of the SG-1 DVD sets through Season 8. I do have to say that they have had a good long run and will be missed.

How to: Access Gmail using Outlook

Here is a quick way to be able to get your gmail email using your outlook client. I, personally, like the web interface of their site. But, for those who want everything in your outlook, here is a step-by-step way to do that.

Make sure that POP access is turned on for your Gmail account

Select Tools E-mail Accounts... from the menu in Outlook.

Make sure Add a new e-mail account is selected.

Click Next >

Choose POP3 as the Server Type.

Click Next >

Enter your Gmail account details in the Internet E-mail Settings (POP3) dialog:

• Type your full name under Your Name:.
• Type your Gmail email address under E-mail Address:.
• Type your full Gmail address under User Name: as well.
• Type your Gmail password under Password:.
• Type pop.gmail.com under Incoming mail server (POP3):.
• Type smtp.gmail.com under Outgoing mail server (SMTP):.

Click More Settings....

Go to the Outgoing Server tab.

Make sure My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication is checked.

Leave Use same settings as my incoming mail server selected.

Go to the Advanced tab.

Make sure This server requires an encrypted connection (SSL) is checked under both Incoming server (POP3): and Outgoing server (SMTP):

Type 465 under Outgoing server (SMTP):

• If the number under Incoming server (POP3): has not been changed to 995 automatically, enter 995 there.

Click OK

Click Next >

Click Finish.

Halo 3 Release Date Announced.

March 31st, 2007

Amazon has already begun to take pre-orders for Halo 3. How can you beat that... Get your copy without standing in line, fighting for a parking place at the mall or staying up until midnight (in a line) at some retailer... It is quick (single click ordering), delivered right to your door, no fuss - no muss... I have ordered my copy.

Have you?

First Cortana letter

From: "Cortana" cortana@bungie.com
To: hamish.sinclair@tcd.ie
Subject: ClosureDate: Mon, 15 Feb 1999 10:50:20 -0600
MIME-Version: 1.0
X-Priority: 3

I have walked the edge of the Abyss.

I have governed the unwilling.

I have witnessed countless empires break before me.

I have seen the most courageous soldiers fall away in fear.

[I was there with the Angel at the tomb]

I have seen your future.

And I have learned.

There will be no more Sadness. No more Anger. No more Envy.

I HAVE WON.

Oh, and your poet Eliot had it all wrong:

THIS is the way the world ends.

a friend of a friend


--------------------------
Now, go and watch the Halo 3 Trailer..
- A Friend of a Friend.

Exchange Troubleshooting Assistant

Microsoft Exchange Troubleshooting Assistant v1.0

Here is a cool little tool that will programmatically executes a set of troubleshooting steps to identify the root cause of performance, mail flow, and database mounting issues. The tool automatically determines what set of data is required to troubleshoot the identified symptoms and collects configuration data, performance counters, event logs and live tracing information from an Exchange server and other appropriate sources. The tool analyzes each subsystem to determine individual bottlenecks and component failures, then aggregates the information to provide root cause analysis.

Exchange: SA will not start on a Exchange 2003 Server

Problem:
Came across this issue where after installing Exchange 2003 on a Windows 2003 SP1 Server, the System Attendant would not start. This was a new build and did not have Exchange loaded on it before. When attempting to start the SA Service, it would fail almost immediately. The event log would throw an event ID: 1005, Unexpected error Access is denied. Facility: Win32 ID no: c0070005 Microsoft Exchange System Attendant occurred. There was also an error in the ESM under the server properties where the log file directory states the location of the message tracking logs. The error was “An error occurred during a call to Windows Management Instrumentation” - ID no: 80041013 - Exchange System Manager.

Solution:
After spending a lot of time with Microsoft – The solution was painfully simple. On the Domain Controller there was a registry setting to restrict anonymous access. It was set to 2, the most restrictive. The Microsoft recommended setting for this is 1. Reboot the DC and...

This resolved the issue.

