Seems Like a Bad Idea

I know that after you click “format” you’re presented with another window with options for formatting so that should keep you from accidentally reformatting your removable drive, but don’t you think they could have put another separator between format and the other two options?

No, I didn’t reformat anything. Just something I thought was peculiar.

Computer Sleep States [On, Sleep, Standby, Hibernate, Off]

Often when editing device properties or BIOS settings, I get confused with power options listed as power state codes. Some of them are useful, but with the evolution of “power-saving” technology, I think some of the differences between some of the power states aren’t so clear, but seemingly unnecessary. Below you will find a table with the power state codes and a short description written in plain English.

Power state	Code	Details
On / Working	S0	The computer is powered up. If supported, power conservation is handled by each device.
Sleep	S1	CPU is stopped. RAM maintains power. Everything else is off, or in low power mode.
Sleep	S2	CPU has no power. RAM maintains power. Everything else is off, or in low power mode.
Standby	S3	CPU has no power. RAM maintains power, refreshes slowly. Power supply reduces power. This level might be referred to as “Save to RAM.” Windows enters this level when in standby.
Hibernate	S4	Power to most hardware is shut off. Any files in memory are saved to the hard disk in a temporary file. If configured, the NIC will remain on for WOL, or AoL. This level is also known as “Save to disk.”
Off	S5	Everything is off. No files are saved. If configured, the NIC will maintain power to listen for WOL (Magic) packets. This is known as a shutdown.

How to Fix Hibernation in Windows Vista

If the hibernation option is missing from your Vista power options, it’s possible the Hibernation file cleaner was removed from the computer. It seems this can be done using Window’s built in Disk Cleanup utility. Below are the steps to create a new Hibernation file cleaner and restore the hibernation option to the computer:

1. Open the Start menu
2. Type  cmd in the search field (this is the same as going to Start>Run, but I don’t believe “run” appears by default in Vista with the new start menu)
3. Type powercfg -h on
4. Press ENTER

If you did it correctly, there should be no output on the screen other than another prompt waiting for input. Check your power menu now to see if hibernation appears. Mine immediately appeared as the default option when clicking the power button on the start menu.

[Source]

Frustration with Upgrading My Zune Software [Solved]

I haven’t been able to upgrade my Zune software installation over the last couple of updates because I kept getting the “Setup must stop because the required package ‘Zune’ failed to install,” Error code: 0×80070643.

Most solutions included downloading and installing the full Zune package which includes all of the other components required. I tried that, and nada. I tried a utility provided by Microsoft called “Windows Install Cleanup” which allows you remove a program’s Windows Installer configuration information so there’s no trace, or anything saved, from previous installs.

So, when the big Zune 3.0 update came around, I really wanted to upgrade. I decided I’d do the one suggestion I kept avoidng: a complete removal and reinstall. I avoided this because I’d lose all settings and *gasp* play counts. (I like them, okay?)

I completely removed the Zune software using a program called “Unzoone.” I also cleaned up the registry to make sure all traces were removed with “CCleaner.” Finally,

Okay. This HAS to work, right?!

Restart.

Start Install…..

ERROR!!!!! GAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

So, I began yet another quest of Googling for answers. Finally, I happened upon this Locker Gnome blog, Digged (?), where it was suggested that the Windows Firewall must be turned on (mine’s always off) for the installation to complete. Sceptical, I tried it. Sure enough! That was the ticket. Now why in HELL would the Windows Firewall need to be enabled for this reason!?