If you are using Windows XP, you might be aware of the option “Repair Windows XP Using Recovery Console” at the setup of your Windows XP installation.

This is one of the most undertilised options that is being used by users when there is a crash in the Windows XP operating system.

I recently encountered this issue with my clients laptop as his laptop keeps on restarting.

When that happen, the only idea i will get is the boot up file (Boot.ini) is corrupted.

Normally the easiest way out is to use the “Automatic Repair” function, but in this case that option is unavailable on my client’s laptop.

Another way out is to “F” (which means format) the hard drive of the laptop but think about the valuable data you are going to erase .

Hence, I’m giving my shot using the “old-school” command prompt style which is the Recovery Console”.

Press R on your keyboard to enter the Recovery Console.

Basically on the Recovery Console is only command prompt, nothing else.

To begin Windows will provide you the necessary information for you to begin your repair.

Here are he steps for you to take note when performing this process:-

1) After the first question, type 1 and press enter.

Type the administrator password (if available) and hit enter.

2) Type CD .. (note there must be a space between CD and .. )

This will bring you to the main “C” directory.

3) Type the following attributes.

• C:\>ATTRIB -H C:\\BOOT.INI
• C:\>ATTRIB -R C:\\BOOT.INI
• C:\>ATTRIB -S C:\\BOOT.INI

4) Type DEL BOOT.INI

5) After that type BOOTCFG /Rebuild

This process may take some time to complete,

Once that is done, just type CHKDSK /R /F .

This procees again will take some time as it will check the disk status. Do note it can take up to 30 minutes or more on slower machines.

Once the check disk process is complete, complete the whole process by typing FIXBOOT and click enter.

You will be given a prompt that reads “Sure you want to write a new bootsector to the partition C: ?”

Simply type Y for yes. Once done, type exit to restart your PC. You will now be able to boot normally on your Windows XP.

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In Windows or linux we are fond of seeing users migrating to OpenOffice.org.

Why?

Simply because it’s open-source and it’s free.

However what about the Apple MAC users?

Based on the OpenOffice.org, the open source community build Neo Office.

Let’s go into further details.

Neo Office is another OpenOffice.org actually except it is for MAC users only.

Based on the Open Document Format (ODF), Neo Office provides a full-featured office suite for your MAC.

Neo Office Includes :-

1. Word Processing
2. Spreadsheet
3. Presentation
4. Drawing
5. Database

As you can see in the interface (above), there’s not much difference as compared to OpenOffice.org applications in Windows or Linux.

However it has its laidback in supporting the new Microsoft Office formats whic are xml-based.

Izzy Rocks column :

1) No risk in trying this application.

2) However, you need to note there might be alignment differences when opening a Microsoft Office application. This happens in OpenOffice.org and it also happens in tis suite.

3) Loading time is also much slower as compared to Microsoft Office.

4) Similarly like Microsoft Office, there will be bugs on the software and you need to check the official website NeoOffice.org for updated patches.


To get you free office suite for your Mac OSX ==> Click Here

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It’s been a long while since I did any posting for my blog; I had to apologize to all my loyal readers out there.

Anyway I went to the PC Show yesterday and it was cool .

I know more will be coming to the event this weekend …. so I decided to post something of your benefit (everyone I suppose) …… The Price List.

The PC Show 2008 Price List is something of a lot of people’s request and here is the link

*Courtesy of hardwarezone forum - Pricelist PC Show 2008

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For most of you who have downloaded this software will find it one of the best softwares that you simply can’t let go off ……???????? ????? ????????

The software I am talking about is VEOH TV.

It is said to be one of the most popular applications downloaded by millions of users today and you might want to get hold of this FREE software right now!

I’ll be reviewing about this software today and why is it good have to it installed on your laptop this goes to all computers in general .

Till the day I explored this beautiful piece of software; the day has never been the same again.

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I’m back with the number 2 of this series and as we are moving closer to number 1, just a sneek peek on what is upcoming on Laptop Info Today.

There will be new products that I’ll be reviewing within the next couple of months so you might want to subscribe to my RSS feed to get the latest information or updates of the new and upcoming posts via RSS.

As ever the PC show 2008 is coming to town (12 till 15 June 2008).

As always I’ll be covering that as well and judging by the overwhelming response I had received ( a staggering 200 odd visitors per day on this site), you bet I’ll be covering more tips on how to make the event work to your advantage.

Also there will be an “Izzy Rocks” column at the end of every post from now on. This is my personal opinion and comments after my overall review which you may or not find it useful. Generally it is un-bias opinion that’s all.

Now let’s get back to the topic which I’m reviewing today which is the number 2 laptop that is budgeted below the $1K value.

If you are familiar with Laptop branding, you will find this brand very familiar. It has to be because it is one of the largest notebook making companies in the world and being at number 2 it is not very surprising according to my standards .

What notebook brand am I talking about?

Of course it must be an ACER.

Acer is one of the largest notebook companies and because of it is value for money deal, the number 2 notebook of this review series is the Acer Aspire 5920-6954 notebook.

Before I move further let us check out on the specs.

1. CPU: 1.66-GHz Core 2 Duo T5450
2. Display Size (inches): 15.4
3. Wide Screen: Yes
4. Total HD Size (GB): 250
5. Min. Weight (lbs.): 7.2
6. Price When Reviewed: $999

This Acer notebook is one for the home users. Due to the large 15.4 inch widescreen LCD, you will expect it to be heavy (around 7.2 pounds in weight), that aches on my shoulders .

