Conflow

Bernard, I had a look at the 'link' you submitted in your above post and in reply as follows:- The PTE Program requires a 'Registration-Key' in order to activate all the program utilities which are 'limited' in the demonstration version. Having paid the Program purchase price a Registration-Key is sent to you via EMail as an attachment or embedded within the EMail. This 'Registration-Key' is a line of 'script-text' Example:- REGEDIT4 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PTE "Key"="0vFigforS etc,etc,etc, and can be up to 128 characters in lenght. This command line (or the entire EMail) should be copied and placed within the PTE Folder. The PC should be restarted and if all conditions are correct the PTE Program will find and recognise the Reg-Key and activate the Program. However because the Reg-Key is a 'script-line' (or command) and depending on the settings of some Anti-Virus Programs and Firewalls these can 'falsely' trigger a rejection-process blocking the action of the Reg-Key. Also many new users are simply confused as to what they should do in order to activate the Program. The best method is to 'Hi-light' the entire Reg-Key (with the left Mouse-Key) then open the PTE Folder and 'Paste' the Reg-Key into the Folder. This is a simple 'Copy & Paste' action which should be known to all Computer users. Finally, had we got a 'Query-Ticket' system all one has to do is respond with a 'Posting'...with the script "Sorted + Query No". (The above is just a suggested demonstration). Hope this helps... Brian. (Conflow)

I agree with Xaver and Peter on this proposal ~it wont work~ and I have forgotten how many times Ken and I have have remarked about those who come on the Forum with a problem ~get it fixed~ and we never hear from them again not even a acknowledgement nor a thanks. In comparison to those persons there are many Forum Members who appreciate the help given by others whether the problem is solved or not. What's really needed is some 'foolproof' method of tagging problems and their 'solutions' within each Forum Category and how that can be achieved is anyone's guess...but here is one suggestion:- I know of one Forum which issues a 'Query-Ticket' which is tagged to the Member-Number and if the problem is solved that Member is obliged to cancel the Query-Ticket ~ should they fail to do that or ignore the responses given they are not issued subsequent Tickets. This is a very effective method of self-regulation and enforced acknowledgement which a few selfish people would find distasteful but the majority of Members would find very useful indeed as it is the foundation of a good 'Problem-Database' with numeric retrieval utilities. Problem being who is going to Host such a Database and maintain it ?? Brian. (Conflow)

Geoff, This must be the 6th or 7th time I have posted concerning 'Firewalls'. Most PC Engineers would never recommend using 2 Firewalls on the same PC. Now Xp-Sp2 has its own Firewall and it's quite good and XP-Sp3 has its own excellent Firewall. Vista has a superb Firewall and believe me Windows-7 has the best Firewall ever....So why do you need a 3rd partly Firewall,viz:- PC Tools Firewall ??? "PC Tools Anti-Virus & Firewall" has given nothing but trouble over the past 18 months and that has been well documented here on the Forum again and again ~ if you don't believe me just Google..."Problems with PC Tools Anti-Virus & Firewall" see for yourself. Every time PC-Tools has an 'auto-update' it kicks for touch and misleads the PC user into thinking that XX-Program is trying to access the Internet. This is a downright falsehood because its a 'cop-out' where PC-Tool simply does not recognise certain Exe's and rather than loose face it pretends that the XX-Program is doing the call-out where in fact its a dodgy Firewall instigating the call-out. Its the oldest trick in the Book !!! By the way don't ever attempt to remove "PC Tools Firewall" with Windows7 Uninstaller ~it wont work properly~ you need a special removal utility for that job (just shows what crap it is) it does not come with an Uninstaller such as good Programmers provide. For example Norton and Kaspersky and others provide proper downloadable Uninstallers but PC.Tools is a real problem. (Excuse the above adjective - see the attached) Brian (Conflow)

E.B, May thanks for your reply, I can appreciate your feelings on this matter,viz:- "All I want to do is burn a DVD".... I do know for certain that many 'Advanced PTE Users' are actually using Windows.7 and burning PTE-DVD's with it and as a way of helping you, may I suggest that you start a completely 'new topic' titled somewhat s follows:- "Help wanted Burning DVD's with Windows-7"....Perhaps the "Dom" and Lin Evans and other Members will offer their help and experiences with this new Operating-System and guide you through the process. Please don't give up on PTE just yet. Brian (Conflow)

