Oct 29 2009

Flash Player installation problems

Category: Software — JRBlack @ 21:54

For some time now I haven’t been able to install the latest Flash from Adobe, but every time I tried it would fail to install and the error message would reference this tech note:  http://www.adobe.com/go/tn_19166.  Recently I really wanted to so I could try out PhotoJoy (post about this later).  And of course, the information provided there did not resolve anything.  The actual error in the dialog had something to do with registering "Flash10c.ocx"  After searching and searching, I stumbled upon this @ WinVistaTips (I was experiencing this issue on WinXP) that led me to this Adove TechNote that has a 9 step process to resolve the issue that actually works.  Now tell me, how comes Adobe can’t update their tn_19166 with the working information or link to the working information?

 

I hope this post can save some quite a head ache.

 

Below are the 9 steps:

  
  1. Follow the instructions to download the SubInACL tool from the Microsoft Download Center.
  2. Install SubInACL.
  3. Download the reset_fp10.zip file.
  4. Extract the reset_fp10.cmd file to C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools\. 
    Important: Be sure that both the subinacl.exe and reset_fp10.cmd files are in the same location here: C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools\. 
  5. Double-click reset_fp10.cmd.
  6. This will open a command window and execute the SubInACL tool.
  7. Do not use the machine while SubInACL is running.
  8. When it is finished you will see "Press any key to continue".
  9. Install the Flash Player from www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer. 

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Oct 12 2009

Add a new look or skin to your Windows XP system

Category: Software — JRBlack @ 19:12

Recently I came across a real neat tool that updates your Windows XP install to look fresh and new… maybe even a bit more like Vista.  Xpize is a free and OpenSource application that you can run and configure a new look for your Windows XP system. 

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XPize actually updates icons and interface components across the board. You'll no longer be stuck with some semi-modern looking icons and some way-out-dated Windows 98-era icon design that Microsoft never got around to polishing up for the XP release. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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XPize comes pre-bundled with several alternative XP themes and allows you to not only change the main theme and enjoy newer icons, but it also allows you to do some deeper tweaking like easily swapping out the login and shut down menus.

 

 

 

 

I have been using this for some time now and have not noticed any performance hit on the computer.  I recently purchased a new Dell Studio 15 with Vista, and re-purposed older systems (my older laptop for my wife, her older laptop for our son and so on…) and put this on each of them making them all look and feel newer… kinda like mien.  :)

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