***** This thread is now closed, please CLICK HERE to go to Volume 168 *****
In this thread you may ask any computer related question for which you need help, advice, suggestions or whatever.
Usual rules apply,
No motoring related discussion,
No politics,
No Speeding, speed cameras, traffic calming
No arguments or slanging matches
Nothing which we think is not following the spirit of the thread
Nothing that risks the future of this site (please see the small print for details www.honestjohn.co.uk/credits/index.htm )
Any of the above will be deleted. If the thread becomes difficult to maintain it will simply be removed.
There is a wealth of knowledge in here, much of which is not motoring related, but most of which is useful.
This is Volume 167. Previous Volumes will not be deleted.
A list of previous volumes can be found by clicking Here
PLEASE NOTE:
When posting a NEW question, please "Reply to" the first message in this thread, i.e. this one. This keeps each question in it's own separate segment and stops each new question from getting mixed up in amongst existing questions. Also please remember to change the subject header.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 01/12/2008 at 10:43
|
Can anyone recommend a free logo design software package for Windows. Im looking to design a logo for a company website and business cards.
Thanks
|
|
|
I've just installed Office 2007 Standard (legally) on my laptop, which was short on space so I've only installed Word because that's all I need. However, when it starts up, I get the message:
The function you are attempting to run contains macros or content that requires macro language support. When this software was installed, you (or your administrator) chose not to install support for macros or controls'.
I'm happy to install macro support, but can't spot it in the list of items in list that's displayed in the installation menu. Anyone know where it is?
|
Thats the problem with "suites", most components are inter-linked requiring you to install them all rather than just one part of it. If a word processor program is all you need, why not just install a "free" one?.
Try putting the disk in the drive, and searching cd for "Macro" using xp's? search facility, if it finds anything, note the file it's in, and copy to your Windows-program files folder of the same name, but option 1 above is easiest! and would be my choice.
Billy
Edit: did you install it using the "custom" set-up feature?
Edited by billy25 on 20/11/2008 at 20:20
|
If a word processor program is all you need why not just install a "free" one?.
Because it's to fill in a job application form which is a .doc. I've used OpenOffice to (attempt to) edit .docs, and while it might be acceptable for some purposes, previous experience tells me it isn't for something as important as this.
The other bits of the suite are needed by my wife, who we bought it for (she's a student so it was under £40). Her laptop easily has enough free space for the whole lot.
I thought it was going to be easy...
Try putting the disk in the drive and searching cd for "Macro" using xp's? search facility if it finds anything
Unfortunately it didn't.
Thanks for your suggestions.
F
|
ok then, try this,
office.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/HP030853041033.aspx
hth
bILLY
|
Thanks Billy- I deleted some more stuff on my drive and installed the 'shared Office features'. I guessed it might be in there but couldn't see anything relevant. And it's ok now.
F
|
|
|
|
I have installed Open Office on a variety of machines and used in a commercial international enviroment for over 2 years without any interoperability issues for both .doc and .xls file formats.
The only suggestions are to keep it updated and ensure that file defaults are set up correctly at the outset.
|
|
|
If a word processor program is all you need why not just install a "free" one?.
A friend of mine has the free download 'word' & he says that it does everything required & that the bought version package does BUT when he recieves an attached word document via another recipient/email etc he can not open it.
|
Which free 'Word' is it he has downloaded and what format are these attachments using?
OpenOffice.org can open and edit pretty much anything you throw at it including .docx from Office 2007 and, with a plugin, pdfs.
|
Agree with the above openoffice suggestion, also you could try this free offering from Whitesmoke (it looks ok, if the writing on the tin is the same as the contents! - i haven't tried it myself ....yet!)
Billy
EDIT: forgot link! - copy into Google and feel lucky!
www.whitesmoke.com/landing_flash/free.html
Edited by billy25 on 26/11/2008 at 17:39
|
|
|
OpenOffice.org can open and edit pretty much anything you throw at it including .docx from Office 2007 and with a plugin pdfs.
It can mess them up though- diagrams seem to cause problems.
|
snipquoteIt can mess them up though- diagrams seem to cause problems.
