Computer Help Blog

How to change the Yahoo Mail default notification sound on Android? [FIX]

2021-07-06T13:35:00.004+01:00

I recently upgraded to an Android 11 smartphone and for some reason my default notification sound had changed and I could not change the default notification sound in the Yahoo Mail app settings.

I found a way to fix this temporarily until Yahoo issue a fix themselves (assuming it is not a Pro feature option only now).

These instructions are for Android 11 specifically but these may be the same for Android 9 and 10 (I cannot clarify as I don't own a device with these versions of Android):

1) Go to "Settings"

2) Scroll down and tap "Apps"

3) Scroll down and tap "Yahoo Mail"

4) Tap on "Notifications"

5) Under "Other" tap on each listed option below and then tap on "sound" and select the sound you wish to hear. They will be set to "Default notification sound" but you can change them to fix it for now :)

- Emails from people

- Deals emails

- Travel emails

- Parcel delivery emails

- Other emails

- Reminders

- General alerts

- Miscellaneous

- Account security alerts

Notepad++ Compare plugin colour settings for any dark mode style (e.g. obsidian)

2020-10-29T11:34:00.003+00:00

Here are a set of colours which work well with the Notepad++ Compare plugin for any dark mode style used within Notepad++. I personally prefer to use the style Obsidian.

Change each of the compare colour settings to the following: R-G-B

i.e. In notepad++, go to "Plugins > Compare > Settings" and change the following using the provided RGB values:

Added new line = 0-100-0 (dark green)

Deleted line = 100-0-0 (dark red)

Moved line = 0-60-119 (darkish blue)

Changed line = 125-125-30 (dark gold)

Changed highlight = 255-140-0 (dark orange)

Highlight Transparency = 100

Logitech G29 Pedal Replacement Screws (screw measurements + where to buy)

2020-06-15T14:17:00.001+01:00

Recently my Logitech G29 pedal screws needed replacing (inc. potentiometers). I could not find the screw sizes anywhere online so with aid from a friend and some calipers I measured them myself.

1) Brake and Clutch pedal screws:
Length = 30mm
Diameter = 4mm (known as M4)
Thread Pitch = 0.7mm (really hard to measure this)

2) Accelerator pedal screws:
Length = 16.5mm (you can get away with using a 16mm)
Diameter = 4mm
Thread Pitch = 0.7mm

Best place to buy them In the UK:

https://www.accu.co.uk/

Make sure to select "metric socket countersunk screws" and then use their filter system to select the above measurements for the screws you need to replace :)

Cannot get VLC Player App to discover files on shared device over LAN? Windows 10 [FIX]

2019-12-19T14:56:00.004+00:00

VLC Player App won't discover shared content over LAN via Upnp or SMB?

Firstly check that your Windows 10 device sharing options are set correctly:

Open your start menu and search "control panel" and open the app.
Now click on "Network and Sharing Centre".
On the left pane (upper left), click on "change advanced sharing settings".
Set your Private network options as follows:
- Turn on "network discovery" (inc. the automatic setup of network-connected devices).
- Make sure "File and printer sharing" is turned on.
It is up to you whether or not you turn on the Guest or Public network settings. I do not recommend turning this on if you are only sharing to specific devices connected to the same LAN as your Windows 10 device which is sharing your media content.
Under "All networks" set the following options:
Public folder sharing - This is up to you - I personally have this turned off.
Media Streaming - This is up to you - I this turned on so I can share my music.
Use 128 bit encryption to help protect file sharing connections (recommended).
Password-protected sharing - Turn this on!
NOTE: With this option set you need to know the Windows 10 account login credentials as you will need to enter this later into the VLC app in order for the media files to be accessed.
Save the changes.

Secondly check that the media folder(s)/drive(s) that you wish to access, have the correct sharing settings set:

Rick click on each folder or drive and select properties.
Set the required settings under the sharing tab.

Thirdly, enable SMB 1.0 support.

Open your start menu and search "control panel" and open the app.
Now click on "Programs and Features".
On the left pane (upper left), click on "Turn Windows features on or off".
Scroll down the list to find a folder called "SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support".
- You may need to click the plus and tick "SMB 1.0/CIFS Client" separately.
Tick the box, click OK and restart (even if not asked to).

If the above doesn't help, I had issues with network discovery after the latest major Windows update. To fix this I went to "File Explorer", selected "Network" in the left hand pane. Windows asked if I wanted to turn on "Network Discovery" (even though according to the Network and Sharing centre it was already on). So I did, restarted and then I could gain access in VLC.

Now when you next try to access the shared media via the VLC Player App. You'll be asked to login with the credentials mentioned earlier and you'll be able to access the shared media. If not, uninstall the VLC Player App, restart your device and then reinstall the VLC Player app.

Tower 3D & Tower 3D Pro Custom Schedule's list :)

2018-08-07T20:05:00.013+01:00

This document contains links to recommended custom schedule's (airport timetables) for airports included with Tower3D. I'll refer to schedule as timetable for the remainder of this document for consistency and easier understanding for those whose first language is not English.

In order to download them, you will need to have a forum account (sign-up is free).

Make sure to READ the forum posts, as they give instructions on how to install the custom timetable and what is included.

CUSTOM AIRPORT TIMETABLES

IMPORTANT NOTES:

All links open in a new tab or window!
Double check that the timetable you wish to use, is compatible with the latest version of Tower3D Pro prior to installing. i.e. Read the developer's first post for this information.
You may want to backup your original timetable files (though you can simply re-run the original airport installer again to re-install these if need be).
Support is provided on the airport timetable thread by the developer (i.e. the link in the table below).
Each author has based their contribution upon real life airport timetables.

Developer Notes:

Most of crbascott's airport timetables include each day of the week. These are illustrated in the table below with a *.
ATC Joe's airport timetables have some aircraft which appear white due to how he implements them. If you prefer to see aircraft liveries, as I do; you may want to consider using an alternate option.

You can check this link for a complete list which uses the forum search criteria "custom schedule", sorted by date (most recent post will be at the top).

