Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2010 September 17

Welcome to the Wikipedia Computing Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

September 17

Copying pictures between camera and PC

Hello ,I am asking this question again ,-I inserted my SD card from my camera into the port on my PC but after removing it when returned to the camera it says no images ! I am on Windows 7 home premium , and if I insert the card back into my PC I can see the files of pictures ,and I tried to send them to the card but that wont work because the capacity of the card is occupied .How can I recover these pictures to the card ? AlanwrigAlanwrig (talk) 06:17, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Did you look at the answers to your original question? --Phil Holmes (talk) 08:21, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Do you have special software to copy or move the files. Just inserting the SD card or even copying the files to your PC would not affect the readability on your camera unless something else was written back to the card by your PC, or some control files were deleted. If you didn't do this, then there are two possibilities: 1) Malware could have written something nasty to your SD card. 2) There is a fault on your SD card. Is it important that you have the pictures in your camera rather than on your computer? Many cameras are very fussy about having anything written back to the card. Even rotating an image can make it unreadable by the camera software. If you have a copy of the pictures, I suggest that you just reformat the card on your camera and start again. You will need to do this eventually unless you have an unlimited supply of SD cards. Dbfirs 12:08, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Obviously the SD card is formatted in a way win7 doesn't read Quadrupedaldiprotodont (talk) 15:15, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Clearly a bad answer. Quadrupedaldiprotodont, please read the question more carefully before posting. Comet Tuttle (talk) 17:33, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

As far as I know, Windows will read all camera card formatting, and thus will be able to copy any camera files. There might be some file extensions used by some cameras (raw formats?) that you will need special software to convert to a format that your Windows software can display, but this is completely separate from the formatting of the card itself. Cards used in cameras should always be formatted by the camera, not by the computer (though they usually work with a standard format by the computer). We need more details of the exact camera, and the exact problem if further help is requested. Dbfirs 07:51, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

I would say that isn't entirely true. ExFAT is the recommended format for SDXC and Memory Stick XC and while these haven't exactly taken off, there are camera which use them which I would guess can use exFAT. While Windows XP can support exFAT with an update, from what I can tell it's not installed with Windows update under normal circumstances so it's not that unlikely someone may have Windows XP without exFAT support. Windows Vista doesn't support exFAT from a RTM install but support is added with SP1 so it's less likely someone would have Windows Vista without exFAT. It's of course theoretically possible a camera may use UDF 2.5 or 2.6 (not supported on Windows XP), UFS2, ext4, HFS+ or whatever but not perhaps a great example since I'm not aware of any like that. In any case, I agree with CT this all seems irrelevant including the RAW bit since from the information provided so far, it appears the OP has copied the files to their computer fine and I presume is able to read them, but is unable to transfer them back to the camera which they wish to do. Nil Einne (talk) 10:31, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the link to ExFAT. I didn't know about that format. Dbfirs 09:25, 19 September 2010 (UTC)

kindle dx graphith

is there going to be an software update for it that will make him support all the kinddle 3 featers?when? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 8.18.145.238 (talk) 12:25, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

solitaire games

Transferred from the Help Desk Rojomoke (talk) 13:35, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

I have upgraded to Window 7 and I would like to know if there is a computer game of solitaire that can be downloaded and played on Window 7 ? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.98.82.84 (talk) 12:49, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

If you can't find your games on Windows 7, Microsoft have an answer to the question "Where are my games?" here -- PhantomSteve/talk|contribs\ 13:36, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

You can also play online http://www.freeplaysolitaire.com/FreePlaySpider.php Quadrupedaldiprotodont (talk) 15:14, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Getting rid of background tasks

When I look at the processes running in the background of my computer, using the Task manager, I find several tasks that I don't see the need to be running all of the time. In fact, they seem to run my computer slowly sometimes. So I go in and delete them with Task manager. But is there a way to make sure they stop running automatically when my PC boots? There are several, but these are the ones I can identify that I don't need running: DivXUpdate.exe Yahoo.AUService.exe AppleMobileDeviceService.exe FreezeScreenSaver.exe realplay.exe realsched.exe GoogleCrashHandler.exe