That's true, but try opening an .odt at all with Word ;-)
For consistency across platforms (including versions of Word) diagrams should really be embedded as images or better still the document should be shared as a pdf. Wordprocessor documents are at the mercy of the receiver's software and you can never tell what they are seeing. Specialist fonts, symbols and diagrams are the first casualties whatever you are using.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 27/11/2008 at 10:36
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have a need to record on to DVD but find that the PC has no DVD writer. I've looked at external writers and they seem to start around £50.
The old PC has a few problems and I'm wondering if this might be the opportunity to dump it and start again with something new with a DVD writer that comes with XP and doesn't cost too much.
The requirement is pretty basic: just regular Word, Excel and email. We have a lot of photos on the hard drive (backed up on CD) and particularly want to transfer mini video tape to DVD.
We don't use it for games but some sort of future proofing for (ooo!) maybe the next 10 minutes or so would be handy.
Anything around for £200 to maybe £250?
|
|
Swapping the internal CD writer for a DVD writer should take minutes and cost about £15.
|
>>.. and they seem to start around £50.>>
Not true, actually. £34 for this quite speed Samsung model:
tinyurl.com/59ojt5
Slower and slightly dearer, but with LightScribe if that interests you:
tinyurl.com/5jcr9j
There are many other examples.
I used my first 12x (write) CD-RW rewriter, acquired some six or seven years ago, first with a 400MHz Celeron and then a 550MHz Pentium III CPU; the rewriter was then replaced with a 24x (write) similar rewriter with no untoward effect on burning capabilities.
The second model cost £189 at the time, yet my current Sony DVD rewriter was just under £20 about 12 months ago and is even cheaper now....:-)
|
My first DVD rewriter bought many years ago (cannot remember if 4 or 5) for... £200! And it was only 4 speed ;-) You can get an NEC Optiarc (joint venture with Sony) for less than £12 inc VAT. So even cheaper tomorrow ;-)
Simple solution is remove the old drive and plug in the new one.
If your PC has problems then post problems and we might be able to help.
|
|
|
|
Swapping the internal CD writer for a DVD writer should take minutes and cost about £15.
ditto; quote your PC to www.scancomputers or other computer specialists & they will quote you for the correct one for your PC, average prices are £12-£18. Also the conection you take off your CD writer, you just plug this in to the new DVD writer, a very simple & quick job.
|
|
|
|
something new with a DVD writer that comes with XP and doesn't cost too much. Anything around for £200 to maybe £250?
Keep looking here >: www.hotukdeals.com/?m=28
daily and you will find something if you are quick enough before the offers expire.
However, you will have to follow their instructions carefully to get
a. the price quoted,
b. XP loaded in place of Vista.
Any reason for specifying XP? I presume by that you are saying you do NOT want Vista? If so, why?
|
Thanks all.
My computer repair experience is fully covered under the the following 3 points:
I have replaced a floppy disc drive in a deskstop (a good while ago now).
I have removed, cleaned and returned a cooling fan to a laptop (Thanks forum)
I have removed one or two hard drives from dead desktops before dumping them.
Presumably then, I am sufficiently qualified and tooled-up to go and buy a DVD writer and replace the single CD read/writer in the machine. If so, this sounds like a cheap and effective option.
Or maybe I'll buy a new one. Why a new machine? The current one is maybe 5 years old, full of carp, runs slowly, has a sticking ball mouse and does strange things. I'm semi-retired now and do a bit of consultancy work from time to time. I can earn enough for a cheap new computer in less time than I can fix the old one. It'll take me a day just to find the OE XP discs.
I don't want Vista because the other 5 (depends on who's at home) computers in the house use it and I've heard enough less than complimentary things said about Vista for me to wait a while for the bugs to be ironed out before adopting it.
I'm not an early adopter of anything - I only bought my first LCD telly two weeks ago!
|
"Presumably then, I am sufficiently qualified and tooled-up to go and buy a DVD writer and replace the single CD read/writer in the machine."
Absolutely. All it takes is opening case, unplugging cables, unscrewing screws holding DVD drive in place and reverse. Check it's easy with your case though. Some screws on either side of the DVD drive and one side might no be so obviously/easily accessible.
"The current one is maybe 5 years old, full of carp, runs slowly, has a sticking ball mouse and does strange things."
A new optical mouse could be bought at the same time for little money. Don't pay PC World prices.. no debate needed and will be deleted ;-) But online stores cheaper. My local store is an online store mind.
