Recovering a Bricked Uconnect 8.4 after failed update. While attempting to install Uconnect Software Update “SIRI UPDATE FOR UCONNECT® 8.4A_RA3_16.13.13_MY13_&_M14” via a USB flash drive, I encountered the error “Sierra Wireless: bolo file install failed”. The update process went smoothly up until Unit number 10 of 11. At step 10, Unit Name: Embedded Air Card, the process was stuck at 1%, and eventually timed out with the error “Sierra Wireless: bolo file install failed”.
Find Large Files in Linux
In the following simple solution, I cover how to Find Large files in Linux. This process was tested from a running Ubuntu Linux environment. It’s good to know which files are taking up the most space as disk space fills up. It’s often necessary to locate largest files when you start running out of disk space, and need to perform a cleanup to remove unnecessary files in order to make space for some new files.
How to find largest files on Windows
In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how to find largest files on Windows. This process should work from a running Microsoft Windows 7,8, or 10 environment. As disk space begins to fill up, it’s often nice to know what files are consuming the most space. Especially if your drive is almost full and you want or need to remove some unnecessary files to reclaim some of your precious disk space for other files.
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How to Clear cPanel Error Log
How to Clear cPanel Error Log on a CentOs 6 server. The cPanel automatically logs activity of a web server to make it easy for the administrator to find and correct broken links and other problems. After correcting what was causing these errors, it can be worthwhile to delete or remove the accumulation of errors from this log. The following covers specifically how I do this.
Uconnect 8.4 Clock Running Slow – How I Fixed it
The other day I realized my Uconnect 8.4 clock was running slow. It seemed the time on the Uconnect system kept creeping back several minutes per hour. I could adjust the time, and it would inaccurate several minutes later. Even after a full system reset. Finally, I stumbled upon a soft reset solution that appears to work. After several days, the clock is back to keeping accurate time.
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Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review
My Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review: In my quest for the perfect fitness watch, I recently came across the Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Edition. This model comes with a built in heart rate sensor and also ships bundled with a heart rate strap.
Disable Chrome Cache
How to Disable Chrome Cache – Google Chrome Web Browser. There are often several reasons a person might want to prevent their Chrome Web Browser from Caching pages visited on the internet. One might assume “Disabling Cache” to be an easy option to find and set in Chrome. But currently the only setting to disable cache in Chrome is embedded deep within Developer Tools. In addition, simply disabling cache from within Developer Tools only works as long as the Developer Tools window remains open. As a result that probably isn’t going to be a solid solution for the majority of Chrome users.
Reveal or Find Windows Email Passwords
Want to Reveal or Find Windows Email Passwords? Mail PassView is probably one of the easiest and most straight forward Mail Password recovery tools to use. Created by NirSoft and made specifically for Email Password Recovery, this free tool is tiny yet powerful. Users might use Mail PassView to Show Mail Passwords stored in Windows Mail clients. Clients such as Windows Live Mail, Windows Mail, Thunderbird, Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, and Incredimail. I’ve been using this tool for many years to find all of my Email Passwords. On Operating Systems ranging from Windows XP all the way up to Windows 10. Continue reading
WordPress Appearance Editor Missing
WordPress Appearance Editor Menu Option is Missing. I recently encountered an issue where the option to edit my theme files from the WordPress back end was gone. My WordPress Appearance Editor Missing – Gone! As it turns out, a setting within the iThemes Security was the culprit. Fortunately the fix was simple, and I was back up and running again within a couple of minutes. But, figured I’d quickly share the fix in case others encounter the same issue.
