Be careful. If the software was installed by the computer manufacturer, these key finders will likely return a one-time bulk installer product code which won't work again. I've been burnt by this more than a few times.
Key finders work fine with a manually inputted product code.
Gotcha, I thought you were referencing the Major Geeks download link I put in one of my comments, not TheWindows Club attribution link at the bottom of the article.
I've edited that link so it goes to the home page of TheWindowsClub, that way no one will be be confused about where the download link is in that article, and it is easy to miss.
using windows 7 having problems with the info as the article states, followed your instructions but this is what showed up.
# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
i then went and saved it to my desktop after adding the line
# 2.18.213.82 redirmetasevices.microsoft.com
when i go to save it it gives me two choices,
save as type: text documents (*.txt), or all files , the encoding is ANSI.
i get a message that reads
c: windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.text
you don't have permission to save in this location.
contact the administrator to obtain permission
then it asks me if i would like to save to my documents instead.
i am the system administrator, i am in my administrator account. i don't use this account, unless i'm installing programs that i want to be accessed from any other windows account or guest account. so why am i not allowed access, or do i have to enter through the area where i shut down drivers to do this?
While the creator's website listed above no longer seems to be offering the free version, it is apparently still available at other software sites: http://download.cnet.com/Serif-PagePlus-Starter-Edition/3000-6675_4-75547685.html and https://pageplus-starter-edition.en.softonic.com/.
It is the earlier version 2.2---which I actually prefer.
I would save it to Documents, and after move it to the desktop if you want - it doesn't have to be on the desktop. You can do the same thing with the file in any folder.
If you can't save to the desktop, one reason could your anti-virus software is preventing it. You can disable it and try it, and if that's not the issue, something here may help:
It's up and down for me. Sometimes it returns the database error and sometimes it loads but the site doesn't seem to be loading properly. Looks like they are having issues with the server. I'll keep an eye on it, thanks for the heads up.
The link to Google Play is broken, and a direct search on Google's site gives dozens of apps with this same name...
Could you correct this, please?
Thanx
@Malbec, please try it again with a new Android download link using a Bitly short URL for the time being. The original long download link with a query string is being truncated due to a faulty Drupal module.
The textual info at the bottom is nice and the page is loaded with tons of charts and graphs filled with all the same info found on the Johns Hopkins dashboard. Otherwise, even with a basic popup blocker running, the site is riddled with ads. And rather than be convenient and tidy, the informational charts and graphs are spread out on a long scrolling, bright white page. The aesthetics alone are a huge turn off for me. But, the more options we have to find this information, the better in my opinion.
"... Pop Shell is a keyboard-driven layer for GNOME Shell which allows for quick and sensible navigation and management of windows ...":
https://github.com/pop-os/shell
"... FDNS was designed to run as a local DoH proxy on a Linux desktop, or as a server for a small network. Lean and mean, it protects the computers against some of the most common cyber threats, all while improving the privacy and the system performance ...":
https://firejaildns.wordpress.com
I'm asking because I viewed all of the sites in Google Chrome with no extensions other than a password manager (standard practice on my end) and saw no ads on any of the sites. The Bing site has a column of news articles but I see no ads there.
I use Google Chrome to test sites with only a password manager installed, no ad blocker or anything else, because it's the most commonly used browser.
I'm not seeing any ads on the Worldometers site either, if that's the site you're referring to.
I love that site, I'm glad they put a coronavirus page. Really clean interface with minimal data presented so you can find more if you're interested. Nice.
You most certainly are correct.
What bugged me most was: First the free version allowed me to use it one my main machine at home, my carry along laptop when i do customer visits, my Android phone, my wife's computer a.s.o.
Then they change their policies - which is their good right, I admit - and suddenly it was only two systems. ;-)
From the TeamViewer website: "From the very beginning, TeamViewer has been available to everyone completely free of charge for personal, non-commercial use. Get Started Now! It’s free for personal use or as a trial version for business users." MC - Site Manager.
Good to know - I used it for many years but then a year, perhaps two years, ago I got a popup that it was upgrading to a new version that would require a paid license. At that point, I dropped it. It appears they reversed course which is excellent.
This is a great (and currently relevant) topic. I've provided "support" to many family members over the years and have tried a bunch of different products. For our small business and home we use Zoho Assist which is free for "on demand" support which allows you to connect to another computer or the other user to connect to you. It's an enterprise level product that has worked well for me. Many of our business clients have Apple laptops and desktops and I can connect to them for training as easily as a windows computer.
