Facebook: "Share Posts to Group" Google Chrome Repair

I was unable to share posts, links, and pictures to my newly created Facebook group from my main News Feed.  Performing some web searches, I found that some folks had success using different browsers and one person suspected the web browsers cache caused this problem for Chrome.  One alternative is to drop your membership of all groups then get reinvited back in.  Instead, I cleared a weeks worth of browser information and now I can share posts to my group.  If you're using Google Chrome, here are the steps to take:

 1.  From your Facebook News Feed, select an item and attempt to share it with your group.  Verify that your groups name does NOT show up in the autofill list.

2.  From your Google Chrome web browser, click on the upper right button labeled "Customize and control Google Chrome." Click on Tools, Clear browsing data...

WARNING: This next step will delete information from your Google Chrome web browser.  Read more if you're concerned about this.

3.  I most likely overkilled my data abolishment but start with "the past hour" and select "Empty the cache" and "Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data."  After you've selected these items, click on "Clear browsing data."  Close Chrome, start Chrome, log back into Facebook and try sharing to your group again.  If you still can't share to your group, increase the deletion period and/or add checkboxes to the "Obliterate" list.  Your success will vary based on your browsing history, sites visited, and other web-based events, add-ons, Chrome Extensions, and such.

4.  Your group will autofill once you've successfully deleted the group of data that was messing up your Facebook experience.

PowerShell: Resolve Remote Host and IPv4 Address

Update: I found the script block only works on local hosts.  As such, I found another way to get the remote host name and IP via PowerShellASP.

<%$ipaddress = [net.IPAddress]::Parse($request.UserHostAddress)%>

<%$UserHostname = [System.Net.Dns]::gethostentry($ipaddress.ipaddresstostring)%>
<%$UserHostname = $UserHostName.hostname -replace ".domain.suffix",""%>
Your Computers IP:<%=$ipaddress%> & Host Name:<%=$userhostname%><br><hr>

Click here to find your public IP address without using PowerShellASP.

I don't know if this helps but I've been working on a way to obtain the remote host name and IP for my PowerShellASP site.  Every several searches and testing, I found .net commands which extract the host name and an IPv4 adddress:

#PowerShell Script
$remotehostname = [system.net.dns]::gethostname()
#I noticed the ScopeID of IPv4 addresses is always $null, so I used that to find the IPv4 address
$remotehostipv4 = [system.net.dns]::gethostaddresses($remote)|?{$_.scopeid -eq $null}|%{$_.ipaddresstostring}
#Sample line displaying the host and IP.
$remotehostname,$remotehostipv4

Then I applied them to a test PowerShellASP file:

<%$remote = [system.net.dns]::gethostname()%>

<%$remoteip = [system.net.dns]::gethostaddresses($remote)|?{$_.scopeid -eq $null}|%{$_.ipaddresstostring}%>

Remote IP: <%=$remoteip%><br>

Remote: <%=$remote%>

By obtaining the remote host name and IP (a PowerShellASP website visiting computer), I can create a remote connection and run PowerShell commands on the remote host for the user.  By default, PowerShellASP will run all commands on the server, meaning that a request to see how much hard drive space is left will be ran on the server.  This will return the server's remaining hard drive space result to the remote user.  Frankly, the user doesn't care about the servers hard drives and really wants to know about their own hard drives.  To perform this request, the web server has to create a remote WMI connection and run the command. Having the remote host information allows this to happen.

Virtual PC: Mounting a Windows 7 32-bit VM

The following is an overview of the Windows 7 Virtual Machine (VM) for Windows 7 Virtual PC creation process:
1. Download the AIK (MS Automated Installation Kit) with SP1.
2. Copy a file from the AIK to a hard drive with ample room for the VM.
3. Download and move a script which converts a Windows 7 install CD into a VHD.
4. Download and install Windows 7 Virtual PC.
5. Create a virtual machine.
6. Start the Windows 7 VHD virtual machine.
7. Install Windows 7 as normal.
8. Install the Integration Components.

Detailed Instructions:
1. Download the Automated Installation Kit; which is an ISO file.  ISO's are not normally readable by Windows so I used Slysoft's free virtual clone drive.  Slysoft's software will install a virtual DVD drive which shows up in the system tray with a new drive letter.