Why:
The registry settings on Authenticating DC, caused access denied up on anonymous SMB connection to IPC$

Half Life 2: Episode One - Update

I finished the game last night, I guess I was farther than I originally thought. The very ending is quite difficult and ammo was becoming an issue. I will try not to spoil the game for anyone. However, I have two words for you… Keep Moving!!! I spend a little too long in one spot and paid the price for it. (Squish – Like Bug). The last clip was kinda neat, but it left you with the same type of cliffhanger that the original game had. I would have liked to seen something a bit different. Maybe in the next release.

Now that the game is over, I still have to say that it is well worth the green.

- Waiting in anticipation for the next episode.

Movie Review: V for Vendetta (2006)

"From the pages of David Lloyd and Alan Moore's groundbreaking graphic novel springs the enigmatic "V" (Hugo Weaving of The Matrix), a masked freedom fighter who's taken up arms against the totalitarian government in a futuristic Britain. Finding an unlikely ally in a young woman named Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman), V urges the citizenry to fight the oppression of the state. John Hurt and Stephen Rea also co-star." - Netflix

I am of two minds about this movie. One one hand it was a great, political, rebellious film portraying what people will do when their freedoms are trampled on by a Nazi-like, fascist, dictatorship. The symbolism and visuals were enthralling. However, on the other hand, I would not say that this movie is groundbreaking or visionary. It was more of a 1984 rip off. Natalie Portman is pretty and nice to look at (with hair), but her acting was really really bad. (or maybe it was the script) If you are into a political movie of a government that has going totally dark, then you will enjoy this movie. If you are a person that likes a good drama, it is a toss up. For the rest of you... you are seriously out of luck. Rated R for language and some violence.

Half Life 2: Episode One

As you all already know or have read, I am a big Half-Life fan. (counter-strike, DOD, HL, HL2, etc) Well, more accurately, I am a big Valve fan. This past week, Liz bought me HL2: EP1 from Amazon for something like $15 bucks. Let me begin by saying how impressed I was in its ability to rekindle my emotions from Half-Life 2 game. It started out strong and has kept going strong, given that I am only about half way done. The game is only slated to be about 5 hours of game play, but if you like wandering around and checking out things, you can easily spend double that. I had to check out everything, see how far I can throw a fridge, what would happen if I shot..., If you keep shooting a combine soldier – does he eventually become just a red spot… Also, there are many hidden passages and the puzzles are a bit harder than the original game.

And, Alyx is a real bad ass. She does a real good job helping out and her comments are at times just down right funny. She follows you around covering your back and at times taking all the bad guys on by herself. This addition to the Half-Life series has the look and feel of being a multiplayer campaign, that you can play by yourself. I know that I have said this before, but this one if defiantly a BUY!! Go and Get it!

Dora! Dora! Dora!

Allie’s Birthday Party

This past Saturday, it was Allison’s 3rd Birthday. So, Liz and I set off to have the most extravagant party a 3 year old would enjoy. We had the party in the backyard of Liz’s parents house, which is twice the size of ours (huge). Allie is really into Dora right now. There was Dora decorations and balloons, everywhere, on the house, plants, chairs, tables, cake and even a Dora piñata. On a side note, the makers of the piñatas no longer open by beating the cardboard object senseless, there are pull strings that the kids grab and yank. Much safer for all involved. There were about over 30 people, including kids. We had pizza’s, chips, soda, a clear liquid that had no bubbles (water), fruit punch, juice boxes, veggies, fruit, 3 different kinds of salad, and the for mentioned Dora cake. I rented 4 tables with umbrellas, a tent to put the food under, and a helium tank. Not the small one.. that is far to small. I got the big guy that weights a good 75 pounds. The kids had a great time, played in the pool, ran around, ate, ran around some more, jumped back into the pools (some with clothes on), and then did it all over again. Allie made out like a little bandit. She got a Dora doll house, Dora sleeping bag, Dora dolls, and a Dora Bike. (yes, a two wheeled bike) But, not all presents were Dora, she also got a clothes, a fairy bear from Wisconsin, and a Nemo body pillow, as well as, other things that would be to long to list out. Both her and Zuzu had a great time and had lots of fun with the other kids.