Hi E.B, E.B ~ I think you are looking at and assessing these matters in terms of "Black & White" for the reason that you wrote the following:- ..."So, are you saying that Windows 7 will only work in 64 bit mode on a custom made Computer"..unquote. (That in response to my previous #4 Post above). No I did not suggest that "Black & White" analysis, what I did say was:- "Off the shelf Windows.7 Computers" purchased in Retail & Chain outlets are severely limited by their installed Hardware, viz:- Their Graphic Cards and Sound Cards can not access the full potential of the Windows7 64.Bit Op.System due to the limitations of those installed Hardware devices. Even when Windows7 is running in 32.Bit mode it has been the experience of most Forum Members that hardware upgrades are necessary to achieve the full potential of the latest PTE V.6 Program. The Pan-Zoom & Rotate utilities of PTE.6 will not work correctly if reproduced through cheap OEM.Graphic Cards and as Windows7 is more demanding than XP-Sp2/3 these hardware deficiencies really become evident. One has to remember that a PTE-Slideshow is an extremely hi-quality Graphics product compared to standard TV resolution and one is not obliged to use the PTE Pan/Zoom/Rotate effects if the PC can't handle them ~ just use the Program as is without the effects ~ it will run quite happily without loss of quality provided you have 32.Bit 'Compatibility-Mode' switched on in the Windows7 System. Hope this clears up these matters... Brian (Conflow)

Hi Peter, I note your comments about Windows.7 and I completely agree with you. As far as I can assertain its always been Microsofts policy to wait for Market "feedback" both from Professional Engineers and Users and from the general PC.User before they bring out any Service-Pak V1 which sorts out the "bugs" in any new MS.Operating System. Windows.7 is no exception to this policy ~ but having said that ~ this new Op.System has the potential of being their best ever and they certainly have taken a 'quantum jump' in adopting the 64.Bit Processor-Architecture which in itself is not yet fully developed and indeed there are very few 64.Bit Programs capable of running faultlessly in the 64.Bit Mode. I don't think its a case of a 'bridge too far' but rather we have to wait for Programmers to catch up with vast potential and nuances of the 64.Bit Code-System which is at least 8 times more powerful than 32.Bit. Should we wait for Windows7-SP1 ~ well thats a personal matter of what do we expect from Windows.7 ~ If its for simple PC usage in a domestic environment it works extremely well. But if we expect advanced Program execution with full Graphics potential both in Video and AVI then we have problems?? because (standard) OEM-Hardware packed into 'off-the-shelf' PCs is simply not up to the job and will never access the full potential of Win.7 However for those lucky enough to have a (bespoke) Custom-PC made personally for them, then 64.Bit really puts the sky as the limiting factor assuming they have selected compatible Hardware. Least we all forget ~ it has always been like that with each new Microsoft Operating System ~ prudence needed !!! Brian (Conflow)

Jose, Looks to me as if you are missing a special .Dat File within the Copied/Transfered Folder. Without the Dat-File (see example below) Pte will not be able to find your original Photos even if they are within their original Folder. The 'Dat-File' has the same Name as the Slideshow-Name but a different File extension for example:- a) ConShow.EXE ~ this is the Slideshow Executable File. (See attachment). ConShow.PTE ~ this is the Slideshow Dat.File (See Attachment). If the Dat.File is missing from the Folder do a -->Start Button-->Search-->For Files & Folders--> Type in the 'Title' of the Show followed by .PTE. As Example:- ConShow.PTE (Note the dot) The PC will find it if it exists, now simply copy it and place that copy in the Photo-Folder now Re-Start the PC containing that Folder and the Dat.File will find your Photographs. Hope this helps, Brian (Conflow)