As for going slow etc... could do with a rebuilt but it's the user profile that can also get bloated. Give more details and we might be able to avoid even that.
My advice is avoid a new PC if this does the job and spend the consultancy money on a holiday.
I too get my first LCD TV a few weeks back ;-)
Rob
|
>>A new optical mouse could be bought at the same time for little money<<
Save even this small amount! - turn mousey onto its back twist-open the finger-plate, drop out ball wash and dry, clean built-up gunge off the two rollers (i find a cocktail stick good for this!, re-insert ball and plate, bingo, mousey brand new!
Billy
Edited by billy25 on 25/11/2008 at 19:18
|
|
|
|
>>.. has a sticking ball mouse >>
That's probably the easiest job of the lot to cure...:-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Dell desktop has been (and still is) fine since I bought it in early 2006. It runs Windows XP Home Edition. I always switch it off overnight and just recently it has shown the following message in a small dialogue box during boot up in the morning - 'Tray menu build error'. I click the 'OK' button and it disappears and off I go.
Everything seems to be fine and dandy (he said stupidly!). Can any of the experts throw any light on what might cause the message?
|
|
I expect you've Googled that phrase and not found it - so did I. That probably indicates it's not an XP message, maybe some piece of software which adds itself to your tray or something. Are all your apps working OK, and do you have tray icons where you expect them? See if you get the same message booting in Safe mode.
|
It's presumably referring to what is more correctly called the Taskbar Notification area at the bottom right of the screen.
Try running Number 53 (Remove Past Items from Notification Area) from this link:
www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
|
Stuartli
Thanks for the link. I took your advice and ran No 53 as well as following smokie's recommendation. All I can say is that the mystery message did not appear when I booted up today - but it wasn't happening every day anyway.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that it has vanished. Thanks to both of you.
|
|
|
|
smokie
Thanks for prompt response. Yes, all applications seem to be working OK and tray icons are where I would expect them to be. I have just booted in Safe Mode and the message did not show up but it didn't show every time anyway. As everything seems to be OK (aagh, I've said it again!!) I'll go along with it for now. Thanks for your interest.
|
|
|
|
|
Every time I click a page, I get a new IE window with another irritating
"Could not load file or assembly 'AjaxControlToolkit' or one of its dependencies. There is not enough space on the disk. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80070070) "
I understand the need for advertising, but this type of error has been happening more and more frequently - Mods, can you get a more professional Advertising company to take over?
MVP
Edited by rtj70 on 24/11/2008 at 11:23
|
MVP
Seconded.
I'm getting fed up with the 'no adverts no back back room' line.
The site publishers need to realise there would be no adverts without us to read them.
Any publication that hacks of its readership doesn't last long.
Yes, there has to be adverts, but they are in danger of taking over - a better balance needs to be struck.
Edited by rtj70 on 24/11/2008 at 11:23
|
If your using IE7 then set the pop up blocker to 'high'.
It blocks these annoying things altogether.
I had 27 pop up last night after about 5 mins of using the HJ website.
Now with popup blocker on 'High' I get none.
Edited by rtj70 on 24/11/2008 at 11:24
|
|
I use Firefox and have no issues at all with the adverts on this site.
Edited by rtj70 on 24/11/2008 at 11:24
|
MVP, This should be in the Computer Questions Thread. So I will edit the subject title to something more descriptive and move it in a minute.
Then can you post some more details of version of Windows, web browser version (IE6 or 7?)
Rob, Moderator
Edited by rtj70 on 24/11/2008 at 11:24
|
|
Reading your original message it mentions "no space on the disk". How much free space do you have on your computer's hard drive?
|
|
|
|
A request for information from those of you who understand the Mac world.
Daughter approaching 18 is a music student at 6th form college, intending to go on to university to study Music. She is looking for a laptop, largely to use for music, mixing composition etc.
I understand PC's in general but have no experience of owning / using Mac computers.
She has been told by several people that Macs are far better for music work such as mixing, recording etc. Is this really the case? She has a small 6 channel mixer which she would want to connect to the laptop, is the line in suitable or will she need something more substantial?
Likely software is Protools or similar.
Any help from someone with knowledge or experience would be appreciated.
|
Likely software is Protools or similar. Any help from someone with knowledge or experience would be appreciated.