Last update to this blog post was on the 24th/Sept/2022.

The table is ordered, firstly by airport (A-Z) and then by author (A-Z).
crbascott's and Eligrim's schedules are no longer available as of 21st Aug 2019.
* battlehawk has included a week's worth of daily timetables for this airport.

Airport	Author	Release Date	Link
CYVR*	battlehawk	23 May 2019	forum link
CYVR	Ripskin	10 Sept 2019	forum link
EDDF*	battlehawk	28 Feb 2020	forum link
EDDM	hexzed	6 June 2019	forum link
EDDM	Jason-118	18 Aug 2019	forum link
EDDS	Faebse	9 Sept 2022	forum link
EDDS	hexzed	4 Feb 2019	forum link
EDDS	jonas	4 Oct 2018	forum link
EKCH*	battlehawk	3 April 2020	forum link
EGKK	ATC Joe	1 Mar 2019	forum link
EGKK*	battlehawk	8 Mar 2019	forum link
EGKK	Jason-118	30 July 2019	forum link
EGLL	alaskaguy	Summer 2022	forum link
EGLL	james143611	9 Feb 2021	forum link
KATL	ATC Joe	24 Jul 2018	forum link
KEWR	alaskaguy	17 Oct 2020	forum link
KBOS	ATC Joe	24 Aug 2018	forum link
KBOS*	battlehawk	25 May 2019	forum link
KBOS	jonas	7 Apr 2018	forum link
KDFW*	battlehawk	10 Dec 2019	forum link
KDFW	thepropilot747	03 Jan 2021	forum link
KDFW	thepropilot747	27 Nov 2020	forum link
KJFK	ATC Joe	7 May 2018	forum link
KJFK	hexzed	28 Jun 2019	forum link
KLAS	ATC Joe	15 Jul 2018	forum link
KLAS*	battlehawk	22 Nov 2019	forum link
KLAX	ATC Joe	11 Sept 2018	forum link
KLAX	bcooley66	3 Oct 2017	forum link
KLAX	iamblue91	6 April 2020	forum link
KLAX	Rogue	4 Jan 2018	forum link (Christmas 2017 Special)
KLAX	Rogue	14 Jan 2019	forum link (Christmas 2018 Special)
KLGA	ATC Joe	3 Dec 2017	forum link
KLGA	hexzed	24 May 2019	forum link
KMEM	hexzed	30 Jan 2019	forum link
KMCO	ATC Joe	18 May 2018	forum link
KMCO*	battlehawk	24 Oct 2019	forum link
KMCO*	battlehawk	20 Feb 2019	forum link
KMCO	Ripskin	1 Mar 2019	forum link
KMCO	Rogue	9 Jan 2019	forum link (New Years 2019 Special)
KPHL	ATC Joe	14 Oct 2017	forum link
KPHL	Rogue	6 Nov 2018	forum link (Halloween 2018 Special)
KPHL	Scout Yu	17 Nov 2018	forum link
KPHX	ATC Joe	9 Jan 2019	forum link
KRDU*	battlehawk	16 Oct 2019	forum link
KSAN	hexzed	10 Jan 2019	forum link
KSEA	alaskaguy	23 June 2020	forum link
KSEA*	battlehawk	19 June 2020	forum link
KSEA	whyevenbothernaming	26 Aug 2022	forum link
KSFO	alaskaguy	Autumn 2022	forum link
KSFO	crbascott	28 Dec 2020	forum link
KSFO	Rogue	17 Jul 2018	forum link
KSFO	Scout Yu	3 Dec 2018	forum link
KSFO	Scout Yu	3 Jan 2019	forum link
LEBL	ATC Joe	9 Jan 2019	forum link
LEBL*	battlehawk	7 Feb 2019	forum link
LFPG	alaskaguy	06 Sept 2019	forum link
LFPG	andredragt	18 Aug 2019	forum link
LFPG	Denivros	01 Sept 2019	forum link
LTFM	alaskaguy	Summer 2022	forum link
OMDB	alaskaguy	20 Oct 2019	forum link
OMDB*	battlehawk	31 Oct 2019	forum link
OMDB	Ripskin	16 Sept 2019	forum link
OMDB	Swatx	08 Oct 2019	forum link
PHNL	alaskaguy	19 May 2020	forum link
RJTT*	battlehawk	15 Jan 2020	forum link
TIST	hexzed	25 May 2019	forum link
WSSS	alaskaguy	Autumn 2022	forum link
YMML*	battlehawk	09 July 2019	forum link

Logitech G29 Desk Clamp Requirements (measurements)

2018-04-30T14:01:00.000+01:00

Today I present you with a picture showing you thickness measurement requirements for clamping a Logitech G29 steering wheel to a desk.

The picture includes explanations and illustrations to aid your understand.

In the example, I own a Ikea Bekant 140x60cm desk.

You can view the image clearly by clicking here.

[any] Hard Drive won't insert into [any] Hot Swap drive bay (FIX - Picture Guide)

2017-12-06T16:25:00.001+00:00

WARNING: Always "ground" yourself before using sensitive electronic devices! i.e. Touch a radiator or use an anti-static wrist band connected to your PC case.

Introduction

This is a picture guide on how to fix an issue if you have issues with a hard drive getting stuck or not being able to be inserted into a hot swap drive bay:

The Problem / Issue ...

In this example I am trying to insert a HGST Deskstar 8TB NAS hard drive into my Orico Hot Swap Drive Bay (model 1106SS). However, I've had similar issues with Western Digital Gold Enterprise hard drives as well.

The problem is the hot swap drive bay's roller mechanism gets stuck in a hole at the rear of the hard drive; illustrated below:

The hole in the hard drive:

Evidence to support the claim above:

Solution:

To fix this is relatively simple. You only need a bit of sturdy tape. I HIGHLY recommend using Electrical tape, sometimes known as insulating tape. It is cheap to buy and available at any DIY store. Mine cost me £2.99 from my local store. You don't have to use black as they normally come in a selection of colours to chose from.