Mommy and Daddy are still trying to recuperate from the whole experience.

Man Laws 101

1: Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella.

2: It is OK for a man to cry ONLY under the following circumstances:
(a) When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
(b) The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
(c) After wrecking your boss's car.
(d) One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game".
(e) When she is using her teeth.

3: Any Man who brings a camera to a bachelor party may be legally killed and eaten by his buddies.

4: Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out of jail within 12 hours.

5: If you've known a guy for more than 24 hours, his sister is off limits forever unless you actually marry her.

6: Moaning about the brand of free beer in a buddy's fridge is forbidden. However complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.

7: No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your buddy's birthday is strictly optional. At that point, you must celebrate at a strip bar of the birthday boy's choice.

8: On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.

9: When stumbling upon other guys watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.

10: You may flatulate in front of a woman only after you have brought her to climax. If you trap her head under the covers for the purpose of flatulent entertainment, she's officially your girlfriend.

11: It is permissible to drink a fruity alcohol drink only when you're sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless model and only when it's free.

12: Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to kick another guy in the nuts.

13: Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.

14: Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.

15: If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.

16: Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.

17: A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman must remain sober enough to fight.

18: Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of pizza, but not both, that's just greedy.

19: If you compliment a guy on his six-pack, you'd better be talking about his choice of beer.

20: Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a friend of yours, except if she's withholding sex pending your response.

21: Phrases that may NOT be uttered to another man while lifting weights:
a) Yeah, Baby, Push it!
b) C'mon, give me one more! Harder!
c) Another set and we can hit the showers!

22: Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing:
i.e., both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.

23: Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer than you are able to have sex with her. Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up if necessary.

24: The morning after you and a girl who was formerly "just a friend" have carnal, drunken monkey sex, the fact that you're feeling weird and guilty is no reason for you not to nail each other again before the discussion occurs about what a big mistake it was.

25: It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for her to drive yours.

26: Thou shalt not buy a car in the colors of brown, pink, lime green, orange or sky blue.

27: The girl who replies to the question "What do you want for Christmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets an Xbox. End of story.

28: There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever.

Just so that we all understand the rules, read them again!

The top 10 unintentionally worst company URLs

Attn: Entrepeneurs

Everyone knows that if you are going to operate a business in today’s world you need a domain name. It is advisable to look at the domain name selected as other see it and not just as you think it looks. Failure to do this may result in situations such as the following (legitimate) companies who deal in everyday humdrum products and services but clearly didn’t give their domain names enough consideration:

1. A site called ‘Who Represents‘ where you can find the name of the agent that represents a celebrity. Their domain name… wait for it… is
www.whorepresents.com

2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views at
www.expertsexchange.com

3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island at
www.penisland.net

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder at
www.therapistfinder.com

5. Then of course, there’s the Italian Power Generator company…
www.powergenitalia.com

6. And now, we have the Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:
www.molestationnursery.com

7. If you’re looking for computer software, there’s always
www.ipanywhere.com

8. Welcome to the First Cumming Methodist Church. Their website is
www.cummingfirst.com

9. Then, of course, there’s these brainless art designers, and their whacky website:
www.speedofart.com

10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe? Try their brochure website at
www.gotahoe.com

Valve Announces Development For Xbox 360

Valve®, a leading entertainment and technology studio, is pleased to announce development of future game releases for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The coming titles will be powered by a customized version of SourceTM, the technology that powered Valve’s Half-Life® 2. Source provides state of the art performance in graphics, networking, artificial intelligence, physics simulation and more.

“The combination of Source and the 360 provides game designers the chance to create powerful entertainment experiences,” said Gabe Newell, president and co-founder of Valve. “Whether developing a traditional FPS, RTS, RPG or delving into new genres, the Xbox 360 is a great platform for expanding Source and our game experiences.”

