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Details / Search
Search Jeff Levy's Lessons
For those who don't know, Jeff Levy has a radio show with which he helps people with their computer problems. Occasionally he gets things wrong, so I take that opportunity to publish the correct information .
HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol
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November 2, 2002
A caller was having problems with Windows 98SE, Jeff Levy's suggestion was to do a fresh install of Windows. That's fine, however when the caller asked if he would, "have to go through any updates or anything," after the install. Levy replied: "No, no. Don't have to do that."
Reply
When doing a fresh installation of Windows, the files being installed can be quite old, in some cases several years. That's why after doing an install you should ALWAYS apply any updates.
Note: Windows 2000 and XP can be SlipStreamed, which is when a Service Pack is applied to a copy of the install files. Then systems installed using the SlipStreamed files will be up to date from the beginning.
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October 27, 2002
The caller first wanted to know if he would need a hub to connect two machines together via ethernet. Or could he just hookup one cable between the two, to which Levy said, he just needed to setup "a simple peer-to-peer network."
Reply
To answer the caller's question, you can connect the two machines with one cable, but that cable has to be what's called a Crossover cable, something which Levy didn't say.
Cable Info: A crossover cable has its Transmit and Receive wires switched at one end. Whereas a Patch cable is straight through, and would be used to connect each machine to a hub or switch. Using a Patch cable in place of a Crossover, results in the two machines transmitting on the same wire, i.e. it won't work. More info is here, with pictures.
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October 26, 2002
The caller wanted to make a backup copy of his Western Digital tools bootable floppy disk. But he could not get his copy to boot. Levy suggested using xcopy with the command "xcopy a:. a:", then he stated, "it'll prompt you to put in the source disk," then "it'll prompt you to put in the destination disk."
Reply
The command xcopy a:. a: doesn't work. It gives the error, "File cannot be copied onto itself." Because it's trying to copy the files to and from the same disk.
The problem with using xcopy is that it doesn't copy the boot sector, only files. Doing a complete copy can be done using the DOS program diskcopy, or opening My Computer right clicking the floppy drive and choosing Copy Disk. If you have a Western Digital drive you can get their tools Here.
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October 20, 2002
A caller was having DOS problems in Windows ME, to which Levy explained: Windows "ME doesn't like DOS, it was Microsoft's attempt to wipe DOS out, it's funny because in XP you can go to a command line prompt."
Reply
While Windows ME is made worse by the hiding of its DOS underpinnings. The command line prompt in Windows XP (2K/NT) is in no way related to the DOS that Jeff Levy is familiar with. It's a native Windows program (cmd.exe) that only acts like a DOS prompt, it has nothing to do with the loading and operation of Windows.
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October 20, 2002
The caller had two hard drives and he wanted to boot Windows 98 from one drive, and WinXP from the other. Levy's response was, "that's a bit of a problem," because, "you cannot boot from a separate drive like that." Levy's solution was to put both Systems on one drive and use System Commander to boot between the two partitions.
Reply
Booting from different drives is absolutely possible. One of the more common ways is to use a multi-boot program like System Commander, one of the many Linux loaders, or the plain old WinXP/2K/NT loader. These programs get loaded first then based on your choice, pass the boot process to that Operating System. Most modern Systems can be loaded from a drive that isn't the "C" drive.
Note: System Commander's site even says it can boot capable Systems from any drive.
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October 19, 2002
The caller's Windows 95 computer was giving him a file path error message, the path included directory names ending with ~1. So Levy explained that, "Windows can't display more than eight characters, and then a period and than an optional three characters."
Reply
One of the many things that Win95 introduced to the masses, was Long File Names. LFNs weren't new, Unix and Windows NT, among others, had them. However, in DOS/Win3.x, filenames were limited to eight characters, and were limited to a three character extension, this is called an 8.3 filename. But to maintain DOS/Win3.x compatibility, files are aliased with a 8.3 filename, example: My Big File.txt becomes mybigf~1.txt. Windows CAN display Long File Names, but there are times when the 8.3 alias is used, like in older programs and a few entries in the registry. More details can be found Here.
Note: Long File Names includes names given to directories (folders).
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October 13, 2002
When the caller tried booting his computer, it gave the error message: 'While initializing device NTKERN: Windows Protection Error'. Levy said, "NTKERN is NT kernel." Levy then asked the caller if he had tried installing Win2000 or NT, but the caller said he had Windows 98. After suggesting that the caller upgrade to WinXP, Levy finished with, "The error message you're getting has to do with Windows 2000, and a kernel error."
Reply
To begin, NTKern.vxd is NOT the NT/2000 kernel, it is a part of Win98/SE and ME that deals with WDM drivers. According to Microsoft that error message can be caused by bad memory (RAM). This page has more details and some solutions.
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October 5, 2002
The caller had some image files on her Amiga, and she wanted to transfer the files to her PC. Levy stated that, "it's not gonna work because the operating systems are incompatible." The final solution was to print the images, then scan them into the PC.