I'm not a musician but I do know musicians ( someone help me) and I use a Mac a lot. Macs (especially the laptops) are very widely used in music. They are now often used instead of mixing desks in fact. It's partly to do with the software--Garageband, which comes with all Macs is easily up to the task of recording good quality professional demos--and partly to do with the hardware infrastructure around them.
MacBooks have been the laptop of choice in the creative industries for a while now--they are great value taking into account build quality and the general 'doesn't go wrong-ness' of Mac OS X--important to trust the kit if you are depending on it in the middle of a concert. But there is a hitch. In the recent line-up Apple has removed Firewire from the MacBook (apart from the base model which is still made in white polycarbonate, rather than 'carved' aluminium). Firewire is superior to USB because it doesn't require system resources to transfer data--in terms of music that means tracks played from an external disk are less likely to be choppy if you're making other demands on the machine. Apple is pushing the MacBook Pro for these applications and it is more expensive. She'll probably be using Mac Pros at university anyway, even if the university in general is a Windows shop.
As for the mixer, the best bet is to take it to an Apple shop and ask if she can try it. They will let her and the advice they give is generally good. Not unbiased of course, but knowledgeable.
On the general student side, OpenOffice.org is now native on the Mac and runs very well. The bundled software (iLife suite) is extremely good too.
Edited by Webmaster on 25/11/2008 at 00:22
|
|
Thanks for the help Baskerville
|
|
|
|
|
What's the best (free) tool for doing this? I need it to retain the tag information(track number, name etc). There are millions of tools out there, most look fairly complicated to operate and have other software dependencies - I'd have thought this was a one touch operation!
|
I've used this before, which didn't nag me to install any extra codecs:-
www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html
|
|
Ta, that wants to mess around installing IE add-ons. I'm not completely anti that, but would prefer not to.
|
Another one I use is Goldwave, this has a batch conversion option, I think it can do FLAC to MP3; probably will ask for a MP3 codec install though.
www.goldwave.com/features.php
How about Audacity? seems a popular choice, not used it much myself.
|
I've never heard of FLAC, but this has a load of conversion/playing facilities (free)
www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html
|
I use dbpoweramp. Its free for 21 days, so if you only need to convert once then its fine. But, you will have to install FLAC codec, which is easy enough.
It can tag and batch convert. It also utilises all available processors, so if you have a dual or quad core it'll speed up the process by 2 or 4.
|
Thanks for the suggestions. Tried a few, the last looks good. I like being able to see all my 4 processors at work :-) And, importantly, and unlike some of the others, it seems to retain the metatag info correctly.
I have something over 3000 songs to do (all Blues btw, as we mentioned the blues the other week). It did 31 in under 5 minutes. So that's ....ummmm....less than 10 hours! Will be leaving it on overnight methinks...
|
|
Tip: If you're leaving it to run overnight, you can set an option to give it 'high priority' to make it quicker, but make sure your PC is well ventilated - left mine overnight (laptop) on a bed and it was red hot in the morning.
|
Tip: If you're leaving it to run overnight you can set an option to give it 'high priority' to make it quicker
But does that make much difference if there's nothing else running? I know there's various background processes running all the time, but there shouldn't be anything that's consistently taking up significant CPU.
Edited by Focus {P} on 25/11/2008 at 06:56
|
|
Didn't seem able to do so anyway - tried upping the LAME process but it said not possible. Never mind, 2994 files completed in 7h 16m, job done. It seems to have not transferred one item from the tag, but that's a relatively easy one to fix.
|
|
|
Advance apologies for crass stupidity on my part but is it possible (and reasonably easy) to download pictures from my Picasa application on my PC to my Nokia 6500 mobile phone?
|
There a few options:
If your Nokia 6500 has a removable memory card then use a card reader on the PC to copy the photos on. But I think the 6500 Classic has about 1Gb of inbuilt memory but the 6500 Slider has a micro SD card.
Most newer Nokia phones behave like an external disk when plugged into a PC using a USB cable - so it would appear like a flash drive. The 6500 has a mini USB connector so will almost certainly allow you to access it like this. You'll be asked a question on the phone about how you want to connect (something like PCSuite or mass storage). The phone will have come with a Nokia Mirco USB Cable CA-101.
Or the other option is to install Nokia PC Suite on the computer and connect to the phone either using the cable you got with the phone or even bluetooth if your PC support that.