Work out where you need to place the tape on the hard drive. To do this, analyse where the roller mechanism is catching the rear of the hard drive. Just as I did above.
Apply tape, making sure not to cover the PCB (the green board).
Try not to touch the SATA and Power connectors on the drive as you could get moist or dust on them which is not recommended.
Make sure to apply two layers of tape for extra strength. This is so that the roller will not cause the tape to sink into the hole when inserting the drive. Look closely at how I applied the tape. Looking from the rear of the drive, with the PCB side facing up; I applied two pieces of tape, vertically, parallel to each other. Then I applied a horizontal piece of tape on top of these two pieces; a total of two layers.

Testing

The test proves to be a success and the hard drive now inserts without issue:

Hard drive fully inserted:

Final Notes

You may need to replace the tape if you heavily swap your hard drives. For me it will take time for the tape to wear down as I only use mine for backups.

I highly recommend being gentle when inserting the hard drives into any hot swap drive bay so that the tape can withstand the pressure applied by the roller mechanism.

The end ...

No Safely Remove Hardware or Eject options (missing)?

I hope this guide was useful to you. If you have issues with getting the hard drive to appear in the "safely remove" icon in your taskbar, see my solution to that in this blog post.

Download Newcastle Pro v4 for OMSI and OMSI 2

2017-11-12T22:22:00.005+00:00

1) Download the Newcastle Pro v4 RHD map from here.

2) If you have OMSI 2, you will need to download the patch from here:

http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/topic/20072-omsi-utilities-mods-newcastle-omsi-2-patch/

NOTE: You will want to pay special attention to the following post:

http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/topic/20072-omsi-utilities-mods-newcastle-omsi-2-patch/&tab=comments#comment-194552

3) Both OMSI and OMSI 2 users may need to download additional repaints from here:

http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/category/62-omsi-repaints/&sortby=file_submitted&sortby=file_updated&sortdirection=desc

For support, use the following forum thread for aid. I recommend you state if you are installing for OMSI or for OMSI 2.

UPDATE:

Newcastle Pro LHD for OMSI 2: Download the file "NewcastleLPomsi2.7z" from the link in step 1 above. You will need 7zip to extract it. Read the readme file. There maybe some scenery objects and splines missing. Use google to find these. If the map doesn't work let me know.

ANY Hot Swap Drive Bay / Caddy, no Safely Remove Hardware or Eject options (missing) FIX!

2017-08-19T17:24:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

I recently installed an Orico 5.25" Hot Swap drive bay for 3.5 inch hard drives (Orico 1106SS).

Issue:

Once I loaded a 3.5" hard drive into the bay and powered it on, my Windows detected it fine and I was able to initialise it and use it without issues.

However, there was no option to "Safely Remove Hardware" option in the system tray. Nor was there an "Eject" option when right clicking the hard drive in "My Computer".

After many hours of checking that: (a) the "Plug n Play" service was working, (b) re-installing Intel's Rapid Storage Technology (RST) driver and (c) checking my BIOS settings; I finally found a solution which works just as good, if not better!

FIX:

Download and install the software, HotSwap! by Kazuyuki Nakayama.

"It does the same thing as you can remove device from Device Manager but it provides much friendly user interface as you remove the removable device from the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon in the notification area. It also ensures that all data are written and flushed to the disk before the device to be hot-swapped, so you can use SATA/eSATA drive as a removable device much alike USB/IEEE1394 drive."

LINK = http://mt-naka.com/hotswap/index_enu.htm

IMPORTANT NOTES:

Please visit the above link to learn how to use the software!

If you are using Windows 2000, use version 2.0.0.0.

If you are using Windows XP or Server 2003, use version 5.0.0.0.

Recommended Open Transport Tycoon Addons (a guide)

2017-08-05T18:56:00.004+01:00

Post Updated on 15th Feb 2022.

This is a basic guide to installing Open Transport Tycoon along with many addons which make the game play so much more fun and challenging! A complete list of the addons I use is included below.

IMPORTANT: Read every step below first, before carrying out the actions yourself. This is so you fully understand the installation and customisation processes explained.

Step 1 - Install the latest stable version of Open Transport Tycoon (OpenTTD)
Step 2 - Install the extra recommended addons
Step 3 - Tweak the game settings (including the addon parameter settings)
Step 4 - Set Advanced Game Settings before playing the game!
List of addons (including parameter settings)

Step 1 - Install the latest stable version of OpenTTD

a) Go to https://www.openttd.org/en/download-stable and download the latest stable installer.
Make sure to download the correct version (32 or 64 bit).

To check which version you need, check what version your windows is by pressing together "Windows key + Break key" to open system properties. It will inform you in here which version of Windows you have and if it is 32 bit or 64 bit. If you have 64 bit, then download the 64 bit version. If you have 32 bit, then download the 32 bit version.

b) Once downloaded, run the installer as administrator (right click on the exe and select "Run as Administrator").

c) Once installed, run the game and setup the "Game settings" only. Then exit straight away and continue to step 2 below.

Step 2 - Install extra recommended addons

a) Open windows explorer by pressing together "Windows key + E key" and navigate to the following folder:

For Windows XP this will be:

C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\My Documents\OpenTTD\newgrf

For Windows Vista \ 7 \ 8 and 10 this will be:

C:\Users\[your username]\Documents\OpenTTD\newgrf

b) Click on the "Download All" link in the top right corner to download all files from the following google drive link:

Google Drive Link

Notes:
* If you are uncomfortable downloading from my Google drive, you can download most files from the addon links or directly from the online system in game (search the name of the addon). Remember, the addons are listed at the end of this post.

* Your browser maybe set to download the file straight to your "Downloads" folder.

c) Extract the files using 7zip or other compression utility into the "newgrf" folder mentioned in "step a" above.

Step 3 - Tweak the game settings (inc. parameter settings)

Start OpenTTD, click on 'NewGRF Settings' and make sure you have the addons added in the exact order as shown in the screenshot below otherwise you will have issues:

Note: The names in the screenshot may slightly differ but only by version numbers due to updates. The order is still correct regardless of updates.