Right click on its system tray icon and "mount" the AIK.ISO file that you downloaded.  Let autorun start the AIK install or alternatively double-click on StartCD.exe.  Install the software.

2. Download the Automated Installation Kit Service Pack 1.  Mount the downloaded waik_supplement_en-us (or equiv).ISO and copy the contents into the AIK PETools folder (c:\program files\Windows AIK\Tools\PETools - if you used the defaults).
3. Download the Microsoft WIM2VHD.WSF script. Now you want to copy WIM2VHD.WSF to a large drive.  This will be the location where your new Windows 7 virtual drive will be created.  Also, go into c:\program files\windows AIK\Tools\ and copy imageex.exe (from the appropriate CPU-type subfolder) to the same drive as WIM2VHD.WSF.
4. Make your Windows 7 32-bit DVD/USB source accessible and run this command from an elevated command line (right-click cmd.exe runas-administrator) from the folder which has WIM2VHD.WSF and imageex.exe:
cscript wim2vhd.wsf /wim:d:\sources\install.wim /sku:{professional|enterprise|ultimate} 
note: d: - current Windows 7 install source location; sku type is Windows version (pick one).

 

5.  When the script successfully completes, it will create the VHD file and place it in the folder where you ran the script.  It will have a name similar to this:
(6.1.7600.16385.x86fre.win7_rtm.090713-1255.Enterprise.en-US.vhd)

6. Download Windows Virtual PC. You'll have to pass a Windows license verification authentication first.  Also, check your computer to ensure it can support a virtual machine.  Your BIOS and components have to possess this capability and download and run this Microsoft tool to test your computer.  After you have tested for compatibility and validated your license, install Windows Virtual PC.  You will have the choice of installing the 32 or 64 bit version.  For some reason, I can only use 32-bit virtual machines even though I have the 64-bit Virtual PC software.  I think it might be a software limitation.  Also, be aware that if you've disabled the Windows Update service, this software will be unable to install.

7.  From the Start Menu, open Windows Virtual PC.  Create a Virtual Machine and select your newly created VHD.  After creating the VM, click on Settings and review/alter the settings to suit your needs.

8.  Open the VM and you'll see it perform sysprep steps as it installs Windows 7 in your Virtual Machine.
9. When finished, it will act like a normal Windows installation and need anti-virus, security patches, and other normal utilities.
10.  Ensure to install the Integration Tools found on the VM's Tools menu.  This will allow you to move your mouse in and out of the VM without it being captured.  To break your mouse out of the VM, press the Windows keyboard key.

This blog entry based on information from:
http://forums.mydigitallife.info/archive/index.php/t-32822.html
http://www.hanselman.com/blog/StepByStepTurningAWindows7DVDOrISOIntoABootableVHD VirtualMachine.aspx

Facebook: Stop Trending Videos in your News Feed

Trending Videos is a new unwanted Facebook addition to your News Feed.  Since the Trending Videos is grayed out, you can't directly block any Trending Video application.  Instead, the easy way to remove these news stream entries is by individually hiding all the source applications such as Socialcam.  If Trending Videos has no source app videos to select from, then you've stopped Trending Videos from appearing in your stream.  Here's how to block the source apps:

Move your mouse cursor to the upper right corner of the linked video and click on the X that appears
(note that the Trending Videos article is shaded gray)

Select "Hide all by Socialcam"

You'll receive a confirmation that Socialcam posts will be blocked from your News Feed

Here is another example blocking Yidio trending articles:

Windows 7 Icon Files

I read a frustrating article on TechRepublic about the locations of the icon files in Windows 7.  Every file location was in it's own picture with the associated icons.  The article was 16 pages long with unviewable icons.  Here is a one page viewable icon post:

