Computer problem since latest update.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 10:28:22

I downloaded the latest Windows XP updates, since then my computer has been unable to close without using a forced close down.

I read about a new update at the sticky, but it is in the usual Microsoft Jargon, that means SFA to me, are the two related?

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 10:33:51

Possibly. Do you get a 'closing' window pop up during shutdown, with the name of a program (or process) in the title bar? I've noticed that CTFMON.EXE (part of Office) is taking longer to close down since I patched.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 10:40:28

Hi Rik, yes, I got mim.exe, whatever that is?

One programme now point blank refuses to open at all now as well, it is an old address programme that has been OK for years; Sidekick98.

Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 10:46:11

A quick Google has it as part of the Musicmatch Jukebox. Sound familiar?

I remember Sidekick well. Takes me back to the days of programs like QEMM.

Have you tried running it in campatibility mode? Do you know which updates you installed? I'm guessing that some of the 'tightening up' from yesterday's patches has put Sidekick outside the pale as far as Windows is concerned.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 10:53:32

Hi Rik, Yes I have Musicmatch Jukebox installed at factory, but I have never used it.

I will give your suggestion of compatibility mode a whirl, never thought of that..

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 10:56:07

If you don't use the Jukebox, you might as well uninstall it - it will free a bit of memory if nothing else.

Compatibility mode can sometimes revive apps, some, though, bent the rules so much that they reach a point where they just won't work anymore. Hopefully, Sidekick should fall into the former group.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:02:07

You are a bloody genius, the Sidekick works in compatibility mode, have a Karma for your troubles..

I thought I had lost all of my old addresses.

Cheers.

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:07:28

Thank you, kind sir. Glad you're sorted.

It might be worth exporting those addresses to a new app. I suspect that, eventually, Sidekick will no longer work with Windows, especially when you make the move to Vista or its successor.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:13:15

Quote from: Rik on Jul 12, 2007, 11:07:28

It might be worth exporting those addresses to a new app. I suspect that, eventually, Sidekick will no longer work with Windows, especially when you make the move to Vista or its successor.

I would if I knew how..

Vista, that would be when hell freezes over..

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:19:17

Or when you buy your next machine?

Does Sidekick have any export options? I can't remember it that well now. If it offers CSV files, you could move the data into a spreadsheet. I'm afraid we've all gone through the proprietary format hell that plagues PCs.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:23:24

Just checked Rik, yes it does CSV export, however I don't have a spreadsheet programme..

( There is always one aint there

).

Lance · Jul 12, 2007, 11:24:59

You could download openoffice - it will have an excel equilvient in it which should be able to take the csv file.

Lance · Jul 12, 2007, 11:28:40

Or if you use the windows address book - you can import a CSV directly into there.

You can find it under Start > All programs > Accessories.

On the file menu choose Import > Other address book and then follow the wizard!

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:31:45

Many thanks Lance, have a karma, will give it a go.

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:34:41

It's probably worth taking a look at the exported file in Notepad, before you move it to the Windows Address Book. Many programs make a bit of a hash of exporting a CSV file, and you'll end up with mis-matched fields. These can be easily cleaned up while the file is still in CSV format.

Lance · Jul 12, 2007, 11:36:01

Quote from: Inactive on Jul 12, 2007, 11:31:45
Many thanks Lance, have a karma, will give it a go.

Thank you very much kind sir!

Lance · Jul 12, 2007, 11:37:25

Quote from: Rik on Jul 12, 2007, 11:34:41
It's probably worth taking a look at the exported file in Notepad, before you move it to the Windows Address Book. Many programs make a bit of a hash of exporting a CSV file, and you'll end up with mis-matched fields. These can be easily cleaned up while the file is still in CSV format.

The way Windows Address book works is by pulling up the one of the lines from the file and then allows you to quickly and easily map which field that column relates to.

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:46:00

Indeed, Lance, the problem comes when the app does not use the same fields from record to record.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:48:53

Eureka, it worked, not totally straightforward, but nevertheless I now have a safe copy of my info, thanks to Lance and Rik for your valuable help.

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:51:58

The invoice is in the post.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 11:53:35

Quote from: Rik on Jul 12, 2007, 11:51:58
The invoice is in the post.

I will pay immediately via my Nigerian Bank Account..

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 11:58:53

That would be the one with a sort code of 41-94-19?

Serious point, you need to think about what app you are going to use to handle your address data. Although you now have a backup, it will quickly get out of step with the Sidekick data. In that situation, and I have been there, you end up keeping the two sets of data manually synchronised until, sooner or later, one has an entry which gets missed. It's better, imo, to evaluate the new app and, if you're happy with it, make the switch.

Inactive · Jul 12, 2007, 12:18:02

Thanks Rik, I agree, I will have a Google to see if there are any nice free applications, unless anyone knows of any?

Rik · Jul 12, 2007, 12:25:42

Not free, but Filofax have a UK-oriented package.

I've used a Palm since they were Pilots, so haven't bothered with any other package for years now.