Monday, April 25, 2011

97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

97 Grand cherokee laredo 4.0.
Low idle, occasionally stalls until I floor it in neutral and it comes back now. ( didnt used to) Mainly stalls at low RPMs...but lately I have noticed it did it's ...( stupid thing it does, with sputtering, sometimes backfiring etc)...after I go over some bumpy terrain, which is not often. ( heavy side to side motion).

It's not predictable. Sometimes it will cut out once or twice at higher RPMs like maybe 2K. I thought it was bad gas...so I dried it with alcohol. I thought the side to side motion ( rocking) caused crap in the gas tank to clog the lifetime fuel filter.

NEW:
Battery ( cleaned posts and cables to a shine too)
TPS ( mine broke)
IAC ( no change after cleaning throttle body, so I put the factory one back on)
CPS- MOPAR.
PLUGS
ROTOR cap
Wires ( last summer)
Dist. Cap ( last summer, but I have a new one to install tonight)

Just installed a new pick up coil ( cam pos sensor). Havent driven it yet. But it started fine and idled OK. This is not uncommon.
Wiggled CPS wires and harness while idling today. No change.
Bought new primary coil, havent installed it.
Fuel pressure at rail is fine.

Codes, as they were printed out today before swapping cam sensor:

PO320
Ignition/dist
Engine Speed Input
Circuit malfunction

PO351
Ignition Coil A
Primary/Secondary
Circuit Malfunction

Plugs to PCM wiggled while running...no change.
New Cat convertor last summer.

When it idles ....SOMETIMES it has a slight, almost unnoticable miss. It's random , not at regular intervals.

Rear main seal leaks, so I noticed oil on the Crank Pos sensor that I replaced. Beginning to wonder if that's the culprit.
And yes, I know about the screw length on the PCM cover.

Anyone have an idea?

Thanks in advance.

Reply 1 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Swapped relays around - no change.
Connections look fine.

Also....something occurred to me about this ....the stalling started right after I lost power window functions at driver's door. Replaced module on drivers door..no change. Looked for bad/broken wires in door jam...all seem ok...even after splitting boot. Bad ground somewhere in window circuit causing glitches in PCM ? Battery ground to body OK. Cant seem to find engine ground to body...although I know it's supposed to be on firewall.

Reply 2 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I had a similar problem with my '93 YJ. After hours of guessing it ended up being a loose bolt on the exhaust manifold.

Reply 3 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Thanks, I'll take a look at that.
Update: Found a ground point on the engine block, passenger side near the rear. Decided to put a wrench on it....and it turned pretty easily.
Took the nut off and the wire that came from the harness....sprayed the contact points with contact cleaner, wiped them, and reinstalled the nut tightly. Two days now and no sputtering, although it still idles low.
Will look for vacuum leaks today. But maybe the main stalling problem is fixed. Keep your fingers crossed.

Reply 4 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

No luck.
Today, it was low on gas, so I headed the station about 1/2 mile away, after a cold start. It sputtered a bit but as long as I kept the rpms up it ran ok. Pulled into station and the vehicle rocked a bit as I was pulling in the driveway. It tried to die on me. I thrw it in neutral, gave it gas...and it tried to keep running, but it sounded like the timing was way off...running at near stall speed. It finally backfired loudly and died. Got the gas....tried to start it. It died as I put it in gear, 2 or 3 times in a row. It finally started. Had it scanned.
Map sensor voltage too HIGH...and the primary coil code...faulty circuit again. ( misfire). Replaced map sensor. Disconected battery, turned on key to clear codes....and it still idles low after warm up.

Any ideas? Fuel pump?

Reply 5 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I'm no expert, but I have been a shade tree mechanic for many years.

Did the power window problems and the stalling problem start at the same time?

Do the power windows work from the controls on the passenger and other doors?

Have you checked the voltage to the coil from the PCM?

When you say rough terrain, are puddles of water involved?

Does rocking of the vehicle seem to cause it? (if it is running fine, could you get it to mess up by rocking the vehicle side to side or front to back)

Can you smell gas in the exhaust? I doubt it, but it's worth a sniff.

BTW, you probably know this, but it's usually not a good idea to clear the codes by disconnecting the battery. The PCM loses the stored information that should help it run better.(not always the case)

Reply 6 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Update:

New fuel pump and filters installed after the stalling got worse. Cleaned out tank too.

No change after the first 20 miles of driving.

It still dies as if the ignition was turned off.
I cant help but think there is a bad wire feeding the coil that heats up, since it wiring lies close to the engine block and the motor mount.

Anyone have any other ideas? This had gotten old and expensive !

Stalling mainly occurs when the outside temp is over 50 degrees and/or the engine is at operating temp....but not always.

Reply 7 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I seen where this guy fixed all the problems with jeep grand cherokee....The ecm is grounded in some way the bolts are to long and it makes it short out a little but he took off all the bolts that hold it on and he hasnt had any problems with it in a year... So i did the same thing amonth ago and WOW it runs great....NOW IF WE CAN GET JEEP TO REFUND US ALL THE MONEY WE WASTED ON PARTS AND OTHER THINGS WE WOULD HAVE SOME MONEY .....Good luck and happy rideing mark

Reply 8 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I seen where this guy fixed all the problems with jeep grand cherokee....The ecm is grounded in some way the bolts are to long and it makes it short out a little but he took off all the bolts that hold it on and he hasnt had any problems with it in a year... So i did the same thing amonth ago and WOW it runs great....NOW IF WE CAN GET JEEP TO REFUND US ALL THE MONEY WE WASTED ON PARTS AND OTHER THINGS WE WOULD HAVE SOME MONEY .....Good luck and happy rideing mark

Reply 9 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Backed out the torx screws you mentioned long ago. No change. I backed them out more last saturday and pulled the ECU connectors, sprayed them with contact cleaner and reinserted them. Havent driven it but about 10 miles since then, and the weather was cold, so dont know if it helped yet. It usually dies when the weather is warm, but not always.

My tach still wobbles a bit ( about 25 RPM or so) at near idle speeds, so I'm guessing it isnt fixed yet.

Still searching for the engine to body ground strap. If anyone knows exactly where it is, please advise. It's supposed to be on the back of the head or block, and attached to the firewall. Havent found it yet.

Reply 10 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Here's an update, maybe with some good news for a change. Keeping my fingers crossed !

I have driven it a little over 100 miles in town now, since the fuel pump replacement, cleaning out the gas tank, and more recently, pulling the ECU connectors and spraying them with contact cleaner, backing out the OUTBOARD torx screw on the front of the ECU cover a bit more, swapping out the coil wire, adding a quart of oil and filling the tank with fresh gas.

It has barely tried to act up ( bucked and nearly died)....only three times...and it NEVER died !

So, here's ONE theory. It was the fuel pump and water in the tank.
After I had drained the tank and cleaned it out, I had to pour about 2 gallons of the old gas back into the tank in order to get to a station to fill up. Well, I went home from my girlfriends place that night( after replacing fuel pump) and didnt fill up on the way...since I dont live far and it was late. As I poured the gas back into the DRY gas tank, I tried to make sure I only poured the gas off the "top" of my gas cans, leaving any water in the bottom of the can, thus NOT pouring it back into my Jeep. I poured a little from each of the two, five gallon cans, so as to not disturb any water that settled.

I MAY have gotten a little water in my Jeep....but not much if any. And THAT could be the NEW reason it has tried to stall ( bucked and sputtered three times in 100 miles)...but did NOT stall. That was theory number one.

Theory number two is :

The ECU connectors were the problem, OR the outboard torx screw that I backed out even MORE could have been the problem ....and the bad fuel pump was only ONE of the original problems. ( along with water in the tank)

It could have, of course, been the coil wire that I swapped out. The plug wires were about 18 months old and I had bought a new set, that was sitting in the box...so I swapped out the coil wire only.

I wont keep you hanging, though. I will drive it and put some SERIOUS miles on it tomorrow and see if the bucking or the stalling comes back.......and THEN I WILL post to help anyone else that has had this trouble.

I'm guessing that I had multiple problems that overlapped and masked the main one. Time and more miles will tell. I just pray that it's fixed !

I'll be back soon.

Reply 11 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

update:

It tried to stall a few times during the 240 miles I have put on it since the last work was performed.

Last nite, out of nowhere, it acted stupid again. Arrgh ! It was drizzling rain and cold. The rain has never been a problem before. I pulled over, let it idle ( after restarting it once again) and wiggled the plugs on the ECU cover.

It died. I thought it was a fluke, so I started it once again. It was running a bit rough, so again I wiggled the plugs. It would clear up and then die. Restarted it again and let it idle. Watched it without touching anything for a minute. Then I wiggled them again, particularly the inboard plug....in all different directions. It would clear up but I couldnt hold it there....then it would act up again. So I got it running again and drove to my girlfriend's condo, where we were heading at the time anyway.