Windows 7 icon files and their locations, with all of the icons from the listed files:
1. c:\windows\system32\shell32.dll
2. c:\windows\explorer.exe
3. c:\windows\system32\accessibilitycpl.dll
4. c:\windows\system32\ddores.dll
5. c:\windows\system32\gameux.dll
6. c:\windows\system32\imageres.dll
7. c:\windows\system32\moricons.dll
8. c:\windows\system32\mmcndmgr.dll
9. c:\windows\system32\mmres.dll
10. c:\windows\system32\netcenter.dll
11. c:\windows\system32\netshell.dll
12. c:\windows\system32\networkexplorer.dll
13. c:\windows\system32\pifmgr.dll
14. c:\windows\system32\pnidui.dll
15. c:\windows\system32\sensorscpl.dll
16. c:\windows\system32\setupapi.dll
17. c:\windows\system32\wmploc.dll
18. c:\windows\system32\wpdshext.dll

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(error 0x000006d9) Printer Sharing Error

Windows 7 and 2008 R2 both have a weird problem when sharing printers.  I found this out when trying to share a generic/text only printer.  At first I thought it was invalid characters in the printers name or the spaces I used, but thanks to an article by Tomas, I got it working.  Here's how:

1.  Runas /u:administrator net start "windows firewall"  (you'll have to know the local admin password)
2. Share your printer
3. Runas /u:administrator net stop "windows firewall"

Leave a comment if this doesn't work for you.

Watch out Microsoft and Apple, here comes Googles Chromebook Laptop!

A great article from ReadWriteWeb compared the new Google ChromeOS laptop and an HP laptop running Windows7.  Their findings complete the user data storage paradigm.  During MainFrame days, user data was stored on a central server and users accessed it via (dumb) terminals.  The brainless and diskless terminals sent keystrokes and received video responses from the server.  This paradigm changed drastically in the 80's when most people began using personal computers, with or without servers and networks.  From then on, people have had the choice of storing their data locally either on their hard drive, floppy disks, CD's, DVD's, or to a "file" server.  Many have found that possessing their pictures, spreadsheets, security information, and the like on a local hard drive comes at a price.  Without a proper user data backup plan, a hard drive failure is catastrophic.  One backup strategy is to purchase an online service which automatically backs up local data to Internet-connected servers.

With the advancement of Web 2.0 and Google's foresight, there will be a paradigm shift back and user data will again be housed (and protected) on remote servers.  Google's Chromebook laptop is an access portal to their Internet-housed operating system.  This iteration of server-based user data storage trumps the original one by allowing access to said data by any device that can reach the Internet and securely log into the Google account holding the information.  The data is not directly tied to the users Chromebook or physical location.

With ChromeOS, the web browser becomes the main computer application most people will use daily.  Google merely uses this simple to learn interface to extend the users experience.  The user gains speed, simplicity, security, and less of a training curve with Google's adherence to the KISS principal.  Another feature of ChromeOS is the ability to use Windows for programs that have no clean equivalent in the Google environment.

As an option during the transition from Windows to ChromeOS, ASUS is developing a new hybrid laptop which will have both Windows8 and ChromeOS.  The ASUS user will have a choice at startup as to which operating system to use.

In conclusion, with Google's entry in the Operating System market, their propensity to using Open Source and free software, and the shear avalanche of mobile computing devices, both Apple and Microsoft are on watch.  Apple will continue to innovate yet limit application development freedom within their devices and Microsoft will fade into obsolescence much like they did to their competitors: Word Perfect, Lotus, Netscape, Novell, and numerous others.

Alternative Biological Sensory Inputs

Baylor College is developing a vest which captures auditory (and soom more types) inputs and translates them into electrical streams which get sent to the brain as input.  Video courtesy of www.bigthink.com.

Facebook: Blocking Zynga Slingo

I enjoy Facebook but some "features" are annoying.  One pet peeve of mine is application requests from friends playing their Facebook games.  Facebook's Help Center provided nice information on how to stop these requests from showing up.

1.  To remove Zynga Slingo application requests from appearing on your Facebook page, type "Zynga Slingo" into the search field at the top of your page.  Select the resulting Zynga Slingo App Page and NOT their Game page.

2. Go to the right side of the "Play Game" drop down menu and click on the down arrow.  Select Block App.

3. Click Okay to block the app.  You will no longer see your friends' progress in the game nor will you be pestered by their Zynga Slingo app requests.

4.  This technique can apply to any Facebook application.  Some software developers name the app the same as the page so when you try to directly block the app by clicking on the X next to the request, it goes to the App page which assumes you want to install the program instead of removing the request.

