adamvjackson

I will NEVER install a CODEC-pack. Only install the CODECs that you need, for whatever you decide to encode/decode to. CODEC-packs are a fequent source of spyware, browser hijackers, and other nasty, nasty stuff. Note that the GK Pack is hosted on Sourceforge (IIRC) so it's likely to be the least bad of the three. Still, though, it has the GAIN supported version of DIVX; ala Adware. If you MUST install something similar to a codec pack, I would use FFDshow, from http://ffdshow.sf.net it's an open-source implementation of the MPEG-4 standard, and will properly (and in my opinion, far superior to either stand-alone codec) decode both DivX and XviD.

Personally, the only encoding that I do is audio, and from my CDs, so that leaves my codec needs primarily to decoding. My commonly-used codecs: LAME 3.92 - used for encoding my audio CDs FFDshow - used for decoding DivX and XviD encoded videos Rarely used codecs: Ogg Vorbis - used for playing the open source OGG audio format AC3Filter - Open source filter for playback of audio in VCD/SVCD (DVD too?) format. Don't really use this one too much. Aside from that, I don't have any audio or video that I can't play back, but it seems as though most of the exotic codecs are only used for filesharing purposes. I think I came across a program at one point that could identify what audio/video codecs were used to encode a file/stream, that may help. Finally, the best rule of thumb (IMO) is to only get the codecs that you need, nothing more or less. Edit part: Even if you use the stand-alone DivX and XviD (Koepi's) codecs, you may want to give FFDShow a try, it has some really neat post-processing effects that can smooth out pixelation and minimize the noticed artifacts. It's highly tweakable and customizable, and seems to be updated every few weeks or so. Additionally, no matter what codecs you choose to use on your system, best practice is always to get from the homepage of the software/codec, never a 3rd party, as codecs seem to be highly manipulated, ala codec packs. Edit #2: Some links: http://lame.sf.net http://ffdshow.sf.net http://ac3filter.sf.net http://www.vorbis.com/

Have you installed updated video drivers?

Has there been any spyware on the ME machine? It could be that the Winsock has been broken; Running WinsockFix may help. Is it receiving a valid IP address (typically with a SOHO broadband router this will be 192.168.x.x)? You can verify this on the ME machine by running WINIPCFG.

Did you make the intergrated installation media yourself? Did you download it? A quick google implies that at least one of the intergrated install images that was warezed contains some DirectX file version problems. A properly intergrated XP SP2 installation media includes DirectX 9.0c. The stand-alone network installation of SP2 includes DirectX 9.0c. If you have DirectX 9.0b then something is seriously wrong with your installation media.

If the CD ROM drive is older, it may not be able to read some types of copy protection, which could explain why some games work, and others do not.

Have a 'flirt' with another sim (male or female) while both engaged sims are in the same room.

You could create two OUs in Active Directory, one for 2000 users with non-roaming profiles, and one for XP with roaming profiles...

Kanexpo- Windows XP SP2 has DirectX 9.0c. Attempting to roll back to 8.1 would trigger Windows File Protection, prohibiting you to do so. Have you tried the newest drivers for your video card? If you've copied/renamed/etc. DirectX system files since your format/reinstall, you may need to again reinstall first.

Good idea, let us know how you make out.

Maybe someone can explain something to me; I fail to see the need for IRDA access on enterprise servers. Are you folks using these on actual rack-mounted hardware in server farms? That is what the Enterprise Server product is designed for. For clustering, failover, high-availability, etc. Otherwise, you really ought to be using the Standard Server product that supports IRDA natively. You do realize that IRDA can be a major security hole, if turned on in a server environment, right? Of course, I think it's highly likely that the majority of posters here requesting these hacked files are running unlicensed versions of Enterprise Server. Edit: Sorry for that sounding a bit harsh, not really how I had intended it. [Edited by adamvjackson on 2004-10-26 11:11:51]

I use 100/200GB LTO media here at work, and at the time when it was purchased (1.5 years ago, +/-) it seemed that would be sufficient for several years. However, they are already being used at max capacity, and I am having to resort to other options (SAN, etc.). The point being, never assume that just because the backup media is about the size you need now, that it will suit your needs in the future. Databases grow and grow, and so do all the related mission-critical files and documents. Backup hardware can be expensive, but invest wisely, and you will not need to replace it for several years. PS: I just read an announcement yesterday (I forget the details to be honest) that a company in Japan is coming to market with a 500GB LTO tape. Could be good news if the price is right when it comes stateside. It may have been either Sony or Fujitsu, really don't recall, sorry.

If LKG configuration fails, you will likely need to perform a repair installation, which is accessable from booting from your XP installation media.

If you boot in safe mode, do you have use of the keyboard/mouse?

Does your computer meet the minimum system requirements for those games that fail to install?

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041025/lam081_1.html

I'm just waiting (patiently...) for Quake 4... Saw the preview in last month's PC Gamer, and it looks great. The Human vs. Strogg war, part 2.

The ATI Riva 128 (that's the chipset the the Creative card uses) seems to be too old for Sims 2 then. Sims 2 is a fairly demanding game, needing a fast computer, and equally important, a fast video card. Sorry, but it seems like you'll have to shell out for a new video card.

I would imagine just chaning the port on the DC/PDC would accomplish this; Here's how. Good luck

A few years ago, I used to keep 3 ASPI binaries (not all installed at the same time, mind you). I had the Adaptec version, LSI Logic version, and ForceASPI. I think at the time those were the "big 3".

No problem, and good luck

Nope, can't be done. There's a reference card in the box that has keyboard commands, it's much easier to navigate with a combination of keys and mouse movements.

Sure. http://www.foundstone.com/index.htm?subn.../superscan4.htm That's to FoundStone's SuperScan 4. It's free, and works well. But really, unless you absoluely MUST recover the settings, that's a waste of time. It would be far easier to hard reset the AP and reconfigure it.

Glad you got the problem solved. Keep in mind in the future that it takes time to get some problems solved, personally, I only check this website during weekdays.

If your driver is incompatible, you can try installing the newest driver available from the video card manufacturer's web site. If that fails, then chances are very high that you'll need to replace your video card. Sims 2 is a 3D game. It needs a powerful system to run it. Most computers 2-3 years old and older will probably not run it unless it has been upgraded. If you need help installing a video card consult a local computer shop for advice.