The Valve 360 products are being designed to leverage the Xbox 360’s advanced graphics hardware and integration with Xbox Live® online game service.

… Halo, GTA and Half-Life all for the Xbox 360.. Need I say more?

Me as a South Park Character

A friend here at work sent this link to me. http://www.sp-studio.de/ It is how to make your own South Park character. There are many options that you can select, such as features, colors, items, clothes, background, and style. This is how I would look, if I was a character in South Park.


Make your own and enjoy.

Pirates of the Caribbean II - Dead man’s Chest

This weekend, I saw the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie. My parents had the kids over so Liz and I could actually see a movie in a movie theater and when it is new and still fresh. So here is the review… Johnny Depp is as funny as ever playing the part of the gay pirate. Okay, Captain Jack Sparrow is not actually gay, more Bi… But, that is part of his charm. I will try not to spoil it for anyone that has not seen the movie yet. That will be an entry for later. It is full of action, plot twists, and flair. It is well worth the money to see this movie and Yes, I will be buying this one when it comes out. However, it is not as good as the first. But, there were not expectations for the orgininal. This one went in with HIGH expectations and only fell a little short. I have high hopes for the third one. Oh, and you will want to sit through all of the credits, there is a little funny at the very end.

For those who have seen the movie… I wonder what “mark” he left on Mr. Beckett. -Say no more!

Day of Defeat - Source

This past weekend, Valve had a free weekend to download and play DOD-Source. This is the Day of Defeat Mod built from the Half-Life 2 engine. The graphics are stunning, some new maps (well, new to me), and game play is what you would expect from a Half Life 2 Mod. I played quite a bit this weekend, ignoring the wife and kids.. Which is not so good. So, if you plan on purchasing this game be advised that it is a total time suck. But, well worth it. AND it will only cost you a Mr. Jackson to continue the onslaught of Allies vs. Axis. But, you have to ask yourself this question..

Half-Life 2 – Episode One OR Day of Defeat – Source… Two great games – Same Price.

See you there – verylost

Evils of the Night (1985)

A trio of aliens (John Carradine, Julie Newmar and Tina Louise) visits Earth on a quest for teen flesh, hoping to use it to create a youth serum. To help them with the diabolical scheme, they bribe two dim-bulb mechanics (Neville Brand and Aldo Ray) to stalk and kidnap a group of randy adolescents. Director Mardi Rustam's sci-fi thriller mixes the slasher-in-the-woods genre with the classic alien invader theme -- and the film is so bad it's good.

Let me begin by saying that I enjoy ‘B’ flicks and had no real expectations for this movie. Well, it did not even live up to that. This movie is really bad. The acting is horrid, the effects that were not pirated from another show (original Battlestar Galactica) were just down right dumb, and there was no plot, they say there is one, but I couldn't find it... “And the point of this is…??? What???” For those looking for nudity, there is some, but it is not even worth the effort. Nothing short a match could save this movie.

Day of Defeat

Years ago, I used to play this Half life mod. I forgot how much fun this game actually was. I was on Steam and noticed that I had DOD available for HL2. So, I set it up and played for a few hours on Friday night. It took a few games to get back into the swing of things and not knowing the maps was a bit of a hindrance. But, I managed to hold my own for a bit. There were a lot of people (kids) that did not like the fact that I just charge like them. I am sorry, but I don’t play like that. I much rather play a sniper or lay down suppressing fire for my team mates. On one map this guy and I took up a cross-fire position with some .50 cals and cleaned house. I think that I scored about 40 kills and he did almost 50. Another time, these two guys and myself charged into the enemy’s lines and I dropped down and unloaded with this belt-fed machine gun. Talk about fun… at least for me…

See you online…

Office 2007 Delayed

Here a shocker... That surprises no one - Ars Technica reports that Microsoft Office 2007 has been delayed again, this time into early 2007. 'Based on internal testing and the beta 2 feedback around product performance, we are revising our development schedule to deliver the 2007 system release by the end of year 2006, with broad general availability in early 2007' Tough bit of timing after this week's online preview of Office 2007."