It's basically then a case of dragging and dropping the pictures into the correct folder on the phone.
Edited by rtj70 on 25/11/2008 at 16:15
|
Thanks rtj.
My phone is a 6500 slide with micro SD card. I have Nokia PC Suite installed but I'm afraid that its use is beyond my very limited technical ability. Is it possible for you to explain in layman's language the procedure for dragging and dropping pictures into 'the correct folder on the phone'.
Although I am familiar with dragging and dropping items from one part of the PC to another, doing so from the PC to the phone sounds only marginally easier than brain surgery to my uninitiated brain.
Hope you can help further.
|
Scouseford,
You say you are familiar with drag and drop within the PC. Treat your phone as part of your PC and "do what you normally do".
To copy all the files click on the first and holding down the shift key, click on the last file. This will highlight them all and you can then move them all at once.
To select/deselect individual files click on the first file then hold down the CTRL key while clicking other files.
I hope this hasnt muddied the waters. One of the things I try to impress on people is that nowadays it is very difficult to break a PC.
In the early days (pre WinXP), it was possible to delete files that were vital for windows to run.
Since XP, you can still tell the PC to delete a file, you get a message confirming whether you really are sure you want to do this, but then it says nah, you dont wanna do that, it'll mess things up (or words like that!!).
Have a play, I very much doubt you will break it.
Good Luck
|
|
|
Have you got a card reader on the PC and did you have the Micro SD to full SD adapter? This is how I probably would do it for speed.
Otherwise have you ever plugged the phone into the PC with the supplied USB cable? You can get the phone to show as a USB Mass Storage Device on the PC and treat it like any other disk drive in the PC to copy files about.
|
Many thanks to both of you. I have achieved a degree of success in that I have managed to get a picture of my brand new grandson onto my phone as a screensaver. I managed to use the 'drag and drop' method - more by good luck than good management!!
I haven't got a card reader on my PC but can see that that would be the easy way.
Thanks again to both of you.
|
|
Plugging the phone into the PC with the supplied USB cable (which is what you've probably done) will be fine. Stops messing around with removing memory card etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I am thinking about getting mobile broadband. Am I correct in thinking that I should be able to use it wherever I can get that particular company's mobile phone signal?
|
|
Yes I think so. My wife has a Vodafone dongle and that works everywhere there's a signal. The speed varies though depending on whether there's a 3G signal or not.
|
Yes. If you go for the Vodafone one, use the Lite version of the software. I found the full programme conflicts with XP. Can't speak for other brands.
They are not all the same as well so if you're being offered a super cheap deal then check the software version carefully as the newer stuff is a lot better.
|
|
|
|
You just need to bear in mind that to get anywhere near advertised data rates for 3G you need to have really high signal levels, so in practical terms you need to be in a built up area and close to a base station.
|
I think most of them offer a short trial to see if you have sufficient coverage. Certainly they have a postcode checker (3 does) that will tell you if they cover certain areas
One of my colleagues at work is in rented accomodation and wanted something like this, but he couldn't get the speed
one word of warning though.....the cheap deals (£10/month) are limited to 1GB allowance per month. Above that, you pay (wait for it) anywhere from £1 per Megabyte.
So, if you downloaded 2GB in one month, your bill would be £110
Just pay close attention to the T&C's and think about how much you will download.
At work, we have some people on the usb dongles and we pay £35/month on a Vodafone business tariff for unlimited downloads.
It's very good if, as others mention, you are in a high coverage area.
|
>>one word of warning though.....the cheap deals (£10/month) are limited to 1GB allowance per month. Above that you pay (wait for it) anywhere from £1 per Megabyte.
Going perhaps marginally off topic I've just come back from a couple of days in Limerick, 4M of download on my Vodafone UK account cost 20 quid!
|
>>..anywhere from £1 per Megabyte...>>
"...from.." No wonder it's an expensive exercise...:-)
Makes the 1GB at £10 a month the bargain of the century.
|
I'm with Virgin, and they sent me something called a "text" the other day to say that their £2 per Megabyte charge is changing at the beginning of December to "30p a day unlimited, fair use policy applies".
Make of that what you will - it didn't interest me but may be to someone else if they want to look into it. Unless I've misunderstood what we're talking about, not really being a phone type of person.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Simple question, I hope.