I highly recommend you now set the following newgrf options:

a) Select UK Town Set v2.2, then click on "Set Parameters".
Set "Number of parameters to 1". This enables default buildings for this addon.
Set "Parameter 1" to "0".
Then click on "close". Then "Apply Changes".

b) Select eGRVTS v2.0 - r188, then click on "Set Parameters".
Set "Horse vehicles" to OFF.
Set "Trams" to OFF (as we already have a tram set).
Set "Cargo dependent graphics for tankers" to ON. Feel free to leave this OFF if you wish to.
Then click on "close". Then "Apply Changes".

c) Select World Airliners Set v0.1, then click on "Set Parameters".

Set "Cost" to Low. Otherwise it is very hard to make profit. Leave on for a challenge!

Set "Range" to ON for more realism.I personally leave this OFF.

Then click on "close". Then "Apply Changes".

d) Once you have set all your newgrf parameters (see below for the complete list and options), then click on "Apply Changes" and close the window.

Step 4 - Set Advanced Game Settings before playing the game!

e) Now set your "Advanced Game Settings". To do this, from the main OpenTTD menu, select "Settings", set the category to "Expert (show all settings ...)".

Go through all the settings and set them as you prefer. Use the OpenTTD wiki website for aid with settings you do not understand.

I have uploaded my openttd config files here if you wish to compare yours against mine; you can use Notepad++ (with the compare plugin) to do this.

I do NOT recommend over-writing yours if you have a higher version of OpenTTD v1.9.3!

You can find openttd config files in the following folder:

XP = C:\Documents and Settings\[your username]\My Documents\OpenTTD

Vista\7\8\10 = C:\Users\[your username]\Documents\OpenTTD

f) Optional but highly recommended on displays with higher resolutions than 1152 x 864:

Edit the openttd.cfg file to change the fonts and font sizes. See this link.

These are the settings I use in my config file (downloadable above):

small_font = Verdana
medium_font = Tahoma Bold
large_font = Verdana
mono_font = Courier New
small_size = 12
medium_size = 12
large_size = 20
mono_size = 12

These are the changes I highly recommend:

Note: The settings below maybe laid out differently in future versions of OpenTTD. Use the wiki link mentioned above to find the settings mentioned below if required.

Localisation:

Speed units: Imperial (mph)
Vehicle power units: Imperial (hp)
Heights units: Imperial (ft)

Graphics:

Thickness of lines in graphs: 2
NOTE: this may need changing depending on your screen resolution, I found 2 works best for a 1080p setup

Sound:

Button clicks: OFF

Interface > General:

On screen keyboard: Disabled (if playing on PC or laptop)
Show tooltips: Hover for 100 milliseconds
Window snap radius: 8 pixels
Maximum number of non-sticky windows: 30

Interface > Viewports:

Smooth viewport scrolling: On
Show signals: On the left

Interface > Construction:

Link landscape toolbar to rail/road/water/airport toolbars: On
Quick creation of vehicle orders: On
Default rail type: Last available (feel free to change for your own needs)
Disable infrastructure building when no suitable vehicles are available: Off

Interface:

Prefer team chat with : On
Group expenses in company finance window: On

News/Advisers:

Coloured news appears in: 1986 (first coloured newspaper in UK)
Arrival of first vehicle at players station: Summary
Arrival of first vehicle at competitors station: Full
Subsidies: Full
Opening of industries: Full
Closing of industries: Full
Production changes of industries served by the company: Full
Production changes of industries served by competitors: Summary
Other industry production changes: Full

Company:

Automatically build semaphores before: 1924 (when the UK introduced electrical signaling)
When dragging, keep fixed distance between signals: On
New orders are 'non-stop' by default: On (good for industry at the start of a game)
New train orders stop by default at the "near end" of the platform

Accounting:

Maximum initial loan: £500,000
Subsidy multiplier: x4
Infrastructure maintenance: On

Vehicles > Physics:

Slope steepness for trains: 2%
Slope steepness for road vehicles: 4%
Amount of vehicles smoke / sparks: Realistic
Plane speed factor: 1/1 (required for the Pikka av8 newgrf addon)

Vehicles > Routing:

Disallow train reversing in stations: On

Limitations:

When paused allow: All actions OR All non-construction actions (realistic)
Maximum map height: 40
Maximum bridge length: 128
Maximum bridge height: 20 (this value should be half of the map height)
Maximum tunnel length: 128
Airports never expire: On
Vehicles never expire: On
Maximum station spread: 20 tiles (leave at 12 if you have a low system spec)

Disasters / Accidents:

Disasters: On
Recessions: On
Vehicle breakdowns: None (set to none as long as you service your vehicles regularly)
Number of plane crashes: Reduced

World generation:

Terrain Type: Very Flat
Roughness of terrain: Very Smooth
Variety distribution: Medium
Snow line height: 20 (this value should be half the value of map height [limitations])
River amount: Few
Road vehicles: Drive on left (UK)
Proportion of towns that will become cities: 1 in 3
Road layout for new towns: 3x3 grid (highly recommended)
Automatically pause when starting a new game: On

Environment > Towns:

Towns are allowed to build level crossings: Off
Founding towns in game: Allowed

Environment > Industries:

Manual primary industry construction method: As other industries
Allow multiple similar industries per town: On
Maximum distance from edge for Oil refineries: 48 tiles

Competitors > Computer players:

Construction speed: Very Slow

List of Addons (including Parameters)

I have listed these in the order that I have them activated so that they work together without conflicting with each other, therefore in turn causing issues during game play.

URL's provided link to the addons website or forum topic, where you can learn more about it (if applicable).