PAPRINT, You also wrote..."Almost forgot,using XP Pro out of an office" and you are using "My Passport".... If this Computer came from a 'Hotel PC System' or from an 'Supermarket/Office-Network System' which is using My-Passport as a 'Daily Business-Journal' its certain that its also using a special Software package which controls the operation of the My-Passport Drive. This is standard practice where cash and booking orders are processed. Its designed as a security feature of such operations and you will not be able to access any My Passport Drives even if you plug such a device into that Computer. These 'Passport-Drives' are strictly controlled by the System-Administrator and as you do not have these permissions (nor the Log-in Codes) you will be denied access to such Drives. You have 3 problems to overcome before you can get full control over this XP-Computer,viz:- 1) You will need the services of a good Computer-Technician who may be able to gain access to the original PC-Administrator Account and change or delete that and set you up as the sole Administrator. 2) You will need to create a new Administrator-Account will full permissions and get an original My Documents on to the Desktop including a new Recycle-Bin. 3) You will need to "Uninstall" any 'System-Business-Programs' used by the original PC-Owners. If this is not done these programs will forever interfere with your new PTE activities. If you do not understand these Instructions please personally consult with somebody who knows about these things as unfortunately its not the purpose of this Forum to give a 'step-by-step' Tutorial on how to do these things. I hope this has been of some help to you. Brian (Conflow)

To:- Igor & WnSoft Staff and Forum Members, May I wish you all the very best of Seasons Greetings and peace and good health in the New Year. To those working on 'projects' may you have good luck and get them finished in time for the Christmas Holiday. Best regards to all... Brian Kelly and Crew at Conflow Services.Dublin.

Vicbrasil, I do apologise, I had thought you were a "new user" of PTE as you had only 5 previous Posts and consequently may have been unfamiliar with the PTE Program ~ my mistake completely. I now see that Igor is attending to your problem and you couldn't be in better hands. Best of luck for a fast solution... Brian. (Conflow)

Hi VicBrasil, Error Code 110 means that you are trying to execute a command which is not possible ! You can not 'Save' your Slide-Show to Exe nor 'Save-As' to Exe thats impossible to do. Firstly you must make an 'executable' or an EXE of your Slide-Show so it self-runs without the assistance of the PTE Program. 1) To do this go to 'File' in top-left of the Program Main Window. 2) Select 'Create-Slideshow' (F9) or 'Create Slideshow As' (F8) a window will open to ask for a Slideshow-Title ~ give it a Name and select a Folder to Save-it within, now press 'Save'. After a few seconds you will hear a distinct loud 'Click' ~ job done !! now go to that chosen folder and find a 'Square-Blue Icon' thats your Slideshow-Exe. Double-Clk to run it. Brian. Conflow)

Hi Jim, I had a look at that 'UTube Demonstration' but for the life of me I can't see what the Author of that Production is trying to achieve vis-avis:- JPeg Saving Qualities !! 1) It is well known that JPeg Images are "lossy" Images which deteriorate with multiple 'Saves'. 2) And the same can be said about the 'Save' quality settings from Zero ~ 100% where 95% is about the best quality before the Image resolves into a 'Bitmap-Image' at the 100% level. 3) Even if he took 'multiple-copies' of the (original) Image and saved these (original) Copies at different quality settings of course there will be differences as the Image resolves from the Black-level (0%) to the Bitmap-level (100%) and prior to that exercise the (original) Copies themselves will have been compromised by the action of making copies of the (original) Photograph in the first instance. 4) A simple 11 Bar Grey-Scale Test or Color-Bar Test would have shown the differences immediately. I simply can not understand what the Guy is trying to achieve excepting in giving us a demomstration of the obvious which is known to anyone who uses an Image-Editor whether Photoshop or otherwise. Sorry, but it's gone over my head... Brian.(Conflow)

