NSR: Any computer tech heads here?

[Achtung]

Can anyone tell me how to convert Mediaplayer files into Realplayer format? Most of the music on my laptop is RP, so when I add something that's in MP it means I can't stick it into playlists the same way. It's a niggly thing.

When you say Mediaplayer, do you mean Windows Media Player, WMP files? Do you want to play WMP files in Real Player?

[Leto]

When you say Mediaplayer, do you mean Windows Media Player, WMP files? Do you want to play WMP files in Real Player?

Exactamente. You can see how little I really know about the subject.

I can play one WMP song at a time without problem, but I can't add WMP songs to the end of a RP playlist, and I can't play an album of WMP songs since it automatically runs through to the last song in the list.

[jayro75]

So I apparently picked up some kind of adware when I downloaded tvants and no matter what I do it won't disappear for good.

In my change/remove programs file there is a file that's in all weird letters. When I go to remove it up pops a box with a code, if I enter the code the Chinese adware popups stop appearing in IE and the program disappears from my list.

BUT, when I restart my computer the program reappears and I start getting Chinese cellphone ads in IE.

Help it's driving me nuts and I don't know what to do.

[Achtung]

Exactamente. You can see how little I really know about the subject.

I can play one WMP song at a time without problem, but I can't add WMP songs to the end of a RP playlist, and I can't play an album of WMP songs since it automatically runs through to the last song in the list.

Hmm, I don't know much about converting formats like that. Maybe in Realplayer there is a way to do it? The problem with RealMedia is that the format is fairly proprietary, so even a program like VLC won't play the files.

Your best bet might be to convert your RM files to a more open format like MP3.

I did, however, find this list in a quick Google search:
http://www.mp3towav.org/rm-to-mp3.asp

[Achtung]

So I apparently picked up some kind of adware when I downloaded tvants and no matter what I do it won't disappear for good.

Download this program: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

And see what it finds. Sounds like you've got a browser hijacker.

[Stud83]

So I apparently picked up some kind of adware when I downloaded tvants and no matter what I do it won't disappear for good.

In my change/remove programs file there is a file that's in all weird letters. When I go to remove it up pops a box with a code, if I enter the code the Chinese adware popups stop appearing in IE and the program disappears from my list.

BUT, when I restart my computer the program reappears and I start getting Chinese cellphone ads in IE.

Help it's driving me nuts and I don't know what to do.

Download hijackthis, and run it to get the log (do not click "fix" after it's done). Then go to the following link, register, create a new thread, explain your problem and post the log there. The guys over there are very good - I was able to get rid of quite a few problems that kept appearing despite the fact that none of my antivirus/spyware programs were able to detect them.
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malware_Removal_HiJackThis_Logs_Go_Here-f37.html
You'll pretty much get step-by-step instructions on how to clean your PC from unwanted malware/popups and a whole bunch of other problems which you might have without knowing anything about it.

[jayro75]

Download hijackthis, and run it to get the log (do not click "fix" after it's done). Then go to the following link, register, create a new thread, explain your problem and post the log there. The guys over there are very good - I was able to get rid of quite a few problems that kept appearing despite the fact that none of my antivirus/spyware programs were able to detect them.
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malware_Removal_HiJackThis_Logs_Go_Here-f37.html
You'll pretty much get step-by-step instructions on how to clean your PC from unwanted malware/popups and a whole bunch of other problems which you might have without knowing anything about it.

Thanks..

It seems Achtung's solution fixed the problem and a bunch of others that Adaware never found.

My computer looks clean and I don't have anymore screaming chinese people popping up..:D

[Motterman]

Hmm, I don't know much about converting formats like that. Maybe in Realplayer there is a way to do it? The problem with RealMedia is that the format is fairly proprietary, so even a program like VLC won't play the files.

Your best bet might be to convert your RM files to a more open format like MP3.

I did, however, find this list in a quick Google search:
http://www.mp3towav.org/rm-to-mp3.asp

Also, there's this:

http://www.zamzar.com/

[Motterman]

Thanks..

It seems Achtung's solution fixed the problem and a bunch of others that Adaware never found.

My computer looks clean and I don't have anymore screaming chinese people popping up..:D

Yeah, Ad-Aware is still pretty good, but you need at least 3 different spyware/malware scanning and removal tools these days. And even then, you still might need to do the hjackthis route to remove stuff manually.

[jayro75]

Yeah, Ad-Aware is still pretty good, but you need at least 3 different spyware/malware scanning and removal tools these days. And even then, you still might need to do the hjackthis route to remove stuff manually.