Everard Proudfoot (talk) 17:24, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

AutoRuns will let you decide what starts and what doesn't. Of those you list, the Apple one might stop inserting an iPod from automatically bringing up iTunes. -- Finlay McWalter ☻ Talk 17:29, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

They may be listed at msconfig. Go to start->run and type msconfig (this will also work in command prompt). See if the programs are listed there.Smallman12q (talk) 17:30, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Background processes don't necessarily have a material affect on computer speed. If they don't take up more than a few thousand kilobytes of memory and mostly sit at 0% CPU usage, their presence is probably doing you no harm (though useless background tasks on Windows do seem inordinately fond of having useless annoying taskbar icons), and it's probably not worth the trouble to get rid of them, even if there are no negative consequences. Paul (Stansifer) 19:16, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

If you are using Windows, then Ccleaner or StartUp Control Panel by Mike Lin can help. 92.29.118.215 (talk) 19:42, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Command prompt

I want to run a few, say 10, command line programs 24/7 on windows 7. Each program takes up a command prompt window, and these are cluttering the task bar and generally being in the way. Is there a way to hide them? I want them gone completely from the task bar, but still working in the background. It is also important that I can bring them back into view at any time; some of the solutions I've already tested hid the programs completely and the only way to view them was to terminate the program at task manager and restart it. 82.44.55.25 (talk) 19:30, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Perhaps something which can minimise the command prompt to the notification area (sometimes called the system tray)? On Windows 7 this means you can hide them so they only show up when you click the arrow to view hidden icons Nil Einne (talk) 19:51, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

You could write a simple AutoIt script making use of the @SW_HIDE and @SW_SHOW macros.Smallman12q (talk) 20:19, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

There is an option to make group similar programs when they are on the task bar. After you have opened a few other things, they will stack up so eventually there will be just one spot on the task bar (see this example). (edit) Actually just noticed the OP said Windows 7, so I'm not sure it still does this with Win 7's thicker task bar. Astronaut (talk) 15:10, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

How to get my tv tuner to work

Resolved

 – Installed a Different Tuner Card. 220.101 talk^\Contribs 11:33, 19 September 2010 (UTC)

Hope someone might be able to help me. I've just installed a new tv tuner card to my pc. It's an analogue pci tuner, branded media-tech and the model number is MT4155. I tried inserting it into both free PCI slots but when I boot up there is no new hardware detected. The packaging only mentions compatibility with Windows 2000 SP4, XP SP2 & Vista, whereas I'm running 7, could this be the issue? This was the first time I plugged something into a motherboard for over ten years and I'm a bit bummed out it didn't work. I've done a bit of googling various combinations of the product & os names but haven't been able to find anything useful. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could offer some guidance. I'm far from savvy. Thanks, Stanstaple (talk) 20:07, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Windows 7 should be fine if it supports Vista although it's not clear if it supports x64 or if your using Windows 7 x64. If it's a recent card I would suspect it does support x64 however. More to the point, if there is no new hardware detected and you're not seeing anything related to it in the device manager, then OS compatibility issues aren't a concern at the moment. Try taking it out and putting it back in perhaps. Does your bios list resource usage at bootup and if so, is there any sign of it there? Nil Einne (talk) 20:13, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm using 32 bit (?) Windows 7 if that's what you're wondering Nil. Again, I'm not tech savvy but I had had a look in device manager and the only thing I could find that seemed in any way relevant was under system devices; and that was only because 'pci' was mentioned, nothing that seemed to relate to a tuner. I tried switching it between the two slots that I have available (one white, the other blue) but no cigar. I'm afraid the bios thing you mentioned is over my head. Is it likely that the tuner itself is broken or that my PCI slots don't work? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Stanstaple (talk • contribs) 20:33, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

My second point was perhaps poorly explained. Do you see a screen similar to File:POST2.jpg while booting up? If you do, do you notice anything related to the TV tuner? It may be multimedia device or something. A simple test would be to see if it changes at all when you add the TV tuner. If you're having trouble viewing the screen, you can try changing the boot devices in the bios so it tries to boot from an optical drive (if you have any) or otherwise a drive it won't boot from. Nil Einne (talk) 20:59, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

After booting I get a relatively low res Intel logo, followed by a couple of seconds of dos like cursor in the upper left of a black screen (no text) and then a 'windows is starting' message over a typical windows wallpaper. Is this one of those times that you need to hit shift or something? Stanstaple (talk) 21:11, 17 September 2010(UTC)

& thanks for your help thus far.