Mailto Links Not Working
Mailto links not working from Chrome on Windows 10. I recently encountered an issue where all mailto links listed on websites were not working or opening in Chrome or Firefox browsers. The operating system was Windows 10 and email client was Windows Live Mail. As it turns out, the mailto association was incorrect so Chrome, Firefox and several other browsers couldn’t set Windows Mail to automatically open the mailto links. Continue reading
How to Boot Windows 8 Directly to Desktop
How to Boot directly to the Desktop with Windows 8: One of the most unwelcoming features of Microsoft Windows 8 for me, (aside from missing a Start Menu Button on the Desktop) has been the direct boot to a Metro Start Screen. I’d much rather boot directly into a familiar Desktop instead. Luckily, starting with Windows 8.1, users now have a choice to boot directly to the Desktop, skipping the Metro Start Screen. Oh, and a partial Start Menu Button is back.
How to manually Install Raspbmc to USB
How to Install Raspbmc to USB Manually from Windows: A Windows Raspbmc Installer does exist that enables a user to install and run Raspbmc from a USB drive on their Raspberry Pi. However, if your running a different version of .Net than 3.0 (even a newer version), the RASPBMC installer will crash with an error stating “raspbmc installer has stopped working“.
Have no fear, you can easily duplicate the process of the Raspbmc Installer by following the simple steps outlined below:
Specialized Romin Saddle Review
My Review of the Specialized Romin Saddle. In my quest to find the perfect road saddle for my Trek Madone 5.2, I came across the Specialized Romin Comp Gel Seat, a Body Geometry Saddle. The stock saddle that came with my Madone wasn’t bad. However, I was beginning to experience some mild numbness while in the saddle on longer rides. So I set out to find a saddle that was open throughout the center section of the bicycle seat. As it turns out this seat is also lighter than the original. Bonus Points!
Specialized Phenom Saddle Review
My “Specialized Phenom Saddle Review”. I recently purchased a Phenom Specialized Body Geometry Saddle to replace the stock seat on my Trek Ion CX. The factory saddle recently became scuffed and bent up during a bad bicycling accident. I wanted a replacement that was lightweight, similar in design, and open throughout the center section of the bicycle seat. Specialized Body Geometry Saddles look great and have performed well for me in the past, so I figured I’d try the brand again.
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Bontrager T2 700x28C Road Tire Review
My “Bontrager T2 700X28C Road Tire Review”: Wanting better rubber for both pavement and packed limestone riding, I stumbled upon the Bontrager T2 700x28C Road Tire, and just had to order up a set to try on my Trek Cyclocross bicycle. After switching out the stock CX0 700x38C Cyclocross tires on my Trek Ion CX, I aired the Bontrager T2’s up to 110 psi, and ventured out on my daily ride.
Bontrager H2 700X28C Tire Review
My “Bontrager H2 700X28C Tire Review”: After putting several hundred miles on my Trek Ion CX (riding on paved and crushed limestone trails), I decided it was time to switch out the stock CX0 700x38C Cyclocross tires for something more suitable for pavement and packed limestone. I have had good luck with Bontrager tires, and decided to give the Bontrager H2 Eco Deluxe 700x28C tire a try. I wanted to stick with something relatively narrow, but didn’t want to completely sacrifice the nice soft ride Cross tires provide.
How to Create a Text File on Mac OS X
Creating a Text File on Mac OS X manually is a bit more challenging than performing a simple right mouse click and selecting to create a New > Text Document, like you do from within Windows. However, the task is still relatively simple… just takes a different approach. In the following simple solution, I cover one manual method of quickly making a new text file within the Mac OS X environment. I used Mac OS X 10.7.3.
Where to Get a Windows 8 Preview Product Key
With Microsoft’s release of its Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISOs, you are probably wondering where to find a Product Key so that you can take this new operating system for a spin. When I downloaded the official Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO and copied the ISO to a Flash Drive via UUI -> Install Windows 8 from a Flash Drive, I rebooted proceeding to run the Windows 8 installer, but didn’t get far before being asked for a Product Key to continue.
Create a Lion OS X backup DVD
How to create a Lion OS X backup DVD from your purchased and downloaded copy of Lion OS X. In the following simple solution, I show you one way to create a backup copy of Lion OS X installer on a DVD or backup disc. Your copy might then be kept as a backup and used for future re-installation of the Lion OS X Operating System.