DrBones
Recently, many people have got a popup message in TeamViewer: "Your TeamViewer Plan is not valid". But it still works. It seems to be an error which may have been fixed by now with the latest update of TeamViewer.
Used to use TeamViewer, was great. Now its limited to 5 minutes per session if you dont pay. I dumped it.
2 alternatives that Ive tried: Google remote desktop if you are just going into your system remotely or have a google pw on the receiving machine. Smooth operation once you get in. But doesnt work well for support because there still are a lot of people that dont have a Google account.
The other comes standard in the OS from MS: Quick Assist. Its a 2 way auth tool that gives you total control of the users screen. Ive used it several times with very new Win 10 users and with a bit of coaching, get in with no problem. Note that the user must input a code and then in the 3rd part of auth, they must allow you access, so you cant use this without user assistance at the keyboard. Its a me, you, me, you thing. Dont know when it started showing up in Win 10, but its in the latest 2 versions. Not sure about older ones.
I didn't run into any issues with Team Viewer or AnyDesk but Team Viewer may have changed something in the last few days. Quick Assist is good for Windows 10 users. I havent tried Google's Remote Desktop, thanks for the input. :)
I like Zoho products, I've used some of them for many years. Thanks for the heads up, I didn't know they had an remote assistance program that works cross platform, I'll have a look at it. :)
Nami is a decentralized binary package manager, it allows software authors to publish their software anywhere, without having to request a merge from a software center for each update:
https://github.com/txthinking/nami
I support a number of people (I live in a mature adult community) and I do not get paid for my services, its volunteer. About a year ago, TeamViewer determined that I must be commercial; Im presuming because I had about 35 computers in my access list (7 of these systems were mine). They now limit my connection sessions to 5 minutes, with a wait time of 10 minutes between each session.
This was a wonderful tool and I miss it but Im not willing to pay for a licence to support users I do not charge. And I dont want to absorb the price of this volunteer work.
I dumped TeamViewer and now use google remote desktop for clients that have a google account or I use the Windows Quick Assist. I no longer have the ability to access unattended but thats not a problem since now I just require the users to be there when I access the systems. A bit inconvenient for them but thats what they have to deal with for no charge to them.
This article is surely resourceful and might benefit a greater part of seekers looking for such valuable posts. Continue updating. Best English practice App :-https://engvarta.com/
Hive Time is a small, bee themed management/base building sim. Harvest resources, grow your hive, and produce a new Queen before the current one dies:
https://cheeseness.itch.io/hive-time
Sozi is a zooming presentation editor and player. Unlike in most presentation applications, a Sozi document is not organised as a slideshow, but rather as a poster where the content of your presentation can be freely laid out:
https://sozi.baierouge.fr/pages/10-about.html
Thanks much for the Autumn pic.
On another note, I can't log in using my email, even though the option allows for it. I can login, however, with my username. Thought I'd pass it along.
Girens is a Plex media player client. You can watch and listen to your music, shows and movies with this GTK app:
https://gitlab.gnome.org/tijder/girens
I have Windows 10 Pro on my laptop and am not given the options above when clicking on properties, the field with the in private add on is not editable. Any other suggestions. Thanks.
"... exa is an improved file lister with more features and better defaults. It uses colours to distinguish file types and metadata. It knows about symlinks, extended attributes, and Git. And it’s small, fast, and just one single binary ...":
https://the.exa.website/https://github.com/ogham/exa
I'm thinking most of these are geared towards the USA. If you have a VPN you should be able to access them. I've updated the article, thanks for letting me know.
Thanks. :)
Yes there have been issues, and it's partly because people haven't set up their meetings so they are secure. I've added basic tips to the article and a link to Zoom's blog on how to make meetings safe.
You're so welcome. Using an add-on like uBlock Origin or Ghostery takes care of most tracking,
I also use an add-on/extension called Decentraleyes and another called ClearURLs as another layer, available on Chrome & Firefox.
Zemana is the only key logger blocker I know of, though there are probably more. It used to be free, now it's paid software.
At this point, most anti-virus/security programs will detect and block keyloggers. I don't know if they block the keyloggers that some corporations use to track what their employees are typing, though at that level security is probably handled by IT staff.
I use Social Fixer on Facebook.