Oh, BTW this is the second time I've put more gas in the tank since the fuel pump. I filled up again at 1/2 a tank.

After about 2 miles.....it really started acting up....stalling, and bucking....and while it was trying to restart it backfired TWICE, loudly....but it restarted. Pulled into her carport...let it idle and it was fine. Came back out, started it and wiggled the inboard ECU plug.

NO CHANGE. It ran pefectly. I left her place at 4 AM and it did OK all the way home...( about a 10 minute drive).

I noticed that there is a little plastic piece that came off the ECU plugs when I pulled them earlier in the week. No way to put them back in. They lie on top of the plug somehow.

Today, I'll pull them again, spray with contact cleaner and see what happens.

Should I put dielectric grease on them or not? There was no sign of any grease ever being on them when I pulled them the last time.

I'm getting close....but still no cigar. I could be buying gas with water in it and not know it. That would really tick me off.----


Another update: I start the jeep today....wiggle the ECU connectors and every wire I can find...and I cant MAKE it stall now.

This is driving me nuts !

Reply 12 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Damian007 ,

I know it's a lot to ask of you, but would you please read my thread and offer up what you can for me?

Reply 13 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

The plastic pieces are probably the clamps. They hold the connector in place. The dialectric will help keep shorts from happening. If it works when you pull in one direction and doesn't in another, then the connector may be dirty or have a bent pin. It also may have a 'High Resistance connection' or a broken wire. Maybe it's missing a pin.

Anyway, if you can, get a new connector and wire it up. Or you could connect the plug more securely. It more than likely just loose because the clamps broke off.

Reply 14 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I still can't help but wonder if the Power Window on the driver's door is the culprit. After everything you have replaced or fixed, a faulty wire or circuit interruption seem probable.

It could be that the plastic piece on the ECU was an insulater between Pos and Neg circuits and any moisture inside is creating a sporatic arc that interupts the voltage levels in the PCM.

An exposed wire in the power window circuit may also arc to ground at times affecting the voltage levels in the PCM.

Because the PCM is digital, a sudden drop of even .5 volts inside the PCM circuits could change outputs that trick the computer into correcting problems that don't exist or just send out incorrect signals.

I would look for any indication of overheated wires or hot spots on exposed metal near wires that may indicate a spark.

Other than that, I would doublecheck the alignment and tightness of the crankshaft sensor and do a continuity check on the wiring while wiggling the wire.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful

Reply 15 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Don't know why I keep crossing the two.

What I meant was the digital circuits in the ECU not the PCM. I would check for continuity and shorts between the two wires from the Crankshaft sensor to the ECU, set at the lowest Ohms with the wires disconnected from both the ECU and the Sensor.

Reply 16 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Bruce - I have a similar problem to the one you're asking about; 90% of the time the power windows in my 1998 Cherokee Sport work from the driver's door switches only. They will occasionally work from the other switches, but this is infrequent.

Additionally, my gauges (sppedo, tach, odo) will sometimes die for short periods of time.

Hoping you may be able to help, based on your answers above.

Reply 17 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Thank you for the info. My Dad who is a mechanic also had tried everything that you had and the car keeped stalling. We took it to a diagnostic place that charged us $100 to tell us that it was the distributor. We knew it was not the distributor because it was already been replaced and nothing change. I came across your blog and my Dad and husband did as you said. My Dad has been driving the jeep for almost a month and it has not stalled on him. Thank you for everything.

Reply 18 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

This should help. I read the solution on the car forum some time ago when my 98 Jeep Cherokee had the same stalling problems. The screws are shorting out the board inside the ECM. What you do is back out the screws, located under the plugs, on the front of the ECM (husband says they're a booger to get to and they are torx head screws). Back out the screws 2 full turns and you're problems should be solved (just like mine were). Give it a try. The guy who posted this on the car forum some time ago is a GENIUS! My Jeep is back to normal

Reply 19 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I have a 97 jeep grand cherokee laredo 4.0. First my problem was it backfiring, stalling, spitting, sputtering and so on, After replacing the fuel pump, cam sensor, crank sensor, coil, distributor cap, rotor button i found the post on here that said to back the screws out of the ECM and clean the connectors so I did this and WOW my jeep started and ran like new then.....:( after never having the check engine light come on here it goes flashing so I took it and had the codes read and it listed it was misfiring on every cylinder so they reset the codes and the jeep continued to run until the next day went to start it up and nothing it seemed to be firing intermitedly so then found a spark plug wire that was bad and so replaced them. It started up after a few tries and ran really rough then smoothed out idled perfect drove all afternoon then today again it won't start.... Can anyone help???

Reply 20 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

we have a 98 jeep grand cherokee 4x4 with similar problems...new spark plugs and a transmission flush really helped tremendously!

Reply 21 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

The PCM is sending instructions to your engine that cause it to stall or run poorly. But that does not mean the PCM is bad. There are a lot of sensors that feed info to the PCM, and any one of them can cause the PCM to deliver the same bad instructions, and even give misleading engine codes as the chain-reaction ensues. That's why there are so many fixes for these same symptoms posted around the web.

I suggest changing your MAP sensor and/or crank position sensor. The MAP is easier to replace (5 minutes, literally), the crank sensor is tough to get to but only one bolt. Throttle position sensor is a player too, but I see you replaced that.

Also, after changing sensors, the PCM might freak out and the engine runs like garbage for a minute or two as everything "settles." But that behavoir should not continue once the PCM "learns." Scary.

Good luck.

Reply 22 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Well as you all know I do have a 1996 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0 straight 6 cylinder. Now do to my experience with these jeep/dodge/Chrysler nightmares is that when Dodge/Chrysler took over and they took a crap and my car came out. Now that I'm done venting a little this is what I have done so far with my jeep:

About 6 months ago I was starting to have major problems with my jeep. The first of it was the of course the stalling problem but mine loves to play jokes on me and while I'm trying to fix the stalling problem I realized one morning that I was leaking a large amount of red fluid.witch is know as transmission fluid, so I took a little drive in first gear down to the local transmission shop and they said I needed a full rebuild..awesome. So I got that replaced and then I was back on the road. Now back to my little stalling problem I first was throwing a code that was basically a secondary coil failure. So I went and replaced the coil pack the distributor cap, rotor, and the time senor in the bottom of the distributor. Spark plugs and wires and a new ground cable just in case. Ran fine for a little while then as I'm in the high way the jokes come back. I then realized that if I turn the off the key and then on again 3 times it starts right back up and it will run for a little while then stall again. From there I then got in to a pattern that if it dose stall that day its going to the stall the whole day not just once but maybe about 3 to 4 times. If it dose not stall for that day I'm golden it runs great. So then I went ahead and replaced the fuel pump and also all the auto shutdown relays. I then drove it for a while and then here come the jokes. The problem is that fro some reason I was in the snow and it did stall and some how it blew out the transfer case because I was in 4 wheel drive but only the front was working (minds well by a pregnant Honda). Great so I then I replaced the transfer case and back to normal. The stalling is happening soon than before now that where in the summer I did notice that it happens when its either worm or wet out side.

From there I decided to replace the crank sensor for the timing issue and also I went and took it to get all the recalls known to man from jeep. Nothing, still stalling. So then I went and I replaced all the O2 sensors and also took a trip to the junk yard and picked up a throttle body, I cleaned the while unit out and then I took mine off and compared. I didnt see any thing out of the ordinary so I replaced mine with the junk yard one and it ran better but still stalling. Ok, so by now I have spent over 4,000 bucks on this car and I got it for 3,000 (witch I knew it needed work but wow). I then went and check all the fuses to see if I could find any thing and nothing then for some reason my windows stop working and my power mirrors would not work. So then I went back and check them again and nothing so I went back to the junk yard and got a new door panel and the control modular for the drive side. I needed a door panel because it came off and would not shut right and it would leave my dome lights on when I'm driving so I got mad and tore it off. BIG mistake because you cant find thou any where and when you do your gona pay 80 bucks like I did. Any hoot replaced the whole panel and it was working just fin again. Back to my stalling problem I then was reading about this fix, I was like yay!!! So I back out the screws and replaced them with shorter ones and also got plastic screws for the body to make sure there is no grounding and I also made a plastic back side for my computer to make sure it was not getting any kind of short Im not gone lie it worked for a while fro about a month and then back to the jokes, it stalls.

So after all that, I decided to do the whole swap out of the ECU computer. I went threw this place, http://store.allcomputerresources.com/index.html I was reading that you need to make sure its a remanufactured unit not a refurbished on because there going to do the same thing in a matter of time. I also like them because its a life time warranty so if this fixes the problem and it happens down the road all I got to do is send it in. Also these cars are not Hondas you have to order one of these babies because you have to have your mileage and also your VIN number has to be burned in the computer you just cant go to the junk yard and pick one out of an other car and expect it to work. If you do that your going to risk of setting off the anti theft system and ill tell you thats no good. Thats not even a joke it pure hell. So I order mine for about 324.00 bucks with 2 day air and I should be getting it on Friday.