Reply
The first hurdle to overcome is getting the files out of the Amiga and onto the PC. This can be done in a number of ways, by using software on the Amiga that can read/write dos formatted (720k) floppies, or setup a network. Here's some links: This page explains the floppy method, and this page recounts setting up a network.
Now, the next problem is file formats, the Amiga has its own file formats, and depending on the (Amiga) software, it may be able to save the image(s) as a .bmp or another PC-centric format. In addition, some Amiga image formats can be read/written by PC Software, such as Debabelizer, Photoshop or IrfanView.
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September 29, 2002
RAID stands for "Random Access Inexpensive Drives, something like that."
Reply
RAID actually stands for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks. This site has lots of information about the different RAID configurations, with pictures.
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September 21, 2002
When the caller's computer would begin to boot it would give the error message: "Data Error Reading Drive C." First, Levy said it could be a non-bootable floppy disk still in the drive, cause "that's the error you get." His final solution was to copy command.com from the windows\command directory to the root directory. After the break he explained: If the computer "can't find command.com. You will get the error message, Error reading drive C."
Reply
If a non-bootable floppy (formatted in Win9x) is left in the drive when booting, the error message is: "Invalid system disk. Replace the disk, and then press any key." Secondly, if the command.com file is missing you get the message asking you to: "Type the name of the Command Interpreter."
The message "Data Error Reading Drive," is exactly what it says, it can't read the data on the drive. Microsoft suggests running scandisk. In addition you should also check all the cables that connect to the drive, making sure they're seated properly, or test the drive (or cables) in another machine.
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September 7, 2002
The caller's Windows XP machine was "shutting down really slow, logging off and shutting down very slow." Levy's way to make XP shutdown fast, was to hit the Windows key then U, then U again.
Reply
Win U U is the exact same as clicking Start/Turn Off Computer/etc., and won't make Windows shutdown any faster. This page has lots of information about XP shutdown issues.
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August 31, 2002
While giving an explanation of the BIOS, Levy confused its function with that of the Real Time Clock and its Non-Volatile RAM. Stating that the BIOS tell the system, "how and where to find the Windows operating system, and it tells it what kind of hard drive it has, and it lets it keep the date and the time."
Reply
The software which make up the BIOS do things such as the POST and, to act as a go between for DOS and the hardware. The CMOS, which is the common term for the RTC and NVRAM combination, stores values related to the hardware, and its operation. The time is kept current by the RTC.
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August 24, 2002
A caller running Windows XP was having fatal errors while booting. Levy asked if he was aware of "the last good, known good copy of register."[sic] Toward the end of the call, Levy said there are, "three files that you need to have to be able to run this from a floppy," then, "it's net loader and two others, I don't have it in front of me."
Reply
It's the Last Known Good Configuration, see the item for June 23, 2002. The "net loader" file is actually NTLDR (an abbreviation of NT Loader) those two other files were probably ntdetect.com and boot.ini.
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August 18, 2002
A caller's Windows 2000 machine was missing the Windows Installer Service. When asked about a solution, Levy said "well it's a long story, more than I could cover now." After plugging next week's lesson as a solution, Levy said there is, "a boot loader file that you need, because without it you don't have any loader services." When asked which file that was: "it's a file that has L D R as part of the name."
Reply
I could say what was wrong, but that's a long story I can't get into. Oh, wait. I know what I'm talking about.
That file is NTLDR, and the caller had the file because if he didn't, he wouldn't be able to boot at all. This page tells how to reinstall the Installer service.
Note: NTLDR only loads certain drivers, although it doesn't initialize them. That is done by ntoskrnl.exe.
Update: Next week's lesson had absolutely nothing that would help the caller, unless he wanted to make comments in Word.
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August 18, 2002
According to Levy: "Windows 2000 is actually the current version of Windows NT," and that Windows "XP is, is kind of a cross between 2000 and Windows 98/ME."[sic]
Reply
He's confusing the OS core with the target demographic. Windows 2000 is NT 5.0, with Windows XP being NT 5.1. But XP was targeted more toward the users of Win98/ME.
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August 11, 2002
Levy explained that if you use the internet a lot under Windows 98, the drive's sectors and tracks "go wacko." And that every year or two, you should re-format.
Reply
There are two forms of drive formatting, High Level and Low Level. High Level Formatting creates the file system structure, and is performed by DOS's format command or by Windows. Low Level Formatting on the other hand defines the sectors, tracks, interleave, etc., and is done by the manufacturer.
Not since the days of the stepper motor has a LLF by the user been necessary. Modern drives (which use a voice coil) do not suffer from the problems that stepper motor drives do. Such as data corruption because of platter expansion/contraction with temperature changes. As the platter's shape changed, the stepper motor would still postion the head where it assumed the data was. A voice coil system uses postioning data to determine where the head is located, instead of assuming where it is. So as the platter changes shape both the user and postion data move together.
Even if the caller did have corrupted track data, the type of format (HLF) he suggested wouldn't fix it.