Session is an end-to-end encrypted messenger that removes sensitive metadata collection, and is designed for people who want privacy and freedom from any forms of surveillance:
https://getsession.org/
HTML-NOTEPAD is a WYSIWYG editor of structured documents: texts that have hierarchical and semantically meaningful structure: headers, list, plaintext islands, tables and so on:
https://html-notepad.com/
That's wonderful, I hope it does the trick. If not and you're comfortable editing the registry there's an entry that sometimes gets corrupted. A search for Windows Update registry keys shoud bring up the specifics. I had both issues. I corrected the registry key and ran this utility and all is well. :)
Remember in Firefox if you have chosen "Never Remember History" the option for Private browsing disappears and displays the message "Firefox will use the same settings as private browsing, and will not remember any history as you browse the Web." I'm using Win 10 and Firefox 74.o
In two immediately adjacent sentences you write
"Fix WU was designed to repair many Windows Update issues by re-registering a total of 114 .dll, ocx and .ax files that Windows Update needs to function properly"
and
"Fix WU doesn’t make any changes to the Windows Registry".
I am more than confused. I - maybe falsely - think that "registering files" actually is making entries in the Windows Registry?
This is a list of the most recently posted comments on the site sorted so that the most recent comments appear first.
You can however sort the list on Article title by clicking on the column heading. To see actual comments click the + sign.
rhiannon, check out Free PC Audit. It's a free and portable combination system information tool and key finder.
https://www.misutilities.com/free-pc-audit/index.html
Thanks, I'll give it a try. It looks good - a lot like Belarc, combining system information with Microsoft product key retrieval.
Thanks Rhiannon, this seems like a very useful site.
No problems with PUPs or the like here. Panda and Malwarebytes show the file to be clean.
There is a sponsored offer which nearly got me. Just click 'decline' and you will be right.
Cheers,
Paul
The links at MajorGeeks sends me to Reimage Repair...
Be careful. If the software was installed by the computer manufacturer, these key finders will likely return a one-time bulk installer product code which won't work again. I've been burnt by this more than a few times.
Key finders work fine with a manually inputted product code.
Huh. That's odd. It resolves here when I click on it:
http://majorgeeks.com/files/details/sterjo_key_finder.html
The "catch me" link from TheWindowsClub goes to this rogue site. MC - Site Manager
https://i.imgur.com/Dyr260k.png
You're welcome. There's a lot of good information, tools, and news there. The reviews of VPNs are good. It's kept up to date.
Ah I see, thank you. I've edited the link to resolve to their home page.
Yep that is a downside to some programs, I did mention it in the article above.
OK...use the link, then click Download...you will get a Page Reload pop-up, then it will go to Reimage Repair.
Gotcha, I thought you were referencing the Major Geeks download link I put in one of my comments, not TheWindows Club attribution link at the bottom of the article.
I've edited that link so it goes to the home page of TheWindowsClub, that way no one will be be confused about where the download link is in that article, and it is easy to miss.
These two links will take you to sites where you can download the program:
https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Back-Up-and-Recovery/SterJo-Windows... (this is the one in the article above)
and this one:
http://majorgeeks.com/files/details/sterjo_key_finder.html
another reliable download site.
Thanks rhiannon. That's a lot of useful info.
You're very welcome. It's good to see so much useful information and tools in one place.
using windows 7 having problems with the info as the article states, followed your instructions but this is what showed up.
# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
i then went and saved it to my desktop after adding the line
# 2.18.213.82 redirmetasevices.microsoft.com
when i go to save it it gives me two choices,
save as type: text documents (*.txt), or all files , the encoding is ANSI.
i get a message that reads
c: windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.text
you don't have permission to save in this location.
contact the administrator to obtain permission
then it asks me if i would like to save to my documents instead.
i am the system administrator, i am in my administrator account. i don't use this account, unless i'm installing programs that i want to be accessed from any other windows account or guest account. so why am i not allowed access, or do i have to enter through the area where i shut down drivers to do this?
Article should be pinned on webpage and forum!
Well done!
Thank you, that's so nice of you to say. :)
While the creator's website listed above no longer seems to be offering the free version, it is apparently still available at other software sites: http://download.cnet.com/Serif-PagePlus-Starter-Edition/3000-6675_4-75547685.html and https://pageplus-starter-edition.en.softonic.com/.
It is the earlier version 2.2---which I actually prefer.
Firefox gave me a warning, but gave it the go ahead and everything is just fine.
I haven't gotten any warnings in any of the handful of browsers I use and both sites are working fine. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
That happens to me now and again on Firefox.
I use Firefox, and both sites working fine for me too.
I would save it to Documents, and after move it to the desktop if you want - it doesn't have to be on the desktop. You can do the same thing with the file in any folder.
If you can't save to the desktop, one reason could your anti-virus software is preventing it. You can disable it and try it, and if that's not the issue, something here may help:
https://lmgtfy.com/?q=windows+7+you+don%2527t+have+permission+to+save+in+this+location+contact+the+administrator+to+obtain+permission&s=l&qtype=search&ovr=1
fyi the link to "Download Free Coloring Pages From 100+ Top Libraries and Museums" replies "Error establishing a database connection".