I will check back when I install it and let you people know who have tried every thing in the books. For some reason after all my research a lot of the forms dont tell you that getting a new Computer fixes the problem. So thats why I'm writing this so then you can get a good fix other then that screw business. Well I hope this helps a little bit and what I have tried. If this dose not work I'm going to tackle the wiring harness and the after that I'm going to light it on fire and push it off a cliff. I hope this helps some people.

Reply 23 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Sorry for the long delay in posting my fix, guys. I guess I was so happy that it's fixed, I just forgot.

Refer to my other posts about this Jeep...for the history.

It was the blasted plugs on the PCM !

I had unplugged the 3 wiring harness plugs and sprayed the crap out of them with contact cleaner before...with minimal results.

But on a hunch and some advice from an old Jeep Mechanic...I took some zip ties and put 2 on each plug....running them around the back of the PCM, vertically. 'Cinched them all down tight with pliers...then put another one across all of them.

Jeep Stalling is fixed ! It's been over 4 months and it hasnt even hicupped once. Evidently the heat and vibration caused them to have an intermittent connection at times....throwing the computer out of whack....thus..the stalling, backfiring, stuttering....and bad timing.

Heck, I may even put some JB weld on those dang computer plugs now !

If I could only get my stupid power window problem nailed down, I'd be happy now. There are 206,500 miles on that 4.0 engine and it still runs great. Hope this helps someone.

Reply 24 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Before you go changing all kinds of sensors, pick up some heavy duty 24" zip ties. Clean the inside of the pins and the contacts on the PCM with DeOxit G5. As npgreek has stated, wrap the zipties around the back of the PCM and cross vertically over the connectors and cinch down tight. You'll notice the connectors no longer move in the sockets. PROBLEM SOLVED!

Reply 25 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Anyone have any idea why my 94 Grand Cheerokee stalls when shifting from reverse to forward when i back out of the driveway almost every morning. Had the crank positoin sensor changed and that eliminated the random stalling but not this problem
Dave in S. Jersey

Reply 26 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I recently replaced the IAC motor as it seemed to stall when I took my foot off the gas sometimes. That mode of stalling has stopped. I also replaced the coil because it would die will cruising for a few seconds and the PCM code said there was a problem with it. That problem has not returned. I still do the "wiggle" and I know the PCM connections are flaky. Allied Electronics sells a burnisher specifically designed for sockets like the type used in the PCM plugs. It has 20 mil rods that will fit inside the contacts and give them a good polish. For the PCM pins, I'm using a plate-maker's eraser. It's like a typewriter eraser. You sharpen it like a pencil and you have a pointy, abrasive tool that you and polish the pins with. I'm also going to try the big, honkin ty-wrap on my PCM and see how that performs. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the rest of us frustrated drivers.

Reply 27 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

The ty-wraps are working wonderfully by the way. Thanks!

Reply 28 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

I am having similar issues with my JC Laredo and came across this page. Any thoughts or ideas ? I have read most of these threads and seems like it could be a couple of things. Has 205,000 miles. Runs great besides the stalling issues.

Jeep is stalling out when you let of gas (stop signs,etc.). Starts up again no problem. Brought it in 2 weeks ago. They cleaned out the Idle Air Control Motor and Upper Engine. Solved the problem for about a week or so and now it is back. First it was sputtering at stops, but now it is completely stalling out. Anyone with similar issues have a fix or ideas??

Reply 29 : 97 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling not fixed yet...

Thanks very much for posting this. I was going down the road of so many others. Trani flush, Speed sensor, TPS, fuel pump... $1200 bucks later this post finally fixed it. Wiggling around those plugs did shut it down. Now hopefully I can keep them tight enough.
Thanks, Again!

DACEASY SETTINGS TO READ THE TIKETS OF A DIGITAL SCALE

hello, i want to know was is the setting i have to do so that daceasy can read the tikets from a digital scale, this is for the case of the item case that the price depends on the weight and with correct setting i would avoid writing manually the weight of each item. any help would be apreciate.

Reply 1 : DACEASY SETTINGS TO READ THE TIKETS OF A DIGITAL SCALE

That's a title I haven't heard of in many years. But your question leaves out far too many details. Such as make/model/connection of the scale, the web page at daceasy showing how this works and maybe a little about your programming skills. For example, years ago I had to write a "helper app."
Bob

Reply 2 : DACEASY SETTINGS TO READ THE TIKETS OF A DIGITAL SCALE

"Supports Common Hardware
To fully automate
your point of sale process, you might want to take advantage of various
hardware that is available. Sage DacEasy Point of Sale works with cash
drawers, keyboard wedges, serial bar-code readers, 40-column receipt
printers, pole displays (20-character, 2-line) and magnetic card
readers." http://www.sagedaceasy.com/Products-and-Services/Modules/Point-of-Sale

Your scale might require some helper app.
Bob

Reply 3 : DACEASY SETTINGS TO READ THE TIKETS OF A DIGITAL SCALE

From what I read daceasy is an accounting package, not a POS (point of sale) one. So I doubt if it can be done. However, http://www.sage.com/yourbusiness/customersupport will be a much better help than anybody here.

Kees

Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

This thread is a follow-up from the thread: Windows 7 optimized SSD install 5.5gb install guide, by faiz23.



This guide aims to assist you to create a customized Windows 7 installation DVD. Once you have completed Windows installation using such DVD, all drivers and Windows Updates have already been installed. Thus, compared to original Windows DVD, you do not have to waste time installing drivers and Windows updates ever again.



This guide has been tested in Alienware M15x laptop, running 64-bit Windows 7. Any edition of Windows 7 is not a problem here.



Please note that there is nothing in this guide that will help you to activate Windows. The proper activation you should use is either based on original Windows 7 DVD you received from Alienware, or Retail Windows 7 DVD you purchased after buying your M15x.



Identify your needs and tailor your customized Windows 7 installation DVD based on your needs.



Sections



A. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

B. Prerequisite

C. Risk Factors

D. Capabilities And Limitation Of My Preset Along With Its Assumptions

E. Basic Guide

F. References





A. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)



1. faiz23 applied the method to SSD. I am just using conventional hard drive, so this guide is useless to me.

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The key of making the DVD size smaller is to remove any unnecessary components that you are mostly likely not going to use it. The main thing of using RT 7 Lite is that you identify your needs and purpose of using Windows 7. You should only remove any Windows components that you will never going to use in the future. If you are uncertain about certain components, just leave it and do not remove it via RT 7 Lite. Any component removed cannot be restored back, thus it requires clean remake of Windows 7 image.



5. I have not formatted my computer. In fact, I am using the very same installation as default factory configuration. Or, I am always use AlienRespawn to restore my system.

Sorry, this guide is not suitable for you.



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This method works if you do not require frequent Windows installation. Imagine the agony you have to endure if you reinstall Windows everyday and wait for Windows Updates to download updates. See the point? As for me, I will always download the updates through Microsoft Download Center, rather than using Windows Updates. That way, I would not have to use Windows Updates to download updates again, each time I perform format and a clean install of Windows. For that, the updates are downloaded once and can be

used for many times, and you do not have to download them ever again.



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It requires a remake of the customized Windows 7 installation DVD.



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The problem is that they are just disabled, not uninstalled. In other words, they are hidden somewhere in C:Windows, consuming some hard disk space. Using RT 7 Lite to remove them, they are completely removed. There will not be any trace of them in C:Windows, thus no hard disk space is occupied by them.



10. I cannot install Service Pack in my slimmed-down Windows 7. Help?

For sure, we cannot install Service Pack on a slimmed-down Windows. Since Service Pack will check whether any Windows component is removed before installation, if I remove just one component via RT 7 Lite, Service Pack cannot be installed. This is a problem for those who does not perform frequent fresh installation of Windows, but it is not a problem for me. Why? Service Packs are usually received every year or so. By then, I have no problem reinstalling Windows again, just to ensure everything run as quick as before. Besides that, I will download original untouched Windows 7 SP2 iso when it is released. I will again use RT 7 Lite to slim down Windows 7 SP2. So, the problem of not able to install Service Pack in slimmed Windows 7 is not a problem for me, as I would have made fresh images by then.



11. Can I install any Windows Updates (msu) in my slimmed-down Windows 7?

In a slimmed down Windows 7 SP1, you can install any Windows Update without any problem. It works just well for me. However, the main rule is that you should not remove Component Cache (winsxs) via RT 7 Lite. Removing Component Cache (winsxs) will cause you to be unable to install any subsequent Windows Updates and LDR Hotfixes, although any Windows Updates integrated via RT 7 Lite will continue to function just fine.



12. Can I update any driver after I have installed this customized Windows 7 in my laptop?

Yes, you can. Windows will automatically install the drivers newer than those integrated into the image.