PowerShell 2.0 and WMI remoting for Windows XP

This is how to install PowerShell 2.0 and WMI for Windows XP via batch file which minimizes the installation process replication.

1. Create a server share that all your computers can access (i.e. \\server\share$)

2. Download the full DotNet Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 (dotnetfx35.exe)and place the file into the \\server\share$ location.

2. Download PS 2.0 for XP (WindowsXP-KB968930-x86-ENG.exe) and place the file into the \\server\share$ location.

3. You will create two new scripts in your \\server\share$ folder.  One will be the installation batch file and the other will be a WMI remote-enabling PowerShell script.

     First the batch file:

1. if not exist "%SystemRoot%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v3.5\Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1\*.*" \\server\share$\dotnetfx35.exe (you will have to interact with this executable should it need to install)
2. if not exist "%SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" \\server\share$\WindowsXP-KB968930-x86-ENG.exe /q (no interaction needed)
3. regedit /i /s \\server\share$\unrestrictedps.reg (create a .reg file with:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell]
"Path"="C:\\Windows\\System32\\WindowsPowerShell\\v1.0\\powershell.exe"
"ExecutionPolicy"="Unrestricted"

     4. "%SystemRoot%\system32\WindowsPowerShell\v1.0\powershell.exe" \\server\share$\XP-enableremote.ps1

     Then the PowerShell script:

1. enable-psremoting -force
2. set-item wsman:localhost\client\trustedhosts -value * -force

The file share can be read-only as there's no need to have the client write back to the location.  For step one of the batch file, you can use automation strings for the dotnet executable but I prefer to know if 3.5 SP1 is going to be installed.  Also, 3.5 SP1 needs Windows XP service pack 3 installed.  Step three of the batch file is to allow PowerShell scripts to run.  This is the equivalent to setting the Execution policy from inside of PowerShell.   Step two of the PowerShell script was necessary due to PS's innate security.  It won't allow anonymous WMI connections unless told to.  I set the value to * (everyone) but you may want to be more restrictive and actually create a valid trusted host list.

Original Microsoft Articles:

Scripting Guy Article

Scripting Guy Wife Article

Bionic Eye by 2020

Dr. Kaku explaining new MIT super camera

Create a bootable Windows 7 USB Drive

I've read several articles on how to create bootable USB drives for Windows 7 installs but for some reason have show-stopping issues. As such, I've combined two articles which worked for me:

1. You must have a working and valid Windows 7 DVD, 32 or 64-bit
2. You must have a 4 GB+ USB drive (format-ready)
3. Insert the USB drive into a USB port and the Windows 7 DVD in the DVD drive
4. Click on Start, Programs, Accessories, (Right-Click) Command Prompt, Run as administrator

5. Type DISKPART from the command prompt
6. LIST DISK to show all the drives
7. SELECT DISK n ; n = USB drive number (don't pick your hard drive number or you'll erase your hard drive)
8. CLEAN (wipes your USB drives partition table and all data)
9. CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
10. SELECT PARTITION 1 
11. ACTIVE (to make the partition bootable)
12. FORMAT FS=NTFS QUICK (quick format your new bootable USB partition)
13. ASSIGN (assigns a drive letter to your drive -- if it doesn't already have one)
14. EXIT (exit DISKPART but stays in command.exe
15. Go back to your command prompt and type – assuming D: is your DVD drive with the install DVD, and E: is your USB drive.  D:\BOOT\BOOTSECT.EXE /NT60 E:

This will basically make your USB drive bootable.


16. Either from the command prompt or Windows Explorer, copy the entire contents of your Windows 7 DVD to your new USB drive.
17. Remove your USB drive and place it into the computer which needs it.  Reboot that computer and press the Boot Menu key (usually F12 or F10).  Select USB as the first boot device.  If everything went well, you'll see  Windows 7 boot and start it's installation sequence.

I thank these two sites for their combined information:

IP and Domain Checks via a Chrome Extension

If you're using Google's Chrome web browser, you've probably noticed the extensions library that adds more functionality to your browsing experience.  If you work with computers or websites, a very nice extension can be found here:
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/lhgkegeccnckoiliokondpaaalbhafoa?hl=en-US

It gives so much IP and Domain information and any valid DNS or IP address can be entered into it's search box.  Give it a try, it's awesome!