Reverse Mouse Scroll Mac OS X Lion
By default the Mac OS X Lion Operating System reverses the standard mouse wheel scrolling direction. This change was made with the release of the Mac OS X Lion Version 10.7, to allow a more natural mouse scrolling method (similar to push scrolling or scrolling in the same direction as you would when finger scrolling touch screens).
How to Rename a File or Folder on Mac OS X
How to rename a file or folder on a Mac OS X: In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how to easily rename a file or folder from within your Mac OS X Operating Environment. If you are relatively new to your MacBook, Macbook Air, or MacBook Pro, renaming files or folders is an issue you are likely to encounter early on with your new machine.
FIXED: No Devices Matches MBR Identifier
If you are getting boot errors stating “No Devices Matches MBR Identifier” while trying to boot OpenSUSE from a custom flash drive, it is likely that the Disk Identifier (or Disk ID) found in the MBR file, is incorrect. In the following simple solution, I’ll show you a couple of ways to fix this.
Make a Bootable USB Kaspersky Rescue Disk
Creating a Bootable USB Kaspersky Rescue Disk from Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10 ISO is relatively simple, thanks to “Kaspersky USB Rescue Disk Maker“. Kaspersky Rescue Disk is a free stand alone antivirus tool that was designed to scan and disinfect computers that have been infected. The tool is natively available as an ISO, but can be extracted to a USB Flash Drive via rescue2usb.exe.
How to make an .htaccess file in Windows
How to make an .htaccess file in Windows; In the following simple solution, I cover the process of creating an .htaccess file from within Windows. By default, Windows does not allow you to name a file .htaccess. Instead, you will receive the error “You must type a filename”. However, we can force Windows to name the file .htaccess, here’s how.
Extracting All Attachments From Email
How to Extract All Attachments from Email Messages; In this simple solution, I cover one way to easily extract all attachments from your Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Live Mail messages. For this process, we will be using a Free Email Attachment Extractor called UUDWIN, created by Mark Spankus. This tool might be used to batch extract attachments from email .eml, .pst, and, .msg files.
Boot and Run DOS from a USB Flash Drive
How to Boot and Run DOS from a USB Flash Drive. In the following simple solution, I show you a simple way to Put DOS on a USB device using a nifty little tool created by Pete Batard, called Rufus. This tool resembles the HP USB Format Tool, includes the same features, and really makes it easy to Create a DOS Bootable USB Key.
Firefox Status Addon Bar Missing
Firefox Status Bar Missing? According to Mozilla, starting with Firefox 4, The status bar has been positionally replaced by the Firefox Addon Bar, and many of the status bar features such as page loading status, and download status have been moved. However, if you had addons that used to appear in the status bar, you can still find them in the new addons bar, that displaces the old status bar. So if this bar is missing, maybe the real question should be, Where is my Firefox Addon Bar?
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Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer Review
My Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll Trainer Review: During the off season, when it’s too cold to ride outdoors, many addicted cyclists migrate to indoor bicycle training. I am personally one of those cyclists who is addicted to riding. I can’t stop riding through the winter months and just start up again next spring (let alone go a few days without being on a bike). Along with an addicted cyclist, comes the need to splurge on a good indoor bicycle trainer.
Protecting a Facebook Account from Hackers
It is good practice to use preventative measures to Protect your Facebook Account from Hackers. After all, fixing or even regaining access to a hacked Facebook account becomes much tougher after an account has been compromised. I am one that feels the more features available in an internet application, the more the security risk, and we all know that many features are available within Facebook. So to block the many Back Doors, Facebook offers many customizable options.
SmartGauge D2 – Digital Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge Review
Digital Bicycle Tire Pressure Gauge Review. In my quest for a good digital tire pressure gauge, I recently stumbled upon and purchased a Topeak SmartGauge D2. I needed an accurate digital tire pressure gauge that would work with both shrader and presta valves, so that I could use it on a bicycle or an automotive tire, suspension forks, rear shocks, etc. The Topeak SmartGauge D2 fits the bill.