The time is fast approaching when I have to abandon this steam-driven Windows 98 machine and IE6 - even though I don't get many problems with HJ.
What is the difference between Windows Vista Basic and Windows Vista Premium family edition (if that's what it's called in the UK)?
I don't do anything much that's complicated - just a bit of word processing, banking and buying and wasting time on here...
|
Thanks for that, Spamcan. Looks as though if I want to make a DVD it'll have to be Vista Premium although I don't need all the other bits.
Do you (or does anyone) think my Word 97 will work with Vista?
|
Mike,
The oldest office package that will work on Vista is the 2003 flavour.
Office 2007, I believe, is currently around £59 at currys or comet (cant remember which). A price that you will find hard to beat. Not sure if there is any catch to it though.
|
Office 2007 I believe is currently around £59 at currys or comet (cant remember which). A price that you will find hard to beat.
If you have a student in the family, you can get it for £37 from here (as we did):
www.software4students.co.uk/
Edited by Focus {P} on 27/11/2008 at 07:07
|
|
|
|
No Movie Maker / DVD Maker
If this is the line you were reading it doesnt mean you cant make DVD's. Home Basic does not come with movie maker/dvd maker software.
DVD's can still be made with 3rd party software or through Windows Explorer.
|
All you need to do is download Windows Movie Maker 2.6 (for Vista) from the Microsoft website:
tinyurl.com/2ul8mx
or add DVD Maker:
tinyurl.com/6ff9yd
Also Movie Maker 2.1 version for XP available (it's included in SP2).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Re-posting this since it went at the top.
Downloaded small amount of info to 700mb CDR yesterday.
A lot of space is still left on the CD but can you get the computer to write to it or when, as in my case, media player "finalised" the CD is that the end of it?
I do know there are CDRW but I want to fill the space rather than over-write.
Thanks.
|
if you wanted to keep adding bits of data to it, you should have created a "data" disk, these aren't finalised as such, like an Audio disc, once finalised you cant re-open them to add more.
Billy
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 26/11/2008 at 18:41
|
|
|
|
Finalised is as final as it sounds, it will write no more.
|
|
If it's been finalised then you cannot add another session.
|
billy 25 responded to the duplicate post suggesting I should have created a "data disk". {now moved down here}
TBH I'm none the wiser and would that be ok for all data including music files?
Thanks.
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 26/11/2008 at 18:42
|
|
If you want to create a CD playable in a CD player / in car etc. then you need to create an audio disk, which will need to be finalised. If you just want to play back on a PC then you can create an audio or data dis, you can get away without finalising it, if you're just going to play it back on the same machine as you created it.
|
"If you want to create a CD playable in a CD player / in car etc."
Unless the player in the car will play USB files from a CD in which case writing the MP3 files to a data disk would also work.
If it's for use in the car and the car CD player can cope with CD-RWs then that's what I do. Then you can erase them and put a different choice of music on for another time.
If you are writing data disks then choosing not to finalize the disk means you can add more sessions later.
|
"If you want to create a CD playable in a CD player / in car etc." Unless the player in the car will play USB files from a CD in which case writing the MP3 files to a data disk would also work. If it's for use in the car and the car CD player can cope with CD-RWs then that's what I do. Then you can erase them and put a different choice of music on for another time.
Yep, that's what I've been doing for the last 4 years or so, but I was trying to keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
You can keep writing to a CD-R or DVD-R, but you have to do it in multi-session mode.
After each multi-session adding a file or files, you have to ensure that you Save the folder created for a particular CD/DVD-R disk, otherwise you will/have have problems (Nero checks to see if you wish to Save). The disk is configured to Finalise just before the last multi-session (i.e. when the disk will be filled).
Details on how to create and use a multi-session folder on CD-R or DVD-R at:
www.nero.com/eng/support-nero6-manuals.html
(download the manual which is, in this case, for Nero6).
I have a number of multi-session disks on the go and add data which is appropriate. It makes it much easier to update or install drivers, programs etc on other systems.
Edited by Stuartli on 26/11/2008 at 15:53
|
|
|
|
Back in April 2004 I bought some Car Diagnostic Hardware that worked with a PC; thus there was some software to buy for the PC.