It's up and down for me. Sometimes it returns the database error and sometimes it loads but the site doesn't seem to be loading properly. Looks like they are having issues with the server. I'll keep an eye on it, thanks for the heads up.
This page has links to some of the participants and a partial list at the bottom of the page.
https://mymodernmet.com/color-our-collections-2019/
The link seems to be working now.
The link to Google Play is broken, and a direct search on Google's site gives dozens of apps with this same name...
Could you correct this, please?
Thanx
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ua.co.cts.sideup&hl=en_US
I would like to find a Optical Drive software.
In addition to the Johns Hopkins dashboard and nCoV2019 version, here is another I've found to be worthwhile.
https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
The textual info at the bottom is nice and the page is loaded with tons of charts and graphs filled with all the same info found on the Johns Hopkins dashboard. Otherwise, even with a basic popup blocker running, the site is riddled with ads. And rather than be convenient and tidy, the informational charts and graphs are spread out on a long scrolling, bright white page. The aesthetics alone are a huge turn off for me. But, the more options we have to find this information, the better in my opinion.
I use several ad/popup blockers, and don't see any of those ads. But, I agree that more options for keeping informed and up-to-date is good.
Thank you Ms. rhiannon.
Seems to FINALLY be a way around the limitation(s) of Evernote.
You're very welcome. I've been using it and quite like it, and there are no limits on amount of content as there is with the free version of Evernote.
I'm asking because I viewed all of the sites in Google Chrome with no extensions other than a password manager (standard practice on my end) and saw no ads on any of the sites. The Bing site has a column of news articles but I see no ads there.
I use Google Chrome to test sites with only a password manager installed, no ad blocker or anything else, because it's the most commonly used browser.
I'm not seeing any ads on the Worldometers site either, if that's the site you're referring to.
I love that site, I'm glad they put a coronavirus page. Really clean interface with minimal data presented so you can find more if you're interested. Nice.
You most certainly are correct.
What bugged me most was: First the free version allowed me to use it one my main machine at home, my carry along laptop when i do customer visits, my Android phone, my wife's computer a.s.o.
Then they change their policies - which is their good right, I admit - and suddenly it was only two systems. ;-)
I needed to compare two HTML files today and found both Beyond Compare 3 and ExamDiff lacking.
In my search I found the free version of Code Compare at:
https://www.devart.com/codecompare/
And it is great! It has wordwrap, which was missing from the other two, and made comparing the files very easy.
Check it out.
Thanks! Very informative.
TeamViewer is no longer free for personal use. Anydesk still is.
Good to know - I used it for many years but then a year, perhaps two years, ago I got a popup that it was upgrading to a new version that would require a paid license. At that point, I dropped it. It appears they reversed course which is excellent.
This is a great (and currently relevant) topic. I've provided "support" to many family members over the years and have tried a bunch of different products. For our small business and home we use Zoho Assist which is free for "on demand" support which allows you to connect to another computer or the other user to connect to you. It's an enterprise level product that has worked well for me. Many of our business clients have Apple laptops and desktops and I can connect to them for training as easily as a windows computer.
DrBones
Recently, many people have got a popup message in TeamViewer: "Your TeamViewer Plan is not valid". But it still works. It seems to be an error which may have been fixed by now with the latest update of TeamViewer.
Used to use TeamViewer, was great. Now its limited to 5 minutes per session if you dont pay. I dumped it.
2 alternatives that Ive tried: Google remote desktop if you are just going into your system remotely or have a google pw on the receiving machine. Smooth operation once you get in. But doesnt work well for support because there still are a lot of people that dont have a Google account.
The other comes standard in the OS from MS: Quick Assist. Its a 2 way auth tool that gives you total control of the users screen. Ive used it several times with very new Win 10 users and with a bit of coaching, get in with no problem. Note that the user must input a code and then in the 3rd part of auth, they must allow you access, so you cant use this without user assistance at the keyboard. Its a me, you, me, you thing. Dont know when it started showing up in Win 10, but its in the latest 2 versions. Not sure about older ones.
Try Quick Assist, its working for me.
really like this one thank you, Rhiannon
I didn't run into any issues with Team Viewer or AnyDesk but Team Viewer may have changed something in the last few days. Quick Assist is good for Windows 10 users. I havent tried Google's Remote Desktop, thanks for the input. :)
You're very welcome. :)
Team Viewer has apparently been revoking licenses for what they deem commercial activity. I hadn't heard of that error message, thanks.