Hi Eric, I seems as if you have found a solution to your problems, and in further explaination the following will confirm why it happened in the 1st. place... I just had a look at your Screenshots and I noticed that successive attempts to access 'IDE-0' (The Data-Buss location of your Hard-Drive) had timed out as 'Failed'. This means that your Burner-Program could not get total access to your AVI.Files on your Hard-Drive. To get access to AVI Files on the HD requires a lot of Ram/User-Memory of which you only have 2.Gb and the XP-Sp3.Op/System will use 500.Mb of that leaving you with somewhat less than 1.5Gb to write data to the DVD. Thats very tight... Quite obviously something is burning up your available memory and the most likely causes are:- 1)Image Files are simply way too big.......(2) Your Anti-Virus Program is caught in a 'loop'. 3)Internet-Explorer is running in the background trying to download something and it wants memory. 4)Another Program is running (silently) and it also is demanding memory. The reason you can not 'auto-eject' the DVD is because the System cant find it.There is no memory available to write to the CD-Drive and execute the 'eject' function consequently the System "hangs" with an unresolvable instruction and the only option left is 'Task-Manager' using End-Task. Hope this gives you some clues to find the culprit ~ you will find that it's a simple problem, most likely your Image Files are too large seeing as your System worked fine up to this occassion. Brian.(Conflow)

Hi Carol, I have no arguement with the above as I had written..."The other advantage is that the 64-Bit.Sys can handle a large Program in "1-Chunk" whereas the 32-Bit.Sys has to split that Program into numerous 'chunks' then process it"..unquote. Looks as if we are singing off the same Hymn-sheet and I only hope those who are thinking of moving over to a 64-Bit.Sys fully realise the implications involved. Brian. (Conflow)

Carol & All, Carol I completely agree with your comments because as you say..."64 Bit is Hyped out"...and not for the benefit of the average PC Owner but rather to try and catch up with the "Apple Solid-State" Hard-Drives which are magnitudes faster that the current Microsoft-Architecture relying on mechanical Hard-Drives. For other 'Readers' the only advantage of the 64-Bit.Sys is that it takes the load of the Microprocessor(s) so reducing heat and stress and the cost of dissipation of same. The other advantage is that the 64-Bit.Sys can handle a large Program in "1-Chunk" whereas the 32-Bit.Sys has to split that Program into numerous 'chunks' then process it. On first assumptions it would appear as if the 64-Bit.Sys is faster but in the final analysis that speed is compromised by the peripheral Hardware which produces the Image/Sound Files which you see and hear on your Monitor/Sound-System. However the cost of this 'marginal-advantage' when processing really large Files is horrific..... The 64-Bit.Sys needs (4x the Sq/Root.2) thats minimum of 5.65 times the current RAM Memory of a 32-Bit XP-Sytem in order to restore it's original functionality when its now running a 64-Bit Op.System. The whole design ethos of the 64-Bit.Sys is to transfer the 'load' to user RAM Memory and take the load away from the 'uP-Cache Memory' because they can't make that larger without escalating the costs of Microprocessors. That would entail the design of a new 'uP.Package' and New-Motherboards. So if your XP.Sp3 uses 2.Gb of Memory and you upgrade it to the 64-Bit.Sys ~ now you will need at least 10.Gb of RAM Memory to handle those 'occassional' large Files including DVD's and Streaming-Film Media. Carol, I notice that the specs of your excellent PC-System follows the maths shown above and may I say again how right you really are ~ I only hope others take note of your comments !! Best regards, Brian.(Conflow)

Hi Gary, I just sent you a P.M about this and the reasons why ~ also as far as I recollect the Win-Player will not convert CD-Audio Tracks directly to Mp3. It firstly converts to WMA Format and thereafter to Mp3 provided the Musical content is not protected by DRM encoding. (Digital Rights Management Utility). I have also included a few suggestions in my P.M. which you might like to try out. regards, Brian(Conflow).

