How To Install UMAX Astra 6850 Scanner on Windows 7

This scanner was probably popular in the late 90’ or in the beginning of 2000. I’m not sure though since the manufacturer’s website isn’t available any longer. This product is already outdated and the office was going to put it on its “dump” list.

The reason was quite simple, there’s no driver available for Windows 7. The latest supported OS is Windows XP.

Umax Astra 6850

Even so, this Umax 6850 scanner is still usable. With some tricks, we can make it work with Windows 7. First of all you need to download driver for winXP from this link, then follow this steps.

1. Right click on the file, then click on properties.
2. Go to Compatibility tab.
3. Give a tick on “Run this program in compatibility mode for” check box.
4. Choose the latest version of Windows XP available from the drop down list.
   
5. Click OK
6. Run the file and install the driver by double clicking it. Wait until the installation is completed.
7. Do not restart the computer even if it asks you to restart (choose restart later).
8. Now Start Windows Explorer and go to C:\Windows\twain_32\6850

   

   Hotkey.exe file location

9. Right Click on Hotkey.exe, then click Properties.
10. Repeat step 2 to 4 for this file.
11. If your computer has more than 1 user, then you should click “Change setting for all user”, do the same step (3 to 5) for compatibility mode for other users then click OK.
12. Skip step 11 if there’s only one user created on the computer. Click OK.
13. Restart your computer.
14. The scanner utility should now appear on the right side of the task bar.

    

    Hotkey.exe tray icon

15. Use it by double clicking it. The scanner utility software will appear.

    

    Hotkey.exe scanner utility

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Windows Has Blocked This Software Because It Can't Verify The Publisher

A while ago I tried to view CCTV connected to my network using Internet explorer. A problem occurred when it tried to install the .cab file stored from the DVR. A message like this shown on my browser.

Figure 1. Internet Explorer. ActiveX blocked

I clicked install hoping that the issue will be resolved but then this Security Warning message dialogue appeared.

Figure 2. Internet Explorer Security Warning

It's obvious that the problem came from the browser, not the DVR. So I tried to look into internet option menu in Internet Explorer. Here's what I did to get rid this Security Warning.

1. Go to Security Tab in Internet Option. Then click on custom level button.

   

   Figure 3. Security Tab

2. Click enabled (not secure) radio button in Download unsigned ActiveX controls (not secure) option.

   

   Figure 4. Unsigned ActiveX 

3. Refresh browser or reconnect to CCTV's IP to reinstall the software.
4. When you're done and the software has been installed and run smoothly, I suggest you to restore the "Download unsigned ActiveX controls (not secure) option" (Figure 4) to "Disable" for security reason.

   

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How to fix error 5200 (Canon IP 2770)

There is no doubts that Canon Printers still are favorites and is used everywhere. Low price is a factor for that. Print quality is not bad, and you can refill the cartridge using many refill ink available out there.

Canon ip2770

Canon iP2770 is one of them. This printer; however have an issue, which known as error 5200. This error usually appears after refilling the cartridge’s ink. Not by replacing the cartridge but by injecting ink into cartridge using syringe. Nothing weird happen, when you turn on the printer. Nevertheless, the symptom starting to show when you try to print, error 5200 will be shown. The next thing you know the green and orange light blink like crazy.

You can fix it by following these steps.

1. While connected to electricity, turn off the printer by pressing power button.
2. Press Resume button twice, then press power button until the green light is on (keep on pressing resume button while you start pressing power button)
3. Remove your finger from resume button but do not release the power button yet.
4. Press resume button 5 times, while still pressing power button until the green and orange light blink.
5. Release both buttons at the same time.
6. Printer’s leds will blink for a while then it should show green light.
7. Your computer will detect a new hardware, just ignore it.
8. Push power button to turn off the printer, and then turn it on again. Your iP2770 is ready to print.

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How To Activate Your Windows 8.1 After Upgrade From Windows 8 OEM (Pre-Installed)

Upgrading Windows to it's newest version doesn't always end up the way you expected. I'm not talking about the performance issue or other things this upgrade offers but the Windows activation that suddenly gone and have to be reactivated.  The worst part is that you don't have the Windows Product key since you bought your computer/laptop with Windows pre-installed. Now I'm gonna narrow it a bit. The Windows version I'm talking about is the Windows 8.1.

Not long ago I managed to upgrade my Single Language Windows 8 to 8.1. I gotta admit that it's nice to have the start button back or at least that was the biggest difference I noticed the first time I logged in to my Windows 8.1. Viewed my computer's properties for a couple of times until I realized, surprise surprise... the Windows is not activated. Done some trials and errors until I found that the Windows I use isn't retail but an OEM version which has it's OEM Windows key stored in BIOS. Why OEM key? because the current product key cannot be used to activate Windows 8.1 

You can use RWeverything software, but it takes time. My cheap low specification laptop keeps freezing and end up having "out of memory" message each time I  use the software.

So in the end, after some search with google, here's what I did

1. Download this zip file, password to extract is corozilla. It contains a vbScript. Don't worry, it's safe.
2. Run the Script and you'll see a pop up message like this.
3. The script will ask you whether you want to save the keys into a text file, click Yes. The saved file is located in the same folder where the vbScript is. 
4. Installed Key is the current key used to install Windows 8.1. OEM Key is your basic key.
5. Use the OEM key to activate your new Windows 8.1

This method works on Sony Vaio's Laptop and possibly will do just as good with any other brands upgraded from Windows 8 OEM.

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How To Solve Print Spooler Trouble

Have you ever stuck in some Windows error messages like “print spooler service not running” just right when you were in need to print a set of documents and you have to do it quickly?. I just faced it and hated it.  Thankfully there are a lot of resources available on the net and I managed to summarize some of them. 

If your print spooler service continuously stopped by itself maybe you should try this solution I found on the net. 

First Option.

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to   C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS
2. Delete all files stored in that folder.
3. Press Windows Button (the key with the windows emblem on it) and R button  simultaneously to show Run dialogue.
4. Type service.msc and click on OK button.  The local services will be shown.  

   

   Local Service Window

   Look for Print Spooler service then click on it.
5.  Depends on the status of prints spooler service, this links will be shown on the top left side of the service box. If the service status is ‘started’ then you will see ‘Stop’ and ‘Restart’ link. If not , you will see the ‘start’ link instead. 
6. Click on ‘start’ or ‘restart’ link and try to use your printer again. 
   
   

   

   
   

If the first option didn’t work, try the second one.

Second Option

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to   C:\Windows\System32
2.  In the search box, type spoolsv.exe
3.  Right click on the file, choose Properties.
4.  Navigate to Security tab then click Advanced.
5.  Click Owner tab.
6.  Click Edit. 
7.  Choose the owner of the file. It should be your own username.
8.  Start or Restart print spooler service by following step 3 to 6 from the first option.
9.  Try to use your printer.

The third way is the last thing I know which is worked fine to solve this print spooler problem. To do this you must know that these steps will delete all you printer(s) drivers.  I will not be responsible for any damages or data lost caused by doing this steps.

Third Option

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to   C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS
2. Delete all files stored in that folder.
3. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to   C:\Windows\System32\Spool\drivers
4. Delete all files stored in that folder.
5. Start or Restart print spooler service by following step 3 to 6 from the first option.
6. Try to use your printer.

Hope this helps.

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