You usually only need to hit a key during boot-up if you want to look at or alter the BIOS settings, the on-board real-time clock for example. This varies between manufacturer and maybe BIOS versions, but DEL or Delete is a common one. It usually says "Press [key] to enter setup" or similar during the boot sequence, (see File:POST P5KPL.jpg. Name brand PCs (Compaq, Dell) tend to have different keys, F10, F2 (BIOS Keys for Popular Systems). The picture Nil links to above (or similar) should appear, but might go so fast you may barely see it. Try Pause/Break to pause it. - 220.101 talk^\Contribs 10:00, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm open to any other ideas. Stanstaple (talk) 22:06, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm a little surprised that a "new tv tuner card" would be analogue only, as I have one a few years old and it includes Digital TV.

• This seems to be the official web-site www.media-tech.eu, and the "User’s Guide" is "HERE" (PDF). (no mention of Windows 7)

- The date on the manual file is 30 January 2008, which possibly explains the lack of Digital TV and Windows 7.

- See "User’s Guide" page 16 for "Troubleshooting"

• This link (on the official website) is for downloading the Drivers (Might be later version than what came with the TV card)

- The Manual (p.3) mentions needing "Vista 32bit", also 500MB HDD free, 256MB memory etc. Any of these may cause problems.

• I assume that you followed the instructions (p.3-4) in installing the hardware and drivers/software? 1) "Install DirectX 9.0c...(you can skip this step in Windows Vista)" 2) "Turn off computer and disconnect power supply cable from computer" 3) "insert card into PCI slot"

- Turning the PC off at the front power button, or via the on-screen Windows start button('Soft-off)', does not turn it completely off.

- Installing a card in this state may damage it or the motherboard(M'Board).

PCI Express slots (from top to bottom: x4 , x16, x1 and x16), compared to a traditional 32-bit PCI slot (bottom), as seen on DFI's LanParty nF4 SLI-DR.

• When you say PCI slot do you actually mean PCI Express? (PCI is what you want!)

- The white slot is very likely a PCI slot and PCI is where your card should go, I'm not sure about the "purple one"! Putting the card in the wrong slot is bad! (should not be physically possible actually) some AGP slots are brown, is that the one you are thinking of? On my current motherboard the AGP is lime green, but the memory slots are orange and... purple! wp:OR but I think there is no set standard for slot colours. However, I looked at four M'Boards, and all PCI were white (though apparently may be beige and in pic. at right is yellow! (This WebPage discussing the issue may interest.)

• Ensure the card is properly seated in the slot.

• Static electricity needs to be avoided when installing new cards, did you use an Anti-static wrist strap for example, not essential but highly recommended! (See "Avoid Static Damage to Your PC" from PC World for more advice)

• Can you tell us what the M'Board manufacturer and Model No is? Then we may be able to find an on-line manual & help work the slots out. See BIOS for explanation of 'Basic Input/Output System' or 'System BIOS'.

Hope this helps. Sorry if I've waffled on too much or mentioned basic things that you know well, like static precautions! - 220.101 talk^\Contribs 07:24, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

Some manufacturers have different coloured PCI slots e.g. [1]. It may sometimes mean something, e.g. the slot is some sort of special bus mastering one. I would hope this is what's being referred to here. THe motherboard manufacturer sounds like it's probably Intel but the model number would definitely be helpful, other then what's already been said, it's possible there's a boot logo in the OPs setup that can be turned off and it would be easier to work out how to do this with the model number Nil Einne (talk) 07:37, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