13. How frequent should I create this customized Windows 7 installation DVD?

You can create the DVD as frequent as once per month, just after Patch Tuesday. If you create it too frequent, you may waste your time doing it as there may not be any new Windows Updates or new drivers to be slipstreamed. The lowest frequency I would recommend is once every 6 months. If you rarely create the DVD, it would be troublesome for you once you reinstall Windows. By then, you have to wait Windows Updates update your Windows, install newer drivers, all of this defeating the purpose of creating customized Windows 7 installation DVD. I will usually create such DVD once every 2 months.





B. Prerequisite



1. Original Alienware Windows 7 installation DVD, or original unmodified Windows 7 SP1 image from MSDN (recommended)

- It is preferable to use Windows 7 SP1 image, as you do not have to waste time integrating Service Pack 1. Still, the Alienware installation DVD works just fine.



2. 64 bit RT 7 Lite

- It is most recommended to use RT 7 Lite Release Candidate (Build 1.7.0, 64 bit), especially if you use Windows 7 SP1 image. The resultant customized Windows 7 image is more stable to be used.

- If you use Alienware Windows 7 installation DVD, you have to use RT 7 Lite Beta (Build 2.6.0, 64 bit) to slipstream Service Pack 1 into the Windows 7 RTM image, copied from the DVD.



3. Dell drivers and DriverMax

a. (This step can be omitted, but it can ensure the harvested drivers are clean and stable.) Format and reinstall Windows.

b. Reinstall all Dell drivers, along with manufacturers' drivers, like AMD, NVIDIA and Intel. You can refer to my list of updated drivers, excluding the drivers for video card.

c. if you are not using the touchpad at all, it is recommended not to install Synaptics Touchpad Driver. Your laptop and your touchpad work fine without it. The driver introduces 2 additional processes, as seen In Windows Task Manager.

d. Install DriverMax and use it to backup all drivers.

e. Make a copy of the harvested drivers.



4. Windows Updates

The direct links for all post-SP1 Windows updates are listed here.

For Internet Explorer 9, use this link. Do not use the exe version as RT 7 Lite can only integrate msu file. Please rename IE9-win7.msu to IE9-Windows6.1-KB982861-x64.msu.



5. Virtualization software, like VirtualBox or VMware.



6. Some Pointers To Ponder

a. Carefully think about your needs. That way, you can use RT 7 Lite to remove components you do not need.

b. Start with conservative preset first, one that removes a few components. Install this customized image into your computer, and then install all games and software just as before. Test whether all of them work. If not, try to modify the preset to remove less components. If they do, it means that the preset works fine.



Once you are satisfied with this preset, try to use a more aggressive preset, that removes more components, and test it again in your computer. Keeps on doing it until some of your applications do not work anymore. Revert back to your previous preset and that is your sweet spot. In short, it is overclocking. You have to experiment with it,

Reply 1 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

This post is reserved. Upon general demand, I will post further performance-based tweaks, less commonly seen in the Internet.

Reply 2 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

wow really nice work, gonna gave this a try next time i reformat. +rep

Reply 3 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

inap

Thanks for your support. Post your result (iso size and Windows installation size) here if you have reinstalled your own customized Windows.

_________

I provided a link back to my previous thread, showing the list of updated Intel drivers for M15x. The most interesting one is the driver for WiFi.



A gentle remainder here, just use faiz23's preset (available in his thread) first. Once you have tested the customized Windows created with faiz23's preset by running all software and games with no problem, then you can remove slightly more components. After trial and error, your preset should be closer to my preset.



Keep on trying, and you will have your own slimmed-down Windows 7, running smoothly for your pleasure.

Reply 4 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

+rep!

i'll be building mine soon

Reply 5 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

+rep

rt7lite is AWESOME

Reply 6 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

Can anyone direct me to the thread where all the materials needed for a reinstalled Alienware experience (i.e. wallpapers, logon screen background, etc.)?

Reply 7 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

TheHighlightGuy



Refer to HOW TO: Restore the Alienware 'Look and Feel' after a clean install of Windows 7.

Reply 8 : Guide: Create A Customized Windows Installation DVD For More Responsive Windows

Thanks!

I knew I had read it somewhere...

Website Software / Free Templates

Hi all, I've been tasked with producing a website for my brother for his charity carping4heroes. I've built a few websites in the past but have not done so for a couple of years.



I've had a look at the free software list but couldn't see anything website related, so has anyone any suggestions for a good free software.



Also, does anyone know of a good site to get free templates. The reason I want free, is that as it's a charity, the budget for this is pretty much $0!! So I've got my back against the wall so to speak.



Any suggestions/help is very much appreciated.



Thanks in advance guys and gals!!!

Reply 1 : Website Software / Free Templates

If your after HTML templates then this site might be of your help:

Free Layouts.com | HTML Templates

Reply 2 : Website Software / Free Templates

Cheers for the link.



Just to add, the charity is based around fishing to raise money for injured servicemen and women (Please don't turn this thread into a political argument about your views etc etc), so I guess outdoors/fishing based templates would be good.

Reply 3 : Website Software / Free Templates

That's awesome! I'll have a look around and see what I can dig up!

Reply 4 : Website Software / Free Templates

If you're like many professional web developers, every site on the internet is already a free template.

Reply 5 : Website Software / Free Templates


Quote:








Originally Posted by Joel Krause
View Post

That's awesome! I'll have a look around and see what I can dig up!



Thanks!!




Quote:








Originally Posted by nemt
View Post

If you're like many professional web developers, every site on the internet is already a free template.



Would that not be classified as theft, as it is for charity the last thing I'd want to do is get into some legal wrangling over a website template?

Reply 6 : Website Software / Free Templates

It is literally theft, among other things (copyright violations, etc). It still doesn't stop people.

Reply 7 : Website Software / Free Templates

free templates at oswd:



Open Source Web Design - Download free web design templates.

Mices with Alienware looks :D

I think this one fits perfectly with AW looks, furthermore is supposed to be a really good mouse.





ROCCAT STUDIOS V3.0 - PRODUCTS Gaming Mice ROCCAT Kova[+]





Any other models?

Reply 1 : Mices with Alienware looks :D


Quote:








Originally Posted by M18x
View Post

I think this one fits perfectly with AW looks, furthermore is supposed to be a really good mouse.





ROCCAT STUDIOS V3.0 - PRODUCTS Gaming Mice ROCCAT Kova[+]





Any other models?



I want one, but not available in the US. what the feez!



the cyborg rat looks cool to0. hehe

Reply 2 : Mices with Alienware looks :D

Try the Cyborg R.A.T.s or mod a Razer Deathadder/Mamba with a RGB led instead of the blue one so you'll get the AlienFX colors (this is what i did, pictures soon with the whole system in the m17x section).

Reply 3 : Mices with Alienware looks :D

I used a RAT 9 for a while, but didn't like it a whole lot. Looks-wise it would certainly fit though.



I'm using a Performance MX at the moment, and it's what I'll be using with my M14x.

Reply 4 : Mices with Alienware looks :D


Quote:








Originally Posted by Serephucus
View Post

I used a RAT 9 for a while, but didn't like it a whole lot. Looks-wise it would certainly fit though.



I'm using a Performance MX at the moment, and it's what I'll be using with my M14x.



Performance MXs are Awesome. might snag one soon. hehe

Reply 5 : Mices with Alienware looks :D


Quote:








Originally Posted by katalin_2003
View Post

Try the Cyborg R.A.T.s or mod a Razer Deathadder/Mamba with a RGB led instead of the blue one so you'll get the AlienFX colors (this is what i did, pictures soon with the whole system in the m17x section).



How would you do that o.o? Is it supposed to work along with the AlienFX command center? Any programs to install or did you actually have to switch out/play with the internal components?



P.S. I would go for the Razer Mamba as well just because it's wireless. When dealing with laptops, I hate wired mouses -.- Just plug it into one of the left ports and you're good to go And it glows all the time



The only reason I didn't get the AW TactX Mouse (or w/e it's called) is because it's wired and it's a little too small for my tastes.

Reply 6 : Mices with Alienware looks :D


Quote:








Originally Posted by ChristophoXD
View Post

How would you do that o.o? Is it supposed to work along with the AlienFX command center? Any programs to install or did you actually have to switch out/play with the internal components?



P.S. I would go for the Razer Mamba as well just because it's wireless. When dealing with laptops, I hate wired mouses -.- Just plug it into one of the left ports and you're good to go And it glows all the time



The only reason I didn't get the AW TactX Mouse (or w/e it's called) is because it's wired and it's a little too small for my tastes.



No it's not supposed to work with it i never said that!

the Deathadder/Mamba have a blue LED with pulse effect (with the help of the board), replacing it with a RGB LED,the last one pulses with a different color (red green blue and combinations of them which result in IE: violet, turquoise etc.) at the same frequency as the stock blue LED.