I hate ********ing computers....:p

[Achtung]

Yeah, Ad-Aware is still pretty good, but you need at least 3 different spyware/malware scanning and removal tools these days. And even then, you still might need to do the hjackthis route to remove stuff manually.

And then there's the alternative....






http://images.apple.com/home/2007/images/welcome2007_20070101.jpg

:D

[Leto]

Cheers Achtung/Motter, I'll get converting...see y'all next year...

[Leto]

Also, there's this:

http://www.zamzar.com/

This is a great site!

[Republic of Mancunia]

Ok, so I've been thinking about getting myself either a second PC or a laptop for a while and as space is an issue have pretty much decided on a laptop.

I've been advised to go for something with a Core 2 Duo processor so was just wondering if the following was any good?

TBH, I don't need great performance from it and am kind of on a budget that this just sneaks under and it's pretty much the lowest price Core 2 Duo I can find. Opinions anyone? (Bearing in mind I just need it to be decent rather than great.)

Features for this ACER 5633WLMI

- Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 Processor 1.66GHz
- 667MHz FSB
- 2MB Cache
- 1024MB RAM
- 120GB Hard Drive
- Dual Layer DVD ReWriter MultiDrive
- 15.4" Widescreen TFT Display
- Microsoft Windows Media Center
- 224MB Intel GMA 950 Shared Graphics
- 1 Year Free Warranty

Specification for this ACER 5633WLMI

Processor Type Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T5500
Processor speed 1660 mhz
Memory Size 1024 mb
Memory Type DDR II
Hard Drive Capacity 120 Gb
Optical Drives HD DVD/DVD SuperMulti Drive
CD-ROM Speed 24 x
CD-RW Speed. 24 x
DVD-ROM Speed 8 x
DVD-RW Speed 8 x
Screen Size/Type 15.4" WXGA
Graphics Card Type GMA 950
Graphics Memory 224 mb
TV-out
Sound Type Sound Blaster pro
Modem Type 56kbps
Wireless Enabled
No. of USB Connections 4
Battery Type Li-Ion
Battery life (up to) 2.5 hours
Operating system Windows XP Media Center Edition
Weight 2.77 kg
Height 36 mm
Width 358 mm
Depth 265 mm
Colour Black/Silver

----------------------------------------------------------

Also, as I'm a bit thick can anyone talk me through the process of setting it up for wireless 'net surfing etc or point me to a guide as to exactly what I'll need? My broadband is through the cable tv set top box if that makes any difference. :confused:

Many thanks in advance, rep will be given to those who help. :)

[StrikerCW]

Looks good if your not planning on using it for gaming. Remember if your using it for adult activities, use firefox and javascript blocker. ;)

Anyways, in all seriousness, to setup the wireless, you will have to get a wireless router. This should go from the ethernet out of the highspeed modem. It will then transmit the signal. You have to enable wireless connections on your laptop in the Network Connections and then chose which connection (should only be one, unless someone living within 100 yards or so of you has an open wireless).

If you have trouble let us know. It shouldn't be too hard.

[FIFARay007]

One thing to consider with the wireless is whether or not you have wireless phones in the vicinity. Since I moved into my condo and bought those phones, I've had some issues between the wireless router and the laptop.

If you do have wireless phones, and want to have the router, make sure they are as far apart as you can allow, to avoid interference.

[Republic of Mancunia]

Thanks for the answers guys. A couple more questions though if they're not too stupid;

If my new laptop will be connected wirelessy via the router, which is plugged into the cable box/ modem, how will my existing desktop PC connect to it?

Does it reamin plugged into the cable box/router in some way or does that have to go wireless too?

If it has to go wireless the router I'm looking at comes with a USB adapter which I assume I'll be able to use on my desktop PC if needed? You see, my desktop is kind of old (who am i kidding? it's ancient :) ) and I'm almost positive it doesn't have wireless capability at the moment whereas the laptop is already wireless enabled.:confused:

[StrikerCW]

Well, you COULD get a wireless adaptor for the PC.

But you could also connect the wireless router to the PC directly, because I 'think' (I am not sure, you'll have to get someone else to answer for sure) most of them come with ethernet out as well, so you would just use a CAT5 to the computer like normal (if you old PC even has one. :rolleyes:)

[Sapphire]

But you could also connect the wireless router to the PC directly, because I 'think' (I am not sure, you'll have to get someone else to answer for sure) most of them come with ethernet out as well, so you would just use a CAT5 to the computer like normal (if you old PC even has one. :rolleyes:)That's what I did. (However, my PC didn't have an ethernet card, so I had to buy one as well. That would be something to check).

[StrikerCW]

That's what I did. (However, my PC didn't have an ethernet card, so I had to buy one as well. That would be something to check).
Yeah, thats what I mean. :o

Good call.