Topeak Road Morph G Pump Review
My Topeak Road Morph G Pump Review. I bought this bicycle pump because I was tired of being stranded using a small bicycle pump with a capacity not much larger than a sharpie marker. In the unfortunate event that I do encounter a flat, I want to be able to repair it and continue riding, rather than barely inflate the tube and be forced to turn around and ride home. That’s precisely the reason I chose Topeak’s Road Morph G bicycle pump. Overall, I feel this is The Best Portable Bicycle Pump one can buy!
Profile Design T2+ Aerobar Review
My “Profile Design T2+ Aerobar Review“. I recently purchased a set of Aerobars for my Trek Madone 5.2 Bicycle. I love the Aerodynamic look and stance of “TT” Time Trial Bikes, and would love to own one. But wasn’t sure if I could handle the Aero position. Hence, decided to purchase a set of decent Aerobars to find out first, before splurging on a complete TT bicycle.
Michelin Pro 3 Race Tire Review
My Michelin Pro 3 Race Tire Review: Earlier this late Spring/early Summer I switched from using Bontrager R3 700x23c tires to “Michelin Pro 3 Race service course 700x23c” road tires on my Trek Madone 5.2 Road Bicycle. After having put about 800 miles on them, I feel qualified to say that I have a good feel for what they are and aren’t.
Garmin Edge 800 Review
My Garmin Edge 800 Review: I recently decided to splurge and purchase a touchscreen Garmin Edge 800 GPS Cycling Computer. A rider in our local bicycling club was already using a Garmin Edge 500. I was impressed that all of his ride data could be recorded, uploaded, exported, studied, viewed, printed, and even shared via Garmin’s Connect online proprietary software.
How to Embed Mp3 Music on a Website
It is easy to Embed Mp3 Music, Audio Files, or Songs on a Website or Webpage, so that your visitors can choose to play music in the background while they browse your site. This can be accomplished via the embed tag. However, some browsers like Firefox might not be natively hooked to a default media player, leaving the user to install additional plugins. Sure you could embed Windows Media Player, but the code would not function if the user was without Windows Media Player installed.
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Booting Droid X2 into System Recovery Mode
Boot Droid X2 into Recovery Mode. In the following simple solution, I show you one way to get to System Recovery Mode on a Droid X2. The System Recovery Boot Menu on a Droid X2, effectively enables you to apply updates from the sdcard, wipe data, perform a factory reset, and wipe the cache partition. Particularly useful when installing custom Roms, reinstalling stock Roms from sdcard, and for situations when you need to return your phone to factory condition before selling it.
Droid X2 Gingerbread Update Released
Finally, Starting today 7/29/11, the long awaited Gingerbread Update is rolling out for the Droid X2. The Droid X2 Gingerbread update features Android 2.3, Blur visual improvements/New user interface, security enhancements, a download manager app, touch keyboard chording changes, fix duplicate SMS messages, improved stability and reduced device resets/reboots, and more. Full feature changes can be seen Here
YouTube Videos Wont Play Green Screen
If YouTube Videos are playing sound but not playing video, and instead you see a Green Screen, the following simple solution is for you. I have personally experienced the Green Screen video playback issue (videos showing green and wont display) shortly after updating Adobe Flash Player. As it turns out, correcting a simple Abobe Flash Player setting resolved the problem.
Activating a Droid Phone on existing Verizon account
Activated a droid phone on an existing Verizon account. Activating a replacement droid phone you purchased on eBay or elsewhere “with a clean ESN” on the Verizon network, is relatively easy… thanks to an intuitive activation page created for existing Verizon Customers. You simply provide the ESN number of the new device, your current wireless phone number, and zip code and you’re good to go.