Mail Server Checks

While reading an article about troubleshooting an Exchange server, a person linked this website:
http://www.spam10.com/

It has some great utilities for not only email servers but all Internet-aimed servers.  It has DNS Lookup, a Blacklist checker, IP physical location finder, MX Record lookup for domains, Ping, Trace Route, Telnet replies, and more.  Check it out.

Customizing Windows 7 Installations

For those of us who install Windows 7 a bunch, there's stuff we'd like to remove, alter, or update.  Thanks to rt7lite, this can now be performed during the initial installation, saving a lot of repetition.  Take a look to see if this free product can help you create more efficient Windows 7 installations.


http://www.rt7lite.com/rt-se7en-lite.html

Windows 7 Run Commands

I recently joined a Microsoft System Administrators group in Linkedin and found this list of commands available to anyone running Windows 7.  I find running commands to access programs, control panel applets, and the like is quicker by pressing (Windows Key) + R and typing in a command.  Here is the list of commands:


Administrative Tools

Administrative Tools = control admintools
Authorization Manager = azman.msc
Component Services = dcomcnfg
Certificate Manager = certmgr.msc
Direct X Troubleshooter = dxdiag
Display Languages = lpksetup
ODBC Data Source Administrator = odbcad32
File Signature Verification Tool = sigverif
Group Policy Editor = gpedit.msc
Add Hardware Wizard = hdwwiz.cpl
iSCSI Initiator = iscsicpl
Iexpress Wizard = iexpress
Local Security Settings = secpol.msc
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool = msdt
Microsoft Management Console = mmc
Print management = printmanagement.msc
Printer User Interface = printui
Problems Steps Recorder = psr
People Near Me = p2phost
Registry Editor = regedit or regedt32
Resoure Monitor = resmon
System Configuration Utility = msconfig
Resultant Set of Policy = rsop.msc
SQL Server Client Configuration = cliconfg
Task Manager = taskmgr
Trusted Platform Module = tpm.msc
TPM Security Hardware = TpmInit
Windows Remote Assistance = msra
Windows Share Folder Creation Wizard = shrpubw
Windows Standalong Update Manager = wusa
Windows System Security Tool = syskey
Windows Script Host Settings = wscript
Windows Version = winver
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security = wf.msc
Windows Memory Diagnostic = MdSched
Windows Malicious Removal Tool = mrt


Computer Management

Computer Management = compmgmt.msc or CompMgmtLauncher
Task Scheduler = control schedtasks
Event Viewer = eventvwr.msc
Shared Folders/MMC = fsmgmt.msc
Local Users and Groups = lusrmgr.msc
Performance Monitor = perfmon.msc
Device Manager = devmgmt.msc
Disk Management = diskmgmt.msc
Services = services.msc
Windows Management Infrastructure = wmimgmt.msc