OpenGFX+ Big GUI
Parameters = none
UK Town Names v1.0
Parameters = none
UK Town Set v2.2
Parameters = 1
Parameter 1 setting: 1 = enable default buildings / 0 = disable default buildings
UK Waypoints Set v1.1
Parameters = none
UK roadset v1.1a
Parameters = none
UK Oneway Roads
Parameters = none
McDonald's
Parameters = none
New Docks (with containers and cranes)
Parameters = none
Font Renew
Parameters = none
New Heliport
Parameters = none
New Main HQ
Parameters = none
New Bank
Parameters = none
New Transmitter
Parameters = none
Speed upgrade for all default suspension bridges
Parameters = none
Total Bridge Renewal Set v1.2
Parameters = 1
Parameter 1 setting:
0 = default behaviour (I recommend this setting which is default)
1 = sandbox (no speed limits)
2 = hard (2x prices and lower speeds)
3 = challenging (4x prices and even lower speeds)
BK Enhanced Tunnels v1.2 (developer's website linked in the first forum post)

There are 3 parameters to customise this set, one parameter for each climate; i.e. temperate, arctic and sub-tropical and in that order.

Each parameter (listed below) can have one of the following values:
0 - use default (see below).
1 - use red brick tunnels.
2 - use wood tunnels.
3 - use white concrete tunnels.
4 - use beige concrete tunnels.

If a parameter is not specified, then the following default values will apply:
Parameter 1 - temperate climate - [1] red brick.
Parameter 2 - arctic climate - [2] wood.
Parameter 3 - sub-tropical climate - [3] white concrete.
Foobar's Tram Tracks v1.0.1
Parameters = 3
Parameter 1 setting: OpenGFX (default) or TTD.
Parameter 2 setting:
Off-road track ballast (default = auto detect). For other options see in-game for other options.

Parameter 3 setting: Normal (default) or Narrow.
The extended generic Road Vehicle and Tram Set v2.0-r188 (eGRVTS)
Parameters = 10
P1 setting: Vehicles available = All vehicles (default) \ only Passengers \ only Cargo
P2 setting: Horse vehicles ON (default) / OFF
P3 setting: Normal vehicles ON (default) / OFF
P4 setting: Double decker buses ON (default) / OFF
P5 setting: Articulated vehicles ON (default) / OFF
P6 setting: Express vehicles ON (default) / OFF
P7 setting: Trams ON (default) / OFF
P8 setting: Cargo dependent graphics for tankers ON / OFF (default)
P9 setting: Vehicle effects ON (default) / OFF
P10 setting: CC Recolour = None (default and recommended)
Hover Bus v1.0
Parameters = none
Platforms
Parameters = none
Brick Freight Stations
Parameters = none
Rural Stations
Parameters = none
Suburban Stations
Parameters = none
Modern Suburban Stations
Parameters = none
City Stations
Parameters = none
Industrial Stations Renewal v1.0.2
Parameters = 2
Parameter 1 setting: Disable custom dock = ON / OFF (default)
Parameter 2 setting: Disable custom ship depot = ON (default) / OFF
UK Tram Set TASTER r39M
Parameters = none
UK Renewal Train Set v3.04 (developer's website)
Parameters = 3
1 = disable running sounds if set to 1
2 = climate availability (1 = temp, 2 = arc, 3 = both)
3 = disable "shunting" behaviour if set to 1
av8 Aviators Aircraft Set v2.21 (developer's website)
Parameters = 4
Parameter 1 setting: Longer airships = ON / OFF (default)
Parameter 2 setting: Hand drawn lockheed L-100 Hercules = ON / OFF (default)
Parameter 3 setting: Seaplane Preview = ON / OFF (default)
Parameter 4 setting: Airport Maintenance Costs = ON / OFF (default)
World Airliners Set v0.1
Parameters = 2
Parameter 1 setting: Cost = Normal (default) / Low
Parameter 2 setting: Range = OFF (default) / ON

Showbox loading videos in default android player, not in VLC / MX player (android) FIX

2017-06-20T22:20:00.002+01:00

Showbox, you may prefer to play the content in the VLC player app but Showbox sometimes loads the content in the android video player.

You can always use a different player such as MX player.

To fix this issue, take the following steps:

NOTE: The steps provided below are for Android v6.0.1 (marshmallow). Other versions will have settings located in slightly different places. Please Google your android version for aid in locating certain settings mentioned.

Step1) Clear APP defaults:

On your android device go to Settings > Apps.

In here for each APP listed below, click on the APP, scroll down and click on "Open by default", then click on "clear defaults":

a. Gallery
b. Showbox
c. VLC player
d. Any other player you may have (such as MX player)

Step 2) Reboot your device after these settings

Step 3) Open Showbox, select the content you wish to play. On the quality selection popup (e.g. 360, 480, 720), click on the "3 dotted vertical line" (options) and make sure that the player selected is "OTHER PLAYER...". Server and subtitles can be set at your discretion.

Step 4) Play the content by selecting the quality as mentioned above (e.g. 360/480/720) and click on "Watch Now". When prompted with "Open with", select your player (in my case VLC) followed by "ALWAYS" in the bottom right of this popup window.

SUCCESS! All your content for Showbox should now play in your selected player.

Note: You may have to select the VLC > ALWAYS on more than one occasion. Annoying but at least it plays in my preferred player :)

ETS2 Recruitment Agency Locations List

2015-05-11T19:57:00.000+01:00

My mate was asking me about a Euro Truck Sim 2 (ETS2) Recruitment Agency locations list and I couldn't find one; so here is a list from version 1.17 including Going East DLC only!

AUSTRIA

Graz
Innsbruck
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee
Linz
Vienna
Wien

BELGIUM / LUXEMBOURG / NETHERLANDS

Brussels
Groningen
Luxembourg

CZECH REPUBLIC / SLOVAKIA

Brno
Kosice
Ostrava
Praha

ITALY

Venezia

HUNGARY

Budapest
Debrecen

SWITZERLAND

Geneva
Zurich

FRANCE

Calais
Liege
Lyon
Metz
Paris
Reims

GERMANY

Berlin
Bremen
Cologne
Dortmund
Dresden
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Hannover
Kassel
Koln
Leipzig
Mannheim
Munchen
Stuttgart

POLAND

Bialystok
Gdansk
Krakow
Lodz
Poznan
Szczecin
Warszawa

GREAT BRITAIN

Aberdeen
Birmingham
Dover
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Liverpool
London
Manchester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Plymouth
Sheffield
Southampton
Swansea

Realtek ALC 1200 up to date driver (Any ALC HD Audio card)

2014-11-19T14:10:00.001+00:00

Those of you looking for an up to date driver for your Realtek HD Audio card have come to the right place!