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August 10, 2002
When emails are lost by an ISP, Levy suggests: You call the ISP, and "insist on talking to management" and if they're uncooperative "mention the FCC," to get their attention. And since the email is "logged and archived," tell the ISP: "you have them, I want them," now, should they refuse to give you mail from the archive, say, "well we'll see what the FCC has to do about that."[sic]
Reply
To quote the FCC's website: "The FCC does not regulate the Internet or Internet Service Providers (ISPs)." Thus threatening an ISP with the FCC is about as smart as setting fire to belt buckles with bananas.
Should an email archive exist, it would only be for law enforcement's use (like in the UK).
The caller may have used some wrong terminology, if so, it could be that he just couldn't login to the POP server.
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August 4, 2002
The caller's Windows XP computer was taking longer to boot now that she had DSL. Levy told her to click "Start, Search, Files and Folders" and look for "the startup file." Because this "startup file contains everything your computer does between the time you push the start button, and the time you got your desktop."[sic]
The caller then stated she went into msconfig, to which Levy replied "Not in XP you didn't." They then debated the issue, during which she said she had done a test with everything in the Startup tab unchecked, and there was still no change in the boot speed. Levy finished by telling the caller to go to his lessons to get more help.
Reply
Besides the fact that there is no "startup file." Windows 98, ME, and XP (Home & Pro) all have the msconfig.exe file, although sometimes OEMs don't pre-install it. Windows 2000 can use the one for XP, or instead use the better tool Autoruns.
The caller's problem was most likely caused by the OS doing some negotiation with the network card/modem, such as DHCP, which usually isn't necessary if her connection type is PPPoE.
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August 3, 2002
Jeff Levy has made a prediction (and it eventually did come true):
"I predict that within two years Apple will be using Intel chips to run their computers. They're currently using Motorola chips, and IBM chips, and about the best they can get is a Gigahertz. Whereas if they where using Intel they'd be at 2.5 Gigahertz. So you watch."
Reply
Judging a processor's performance based only on the clock speed (Hertz) is pure folly, compounded by the fact that the two processors have different architectures, Apple historically using RISC based processors, and Intel historically CISC based.
It's not surprising that Apple's own G4 benchmark shows an 800Mhz G4 faster than a 2.2Ghz P4 (using Photoshop). But at least they reiterate my first statement.
Updated (June 2005): Mea Culpa. He was only 10 months shy of the date, but it did happen.
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August 3, 2002
A caller was emailed a file with the .mime (.mim) extension. The caller tried opening it, but without the appropriate program, Windows XP suggested he get Winzip. At that point Levy assumed it was a .zip file and kept referring to it as such. Near the end of the call Levy stated, "XP is pretty good at viewing pictures, but it can't view them zipped."
Reply
MIME files are not compressed files, although WinZip will open them. Secondly, XP can open zip files, as well as create them (although WinZip has more options).
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June 23, 2002
A caller, running Windows XP, had a "Missing or Corrupt" ntfs.sys. The error message said to use the setup disk to repair it, but the caller only had an OEM repair disc, so Levy said he had something better. He told the caller to go to jefflevy.com and look at today's lesson: How to use the Last Known Good Configuration.
Reply
To quote Microsoft, the Last Know Good Configuration option, "...does not correct problems that are caused by missing or corrupted drivers or files."
Now since the caller didn't have an install CD, just an OEM repair disc, he should download the WinXP Setup Disks, which can repair an installation, either automatically or through the use of the Recovery Console. Note: ntfs.sys is on the fifth floppy.
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June 22, 2002
A caller was telling Levy the name of a virus (worm), she said "W32," at which point Levy jumped in saying it was sircam, and that "W32 is a version of sircam."
Reply
W32 is the prefix Symantec and others use for a virus/worm that infects Windows executables.
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June 22, 2002
After installing Windows 3.1, the caller got a boot error ("Missing Operating System"), Levy said he should go back and use the command format c: /s, to make the drive bootable.
Reply
Format's /s switch is there as a convenience over using format then sys.com. When a drive doesn't need reformatting, but needs to be bootable, just use sys.com. This Microsoft page has a list of boot errors and some fixes.
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June 15, 2002
A caller couldn't save files in Word. Levy told him to go to Symantec and get "the fix for the Word virus."
Reply
There is more than one Word virus (actually called a Macro Virus), and Symantec doesn't have fixes for all of them. With some searching I found this non-virus related article which describes the same problem and provides a workaround.
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June 15, 2002
A caller got the "Non-System Disk..." error upon booting. Levy's solution was to copy the file command.com, from the Windows directory to the root directory.
Reply
Assuming there isn't a floppy disk left in the computer.
Cause 1: Damaged boot sector data. To fix a 9x/Dos boot sector, you use the program sys.com, which copies the files (usually) io.sys, msdos.sys and command.com to the root directory. Sys.com also adds a small program to the boot sector, this program is NOT a file, thus has no listing in the filesystem.
Cause 2: A missing io.sys file. Which would also be fixed with the program sys.com, or by copying a known good copy to the root directory.
Cause 3: Having no active partitions, which is remedied with the program fdisk. Here are two sites: Dos boot errors and FatFS Structure.
Note: When command.com is missing, an error message will ask you where it is.
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Copyright 2005 - Ken Nign
 
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