The Vendor made the point that the hardware and software would be billed separately, and that Hardware would have UK VAT payable by me (I'm unregistered).
No VAT would be payable on the software, which I would download from their Server (outside the UK / EU).
This process has fixed in my mind that VAT is not payable on software, just as I think VAT is not payable on paper Books. I'd expect VAT to be payable on any media carrying the Software.
I've just started to order some computing software, which will be a download, no storage media like a CD or DVD involved.
I've stopped the process because the online order shows VAT being added, and at the rate of 19%.
The 0800 helpline isn't open until Monday am, when I will challenge the VAT rate anyway (I think they have added 2.5% points, rather than subtracted 2.5% points).
But, YOUR QUESTION is, should VAT be charged anyway?
Have things changed (VAT / Software wise) in the last 4.5 years?
Thanks.
|
In my experience, and from what I've read, VAT is often charged on software at the rate in the country from which you are downloading it, which may differ from the UK rate. VAT is certainly payable on software.
JH
|
What companies sometimes do is to shift their intellectual property - in this case software - out of the UK to pay tax on profits made from it at a lower rate.
Ireland is a favourite but if the VAT rate is genuinely 19% then this is downloading from somewhere else. It's common. If you want the stuff you have to pay the VAT.
Would it be worth your while to register for VAT, OP?
|
>>.. out of the UK to pay tax on profits made from it at a lower rate. >>
Normally the complaint is that software purchased outside the UK is vastly cheaper.
|
|
|
JH: "VAT is certainly payable on software."
OK, no doubts about that element then :-))
rtj70: "if the VAT rate is genuinely 19% then this is downloading from somewhere else."
The Country of Origin appears to be the USA, but nowadays, and judging solely from the Vendors website, I doubt anyone can say with certainty.
The information will probably come out in my (UK) phone conversation on Monday.
rtj70: "If you want the stuff you have to pay the VAT."
OK. It's not a lot of money, and I did think 'is it worth the time and effort making a fuss?'.
But it's a bit chill to work outside on the car, and I'm not desperate for the software 'today', so I thought I might as well ask the question, so the answers will prepare me for tomorrows' phone conversation.
rtj70: "Would it be worth your while to register for VAT, OP?"
I think that answer is no. I'm an employed person, with a (notoriously) low spend lifestyle.
But thanks for the thought.
|
US doesn't charge VAT. EU countries do. US charges sales tax so if it says VAT it should be somewhere in the EU, I'd have thought. When you said you weren't VAT registered I thought you meant you could be but were below the threshold.
People do complain, stuartli, about the relative costs of goods in different countries. As we all know, we get turned over on quite a lot in the UK in price terms.
So it makes even more sense for a company to operate from a lower tax regime at slightly less than UK prices because there is more profit left.
|
it says VAT it should be somewhere in the EU,
google: 19% vat
result shows some of countries charging that rate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi
Just noticed this weekend that both my laptops are using up hideous amounts of CPU time (33% Toshiba and 95% IBM) when visiting Honest John with Flash Player enabled.
I can disable flash, which means I can't visit YouTube etc, or disable scripting on the site, which means I can't post.
Oh, and before you ask, Firefox etc is out of the question on the Toshiba as it's a works machine.
Any suggestions?
|
I've already raised this with the right people. It will be looked at.
Rob, Moderator
Edited by rtj70 on 30/11/2008 at 15:07
|
|
|
I have had the same problem on various sites that use flash, don't know how to stop it completly but I have had less trouble since upgrading to flash player version 10.
get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Snip
Edited by rtj70 on 30/11/2008 at 15:23
|
Don't forget that there are two versions of Flash Player - one for Internet Explorer and the other for Firefox and other browsers.
If you download from the Flash Player website the correct version is automatically downloaded, so either do each in turn if necessary or go to:
www.filehippo.com/software/browsers/
Both are listed a short way down.
|
|
|
|
Oh and before you ask Firefox etc is out of the question on the Toshiba as it's a works machine.
I've had success using Portable Firefox on machines where installing software is forbidden. It runs from a thumb drive:
portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable
|
|
|
|
I just replaced the colour cartridge in my printer. It printed about 20 pages before the colour went odd. I cleaned the head and ran a test. OK.
But when I tried to print some more the message came up "parts inside printer worn out - get repaired" (or words to that effect).