For some reason Realtek don't seem to list all the HD ALC Audio cards supported by their HD Driver that is released. For example I have the Asus P6T motherboard which has the Realtek ALC1200. Upon reading the latest HD Driver Readme file this is not listed as a supported driver; when in actual fact any Realtek ALC HD Audio cards are supported by their HD Driver!

So; if you have a ALC1200 (or other HD Audio card) then visit the link below for the latest Realtek HD Audio Driver:

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsView.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=14&PFid=24&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

"unable to authenticate original disk within the time limit" SOLUTION Windows 7 x64 bit (PMDG 747 for FS9)

2014-09-01T20:23:00.000+01:00

Today I was installing the PMDG 747 for FS9/FS2004, but I got the error "unable to authenticate original disk within the time limit".

SOLUTION

Do you have any other applications open that are possibly accessing the optical drive that your disk is in?

I bet you have.

In my case I was watching a DVD using Classic Media Player but I also had open Windows Explorer which was accessing the optical drive to show me files.

After closing both applications and clicking on "Try Again", the installation
continued and loaded fine. After starting I was able to resume the other applications and use them as normal.

So click on "Try Again" or by re-running the setup.exe (or autostart.exe) from the disk.

Hope this helped you as it had me confused for an hour.

Start Menu for Windows 8 and 8.1 (for those who miss the windows start menu)

2014-05-29T23:52:00.000+01:00

For those who miss the old classic windows start menu here is a solution worth a download.

I recently was round at a friends house and saw that they had a start menu for windows 8!

If you hate the new Windows 8 start menu and miss the old classic start menu then here is a solution which is certainly worth downloading and installing!

http://www.classicshell.net/

Visit the link above to learn more.

A couple of alternates are ...

Start Menu 8 by IOBIT (the same people who developed the excellent smart defrag).

Pokki.

How to install anti-vibration rubber rivets for any type of fan? [Picture Guide]

2014-04-03T20:01:00.001+01:00

Hi all,

Today I installed my new case fans using anti-vibration rubber rivets. At the same time I took some pictures in order to help explain how to do it for others as it isn't as easy as you would think!

The fans I am installing are the 140mm Bitfenix Spectre Pro PWM fans into the front of my new case; the Corsair 750D.

However you can use this guide for any type of fan (90mm, 120mm, 140mm, 200mm or 230mm) and any computer case.

NOTE: All pictures can be "zoomed in" by clicking on them :D (right clicking and selecting "View Image" will allow or much larger image).

Step 1 - Select where you are going to install your fan!

I'll be installing my fans into the front to replace the default Corsair 750D fans. Why? These Bitfenix fans have a higher air flow than those that come with the case.

Here's the first one already installed to give you an idea of the end look:

So my next fan will be fitted just below the first fan I installed.

Step 2 - Install the rubber rivets into the case screw holes first!

First you will need to place the rubber rivets in the screw holes.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you check which screw holes line up with the fan holes. You want to place the rubber rivets into the correct holes first time round!

To install the rubber rivet, feed it through the screw hole as illustrated below:

You need to be very firm (i.e. use some force) to get the rivet to feed through fully.

Step 3 - Install the washer into place!

Once the rubber rivet is installed into the case screw hole, you can place the washer on.

Install the washer as illustrated below:

Make sure to push down on the washer so it pushes past the rivet's "head" piece.

Step 4 - Install the remaining rubber rivets into the case screw holes!

Again double check where your rubber rivets need to be so that they are aligned with the fan screw holes.

If you don't, you'll find yourself in a right mess uninstalling the rubber rivets in order to put them into the correct screw holes.

Once all rubber rivets (including their washers) are installed you will have the following:

Step 5 - Align the fan into place and feed the rivets through!

Align the relevant fan screw holes up with the bottom or top rivets first (it's easier to do the bottom in this scenario).

Now would also be a good time to feed through any wires into places where you want them.

Once done you will have the following:

Align and feed through the remaining rubber rivets.

Step 6 - Finish the installation by securing the fan into position!

Read before doing this step as it is complex and tricky!

In order to secure the fan in place, you will need to pinch the end of the rubber rivet with one hand. I would recommend placing your other hand on top of the fan.

With the hand that is pinching the rubber rivet; pull (with some force) whilst at the same time pushing down on the fan with your other hand.

Try to be careful as I did break one of my rubber rivet heads by pulling too hard!

You will feel the rubber rivet clip into place.

NOTE: In the picture you cannot see my other hands thumb which is holding onto the rubber rivet inside the case. I did this so that the rubber rivet head didn't get feeded through the case screw hole.

Once you feel the rubber rivet clip into place you should find that the fan corner has been secured. Gently pull on the fan to double check the rivet is secure:

Step 7 - Secure the remaining corners of the fan using the same technique as mentioned in step 6 above! Also double check the rubber rivet heads are secure properly!

Installation finished. Look carefully in the below picture at how the rubber rivet heads look so you know if yours are also secured properly.

Some of your rubber rivet heads may need to be pulled back a little on the opposite side so that the fan is secured properly.

Try to be careful as I did break one of my rubber rivet heads by pulling too hard when doing this step:

Android Smartphone device won't connect/display in Windows Media Player 'x' [SOLUTION]

2013-10-21T14:05:00.003+01:00

Today I was wanting to transfer my music from my Windows Media Player to my Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (GT-18160) Android smartphone.

Yet after connecting my smartphone via USB Cable to my PC; it wasn't recognising it as a device. It was recognising it as a camera and I was able to view the files within Windows Explorer so it wasn't a connection problem. However the device would not show within Windows Media Player (version 11 in my case on a 32 bit Windows XP system).

