910. "Fake Truth" by Lee Goldburg -- 5 Stars

Fake Truth by Lee Goldburg  -- 5 Stars

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

ISBN: 9781542014694

Fake Truth was fun to read. It is the third in the Ian Ludlow series. There is sufficient background information included so that it can be read as a stand-alone novel, but I enjoyed it more having read the first two books.

The characters are wonderful. Ian is a writer of action novels who finds himself in real life situations that rival those of his fictional hero. The plot is certainly timely. There are countries that are trying to disrupt our democratic way of life and the situation at our southern border is a mess. It is nearly impossible to sort out the truth in the constant news and commentary we hear 24 hours a day. Poking fun at it all was delightful.

I thank Lee Goldburg for a believable and original novel about Ian Ludlow and his friends who once again save the United States from a disastrous international crisis. I’ll be the first in line for book number four to learn what new adventure they can find themselves in the center of.    

 Reviewer: Nancy

 

908. Thinderbird Draft Message not saved - Error

After reinstalling Thinderbird, the method to save drafts reverted to the ISP address instead of a local file and my ISP didn't like that. So, to fix the issue, go to Thunderbird and create a Local Folder called DRAFTS or some more specific name related to the account if you wish (I only created one and use it for all accounts). Now highlight the account you want changed and go to Tools>Account Settings>Copies and Folders for the account you need to correct>Scroll down to Drafts and Templates. In "Keep Draft Messages in" select "Other",select Local Folders, select the DRAFTS folder you created.

907. "The Institute" by Stephen King – 4 Stars

The Institute by Stephen King – 4 Stars

Publisher: Scribner

The probability of a secret Institute as in this book existing and for as many years as it did without being known, along with the atrocities that occurred at the Institute are unimaginable, except for Stephen King of course. The story will be memorable: painful recalling the cruelty to the kids, rewarding that they were given the powers of unbelievable levels of telekinesis and telepathy that made them the victors, sad that so many of the kids were killed. Those sensitive to the any negative implications in the previous statement might want to avoid this book. Also, those who are just as tired as I am with hearing about King’s politics should also avoid reading this or, like me, just accept the fact that he obvious lives reality like his fantasies and his Leftist comments just show his ignorance of reality. A good way to throw 51% of the potential sales in the trash!

That being said, the story is captivating and the characters, as usual in his books, were well developed and perfectly utilized to garner the images and emotions he wanted to project – fear, evil, concern. I would say he made some recovery in his writings since the last several very disappointing novels; kudos for that. But a lengthy book invites lulls and reduces the enjoyment. I was a fan and would like to get back on the Stephen King bus. Sorry, can’t do it when idiotic fake-news politics infiltrated well-written prose. I’m leaving a star at his door in hopes it works like the sparkler in this story and allows him to focus on the story alone.

Reviewer: Rich

906. New WONDERFUL Lenovo S340-15API w/W10 Home v1903

 Once again I am providing an example of an installation of a PC fresh from the store that has Microsoft Windows 10 Home version 1903 installed. Thus, this is setup and customization to set up personal applications and data. General comments: Lenovo machine is fantastic. Unlike problems on Dell install in 2017 (see post #787) that had both a CD hardware problem and a fan that was tremendously noisy and ran most of the time, this solid state storage machine is totally quiet! I have never noticed the fan even running. The installation/Setup/Customization below was done by the second day thanks to the previous example installation (Post # 784). This Microsoft Windows 10 version 1893 had one problem pertaining to Start Menu Icons not being able to be fixed where you want them in addition to deleting some on it own which was fixed by subsequent Windows Updates. So, keep installing updates until there aren't any more before trying ti build Start Menu ICONS. A second problem is again a Windows problem that will not accept your Microsoft Account Login password when trying to get into SAFE mode. You MUST use Local Login instead! I have both Local and Microsoft Account logins setup, but am using Local one now. This version of Windows also, finally, killed the installation of old 2003 Office installation - you will get SOURCE corrupted after entering your Key! An alternative (I paid $27 is documented below). If your are setting up a new PC with preinstalled software OR going to Windows 10 version 1903, this example might help you:

Lenovo S340-15API 81NC001AUS  Installation October 28, 2019 (Lenovo2019)

\\PCName Installation and  Configuration:

1.      Note the new Lenovo S340 support info:

a.  Processor: Lenovo S340-15API

b.  Model: 81NC001AUS

c.  Machine Type: 81NC

d.  Serial Number: ########

e.  Phone #:

-----------------------------------------------------

2.      Attach power cable, insert wireless mouse unit into front USB and power on. Up comes Cortana with the setup dialog to follow.

------- Begin Lenovo’s Setup of hardware and O/S. Steps below are from Dell install.