It's pretty simple, i never keep my stuff stock

Reply 7 : Mices with Alienware looks :D

All the Razer mices look alienware-ish IMO



Razer | For Gamers. By Gamers.

Reply 8 : Mices with Alienware looks :D

The Logitech G9X matches well with it. I use it with my M11X-R1

Reply 9 : Mices with Alienware looks :D


Quote:








Originally Posted by Voodooi
View Post

The Logitech G9X matches well with it. I use it with my M11X-R1



Agreed~ G9x would be also on the sweet spot.

Starcraft II on M11x

I just got hands on Starcraft II, I was one of the last ones to get it before it sold out. If you want to know how it runs let me know. I'm downloading the game right now and it's at 95%, and I bought the hard copy at a local game store. I'll update my status soon..

Reply 1 : Starcraft II on M11x

you can play the game at high settings with high performance battery power with ease. i was in the beta and it was a dream playing on this bad boy

Reply 2 : Starcraft II on M11x

maybe the retail will run even better. hopefully on ultra settings P: gotta try it out

Reply 3 : Starcraft II on M11x

Wow! I still don't have my m11x yet... Can you still have a nice framerate in 3v3 or 4v4 huge battles? Not on ultra, high would be enough...

Reply 4 : Starcraft II on M11x

how was the launch btw:? did they have the dude in a marine costume?

Reply 5 : Starcraft II on M11x

is it playable without disc by online verification?? or do you need the disc??

Reply 6 : Starcraft II on M11x

you do not need the disc. Just verify it with the code, however you buy it. It seems that the code is linked to your account name instead of the CD or game itself, which would allow for playing games without the CD.

Reply 7 : Starcraft II on M11x

you can also download the digital copy once you activate your bnet account

Reply 8 : Starcraft II on M11x


Quote:








Originally Posted by midgetdiablo
View Post

you do not need the disc. Just verify it with the code, however you buy it. It seems that the code is linked to your account name instead of the CD or game itself, which would allow for playing games without the CD.



Can you save your game offline? I mean when you are playing a campaign and you want to save your progress, can you do that without connecting to battlenet?

Reply 9 : Starcraft II on M11x

it seems everything at the moment is done online. I need to sign on to my account in order to play singleplayer.

how to stop Windows Update just of notification of IE9

I install most Windows 7 updates, but I am not ready to go to IE9.
But every time I turn on my laptop I get a notification of a "new" update avaialable, that ends up being for the IE9 I keep declining.
How do I stop Windows Update from notifing me on specific updates I want to decline.

Reply 1 : how to stop Windows Update just of notification of IE9

When it comes up next time, RIGHT click on the specific update and choose to "Hide" the update. It shouldn't come up again.

Of course, you also have the option of changing the way Windows Updates notifies you. Some choose to disable the Automatic Updates entirely, at which time, when visiting the Windows Updates site manually, you can hide the update from there.. (Disabling Automatic Updates isn't recommended for most, except for those such as myself who are compulsive about visiting WU on the second Tuesday of every month at 10:00 A.M. PST.)

Still, hiding the update should work fine, even if you keep your current settings.

Hope this helps.

Grif

Reply 2 : how to stop Windows Update just of notification of IE9

Im on a acer schools free laptop and i dont have to be forced to use IE9,as they keep sending constant updates for this diabolical browser,like the man say's he is not ready for use yet but the thing is i use google 100% of the time. How do i get IE9 off this laptop and replace it with the full Googe browser because it wont let me download the full Google set up, as IE9 was pre-installed and then i added the Google Homepage to use as im so used to it now,because Google just seems to be the best search engine going as folk's say '' Google it '' has become the new words of wisdom. Basically all i want is a better browser i know there is just no trust in IE9 and like today i recieved 24 virusis went in that fast it took mil-a-seconds to go in, but with pre-installed windows defender grabbed them and i hit a update button in this great program and it then comes up ''remove'' but obviously there still on my hard drive and dont know how to get them back off as i was hit 2 weeks ago with the similar trojan + virusis. But i am sure Facebook might have played a part in this hacking because it came in there a couple of weeks ago but now there are bogus security pages asking you to download different links but everyone on the page were saying ''im sure this is a fake site'' so there is nothing facebook really want to do and think more and more people are leaving it by doing what i done by Deactivating the whole account.
Shame as i was a long time user of Facebook site but i live in England when all my family are in Scotland so rather upsetting that simple computing can be so hard to keep away from hackers. To be honest i think i will need to actually take a step back from computing and get a x-box as it has many tricks and is not just for gameing with 320gig hard-drive cant go wrong.

Got me an R3!!! :)

Just finished ordering the R3! Super stoked. I got a netbook shortly after they first came out, and then not too long after that the m11x r1 came out and I immediately wanted one but couldn't justify it after recently buying a computer. I waited this long and decided with the R3 coming out I HAD to jump into it. That, and I seriously needed to upgrade my gaming capabilities (next best thing I have is the asus in my sig)



I ended up using the $350 coupon, and also called in and got free next day shipping!!!



Its suppose to get here by may 12th or earlier, which is perfect since I leave the 13th for a nice little weekend trip.



All I had for upgrades were the i7, bluetooth, and i got 2 years accidental damage. Total came to $1212.xx

Reply 1 : Got me an R3!!! :)

very nice bro, and nice system. welcome to the alienware family!

Reply 2 : Got me an R3!!! :)

Congratz man. You're going to love it.

Reply 3 : Got me an R3!!! :)

Nice, I ordered an R3 today as well. Hoping to mine is arriving around the same time yours is too.

Reply 4 : Got me an R3!!! :)

thanks guys . its gonna be a long and fun 3 weeks, specially since by the time the little guy arrives ill be done with finals. heh, at least ill be a bit distracted!



i just hope i dont have an issue with the delivery. it seems like the guy always comes to my house when im not there, then i end up having to drive to the main store and pick it up myself.

Reply 5 : Got me an R3!!! :)

I ordered mine but EDD is May 18 ;( why oh why! Lolz

Reply 6 : Got me an R3!!! :)

I hate you !

Reply 7 : Got me an R3!!! :)

OP, you could have also stacked the $50 dollar coupon on top of it for a total of $400 in savings. You still got a nice deal though. Congratulations!

Reply 8 : Got me an R3!!! :)

Who needs to circle a planet to have time stand still, just buy an M11xR3.

Reply 9 : Got me an R3!!! :)


Quote:








Originally Posted by WaR
View Post

OP, you could have also stacked the $50 dollar coupon on top of it for a total of $400 in savings. You still got a nice deal though. Congratulations!



oh really? i thought i tried that code and it didn't work, must have typed it in wrong. oh well. im glad i called in and got the free next day air though. took me about an hour talking with the guy but it was worth it to get it 4 days earlier, and technically saved me $9 since i didn't have to pay for it at all...




Quote:








Originally Posted by DrGoodvibes
View Post

Who needs to circle a planet to have time stand still, just buy an M11xR3.



haha, no kidding. now instead of waking up and having a cup of coffee, i just google "m11x" and click images. that wakes up my system

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Granola VS Windows 7 Power Saver Mode

Granola is a piece of software that clams to scale your CPU usage according to save you energy use, therefore battery life on your laptop. If all I want to do is improve battery life when on the road, would it be batter to just use Windows 7's built-in Power Saver Mode, or Does Granola actually do a better job at extending battery life via its CPU scaling?
Any advice form those who have used the software is greatly appreciated.

Reply 1 : Granola VS Windows 7 Power Saver Mode

I'm using the standard Windows 7 power management. On another machine I adjusted the minimum CPU speed down to 10% and it seems to have worked.

Not to mention it's free.
Bob

Reply 2 : Granola VS Windows 7 Power Saver Mode

Personally I would prefer to trust Windows 7's own power management options than any 3rd party application.

However I haven't used the app, so that doesn't really answer your question. Sorry.

Mark

Reply 3 : Granola VS Windows 7 Power Saver Mode

Think about it for a second... A program, which will have to be constantly monitoring other processes... Using a fair amount of CPU time itself in order to accomplish that... Is going to save battery power?

These programs are all promise and no follow-through. All you ever have to do with these magic cure type programs is take a step back and think about the claims they make. At least 99.9% of the time, they won't even pass a cursory bit of scrutiny. Like this one. About 5-10 seconds of actually thinking about the claims it makes shows there's no way it could possibly work. It's more likely to do the opposite, OR sometimes all these programs do are make a bunch of changes to the already existing power saving options of the OS... Meaning you didn't need the program in the first place.

Reply 4 : Granola VS Windows 7 Power Saver Mode

Thanks for the input.

need suggestions on video encoding tool

hello,


I'm searching for an online video encoding service for HD videos, I want
something of real high quality so no matter it is free or not just tell me if
you know!

Thanks a lot!