I like Zoho products, I've used some of them for many years. Thanks for the heads up, I didn't know they had an remote assistance program that works cross platform, I'll have a look at it. :)
You're very welcome. :) I'm glad you like it.
Good one! I think it will be good if you add more video streaming platform.
I would like to introduce New video streaming platform Mobiotics
Thank you for this nifty utility. I hope it supports Unicode: I often need to input Chinese text
I support a number of people (I live in a mature adult community) and I do not get paid for my services, its volunteer. About a year ago, TeamViewer determined that I must be commercial; Im presuming because I had about 35 computers in my access list (7 of these systems were mine). They now limit my connection sessions to 5 minutes, with a wait time of 10 minutes between each session.
This was a wonderful tool and I miss it but Im not willing to pay for a licence to support users I do not charge. And I dont want to absorb the price of this volunteer work.
I dumped TeamViewer and now use google remote desktop for clients that have a google account or I use the Windows Quick Assist. I no longer have the ability to access unattended but thats not a problem since now I just require the users to be there when I access the systems. A bit inconvenient for them but thats what they have to deal with for no charge to them.
i liked this post so much
https://getsharey.com/about-pdf-drive/
This article is surely resourceful and might benefit a greater part of seekers looking for such valuable posts. Continue updating. Best English practice App :-https://engvarta.com/
Thanks much for the Autumn pic.
On another note, I can't log in using my email, even though the option allows for it. I can login, however, with my username. Thought I'd pass it along.
This software has recently started nagging me to upgrade. Had weeks of it over the New Year, and now it's at it again. During a pandemic. Grrr!
I have Windows 10 Pro on my laptop and am not given the options above when clicking on properties, the field with the in private add on is not editable. Any other suggestions. Thanks.
Which browser are you using?
It doesn't work on any of these.
That's a great selection rhiannon. Well done & thank you.
You're very welcome. :)
Going above and beyond, now that's tech support. Good on ya Gizmo and team.
With reference to:
359 free movies to watch on YouTube
Great Idea, just that some are Private videos and unavailable and all the others that I clicked on are unavailable in UK
I'm thinking most of these are geared towards the USA. If you have a VPN you should be able to access them. I've updated the article, thanks for letting me know.
https://www.howtogeek.com/210614/how-to-access-region-restricted-website...
Thank you. :)
Thanks. :)
Yes there have been issues, and it's partly because people haven't set up their meetings so they are secure. I've added basic tips to the article and a link to Zoom's blog on how to make meetings safe.
Please note there have recently been problems with hackers accessing Zoom sessions. It is important to set passwords for sessions with Zoom:
https://krebsonsecurity.com/2020/04/war-dialing-tool-exposes-zooms-password-problems/
Thanks Rhiannon for helping make our lives simpler and safer with your essential tips
Personal data mining and cookies are an ongoing scourge, and so any other tips including utilities that block keylogging, are appreciated !
You're so welcome. Using an add-on like uBlock Origin or Ghostery takes care of most tracking,
I also use an add-on/extension called Decentraleyes and another called ClearURLs as another layer, available on Chrome & Firefox.
Zemana is the only key logger blocker I know of, though there are probably more. It used to be free, now it's paid software.
At this point, most anti-virus/security programs will detect and block keyloggers. I don't know if they block the keyloggers that some corporations use to track what their employees are typing, though at that level security is probably handled by IT staff.
I use Social Fixer on Facebook.
As of the versions lately I can use T-bird for Yahoo, Outlook.com and GNail with NO problems.
Of course must use IMAP but not a problem at all.
Thanks rhiannon..
just what I needed.
My windows 7 update has been broken for almost two years now.
Hopefully, this will fix it !
Stay safe, stay well !
That's wonderful, I hope it does the trick. If not and you're comfortable editing the registry there's an entry that sometimes gets corrupted. A search for Windows Update registry keys shoud bring up the specifics. I had both issues. I corrected the registry key and ran this utility and all is well. :)
Remember in Firefox if you have chosen "Never Remember History" the option for Private browsing disappears and displays the message "Firefox will use the same settings as private browsing, and will not remember any history as you browse the Web." I'm using Win 10 and Firefox 74.o
Woo-Hoo !...
it worked !
Thanks rhiannon
In two immediately adjacent sentences you write
"Fix WU was designed to repair many Windows Update issues by re-registering a total of 114 .dll, ocx and .ax files that Windows Update needs to function properly"
and
"Fix WU doesn’t make any changes to the Windows Registry".
I am more than confused. I - maybe falsely - think that "registering files" actually is making entries in the Windows Registry?
Pages