Conrtol Panel

Control Panel = control
Action Center= wscui.cpl
Autoplay = control.exe /name Microsoft.autoplay
Backup and Restore = sdclt
Create a System Repair disc = recdisc
BDE Administrator = bdeadmin.cpl
Color Management = colorcpl
Credential Manager = control.exe /name Microsoft.CredentialManager
Credential Manager Stored User Names and Passwords = credwiz
Date and Time Properties = timedate.cpl
Default Programs = control.exe /name Microsoft.DefaultPrograms
Set Program Access and Computer Defaults = control appwiz.cpl,,3 or ComputerDefaults
Devices and Printers = control printers
Devices and Printers Add a Device = DevicePairingWizard
Display = dpiscaling
Screen Resolution = desk.cpl
Display Color Calibration = dccw
Cleartype Text Tuner = cttune
Folders Options = control folders
Fonts = control fonts
Getting Started = GettingStarted
HomeGroup = control.exe /name Microsoft.HomeGroup
Indexing Options = control.exe /name Microsoft.IndexingOptions
Internet Properties = inetcpl.cpl
Keyboard = control keyboard
Location and Other Sensors = control.exe /name Microsoft.LocationandOtherSensors
Location Notifications = LocationNotifications
Mouse = control mouse or main.cpl
Network and Sharing Center = control.exe /name Microsoft.NetworkandSharingCenter
Network Connections = control netconnections or ncpa.cpl
Notification Area Icons = control.exe /name Microsoft.NotificationAreaIcons
Parental Controls = control.exe /name Microsoft.ParentalControls
Performance Information = control.exe /name Microsoft.PerformanceInformationandTools
Personalization = control desktop
Windows Color and Appearance = control color
Phone and Modem Options = telephon.cpl
Power Configuration = powercfg.cpl
Programs and Features = appwiz.cpl or control appwiz.cpl
Optional Features Manager = optionalfeatures or control appwiz.cpl,,2
Recovery = control.exe /name Microsoft.Recovery
Regional and Language = intl.cpl
RemoteApp = control.exe /name Microsoft.RemoteAppandDesktopConnections
Sound = mmsys.cpl
Volume Mixer = sndvol
System Properties = sysdm.cpl or Windows logo key + Pause/Break
SP ComputerName Tab = SystemPropertiesComputerName
SP Hardware Tab = SystemPropertiesHardware
SP Advanced Tab = SystemPropertiesAdvanced
SP Performance = SystemPropertiesPerformance
SP Data Execution Prevention = SystemPropertiesDataExecutionPrevention
SP Protection Tab = SystemPropertiesProtection
SP Remote Tab = SystemPropertiesRemote
Windows Activation = slui
Windows Activation Phone Numbers = slui 4
Taskbar and Start Menu = control.exe /name Microsoft.TaskbarandStartMenu
Troubleshooting = control.exe /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting
User Accounts = control.exe /name Microsoft.UserAccounts
User Account Control Settings = UserAccountControlSettings
User Accounts Windows 2000/domain version = netplwiz or control userpasswords2
Encryption File System = rekeywiz
Windows Anytime Upgrade = WindowsAnytimeUpgradeui
Windows Anytime Upgrade Results = WindowsAnytimeUpgradeResults
Windows CardSpace = control.exe /name Microsoft.cardspace
Windows Firewall = firewall.cpl
WindowsSideshow = control.exe /name Microsoft.WindowsSideshow
Windows Update App Manager = wuapp

Accessories

Calculator = calc
Command Prompt = cmd
Connect to a Network Projector = NetProj
Presentation Settings = PresentationSettings
Connect to a Projector = displayswitch or Windows logo key + P
Notepad = notepad
Microsoft Paint = mspaint.exe
Remote Desktop Connection = mstsc
Run = Windows logo key + R
Snipping Tool = snippingtool
Sound Recorder = soundrecorder
Sticky Note = StikyNot
Sync Center = mobsync
Windows Mobility Center (Only on Laptops) = mblctr or Windows logo key + X
Windows Explorer = explorer or Windows logo key + E
Wordpad = write
Ease of Access Center = utilman or Windows logo key + U
Magnifier = magnify
Narrator = Narrator
On Screen Keyboard = osk
Private Character Editor = eudcedit
Character Map = charmap
Ditilizer Calibration Tool = tabcal
Disk Cleanup Utility = cleanmgr
Defragment User Interface = dfrgui
Internet Explorer = iexplore
Rating System = ticrf
Internet Explorer (No Add-ons) = iexplore -extoff
Internet Explorer (No Home) = iexplore about:blank
Phone Dialer = dialer
Printer Migration = PrintBrmUi
System Information = msinfo32
System Restore = rstrui
Windows Easy Transfer = migwiz
Windows Media Player = wmplayer
Windows Media Player DVD Player = dvdplay
Windows Fax and Scan Cover Page Editor = fxscover
Windows Fax and Scan = wfs
Windows Image Acquisition = wiaacmgr
Windows PowerShell ISE = powershell_ise
Windows PowerShell = powershell
XPS Viewer = xpsrchvw

Open Documents folder = documents
Open Pictures folder = pictures
Open Music folder = music
Open Favorites folder = favorites
Open Downloads folder = downloads
Logs out of Windows = logoff
Shuts Down Windows = shutdown


Reference