Reply 1 : need suggestions on video encoding tool

- Encoding from what to what?
- Why online? HD video tends to be a lot of MB and just moving it back and forward takes a lot of time. These are jobs much better done on your PC.

Kees

Reply 2 : need suggestions on video encoding tool

You can try Squeeze for high quality, HD video-ready encoding services. There are multiple product options, from a desktop encoder (Squeeze 7) to multiple cloud-based services (Squeeze Managed Server, Squeeze Solution Pack), all available at http://www.sorensonmedia.com

Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

1. Opening question: is it true that the tracking cookie Atdmt emanates from or is sponsored by Microsoft (MS in short)?
2. Observation: MS provides a number of tools to stop cookies we do not want (thanks for that). However, the tracking cookie Atdmt cannot be blocked, it keeps coming back notwithstanding the various tools (including deleting Atdmt entries in the registry).
3. Comment: if tracking cookie Atdmt is indeed MS, then we have here a most unethical behaviour from MS.
4. Has anyone found a way to block tracking cookie Atdmt (without causing to many additional annoyances for ourselves)?

Reply 1 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Why do you think it's Microsoft?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081214080238AAEj8to says ADTMT is an advertising company. I see no link with Microsoft.

The above article suggest deleting cookies automatically. Then your browsing behavior can't be tracked. Hardly an annoyance, if it's done automatically. I think ccleaner will work also.

Kees

Reply 2 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

The idea of a link with MS appeared in the Microsoft Discussion Groups on Internet Explorer General.

CCleaner is not effective, this cookie comes back.
Have tried many other suggestions from the hundreds available on the Web about atdmt, to no avail, cookie re-installs itself. Your Yahoo suggestion does not help either.

Thanks Kees for replying.

Reply 3 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

with it's cookie Manager can block this. You can give each site permission to install ONLY "session" (temporary, removed by CCleaner)cookies or NO cookies or as set by standard cookie rules you set within the program of the browser. Sea Monkey also offers this.

Basically, you may need to "tighten-up" you cookie permissions to avoid 3rd party cookies. This particular cookie can be had from almost any site IF your cookie permissions are wide open. happy

Reply 4 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

In Internet Explorer go to tools drop down to Internet options go to privacy click advanced tic the box in first party cookies that says prompt third party cookies click block >.click O.k. = Done.

Now atdmt needs your permission to climb aboard...

Now if I could only remember where this tip came from.

Reply 5 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Thanks for this tip, but ADTMT does not behave as an 'ordinary' cookie. It appears 'embedded' within Outlook Connector and Hotmail and reinstalls itself everytime Outlook or Hotmail are switched on. Deleting ADTMT from the registry has no effect, nor has any other known tip or trick, such as for instance installing MVPS Hosts file.

Reply 6 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

You have something here this thing reproduces itself after every deletion. So when will the secret be revealed, maybe Microsoft will send a special patch and be done with it.

Reply 7 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Blocking this in the privacy tab does not work - there is no way to block it - it is put on your system with Windows Live Client. If you go to your Temporary Internet Files under - C:Usersyour idAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet Files and watch this when you have IE opened and then open Windows Live - the cookies will appear - it is not just one but all of the listed ones
yourid@atdmt.com - yourid@bing.com - yourid@c.live.com - yourid@c.msn.com - yourid@live.com - yourid@msn.com - yourid@windowsmarketplace.com - yourid@zune.com - listed below is what was in atdmt.com cookie - Microsoft refuses to break this down for me.

NAP
V=1.9&E=90f&C=jzWizI61Ji3YkGiCo84Vuezs4RTglZaalSSFEDmenYNwckE8AfskZQ&W=1
atdmt.com/
0
3040032512
30084853
2601119312
30064678
*
ANON
A=0806076B05B4E8B936C03ED2FFFFFFFF&E=969&W=1
atdmt.com/
0
1182938880
30104970
2598369312
30064678
*

Reply 8 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Why do people think Microsoft is involved? Because it is true!

Don't take my word for it; see for yourself.

1) Visit the link below to the microsoft site for the IE9 beta.
http://windows.microsoft.com/ie9

2) Hover your mouse cursor over the download button.

3) View the target URL in the status bar at the bottom of your browser.

4) Note that it is a redirect to ATDMT.com where the malware is installed.

5) If you have included ATDMT.com in your restricted sites list in IE, you will not be redirected there and the malware will not install.

Since the behavior of this unsolicited and unapproved add-on includes tracking behavior, it is classified as malware. I don't know about you, but most people find that sort of behavior intolerably unethical.

Reply 9 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

http://www.google.com/search?q=ATDMT.com

If you want to re-define what things are, go right ahead but for now why not start a new discusion about ATDMT?
Bob

Reply 10 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

by using any of the following:

1. Hosts file e.g. MVPS Host File or hpHosts http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm or http://hosts-file.net/?s=Download
2. Spybot - S&D's Immunization feature http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

The above is to prevent the known ads like ATDMT cookies. You should use what Kees have suggested, CCleaner to clean-up your cookies regularly.

Reply 11 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Thank you Donna.
Being unfamilar (read total dummy) with "host" files, mvps and hphosts appear daunting exercises - which one do you recommend for a novice (who wants to avoid ending up with a pc in a miserable state)?
Should I both download Spybot and SpywareBlaster?
Erik

Reply 12 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

any of the said hosts file. MVPS hosts file is not updated frequently but it does block atdmt (see the list http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt and you'll find many atdmt entries to be blocked by MVPS hosts) and many others. hpHOSTS is updated daily (via partial update) but it has more blocked bad/unwanted domains or tracking cookies/ads.

I suggest that you try using first the MVPS Hosts file. It is not a task to use a HOSTS file if you are going to use a hosts file manager. Example: Hostsman or hostsxpert - both have a function to update your preferred hosts file.

As a start, just download MVPS Hosts http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.zip (direct download). Unzip it in a temporary location then copy and paste the hosts file (it does not have file extension, just Hosts only) in C:WINDOWSSYSTEM32DRIVERSETC folder. Overwrite/Replace the existing (default) hosts file in Windows. You're done. If you want to update it, visit MVPS hosts file page again and see if there's update. You will only replace the old hosts file again.

No, you don't need to use both Spybot -S&D and SpywareBlaster. Get the latter first. Use only Spybot if you want its scanner+prevention but for prevention only, use the hosts file and SpywareBlaster for now.

Reply 13 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

these cookies under discussion will also misrepresent themselves as
Session Only cookies to Mozilla's Cookie Mgr. They're Not!

I had them marked as accepted ONLY as Session Cookies because you cannot enter Hotmail with them fully blocked.

After leaving Hotmail yesterday & running CCleaner as usual. Shut down over night. After boot-up today, todays scan w/ SAS found 7 of them still on the machine and quarantined them. This without going to Hotmail yet today! Noted: MBAM scan immediately before SAS scan, did NOT find these 7 items. sad Sandy.

Reply 14 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

SpywareBlaste by http://www.javacoolsoftware.com can block that kind of tracking cookies.

Reply 15 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Oh Really? I use the blaster and the only thing it does is update new definitions.

Reply 16 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

You can open SpywareBlaster and you should see some tracking cookies that it can block in IE and Firefox browsers.

Reply 17 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

Me thinks your right.

Reply 18 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

I have same prob with this cookie and if SpywareBlaster can stop it, how does one add to the list on Spywareblaster? From what I see the list provided can either have cookies blocked or not, cannot see how additions can be made
Any help much appreciated
Tm

Reply 19 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

This cookie is created when IE is running and Windows Live Mail Client is opened. This is the answer I got from Microsoft - I don't believe them and think this cookie is capturing marketing information that they feel is very important and don't want it blocked. I have reported it to the FTC. If more people would do the same, something will be done - they require massive complaints.
======================================================================
Microsoft comment:
I can assure you that the cookies are cosmetic. The function that the Windows Live allocations use for cookie placement is InternetSetCookie. If you look up this public function on MSDN you can see how works.



http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa385107(VS.85).aspx



I also want to point out the caution statement on the page.:



Caution InternetSetCookie will unconditionally create a cookie even if Block all cookies is set in Internet Explorer. This behavior can be viewed as a breach of privacy even though such cookies are not subsequently sent back to servers while the Block all cookies setting is active. Applications should use InternetSetCookieEx to correctly honor the user's privacy settings.



With that said the change will be to use the InternetSetCookieEx function, and as you see it will honor the users privacy settings. A fix is scheduled to be released in the next update cycle for the Windows Live applications.

==============================
By the way - this was over a month ago and I have seen nothing released from Microsoft - again proof they are hiding something and want these cookies out there at any risk - please - everyone report this to the FTC, your senators and congressianal representatives - Microsoft must me reined in.

Reply 20 : Tracking cookie ATDMT: unethical Microsoft?

This cookie displays ads on youtubes ad square of items you were just looking at and then compares prices of similar items on that website in a video playing display. If you go atdmt.com it does say it is part microsoft for advertisers.