The printer's six years old and owes me nothing. But I don't like just throwing stuff away.
Any thoughts on repair chances?
|
|
Probably nil but what sort of printer is it? You'll quite possibly be able to pick one up for next to nothing which will enable you to use your cartridge(s) which might be worth more than the printer!
|
Epson Stylus C42. Uses cheapo supermarket cartridges so that's not a problem, but even if I wanted to get the cartridges out it might be difficult: the cartridge holder has parked itself under the cover and won't move. I'd probably have to break the cover to get at them. Which I could do, I suppose.
Thanks for the thought.
Edited by Optimist on 30/11/2008 at 18:13
|
The most common reason for this is that the waste ink reservoir is full.
Have a look at: www.fixyourownprinter.com/forums/inkjet/30575
This well known utility could be useful too: www.ssclg.com/epsone.shtml
To move the cartridges holder you normally have to use the Maintenance feature with Epson models.
I leave my Epson R300 switched on permanently, as it avoids the needless head cleaning routine it would go through otherwise each time it is switched on.
Edited by Stuartli on 30/11/2008 at 21:41
|
|
|
|
My Pc has shut itself down instantly on five occassions recently when I have been on here. It has not happened anywhere else, though that could be coincidence. Just before some of these I have had a box containing a warning about Phising just before it turned off, not up for long enough to read anymore. I also get loads of the following windows appearing, eveytime I switch topics in fact -
Value cannot be null.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.
Exception Details: System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.
Source Error:
An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.
Stack Trace:
[ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.]
uTarget.UtargetPage.HourlyCacheInc(Int32 urlID) +399
uTarget.UtargetPage.RecordActivity(Int32 urlID, Int32 hostID, Int32 weeklyView, Int32 CampaignCap, Int32 relativeCap, Int32 relativeExpires, Int32 hostCap, Int32 hostExpires, Int16 activityType, Boolean updateCookies) +308
uTarget.UtargetPage.RecordImp(Int32 urlID, Int32 hostID, Int32 weeklyView, Int32 CampaignCap, Int32 relativeCap, Int32 relativeExpires, Int32 hostCap, Int32 hostExpires) +58
uTarget.redir.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) +1489
System.Web.UI.Control.OnLoad(EventArgs e) +99
System.Web.UI.Control.LoadRecursive() +47
System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain(Boolean includeStagesBeforeAsyncPoint, Boolean includeStagesAfterAsyncPoint) +1436
Have I got a hardware fault ( all connections have been checked), picked up a virus or is something on here causing it?
Thanks to anyone who can shed some light.
|
Its this site thats causing it. Whne i run basic IE it comes up with:
Server Error in '/' Application.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
Value cannot be null.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.
Exception Details: System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.
Source Error:
An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.
Stack Trace:
[ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.]
uTarget.UtargetPage.HourlyCacheInc(Int32 urlID) +399
uTarget.UtargetPage.RecordActivity(Int32 urlID, Int32 hostID, Int32 weeklyView, Int32 CampaignCap, Int32 relativeCap, Int32 relativeExpires, Int32 hostCap, Int32 hostExpires, Int16 activityType, Boolean updateCookies) +308
uTarget.UtargetPage.RecordImp(Int32 urlID, Int32 hostID, Int32 weeklyView, Int32 CampaignCap, Int32 relativeCap, Int32 relativeExpires, Int32 hostCap, Int32 hostExpires) +58
uTarget.redir.Page_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) +1489
System.Web.UI.Control.OnLoad(EventArgs e) +99
System.Web.UI.Control.LoadRecursive() +47
System.Web.UI.Page.ProcessRequestMain(Boolean includeStagesBeforeAsyncPoint, Boolean includeStagesAfterAsyncPoint) +1436
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
Version Information: Microsoft .NET Framework Version:2.0.50727.1433; ASP.NET Version:2.0.50727.1433
When i use google chrome or ie7 it doesent
Edited by Altea Ego on 30/11/2008 at 18:05
|
There is a separate thread (now read only) on this. We know about the problem and the info has been passed on to the support people. I'll make sure I communicate with them during working hours tomorrow.
So please do not discuss further here - there is a problem, it is known about, it is affecting people, it's not the HJ site itself and will be fixed.
Thanks
Rob (as a moderator)
|
|
|
|