After Googling around I discovered majority of people are having similar problems.

The fix for most cases is you have to install Samsung's software called "Kies". Also install the codec option - really important bit!

After a reboot and connecting my device this time around Windows Explorer recognised the device fully AND Windows Media Player also found the device.

I was then able to sync my music from within Windows Media Player library (see here for aid on syncing your music with Windows Media Player).

OTHER FIXES:

- You need to make sure you have Windows XP SP2 or above!

- You need to make sure you have Windows Media Player 10 or above! Get the latest version here.

How to get The Simpsons Hit and Run working on Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 (32 / 64 bit)

2013-09-30T22:42:00.001+01:00

Post Updated 21st Aug 2017 for Windows 8/8.1 and 10 users :)

OK, for the past few days I've been troubleshooting this issue and I found the perfect fix for both Windows XP Professional/Home Edition, Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 (both 32 bit and 64 bit versions).

First Step: INSTALL THE GAME

Win XP: You can install to the default directory without any issues.

Win Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 (32 and 64): Install to a folder on your main OS drive such as C:\GAMES\SimpsonsHnRun

*** IMPORTANT *** Have no spaces in the folder to install to!

During installation you will be asked if you want to install DirectX 8.1 ... SELECT NO!

Step 2: Make sure you have DirectX 9 installed!

For XP you should automatically have DirectX 9.0c installed. If not get it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=34429

For Windows Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 install DirectX 9 from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=35

NOTE: Windows 10 users may need to enable DirectPlay in Legacy Components.

To enable Direct Play feature on Windows 10:

1) In your Start Menu, open Programs and Features (it's also in Control Panel)
2) In the left hand side menu, click on "Turn Windows features ON or OFF"
3) In the list that loads, make sure there is a tick in the box for "Legacy Components"
4) Click the plus symbol to expand the "Legacy Components"
5) Make sure the box is ticked for "Direct Play"
6) Click OK
-- If there are issues, temporarily disable your anti-virus program as this may stop the Legacy Components installing correctly.

Step 3: Set the executable properties

a) Right click on the desktop shortcut and select 'Properties'

-- If you don't have a desktop shortcut navigate to the main game folder and right click on the main game executable 'Simpsons.exe'

b) Click on the compatibility tab and set the following settings:

-- For Windows XP, set only "Windows 98/ Windows ME" and "Disable visual themes".
-- For Windows 7 and Vista users, please use the settings illustrated:

-- For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 users, use the following settings:

Thanks to MrCorZa for the above screenshot.

Now try and run the game!

If it runs, great! You're done and you can now play the game.

If not then there is one other option you can do to gaurantee the game will work (I had to do this next step).

Step 4: Install a no-cd crack to get the game working

Don't worry if it doesn't work yet as you can do what I did and download a "no cd crack". This is not illegal in any way. A no cd crack is what it states. It is a main program executable file which has been edited so that the game CD is not required in order to play the game. It skips disk checking securities.

a) Go to http://gamecopyworld.com/

b) Click on the main site link "Main #1" if it is online, if not select another mirror site which is online

c) Read and click on the "Enter" button

d) Once the page loads, on the right hand side there is a heading "PC", click on "[T-Z]"

e) Scroll through the list for the game title "The Simpsons Hit & Run" and select the title link

f) Once the page has loaded click on "The Simpsons: Hit & Run [ENGLISH] No-CD/Fixed EXE #1"

g) Click on the File Archive [922KB] icon (a blue disk - far left of the header)

h) A Pop-up window will appear with an advert loaded ... in the top right select "Skip Ad" when it is shown after the countdown

i) Once loaded download the "flt-har.rar" file from any of the mirror links and save it to your downloads folder (or somewhere temporary like the desktop)

j) You will need 7-zip to be able to unzip the compressed rar file

k) Once uncompressed you will have a replacement "Simpsons.exe" ... Cut and paste this into the main game folder and replace (over-write) the file when asked

l) Double check that the properties are still set as mentioned in step 3 above

n) Play the game and it should now play without any issues

Cheapest Place to buy Pens and Pencils ...

2013-09-30T21:59:00.001+01:00

This web site is one for the bookmark / favourites menu!

Cheapest place to buy/purchase pens and pencils.

http://www.tigerpens.co.uk

Razer Mice - Are they worth the price? Plus a cheaper alternate just as good!

2013-08-20T13:49:00.001+01:00

Trying to find a good 5 button or even 7 button mouse these days is pretty easy. Razer mice are by far some of the best that you can get on the market. They have great in depth dpi and the ability to customise each feature including but not limited to the flashing logo.

These mice can range from £30 - £60+ depending on where you shop for them.

However there are great cheaper alternates on Ebay which you can import from countries such as China, Hong Kong (these being the main two) etc.

For example if you search "5 button mouse" within the mice category of Ebay. You can browse through yourself on either the auction tab or the buy it now. you may also change the search criteria to 6 or 7 button mouse to a greater selection.

I would recommend looking at "Top-Tech-Ltd" (sorted lowest to highest including P&P) shop range as they have a very good selection starting from as low as £5.95; their most expensive (currently of posting this post) is £29.99. Therefore far cheaper than Razer.

However when it arrives you may find that the 'Back' and 'Forward' buttons are the wrong way around. In which case you can fix this by downloading and running X-Mouse Button Control. This program is fantastic and allows you to customise the buttons on your mouse.

I personally bought the '7D Cruiser Transformer 2 II USB'. It's smaller than I thought it was but the quality is fantastic.

Hope you found this helpful in making a choice and saving yourself a lot of cash!

Guide to installing Open Transport Tycoon (inc. TTD Patch and addons recommended for UK)

2013-04-08T17:54:00.000+01:00

This guide has been updated recently.
Please visit the following blog post:
http://charityalbumman.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/recommended-open-transport-tycoon.html

Windows XP Pro BSOD Event ID 7000 "Parallel Port Driver Service failed ..." [Solution]

2013-03-29T16:36:00.001+00:00

Do you keep getting blue screen of death (BSOD) or sudden system power off with a restart? I had this recently when playing OMSI Bus Simulator but this can happen in other circumstances as well from the research I did on this. Either way this should help you fix this issue.