Droid Bionic Release Date – Verizon
Recently there has been a lot of hype surrounding Motorola’s New Droid Bionic Smartphone. This next generation Android based Smartphone was initially slated for a release date earlier this year, but was postponed by Motorola for some “secret” last minute changes. In an attempt to properly inform the general public (and possibly to halt the spread of false rumors), Verizon is now offering an official newsletter for those seeking additional details and specs, including the official launch date.
Droid X keeps Rebooting after Update
My Droid X recently began randomly rebooting shortly after an over the air Update to Gingerbread. I was receiving Random Droid X Shut Downs, Reboots, and lockups once every hour or so. In an attempt to troubleshoot the issue, I uninstalled every aftermarket application. This did not resolve the problem, and I began to wonder if faulty hardware may have been the culprit.
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Downgrade Gingerbread to Froyo
How to Downgrade from Gingerbread to Froyo (Droid X). There are many people, including myself, that do not like the Gingerbread Android release. In the following simple solution, I’ll show you how I reverted back to Froyo, after upgrading my Droid X to Gingerbread. This entire process can be accomplished without rooting your phone. My Droid X phone was updated to Gingerbread using the OTA update, and I reverted back without any issues, and without rooting.
How to Bypass Activation Screen on Droid X
This simple solution covers “How to Bypass the Activation Screen on a Droid X”, so you can use the phone without activating it. This process should work on several other Android devices as well. As an Android developer, this trick is very useful for me, as I do not want to activate my android device through Verizon, each time I wipe my system or flash a test ROM. Sometimes I prefer to try new features of the new ROM before committing to full time usage. Without this option, I would be left reactivating several times a day.
Find out Who Hosts a WebSite and IP Address
How to Easily Find out Who Hosts a Website and a domains IP Address; In the following simple solution, I’ll show you one way to find out who hosts a website and the Sites IP address via a tool called IPNetInfo, created by NirSoft. Note that host information is only accurate if the Web Hosting company actually owns the IP addresses allocated to their clients.
How to Take Droid X Screenshots from Windows
In the following segment, I cover How to take Screenshots with a Motorola Droid X from Windows. I find taking Droid snapshots essential for creating visual tutorials on how to navigate and use an Android based phone. Droid Screenshot Tutorials provide that extra layer of familiarity, and help assist the user in getting the task at hand accomplished.
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How to Root Droid X
Rooting a Droid X: In the following simple solution, I cover a simple way to Root a Droid X, or almost any other Android Based Phone via Z4Root, created by RyanZA. By Rooting your phone, you obtain System Level Access, enabling you to do things with your Droid that are not possible with limited user access. Busybox is also included with Z4Root.
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How to Reset Droid X to Factory Settings
In the following simple solution, I cover the process of resetting a Droid X, and other Android OS smart phones to “Out of the Box” Factory Settings. This process is the equivalent of reformatting, and reinstalling an Operating System your PC. All data will be wiped, and a bare Android Operating System reinstalled.
Add Item to Send To Menu Windows 7 Vista
How to Add an Item to Windows 7 Send To Menu; In the following simple solution, I cover the process of customizing a Windows Vista or 7 Send To Menu. For example, I find the Right Click – Send To feature particularly useful for sending multiple images to photoshop for editing, however, photoshop isn’t on the send to list, so I had to add it.
Turn Numlock On or Off on a Laptop
How to turn Numlock on or off on a Laptop: Many Laptops including the HP Envy 17, do not feature a Numlock key. I found this out when my HP Envy 17 Numpad quit working after using an external keyboard. In the following simple solution, I’ll show you one very easy way to Turn Num Lock On or Off, on the fly.
Tweak to Optimize SSD Performance
In the following simple solution, I cover the process I use to Tweak an SSD “Solid State Drive” for Optimal Performance and Longetivity. There are a few tools out there that can manage a lot of the following settings automatically. However, I feel it’s also important to know how to make these changes yourself. Upon completion, you should end up with a slightly faster and longer living better “Optimized SSD”.