Eric, This is in response to your P.M (Private Message) which you sent to me on my invitation to help you. The Moderators will advise that you are not permitted to 'Post' co-responded P.M's on the Forum as they are intended to be strictly private ~ you may not be aware of this. Concerning the Samsung ~ is this a Laptop or Notebook ? ~ I would need to know the Model-Number as the 'link' you posted does not bring me to any specific product. Right-Clk each of your downloads and select 'Properties' and a data-window will open. Example below.... If you do not see this Window it means the Driver(s) are currently in Zip-Format and I would need to know exactly what you were looking for ?? Brian(Conflow)

Eric, Should you need any help with the above just P.M me and I shall advise. Best regards, Brian.(Conflow)

Hi Tom, As you said..'perhaps you are lucky'...I have no argument with that, but remember we have some +5000 Forum Members who are not so fortunate as they have purchased Hardware & Programs not 'classified' by the Microsoft-Certification process consequently the latest system Drivers will not be available from the Microsoft Library when they use the MS Auto-upgrading program....and lets not forget the PTE Forum is truly International !! For those PC Users I posted the above methology whereby the could personally obtain the latest Drivers directly from the Equipment-Manufacturer and thereafter download and install them. For those not familiar with Drivers (downloading & installation) they have a choice of 'Auto-Search Programs' which will do the job for them. When one considers there are 1000's of 'Equipment & Program Manufacturers' catering for Win 2000 + XP + Vista + Win.7 each requiring Driver-Libraries spread across the World-Language population of 5/6 Billion people then one realises how limited the Microsoft Library resources really are. I have absolutely no argument with the 'Microsoft Upgrade System' despite its severe limitations but one can do better by going directly to the Product Manufacturer.....thats the reason I went to the trouble of Posting this in the first place. best regards, Brian (Conflow)

Hi Guys, Firstly I had not intended to reply to this 'thread' but on reflection and on re-reading the Posts it seems if you guys have fallen into the old Microsoft 'get-out technique' concerning Driver upgrades. Let me explain:- 1) When you buy any Windows PC or Laptop it comes complete with a Microsoft Folder of so-called 'Legacy Drivers' but in latter years this compendium of drivers is getting less and less compared to 'older' Windows-Systems. 2) This selection of 'Universal-Application Drivers' are designed to get you up and running with Plug & Play Devices such as Printers, Graphic Cards, USB devices and so on. 3) The Manufacturer of your PC also provides drivers for the 'Pre-Installed Hardware' featured on your PC. 4) When you buy a 'new-device' such as a Graphics Card this comes with a Driver Disc which is already obselete by virtue of the fact that the design & development of the product took place some time before the product release date. 5) The Microsoft O/P System 'tags' all of these Drivers as additionals to its small set of installed Legacy-Drivers. Here's the crunch:- When you ask the MS O/P System to look for updated Drivers it looks through the PC's own Legacy-Library and any others which may be available from the Microsoft Centre (provided they are certified my Microsoft) and more often than not it reports back that the best Driver is already in use ~and~ do you want to select an alternative. Then it asks you for the CD-Location of the (imaginary) new drivers or do you want to download what it has on Central File ?.... Thats the get-out, because they are not the latest Drivers available from the product Manufacturer. Here's the correct way of doing it:- a) Get into Windows Explorer-->select Computer-->select your Local-Disc Icon-->double-click to open its Folder Tree-->now in the RH.Window simply RH.Clk a clean area and select 'new' from the drop-menu. Create a Folder-->name it Download--> RH.clk that and select-->Send to Desktop (create shortcut). A copy of that Folder will appear on the Desktop. Now get on the Web, look up the Manufacturer of your device - get on to his Website - look for Drivers or Upgrades but make sure you have the precise Model-Number of your device to hand. When you find the 'upgrades' simply download them into the newely created Download Folder. c) Get back into your PC, open up the 'properties' of your particular Device, select update drivers BUT THIS TIME select the 'Find-option' and direct Windows to your Download Folder. Click on the New Driver ~ Windows will recognise it and copy it into its Driver-Folder which is located at:- Windows Explorer-->Computer-->Local Disc-->Windows-->System.32-->Drivers<--VGA drivers are in that Folder. Most modern Drivers are 'self-installers' from an 'auto-opening' Zip File and most Manufacturers give instructions of "How To". IT'S NOT MICROSOFTS JOB to find new drivers for you and why should they as they are not getting paid for that service. It's your job to get the Drivers and as a courtesy of course Microsoft will install them for you ~ but you must provide them. Hope this helps... Brian (Conflow) P.S There are many good 'Driver Upgrade Programs' available on the Web. They usually charge a small fee which is well worth the cost if you are unfamiliar with installing drivers. Example Link:- http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/Driver_Genius_Professional/drivergenius.html