If you do check 'System' within your Event Viewer (Control Panel - Administrative Tools - Event Viewer). Look out for:

Event ID 7000, Source "Service control Manager", Description "The Parallel port driver service failed to start due to the following error: The service cannot be started, either because it is disabled or because it has no enabled devices associated with it.

Print Screen:

SOLUTION

Step 1) Boot into your motherboards BIOS and disable the parallel port (see your motherboards manual on how to do this).

If you don't know what make and model your motherboard is then use PC Wizard to find this out so you can download the manual from your motherboards manufactures web site (Google the manufacture if you don't know their web site address).

Step 2) Within Windows XP Professional open Device Manager (Start - Run, type in "devmgmt.msc" without the quotes and click ok).

Within Device Manager click on the 'View' menu and select 'Show hidden devices'. Scroll through device manager until you find 'Non-plug and Play Drivers - Parallel port driver', Right click and select 'Disable', click 'Yes' when presented with the stop functioning warning and restart when asked.

Can't play Command and Conquer Generals Zero Hour Online with 1.04 Patch [Solution]

2013-03-24T18:36:00.000+00:00

If you're having problems with C & C Generals Zero Hour online whereby you can connect after applying the 1.04 patch but you cannot play against other players due to having a "different version"; it is more than likely you have applied a no cd crack.

The solution to this is to ...

1) Uninstall C & C Generals Zero Hour (not Generals, just Zero Hour).

2) Then visit the EA Games folder where you installed Zero Hour (default is C:\ Program Files \ EA Games \ Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour) and delete the entire directory "Command & Conquer Generals Zero Hour". If you cannot delete it due to write permissions or access denied; simply reboot your computer and then you should be able to.

3) Re-install C & C Generals Zero Hour. After installation apply the 1.04 patch (either by downloading it yourself from here, or by going in-game, then online and applying it that way).

4) To apply the no cd crack correctly so you can play others online download the no cd crack from here (the one named "C&C Generals: Zero Hour v1.04 [ENGLISH] No-CD/Fixed EXE").

Once downloaded copy across the 'generals.exe' only to your Zero Hour directory and over-write once prompted.

Do not copy across the 'game.dat' (about 6.2mb); simply delete it as this is the file which caused the initial problem.

5) Load Zero Hour and you should be able to play online against other users now.

Cannot download Flight Plan in vroute? [Solution]

2013-03-04T21:25:00.000+00:00

Hi all,

Not sure if any of you out there are flight sim enthusiasts; probably some of you are!

If like me you've recently had problems whereby you've chosen a flight; selected export, chosen your flight time and aircraft, date etc ... then clicked on the button which creates the FP ... only to have internet explorer open and suddenly close ... there is another way to download the flight plan :)

Simply right click on the link within vroute and select 'Save target as ...'; then save the flight plan to your flight plan folder and away you go as normal.

hope this helps someone because it irritated me for hours today.

Recommended PC Gaming Headsets [Plantronics Only] Comparison

2013-03-04T14:57:00.002+00:00

Hi all,

Today I'm doing a post on PC Gaming Headsets by Plantronics; including a basic comparison.

I've listed these in order of lowest price to highest price.

Firstly though let's confirm the technical jargon and what the differences are:

1) Difference between Closed-ear and Open-ear

In general, closed ear designs cup closer to the ear and block out more noise (and arguably better bass), although some users find the open ear designs, which allow more air flow, to be more comfortable.

So, in summary:

Closed-Ear Headsets:

Fit closer to the ear (reducing air flow)

Block out more background noise

Prevent others from hearing your headphones

Provide better bass

Plantronics Closed-Ear Headsets: Gamecom 367

Open-Ear Headsets:

Allow air-flow around the ears

Many find the air-flow more comfortable (though it's matter of taste)

Allow you to hear some background noises

Allow others to partially here your headphones

Plantronics Open-Ear Headsets: Gamecom 380 and Gamecom 780

2) Difference between USB and Audio Jack connectivity

There are two types of connectivity to your PC / Mac. There is USB and Audio Jack.

USB you should be easily aware of by now because majority of peripherals such as printers, scanners, joysticks etc tend to connect to your PC / Mac this way.

Audio Jack is a connection which you use for microphones and speakers or headphones. As a headset includes both a microphone as well as headphones, you find that there are two audio jack connectors with a headset. I.e. one for the microphone which plugs into your microphone port on your soundcard (or PC case front panel); coloured pink. Then one for the headphones which plugs into the stereo output port on your sound card (or PC case front panel); coloured green. Note on some sound cards or PC front panels the ports may not be coloured (i.e. just plain). In such a case consult your manual as to which is the stereo output and which is the microphone port.

3) The comparison Table

Google Shopping Link	Open / Closed-ear	Wired / Wireless	Connection Type	Features	Controls	Price (£)
Gamecom 307	Open-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage	volume and mute on wire	16+
Gamecom 367	Closed-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords for durability	volume and mute on wire	16+
Gamecom 380	Open-ear	Wired	Audio Jack 3.5mm	Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords and joints for durability	volume and mute on left ear	18+
Audio 655 DSP	Open-ear	Wired	USB	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft ear cushions for comfort	volume and mute on left ear	23+
Audio 995	Open-ear	Wireless	USB	Rich studio-quality audio, 40mm stereo speakers, soft ear cushions for comfort, noise cancelling mic	volume and mute on left ear	25+
Gamecom 780	Open-ear	Wired	USB	Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, Enhanced for Gaming, 40mm stereo speakers, soft swivel-mounted ear cushions for comfort and easy storage, padded headband for comfort, noise cancelling mic, strengthened cords and joints for durability	volume and mute on left ear	33+
Official Plantronics Product List - If the product isn't listed use the search bar to find the product page for specific details.