I really like the Outlook 2007 Beta 2 version, as I stated previously. But, my Word keeps crashing on me.. :(

Firefly - The Half Series

Well, my wife and I finally rented and watched all 4 DVDs of the Firefly Series. At first, we thought that the acting was really really bad and that this was going to be really cheesy. But, so was Star Trek Next Generation at first – oh look, a space jelly fish… At the middle to end of disk 3, the acting improved and it seemed that the actors started to really enjoy what they were doing. Some of the prop still looked like cardboard cut outs and I swear that I saw an F-18 used as a space ship.

I was surprised that it did not last a full season, on Disk 4 they had a gag real that stated that it was made for the Christmas party, but turned out to be the farewell party. The series itself had lots of sex (in almost every episode), violence and thievery. Yeah, I can see how most sponsors would have a problem with that. I mean Long John Silvers supporting a bunch of space pirates, I mean come on, really. :) But, they were thieves with some morals. I could also see how people in the bible belt would have a problem with that much sex on TV and the fact that prostitution was legal, but idolized as members of high-class society. There were several episodes that were good, but I honestly like the last two episodes on Disk 4.

Now that I have seen the entire series, what there was of it, I am going to rent Serenity the movie, again. All in all, good to see once.. but, not a buy.

Another Active Directory Cleanup entry

If you want to deactivate a class or attribute in the schema because you no longer need it, here is a real easy way.

1. Open the Active Directory Schema snap-in
2. In the left pane, click on the Classes folder
3. In the right pane, double-click the class you want to deactivate
4. Uncheck the box beside Class is active
5. Click Ok.

Easy...

Watching XPlay on G4

As I was watching XPlay on G4, my wife is calling me a Geek... Actually, what she said is that I am "Such a Geek, that I would actually watch people play games." and that it was like watching Golf. Not at all... This tells me what games are worth buying or tricks in how to beat the game. So, What is the difference between a Geek and a Nerd?

- The Geek has social skills.

How to setup replicas for Schedule+ data

For most companies, this is really not an issue. However, if you are an Exchange Admin with an international company or have split the Exchange Administrative Groups, you may want to setup replicas for the Free/busy information for some of specific sites. (I hate using the term "sites", since that is a 5.5 term.) For the sales or Executive users, this means that they will be able to view the other offices’ calendar information and book meetings with individuals in those offices. However, if a person turns off the sharing ability within Outlook, you still will not be able to see their data. The client overrides this server configuration.

Here is how you configure the Exchange Server:

1. Open Exchange system manager
2. Expand to public folders tree
3. Right Click and select "View system folders"
4. select Schedule+
5. Right Click for properties
6. Select Replication Tab
7. Click Add and select servers to replication with
8. Select Ok
9. Close System Manager
   

As a troubleshooting step, monitor the event logs on the Exchange Server for Event ID# 107.

Face of the SUN!!!

I knew it was hot over the weekend, I just did not realize that it was that hot. I go from white to lobster in about 2.2 minutes, so I stayed mainly in the shade. Liz had to stay inside in the air-conditioning, she does not do well in the heat. Liz and I broke out the kiddy pool for the girls play in and try to keep them cool. As a side note, boy, they tan quick. The girls were outside, with sunscreen, for about 45 minutes and they are a golden. (with tan-lines) :P They both had fun, we setup a slide-shoot into the pool. The pool is one that my sister gave to them last year, of a crab. The pool has little sprayers (which are legs) in which Allie enjoyed using to drown her little sister. “alldone..alldone.. ALLL DONE!!!!” (that is QUIT IT in Lexi speak). Then Lex figured out that she had a sprayer too and that the hose controlled the water pressure.. She gives a little yank on the hose and the water pressure goes up… :) Hey, Turn about is fair play. Allie would look at me like… Are you going to do anything about this??? Uh.. Nope… Then she would yell “Quit IT” And Lex would.. Everyone had fun, no one got hurt and everyone got wet… Including Daddy.