When I said the card was new, I meant that I had just bought it & that it wasn't second hand. I opted for an analogue tuner because Ireland still doesn't have broadcast digital tv & this card was just meant to be a cheap (€20) replacement for the tv in my bedroom. I had checked out the website and the user guide was identical to the printed version that came with the product. I followed the instructions with the exception of the part about installing DirectX 9; I've 10 installed already and assume that I shouldn't downgrade (if that's even possible). My system meets the storage and memory requirements. I opened the rear power switch in addition to unplugging the a/c power cable before opening the machine. I'm 99.9% that the slots I tried were PCI. I'd googled the blue PCI slot and learned it was somehow different but still PCI compliant. The card seemed to be securely in the slot on both occasions, and there was no difficulty in inserting the fastening screw. I'm pretty sure static wasn't an issue as I think I grounded myself by touching the central heating radiator in my room before inserting the card. I'm not sure what model my motherboard is, but the whole system is [[2]]. How will viewing the BIOS help? And nearly lastly, Nil & 220, I very much apprectiate the time you've taken to try to help an anonymous person on the internet. I'm kinda hoping at this stage that's safe enough to safe that the card is a dud & that if I just go into town & exchange it, everything will be dandy. I was looking forward to this little project but it's ended up a bit frustrating :) Stanstaple (talk) 11:00, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

You are welcome Stanstaple. It seems like you did everything right! Good that it's new and you should just be able to exchange it. I've had odd problems with a few cards. It's very annoying when 'compatible' components don't work, but apparently sometimes that's what happens even if they aren't faulty!. - 220.101 talk^\Contribs 12:21, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

The Media-Tech MT4155 TV Tuner Card requires an SVGA graphics-card to be installed in the same computer system. As the Medion Akoya E7330 D has an nVidia GeForce GT220 Graphics Card (which has only VGA, DVI and HDMI), I figure that the MT4155 will not work on your computer. As for the MT4155 not detected, after you installed it in the PCI slot, did you remember to connect it to the computer's Power Supply Unit? AFAIK, no computer can detect an expansion card to which power is not being supplied. Rocketshiporion♫ 22:50, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

Very few PCI cards require external/extra power. (DVB-S cards sometimes do because they may need it to power the LNB, I would guess some PCI graphics cards may as well. Although actually in both these cases I would guess they would still be detected.) The chance an analog tuner card would require external power is close to zero. [3] doesn't show any signs of a molex or FDD connector.

Also you appear to be describing the output ports of the GT220 card. The SVGA graphics card requirement, whatever it really means (likely referring to the output colour and resolution requirement rather then output ports), is almost definitely met by the GT220 card. I actually doubt the tuner really has a graphics card requirement in that you could use a headless system and record and playback the media elsewhere with the right setup and software.

Nil Einne (talk) 23:01, 18 September 2010 (UTC)

* Stanstaple (talk · contribs) changed the TV card and it still didn't work. They got another brand and have installed it without problem. See Talk Page diff. - 220.101 talk^\Contribs 11:33, 19 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for all your input. Twas a big help. 212.129.76.9 (talk) 17:55, 21 September 2010 (UTC)

Twitter

I've never used Twitter before, and I just made a twitter account. Seconds after making it, some nut is "following" me. wtf? I deleted the account and made a new one, and AGAIN some nut (different username, looked like random gibberish to me) is "following" me. Are these lonely morons adding new users, or is it some stupid automatic system on Twitter where they assign a random person to follow you so you don't feel like such a looser for having no friends? It's more insidious than the weirdos who monitor wikipedia new user log "welcoming" every new user with bizarre and overly flamboyant custom welcome templates. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 61.207.98.196 (talk) 20:54, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

I do not know the answer to this question, but I strongly suspect, based on your description, that it's some kind of robot. Probably some 3rd party site skimming tweets to monitor trends.

However, I don't know why they'd do it like that and not use the Twitter API. APL (talk) 22:41, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

Random incomprehensible strangers are usually some kind of automated spammers. I believe that Twitter provides the option of blocking those people (and optionally, marking them as spammers), so deleting your account is unnecessary. Note that followers don't see anything that isn't visible to the general public anyways. Paul (Stansifer) 23:24, 17 September 2010 (UTC)

That's not uncommon on Twitter. You can make your tweets private. Shadowjams (talk) 09:18, 18 September 2010 (UTC)