UPDATES - April 19, 2011

NOD32 - Update 6054 (20110419)
2011-04-19 11:15
http://www.eset.eu/podpora/aktualizacia-6054?lng=en
http://www.eset.eu/support/update-xy1

Reply 1 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Latest definition version: 1.103.42.0
Released: Apr 19, 2011 05:30 AM UTC
Microsoft Security Essentials Version: 2.0.657.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6603.0
Antimalware Client Version:3.0.8107.0
https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Definitions/HowToMSE.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Reply 2 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Latest definition version: 1.103.85.0
Released: Apr 19, 2011 09:30 PM UTC
Microsoft Security Essentials Version: 2.0.657.0
Engine Version: 1.1.6802.0
Antimalware Client Version:3.0.8107.0
https://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/Definitions/HowToMSE.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

Reply 3 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Last updated: 2011-04-19 10:32:
http://www.emsisoft.com/a2/changelog/personal//?showmalware=updates
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/support/malware/

Reply 4 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

[quote]Current versions of the Belarc Advisor automatically check for, fetch, and install Belarc Advisor Security Definition updates at each use. We recommend that you get the latest version of the Advisor from

Belarc Advisor Download

and it will easily keep you up to date. The currently released Belarc Advisor Security Definition updates include all Microsoft security bulletins through April 12, 2011. This update ensures that the System Security Status panel in the computer profile report reflects the true number of missing Microsoft Security Updates. [/quote]

http://www.belarc.com/advisor_update.html

Reply 5 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Changelog:

- solved a compatibility problem with ZoneAlarm (WinXP)
- added WebRep Chrome extension
- improved installation of the WebRep plugins (especially Firefox)
- various fixes and improvements in the avast sandbox
- setup programs now smaller by ~20%
- Community features and the Welcome screen can now be turned on/off directly from program settings
- solved a compatibility problem with Outpost firewall
- solved a bug related to the AutoSandbox offer (WinXP)
- gadget can now be removed by simply closing it
- solved a compatibility problem with GameGuard and sXe
- SafeZone improvements
- improved sandbox logging
- SafeZone is now a standalone setup package (can be installed/uninstalled separately)
- improvements in password processing
- improvements in the program uninstaller
- solved a memory leak in the avast gadget
- fixes in the File System Shield transient cache
- various stability/compatibility improvements

More here including direct download links
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=76488.0

Download
http://www.avast.com/security-software-home-office

Exisiting users can update via the program. Reboot required

Reply 6 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

The latest iAVS update was published on: 19.4.2011 - 110419-1
http://www.avast.com/download-update
http://www.avast.com/virus-update-history

Reply 7 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Date: 4/19/2011
Database version: 6400
Fingerprints loaded: 319374
http://malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Reply 8 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Version: 7.11.06.187
Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Time: 7:37 PM GMT+02:00
http://www.avira.com/en/pages/index.php
http://www.avira.com/en/threats/section/vdfhistory/index.html

Reply 9 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

2011-04-19 21:29
http://www.eset.eu/podpora/aktualizacia-6056?lng=en
http://www.eset.eu/support/update-xy1

Reply 10 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Definition updates for Quick Heal Pro 2011 Daily Updates
Virus Database: 19 April 2011
http://www.quickheal.co.in/updates.asp

Reply 11 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Latest ClamAV? stable release is: 0.97
ClamAV Virus Databases:
main.cvd ver. 53 released on 14 Nov 2010 09:58 :0500 (sig count: 846214)
daily.cvd ver. 12997 released on 18 Apr 2011 22:16 :0400 (sig count: 99077)
bytecode.cvd ver. 143 released on 13 Apr 2011 09:39 :0400 (sig count: 40)
safebrowsing.cvd ver. 28788 released on 19 Apr 2011 05:45 :0400 (sig count: 857191)

http://www.clamav.net/

Reply 12 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Definitions 9063 - April 19, 2011
http://research.sunbelt-software.com/
http://www.sunbeltsecurity.com/definitions.aspx

Reply 13 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Core Definitions 6873 - 04/19/2011 01:31PM PDT
Trace Definitions 4685 - 04/19/2011 01:31PM PDT
http://www.superantispyware.com/definitions.html

Reply 14 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Daily Updates
Symantec Endpoint Protection 11
Norton AntiVirus 2008 and newer

Virus Definitions created 4/19/2011
Virus Definitions released 4/19/2011
Defs Version: 130419c
Sequence Number: 122322
Extended Version: 4/19/2011 rev. 3
Total Detections (Threats & Risks): 11139609

Multiple Daily Updates
Symantec Endpoint Protection 11
Norton AntiVirus 2008 and newer

Virus Definitions created 4/19/2011
Virus Definitions released 4/19/2011
Defs Version: 130419c
Sequence Number: 122322
Extended Version: 4/19/2011 rev. 3
Total Detections (Threats & Risks): 11139609
http://www.symantec.com/business/security_response/definitions/download/index.jsp

Reply 15 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

DATs 6321 - 4/19/2011
Super DATs 6321 - 4/19/2011

http://www.mcafee.com/apps/downloads/security_updates/dat.asp
http://vil.nai.com/vil/datreadme.aspx

Reply 16 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

TrojanHunter Ruleset Update - Apr 19, 2011
You should have 390063 rules
http://www.misec.net/forum/board/RulesetUpdates/1303202365

Reply 17 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Virus Signature File
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/downloads/clients/?

Reply 18 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

April 19, 2011
http://www.grisoft.com/us.download-update
http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-update

Reply 19 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Update time: Tue Apr 19 23:44:03 2011
Signature number: 6754012
Update time GMT: 1303238643
Version: 7.37164
http://download.bitdefender.com/updates/bitdefender_v9/plugins/update.txt

Reply 20 : UPDATES - April 19, 2011

Incremental Database Update 7688 - 19 April 2011
http://www.simplysup.com/tremover/update3.html

Free Download Manager

I tried all the download manager add-ons for FF, and hated them all. I had used Internet Download Manager, but it's not free-ware and I found that it always managed to break something on my PC.



FDM has all the features of IDM, but it's free! I even find it to be superior. If you want to download any videos in your web browser, when you move your cursor over the video, you get a little button open near the video that allows you to download it with FDM. This implementation is superior to IDM's where their button is always visible.



Version 3.5 is still in RC form, but I've been using it for months now with no bugs or anything.



You can read about it here:http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/b...oadmanager.org

And here's the direct link to the download: http://files2.freedownloadmanager.org/fdm35inst.exe



Oh and a tip, use the classic theme for it. I find it to be a lot sleeker than their newer theme.

Reply 1 : Free Download Manager

Jdownloader works too and is better imo... aside from accelerating the download it also can download from web sites such as megauploads,mediafire,rapidshare,megashares..etc without you having to be present

Reply 2 : Free Download Manager


Quote:








Originally Posted by Texanman
View Post

Jdownloader works too and is better imo... aside from accelerating the download it also can download from web sites such as megauploads,mediafire,rapidshare,megashares..etc without you having to be present



No it can't .. no free way to solve recaptchas ... you have to sit there and type them in.

Reply 3 : Free Download Manager

That looks cool. Can you download videos in browser too?

Reply 4 : Free Download Manager

You tried and hated DownthemAll!?!?!?!?!

Reply 5 : Free Download Manager

Ya man. It's ugly.

Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

ive got an offer to swap my 6920g

Specs:



CPU: T9300 @ 2.5GHZ 6MB L2

GPU: Nvidia 9500m GS 512MB

Screen Res Max: 1366 X 768

Windows 7 Ultimate

Blu-Ray/Bluetooth/320GB 5200rpm/Finger print



EDIT:

7540:



CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 Processor M300 2GHZ 1MB L2 (can this be upgraded to faster than mine?)

Gpu: ATI Radeon HD 4200 GPU

Screen Res: 1900 X 900

Windows 7 Ultimate

Blueray/No Bluetooth (or was not installed) 320GB

3GB ram



updated hopefully you guys can help again?

Reply 1 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

I'm pretty sure the 7540 uses an AMD CPU, which will probably mean it is less powerful than a C2D even if you upgraded it. I don't think I'd bother with the swap unless you really want a larger screen.

Reply 2 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

thanks for the quick reply.



it did seem abit slow to start up and load the messenger (msn)



so if it carnt be upgraded better than mine then ile stick to what i got.

Reply 3 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540


Quote:








Originally Posted by chris9191
View Post

thanks for the quick reply.



it did seem abit slow to start up and load the messenger (msn)



so if it carnt be upgraded better than mine then ile stick to what i got.



It looks like it's worse in every regard (the other guy's laptop).

Reply 4 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

It also sounds like an ATi Radeon HD 4200 - an integrated GPU, which can't be upgraded at all (because it's part of the northbridge and chipset).

