Virus and Unable to Show Hidden Files

If you find your computer unable to show hidden files, the chance is that your computer is already being hijacked by a trojan! Even you try to configure your Explorer to show hidden and protected files, the settings simply not being saved.

SOLUTION - Check these registry keys:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN - make sure the values for "CheckedValue" and "DefaultValue" should be 2
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL - make sure the values for "CheckedValue" should be equal to 1 and "DefaultValue" should be equal to 2

Besides, make sure that all these key values are of the type "DWORD". Some trojans are so cunning that they make the values correct but with the wrong type. If the values are not of DWORD, delete the key and create a new one of the type DWORD, keep the name exactly the same as it should be.

Now is the time to proceed to full scan your computer for viruses!!

Working on the iPAQ H3950

Someone has recently given me an old Compaq iPAQ to see if anything could be done to make it workable, well... anyway... just to give it a try...

Change the OS from Traditional Chinese to English
Google a lot, and many people say using MTTY to upgrade the ROM - no success, with error message "...error connecting to Host".

Then, I found an easy way - simply download the English ROM from HP's website. Then, open the ".nbf" file with an editor like "UltraEdit" (download the trial version will do). Look at the very first line of the ".nbf" file, which is the ROM file. Change the language identifier text, e.g. "ENG", to the language in your current PDA, such as "CHT". This will fool the upgrade program that it's a Chinese ROM!

Now, run the upgrade program and follow the upgrade instructions. Done!


 "error occured while formatting storage card folder (error code 31)
Read many posts on forums that iPAQ 3900 series not support 2GB SD card. In fact, in my test 2GB SD card is fully supported. Check if your card is formatted with FAT.

However, many have experienced the error code 31 when inserting their SD card into slot, including me. The slot is either unstable or simply stop reading any card. What I found out is that the slot has a pin crooked! Get a torch and see if this is the cause of your IPAQ not reading any SD card...

In my case, what I did is to open the iPAQ case and straighten the pin of the SD card slot. Now, it works again!!

Skype being banned in China

In these couple of days many were discussing the sudden news that Skype is being banned in China. The news started on Dec 30, 2010 and quickly spread, becoming a heat topic of discussion.

The actual impact is not yet known. However, for sure under the "one country two system" policy, Hong Kong and Macao should not be affected. But, communication with friends or relatives in China will probably soon experience interruptions of Skype service. Interestingly, a few days ago Skype users had already experienced interruptions, as some "supernode" "technical problems" had caused Skype service temporary down. I believe that the incident is actually related to the China Government's new law.

From the legal point of view, China has made it illegal to use Skype in the country. This certainly restricts the growth of Skype business in China. The rationale is obviously - to protect the huge and fast growing VOIP market in China. In comparison, Skype can be 10 times cheaper than the other local telecom providers.

Technically, it may be difficult to shut down Skype completely in China, especially the Skype PC to PC calls. Even China can do it, there are still other options and people are always able to find ways to work around. Still, there are much inconvenience as nowadays people and business depend so much on Skype commmunications.

Let's keep an eye on the future development. Too bad!!