Hi Paul, We have run the 'Win.7 Scan Utility' on our 2000's and our XP's Business Computers and have not encountered any problems with it. There is no reason why it shouldn't work on your Laptop Win.7-Installation it may possibly find minor problems with Memory resources and compatibility issues with its Aero-Utility ~v~ XP Desktop. (Aero is their New Desktop). But do make absolutely sure everything is plugged in and turned-on and that includes Printers and all USB-Devices including external Hard-Drives & Memories which you use on a daily basis. Regards, Brian (Conflow)

Paul, There may be issues with your PC and Windows-7. I have just posted a 'Link' to the Microsoft Site where you can download the (free) "Microsoft-Compatibility Scan Tool" which will analyise your PC and all its Equipment & Programs, drivers etc; and then issue a "Compatibility Report" which you can save or print and take remedial actions if necessary. (See Forum main Window) Brian.Conflow

IGOR & ADMINISTRATORS For the benefit of all our Forum Members may I suggest the following be "Pinned" in the Main Forum Window and not pasted into the Software-Section for at least one week. "Is your PC ready for Windows-7" This special Microsoft Program scans your PC and all its systems, devices and Programs to determine whether your PC is compatible with the "New Windows.7" operating system. It then 'compiles' an accurate Report & Suggestions as to how you can resolve any issues which also includes Graphic-Cards and Memory resources and gives excellent advice as to which device's need upgrading and well as drivers etc. The Program is 8.5mB in size and installs to your Program-Folder and can be uninstalled with the 'Add/Remove Program' utility in your PC Control Panel. Below is the Microsoft Link to the Program and a sample of its Report. By using this Program our Members can avoid any future issues and unnecessary Postings concerning PTE and Windows.7 where in fact its most likely to be a PC problem anyway. Best regards to all, Brian (Conflow). http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Peter, There are a lot of 'Microsoft' things going on just right now which are unconnected with the "New Forum" but none the less are having various 'global' impacts on all PC's running Microsoft Explorer etc,etc. I have just posted a list of various Op.System upgrades and OE upgrades which are unknown to most users which are causing these impacts and most likely it's one of those which you have encountered. See Link:- http://www.picturestoexe.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=10551&st=20 My last Posting #34. Brian (Conflow).

Igor and Forum Members, Igor, many thanks for your reply, I do appreciate your position concerning New-Security utilities and the non-compatibility between the "Old" Forum System and the "New" Forum. Why didn't the IPS people publish a 'Systems-Requirement List' for the New-Forum Format? Since my last Post I have been in contact with two Microsoft Application Engineers and I have found out the following,viz:- ** There has been a major overhaul of the IE6-Internet Program (unknown to most users). ** There has been a radical overhaul of the Win.2000 and Win.2000.Pro Operating Systems. ** The Win.98se has been updated as far as it will go and will accept the new IE6 upgrades. ** IE.7 is now the 'de-facto' Internet-Utility for Xp2 and Xp3 Operating Systems. ** IE.8 is more suited for all the upgraded (64bit) Vista Operating Systems. ** The Internet-Explorer-Family has now been extended to IE.11 for other Operating Systems. A Warning 1) For those using Win.98se and Win.2000 and 2000.Pro ~take note~ IE.7 will not work on these PCs. 2) For those using 2000 and 2000.Pro (with the W2K-Upgrade) you can not 'uninstall' IE.6 but there is a workaround, more later. The Changes These changes are 'Global' and are effecting many Browsers & PC Systems in different ways in how they execute and handle your Search-Window and the Web-Sites served to your individual PC's which also includes New-Forums such as the "New WnSoft Forum" ~ So don't blame your PC's. Currently we are in the middle of updating our 2000.Pro PC's and our Xp2 PC's but I will advise you all, this is not a matter of simply downloading the upgrades and all will be O.K...not so ! There is a simple and reliable method of doing these tasks so please be patient till I get back. Brian (Conflow).