Don't do the trade, and have a look at the Acer MXM thread instead.

Reply 5 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

thanks people for helping.



ime not going to do the trade then. ile wait till a better offer come along

Reply 6 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

Not only that but if you get the right cable you could get a 1080p screen.



9600m GT 1GB GDDR3

1080p screen

14.8v high capacity battery



That should make a difference! hehe.

Reply 7 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540


Quote:








Originally Posted by Meaker
View Post

Not only that but if you get the right cable you could get a 1080p screen.



9600m GT 1GB GDDR3

1080p screen

14.8v high capacity battery



That should make a difference! hehe.



i was wanting to upgrade my screen but was not sure if it could be done.



do you have model numbers for what i would need to buy for the screen upgrade?



thanks for helping

Reply 8 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

Can't remember off the top of my head.



If you search 6920G WUXGA cable or 1080p cable 6920G on the forums its been listed before. WUXGA Cables from the 6935g might also work.

Reply 9 : Is this worth a TRADE? 6920g 7540

hiya aother update on this.



ive got the laptop for the weekend to have alook at and check the specs ect.



ive cracked it open and found that you cannot add a gpu (unless solder one onto mobo) and its the ATI Radeon HD 4200 GPU



and the CPU is a AMD Athlon II X2 Processor M300 2GHZ 1MB L2

2001 jeep grand cherokee

Just filled with freon for the summer. Blows ONLY hot air. All the speeds work as does the various positions. What's the problem?? Did the code thing with the key...nothing. So what up? I need help before I get hosed. Thanks

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

Specifically I was wondering if the gfx switching was supported in ubuntu via the built in physical switch?



I don't really know how ubuntu or other linux distro support for new hardware works, but I imagine it would take some time after a new laptop is released for new features and switches' drivers to be included in a distro.



Are there any other laptops with physical switches to change gfx that are working with ubuntu?



Basically I want to get a new laptop, preferably with a discrete gfx. As I often use ubuntu, anything with optimus seems out of the question, and I just want to know how much hassle physical gfx switching is going to be.

Reply 1 : Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

The ones with physical switches tend to be the first generation, I'm not sure about Sony laptops though. The ASUS N10J had a physical switch and it took a little bit of work but with a script it was able to detect at startup which card was in use and create symlinks for the relevant files. See: Linux on the ASUS N10 N10J

Reply 2 : Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

Thanks for the reply.



I thought I was making the linux friendly choice by going with the SB with ATI gfx rather than other laptops with optimus. I hope it's not going to be too complicated to sort out.



I like using linux as my everyday OS, but I admit I really don't like faffing about trying to get drivers working and having to remember a whole bunch of scripts and customisations made that break every time I update to a new version...



I might have to lower my expectations and look for a laptop with only two of the following: portable / gaming capable / Linux friendly. I had hoped for all three.

Reply 3 : Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

If it's ATI software-switchable, try vga_switcheroo

Reply 4 : Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

I have linux on my t400 with switchable GPU and the only way to switch it is to do so in bios. Not a big deal as I never really was a switcher, as I usually kept one on at all times depending on my uses.

Reply 5 : Has anyone put linux on a Sony SB/SA/SC or other gfx switching laptop?

If /sys/kernel/debug/vgaswitcheroo/switch exists, then you're running a kernel with switcheroo. Cat it to see what you've got. On my 4820TG I get this:



cat /sys/kernel/debug/vgaswitcheroo/switch

0: :Pwr:0000:01:00.0

1:+:Pwr:0000:00:02.0



The + is the IGP which I'm currently using, the 0: is the Discrete card which is powered on. To turn it off, as root I do:



echo "OFF" > /sys/kernel/debug/vgaswitcheroo/switch



and then the output of catting it is:



0: :Off:0000:01:00.0

1:+:Pwr:0000:00:02.0



and it's powered off. When I look at /proc/acpi/battery/BAT1/state I see my power draw has gone from ~3000 mA to ~1500 mA and battery life has gone from 2.5 hours to 4.5 to 5...

Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Hi Everybody!



As a current Fujitsu S6510 I just wanted to get some thoughts from past, present and future Fujitsu owners. I've noticed the Fujitsu board doesn't get much action as the others so might as well try and spark an interesting discussion



For past and present owners: Did or do you like your Fujitsu laptop? What model was it? How much did it cost? any plans for future upgrades? How long did your laptop last? Likes and Dislikes?



For future owners: What model are you interested in?





Laptop Model: S6510



Specs: 2.2ghz Core 2 Duo, 2gb RAM, 120GB HD, Running Windows 7 Professional 64 bit



upgrades: Add 2gb of RAM, 320gb 7200rpm HD



System Status: Got some scratches on hood of laptop but its still running strong after two years



Paid: $1429



Likes/Dislikes: Well built, Beautiful screen, good battery life, decent weight. One thing I don't like about the laptop is the keyboard. Its a little too mushy for my taste. I prefer the crispness of my T61

Reply 1 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Just got mine right now new



T5010



P8600, 4GB RAM, 160GB HD



Hoping to upgrade the HD sometime soon. Its well built, amazing screen, very nice keyboard, a bit fisher price on the touch pad buttons but good touchpad. Good weight and should be great for college.

Reply 2 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Present owner here..



Model: Lifebook T5010

Specs: C2D Penryn T9400 2.53Ghz, 2GB DDR3 RAM, Montevina GM45 Chipset, 320 5400RPM SATA II HDD, Vista Business

Upgrades: None yet, currently keeping an eye to Intel new SSD.

System Status: Heat heat and heat problem. Everything else is great.

Paid: $2400



Likes/Dislikes: Well built (although not the best IMHO), No other tablet could beat its screen presently, design doesn't meet my taste.



@stringbean



7 Pro? is that RTM edition?

Reply 3 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Looks like both of you are tablet owners. Lemme guess requirement by engineering dept at your college?



RaZZnuts



$2400?! Looks like your in the lead for most expensive Fujitsu for now. I'm definitely curious to see what others paid.



Yeah its the final version that my school made available for download last Friday! Took like 48 min to install. Still trying to work out the whole installing drivers stuff since Fujitsu hasn't released official ones yet.

Reply 4 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Oh Euquility



What kind of HD you thinking of upgrading to?

Reply 5 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

@String



Nah, I'll be starting my college about next year

Last year high-school..



Actually I'm quite sure the real price is only about $2000-ish, but you see Custom, Tax, and other blahblah charges in my country contribute the $400



Tips: Provided Vista driver still works on 7

But some utilities won't work due to your 64-bit choice.



Try this, and make sure you run the installer in Vista compability mode.



http://www.pc-ap.fujitsu.com/support...a64_s6510.html





Oh and I think it's also worth to check Intel website.

Reply 6 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Thanks for the tip Razz...yeah I was able to run all of the 64bit drivers earlier via vista compatibility mode. Everything is running well except for the on screen display...volume works perfectly but screen brightness shows that its stuck on one bar even though the screen can be brightened or dimmed.



Enjoy ur last yr of high school! I miss those laid back days. I still have a yr left in grad school. That makes me super old! haha. What country you from?

Reply 7 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

Maybe it's because my previous work notebook was a MacBook Pro, but I like the anonymity. It flies completely under the radar. I've had at least two coworkers see my new notebook and ask why I didn't get something like [x] with my research budget. Invariably, they suggest something that isn't half as capable as what I did get.



Paid about $1750 (w/ organizational discount) for the specs below and 3yr warranty. I added an Intel X-25M SSD.



Likes? Display offers retina-burning brightness and reasonably good contrast, Performance (PCMark Vantage > 6200!), Size/Weight, graphics performance isn't great, but it's respectable. Battery performance. Not having to use an adapter for VGA projectors. Keyboard is actually growing on me.



Dislikes? I still wish the display were matte. The keyboard was a trampoline when it arrived from the factory. I considered returning it, but it settled down - literally. I don't know what happened, but I'm not complaining. S-video out? Sure, my TV has an s-video port, but I'd prefer to have a digital out - especially since the other port is VGA.



Future? Might consider the ultra-light P series in the future, but price-performance situation would need to get better.



From the other thread: I live in the US. Fujitsu offers a 'Chrome 430 ULP' GPU in the Lifebook S. It's very basic: performs like an ATI mobility 3450 or nvidia 9300m gs.

Reply 8 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

probably getting a Indilinix 128GB SSD once they fix their darn firmware issues



might opt for an intel instead but i only have about 2 weeks to get one

Reply 9 : Fujitsu laptop owners: Past, Present, and Future

I have a 4220 and a P1629 right now and almost forgot a P1120 too.



I do not like the build quality as compared to Panasonics which I abuse every day in the field but there is something about the Fujitsu' that I can not stay away from too?



The screen quality is nice but I don't really like the touchscreen sensitivity and that I almost need a stylus for the 1620.



I can live without the Fujitsu's but not the Toughbooks.



Ed