Unlike most budgeted laptops, this laptop is built to be HD ready (which simply means you can hook this fine electronic computer to your High Definition LCD TV). That will be awesome if you’re playing games such as Far Cry which a big LCD monitor in front of you.

In terms of sound, the speakers have an in-built sub-woofer for that nice and deep bass sound for the musical listeners out there. Best of all, you need not even need to launch Windows if you only want to listen music from the computer!

Izzy Rocks Says: -

This beauty machine is a top notch machine for home users out there. Not only it is cost effective but it has the capabilities of what high end computers are having.

My disadvantage point has only been the weight which can be a pain on the shoulders if you are always carrying it around with you.

For the gaming section, you might have to cash in a couple of bucks to get the nVdia Go GeForce 8600M GS card with 256mB graphics memory installed as the budget one will come only with the Intel 950 built in graphics.

This is a recommended product for “Home” users and all I can say is that this product is a GEM of an item.

Rating (out of ten):- 8.3

The number one budget laptop is coming very soon ……. stay tuned.

Meanwhile you can leave your comment below….

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Have you ever wonder or even waited for the defragmentation process to complete?

Is Windows Vista Disk Defragmenter a much bigger bug than XP’s?

If your answer is yes to the above 2 questions, you should definitely continue to take valueable notes off this post.

For those who have already use this third party software, I’m sure there are smiles on your faces. But to those who have not, take details on my review on this powerful, yet free, software:

The AusLogic Disk Defrag.

When I came across this software, I was quite spectacle on the results that it will provide me but after running the in-built Windows Vista Disk Defragmenter for the first time; I know that I need to find a better alternative to the slow yet unfriendly interface that Windows Vista Disk Defragmenter provides.

Flaws to the in-built design:-

1. It does not inform the user the progress that the defragmenter is processing.
2. It is slow, much worse than Windows 98 version.
3. You are going to wonder when is this going to end, the cursor just kept you moving in circles.
4. There is no reporting format to the user, what is being defragmented/ how much space has it save after the process/ how many percent will your computer improve after being defragmented.

Furthermore, this is a free software, an excellent one too.

Izzy Rocks Recommends :

1. This is a must download for anyone who uses Windows Vista.
2. It improves your performance of your computer by at least 20%, this is tested on my own Lenovo laptop.
3. Better do it now, before AusLogic decided to make it a paid software in the future. (Who knows …. I’m speculating but it might be true )

Download this free software === > HERE

This software also worked well for the Windows XP platform.

Leave your comments below.

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With news looming on the next Windows Operating System, codenamed “Windows 7“, I’ll not banking on Microsoft to cash successfully in this one either.

Lets face it.

Windows Vista is still buggy and all new laptops purchases comes with the new Windows Vista Operating Systems ( whichever versions or editions that may be).

Anyway or anyhow more users are currently using this software while majority still resisting and choose to remain with the vulnerable Windows XP systems.

My Question…..

What make you think Windows 7 will be a success?

Even the release of the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is kept at a very low profile, unlike XP’s Service Pack 2 release.

With disadvantages aside, I still believe WIndows Vista is, nonetheless, a very good operating system.

It will still take time for people to adapt to the changes and hopefully this can happen sooner rather than later in the future.

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I am now following up my previous post on the top 5 laptops that are value under $1K.

Next at Number 3, we have the indispensable Dell Inspiron 1525.

Dell is one of the major brands in the laptop market and it would be very surprising if they are not ranked on the the top 5 list even.

Lets check out the specs of this cool gadget:-

1. CPU:-  2 GHz Core 2 Duo T7250
2. Display Size (inches):-  15.4
3. Wide Screen:-  Yes
4. Total HD Size (GB):- 120
5. Min. Weight (lbs.):- 6
6. Price When Reviewed:- $999

My conclusion - The customization options of this ultra cool notebook will allow shoppers to choose what type of hardware they need for this laptop via their website.

Rating (out of ten):- 8.2

As we move closely to Number 1, I’ll be adding a couple of other posts which might interest you all.

So stay tuned.

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You have already now know that the Toshiba Satellite Pro A210-EZ2201 is at Number 5, guess who is at Number 4.

If you are into laptop branding, the next one needs no further introduction.

Fujitsu has been making laptops for quite a while now and their Lifebook series are quite inspiring, especially for business users.

The Fujitsu Lifebook S7211 is the Number 4 pick and let us look now at the specs.

1. CPU:- 1.6-GHz Pentium Dual-Core T2330
2. Display Size (inches):- 14.1
3. Wide Screen:- Yes
4. Total HD Size (GB):- 120
5. Min. Weight (lbs.):- 5.2
6. Price When Reviewed:- $899

My conclusion - A lightweight portable and thin laptop for budget-minded road warriors.

Rating (out of ten):- 7.8

I’ll be right back with the Number 3 laptop that is on the TOP 5 Budget List, stay tuned.

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Hi …. and welcome again to another post from Laptop Info Today.

As computer hardware prices slipped down tremendously , users might want to know the “budget out of the budget” models of laptops (whether it due to budget or for your personal information)

Today I will be showcasing the top 5 laptops that are under the $1K mark.

At Number 5 - Toshiba Satellite Pro A210-EZ2201

Specs :-

1. CPU:- 1.8-GHz Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-55
2. Display Size (inches):- 15.4
3. Wide Screen:- Yes
4. Total HD Size (GB):- 80
5. Min. Weight (lbs.):- 6
6. Price When Reviewed:- $699

My conclusion - It has sweet built-in speakers but unfortunately it’s too slow for demanding users.

Rating (out of ten):- 7.7

Stay tune for the next post as I unveil to you who is at Number 4.

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