Leo's Answers #236 – June 22, 2010

Ever since I got my computer with Win 7 Pro in Dec 09, I’ve been faithfully backing up and making system images with the built-in Backup and Restore feature. When I got my laptop it had BIOS version A04 installed by the factory. I’ve since upgraded to version A08 based on a recommendation by the built-in Dell diagnostics utility. On the Dell support website (drivers and downloads) version A08 is the only listed BIOS for the Vostro 1520.

If I understand things correctly (not always the case!) the BIOS resides as flash software within the CPU which is on the motherboard. It’s the BIOS that kick-starts the operating system. If the BIOS becomes corrupted or fails, your computer becomes a paperweight. During a backup, system image, or creating a restore point, only the hard drive is copied. The BIOS is NOT included. I can verify this if I use the Dell Recovery Manager and return my computer to factory settings or use one of my earlier system images. All of the junkware returns, but the BIOS still shows as A08 at startup.

When a person updates his/her BIOS, will it be backwards compatible? In other words, if a computer experiences issues and the BIOS is updated as part of the corrective action, and then the computer has to be returned to it’s original factory state, or to an earlier system image, will the newest BIOS always be compatible? If there’s a chance the BIOS will not be compatible how does one make a backup of the earlier BIOS(es) if they’re no longer supported or available at the Dell website?

I have 32 bit version of Widows XP running on cable connection. What is the bare minimum a single user needs to protect himself from malware, viruses and such? Right now I use Zone Alarm, AVG professional, Windows internet security settings, ad aware, spaminator, Advance system care and IO Bit, Glary Utilities. Some of these have passive features that run in the background, like ad aware and IOBIT and maybe system care and who knows what else may be running. I’ve been nailed by a trojan twice, and lost all each time. Then sometimes when AVG finds something, says it is locked or archived and can’t do anything. Anyway, back to original question. What would you use on your PC if you were me for security that would cover all bases without the apps stepping on each other’s toes making problems worse.

A friend of mine, who is with a different ISP, quite regularly has emails returned to her that she sends to me. The reason given is that my email provider, Hotmail, received complaints against her IP address and hence they put a block on me receiving her emails. This is a complete puzzle to me. How has this situation that has nothing to do with me occurred and how can I ensure that this block is being removed and that I no longer have problems receiving her emails?

I have attempted repeatedly to download SP3 for XP but always have a reboot problem. I have a Compaq Pressario running AMD 64. I read where Microsoft will quit supporting XP without SP3 in July. I used Microsoft Security Essentials. Is there a “work around” for this? Do I really need SP3?

I have two TiVo Digital Video Recorders linked wirelessly in a peer-to-peer network. Everything works okay. During the setup process each TiVo scans for wireless signals and I usually pick-up 8 to 10. I can only assume these are my neighbors’ wi-fi networks. Of course, I can’t access them with the TiVo’s. But if I can see them, can’t they see me? Am I missing something here?

Lester writes:

A comment on the other side. I do computer consulting out of my home, and remote access is one of my handiest tools. Most of the people I’m helping don’t really know that much about computers and trying to guide them through something can be a real pain. Will I misuse this? Hardly? Could I? Hardly, since I don’t keep log on information. The question is more: Do they want my help or don’t they? If not, don’t bother me, if they do, then let me do what I need to do. I realize that most of these people actually know me, which might make a difference…

Mark Jacobs writes:

Here we go again. This happened to me. My ISP was rejected by hotmail. I got a hotmail address and wrote to their help forum and the kindly (LOL) assured me that they were working the problem out. I wrote several computer help gurus and Mary Jo Foley, MS guru from Zdnet contacted hotmail and got the situation resolved. I suggest you tell your friend and everyone reading this tell your friends to get another email address other than hotmail. Try gmail or if you prefer gmx.com (owned by 1&1) is also good and has the advantage that the people receiving your email don’t usually know it’s a free provider.

EkimBbew writes:

Another idea; I know that the computer users group is a dying breed, but if there is one in the area, point ’em there. Also, you could modify Leo’s “script” to include recommendations for appropriate books (starting with the relevant “Dummies” books). Used copies can often be had pretty darn cheap via Amazon.com. That also addresses the matter of pointing them to resources of self-support. In addition to “Ask Leo!”, I’d suggest pointing ’em to Bob Rankin’s site as well (friend “Bob Rankin” on FB or go to http://askbobrankin.com). That way whatever isn’t covered on Leo’s site may be covered on Bob’s and vice-versa.

NewDimTech writes:

I am of the “if it ain’t broke” camp. As a 11 year PC tech, I have learned to never install optional updates unless there is a problem I’m trying to solve. I never install hardware updates from MS, as I have had problems in the past, specifically with video drivers. I will say that the MS update site is a quick and easy way to see if there are any updates available for your hardware. If updates are available, I’ll go to the manufacturers site every time, but again, if it ain’t broke…

I have Windows XP Pro SP2 MCE with 2 gigabytes of RAM, to which I just added a 500 MB hard drive to the original 250 MB HD. The new drive is now the primary. Both are 7200 rpm SATA. What do you recommend for a swap file? The “3X RAM” rule of thumb doesn’t make much sense. It should be bigger with less RAM, not more. It’s currently set to a 2 GB minimum and 4 GB maximum size on the C: drive partition. What size should I set it to, should it be on a different partition, and should I give it its own partition? I will be doing a lot of scanning and Photoshop, if that affects the answer. It’s my understanding that a fixed size reduces fragmentation (or at least makes defragmentation easier). I’ve also seen suggestions for making the swap file an entire partition. (I have Partition Magic.) Would putting it onto the second drive improve read/write speeds? The second drive will be for backing up data files and not in constant use.

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