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How-to: Enable Windows Installer in Safe Mode

// July 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Computers, Windows

The Windows Installer Service is the subsystem that Windows provides for adding or removing software. Many software applications rely upon the Windows Installer Service, and they cannot be removed cleanly (or easily) if it’s not working. Most of the time it works fine, but there are always exceptions.

There are many situations that can occur where you may find yourself stuck in “Safe Mode” trying to remove a program (e.g. a program crashes your computer while it’s trying to boot). This is complicated by the fact that the Windows Installer Service will not run in “Safe Mode”.

Thankfully, there is a kind gentleman named Harry Bates that wrote a freeware tool called SafeMSI. It will enable the Windows Installer Service while Windows is running in “Safe Mode”. The usage of this tool is simple:

Download the tool
Extract the contents of the file you downloaded in Step 1 to a memorable place (e.g. your Desktop)
Run the tool while in Safe Mode

2010::Independence Day

// July 4th, 2010 // No Comments » // Holiday

Happy Independence Day!

2010::Memorial Day

// May 31st, 2010 // No Comments » // Holiday

I give thanks to those that have, and will, sacrifice for our freedom.

iTunes for Windows: Make the arrow go to your Library and not the iTunes Store

// May 30th, 2010 // No Comments » // Computers, Windows

iTunes. It’s the undeniable standard for music playback and management on computers. It’s not a one-trick pony though, as its capabilities enable an entire eco-system of products to obtain content. If a (wagon) wheel in the sky keeps on turning, then iTunes is the hub to which all of the spokes connect.

Impressive.

For being such an important software package, it’s surprisingly light on user customizable features. For example, way back when iTunes 4.5 was released (>5 years ago), a small arrow showed up next the songs in your Library. It looks like this:

Those arrows have, and very well always will, take you to that content in the iTunes Store. Personally, I don’t find that useful. I already have that song in my Library, and would rather see similar content I already have. For example, if you were to click on the arrow for the artist Rush, you would be taken to all of the Rush music in your Library.

The arrow doesn’t behave in a manner that provides the best user experience, but it does behave in a manner that ensures the most user exposure to the iTunes Store. It’s not a show-stopper, but it’s a nuisance.

Thankfully, there is a very unintuitive way to make the arrows capable of working for you. Simply Ctrl-Left click the arrow and it takes you to similar content in your Library. It makes getting around your music Library much easier.

I don’t know of a method to make this the default behavior with iTunes for Windows. If I ever discover one, I’ll be sure to share it here. It would also be great if this could become a preference, but I won’t hold my breath.

Happy Ctrl-Left clicking your way to a more enjoyable iTunes experience!

The Top 15 Google Products for People Who Build Websites

// April 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Computers

Read the excellent article here…

Effects of the 2010 US Health Care Bill Explained – Gulf Stream Blues

// March 29th, 2010 // No Comments » // Health, Learning, Sign of the times

So, we’re pretty much at the beginning of this health care reform thing here in the United States.
Here’s an incredibly well written, layman’s explanation from a person that seems to have a solid bead on the ways of the world…

The US healthcare bill explained – Gulf Stream Blues

Snake oil?

// March 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Health, Learning, Science

Does fish oil really offer tangible health benefits? Does aloe vera have powers beyond the skin? You can learn the answers to these questions, and more, with the interactive wonders at Information is Beautiful.

Click here to visit the “Snake Oil?” interactive exhibit

1989 Pontiac Stinger – It’s Not Too Late

// March 15th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cars, Sign of the times

I’d say they can skip the vacuums, garden hose, and picnic kit. Well, maybe not the picnic kit…

Chrysler legal is a bunch of dicks

// February 20th, 2010 // No Comments » // Cars, Sign of the times

One of my high school alma maters (for the record, I went to three high schools in total) is being harassed by Chrysler over the symbol of the ram (animal).

Read the absurd story here…

DVD Movies – Pirate vs. Legit Customer

// February 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Sign of the times

Click the pic for a better view

This is not my image, and I’m unclear as to who actually owns it. The image disappeared on the ‘net soon after I found it a few months back. I’ve posted the image here to keep it from dying on the vine, as I think it’s very well done.

I do not, however, agree that piracy is excusable due to mere annoyances. If you particularly like a movie, then you should support the costly production efforts, and buy yourself a legit copy. Same goes for all other content you use (e.g. music, books, etc.).

My Writings. My Thoughts.