3.      When asked for logon credentials by Microsoft’s popup asking for its account ID and password, do NOT use it. Instead create a Local Logon with your desired UAC name. Notes said to continue with MSFT login and later change to Local Login – instructions given. Briefly to set local Signin: Settings>Your Info>Select Sign In with local account instead. Microsoft Signin now has a PIN that can be set and used instead of remembering a complicated password of the Microsoft Account kept by Microsoft. SAFE MODE Signin will NOT work with a Microst Siginin Setup! Thus, either always use a Local Signin or be aware that you need to switch to Local to use Safe Mode IF you can get to normal mode and change it!

4.      Cortana Setup … Cortana is a waste. Dumb it down later by disabling it as follows: RegEdit HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows. Now, setup a Key  (there already or create one) called AllowCortana equal to DWORD32 = 0. If you want to again enable Cortana, set it to 1. Note: Cortana task cannot be disabled permanently and will still pop up under active tasks.

5.      Onedrive … Follow instruction to set up Onedrive. I use it to share files with wife on 2nd PC. Note: DROPBOX can be set up later if desired.

6.      McAfee … Will not use this 1-year trial, so do NOT setup and remove later. When removed later via Control Panel, it took a while AND tells you to RESTART to finish job. I also downloaded a Mcafee Removal Tool since I though it was hung up because last Restart dialog became hidden under other open windows.

7.      Network: Lenovo setup dialog creates working network definitions and immediately you can connect to Internet via our router SSID=xxxxx.   The wireless network adapter installed in the Lenovo is a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Wireless Network Adapter. We will try this AC adapter instead of Trendnet that will remain in Dell  \\xxxx PC

------ Initial setup should be done

8.      Chrome:

a.  Download from Google website.

b.         You then login with Google Account to sync devices and grab existing bookmarks, passwords, add-ons etc. used on old PC.

c.          Later after File Explorer directories are set up to mirror old PC you want to change Chrome’s default Download pointer by Settings > Advanced > Downloads to c:\users\xxxxx\My Downloads).

9.      Check Windows version and grab updates. Do Start>Cmd>Select it>Enter WINVER (it turned out Windows 10 version 1903). Updates are checked via Start>Settings ICON>Update and Security>Check Updates. Install any. (NOTE: NO fan issues like Dell!)

10.   Syncback Free:

a.  Get from site and install This is used to backup/recover personal data to Flash Drives

b.  Export Tasks from old pc Syncback App and Import to this new PC’s Syncback App.

11.   Set up directory tree same as on old PC along with Quick Access.

a.          Get the current Backup Flash Drive created from old PC with all personal data. It will need be copied to the folder c:\Users\xxxxx\MyData. But, first create the MyData folder via File Explorer (traverse from This PC>C : [at bottom]>Users>txxxxx [assigned by Lenovo setup]. When you are at this folder right-click and create NEW FOLDER called MyData.

b.         Now you are ready to copy old files on Flash Drive to New Lenovo. Put flash into back right USB port and bring up Syncback.

c.          But first create a task in Syncback to copy from the flash to Mydata if not already present. Source should be drive id where flash inserted (probably D:) and Target should be c:\Users\teob6\MyData. Select the MIRROR function and then run the task.

12.   CCleaner : download and install latest FREE version

13.   Speccy: Download and install

14.   Thunderbird: This is Email Agent used. Download and install.

a.  Set up Local Folders by copying them from old PC. On that PC in Thunderbird do Help > Troubleshooting > Open Profile Folder to get their location. Now, open File Explorer and go to the location > Open Mail > Local Folders and copy the files to flash drive. On new PC, repeat the steps until you get to Local Files subdirectory in File Explorer and copy Flash Drive files into it. You are done.

b.  Set up email accounts using EXISTING email addresses. STOP! When you set up the Yahoo Account, do NOT let it setup imap. Instead change to POP3. Also, check the Local Directory (Server Settings) ; it should NOT be the address used in old PC. Browse to find the pop mail which should be in c:users\xxxxx\Appdata\Roaming\Thunderbird\Profiles\insert-default-profile-here\Mail\pop.mail.yahoo.com

c.  Get old Address Book: On old PC consolidate Address Books as desired into your Personal Address Book. Now, Insert flash into old PC, bring up Thunderbird, go to Tools Export, select your Personal Address Book ONLY, and EXPORT LDIF to Flash Drive. Now on new PC insert flash and Tools IMPORT the .Ldif file. Edit the Address Book and name it My Personal Address Book.

15.   Create RECOVERY Repair Disk and save system files. START > RECOVERY. Put a large (16GB was ok) flash drive into USB port. Also determine how to rebuild the Lenovo system if need to. Do I need to make an Image or does Lenovo, like Dell, have the initial system somewhere? This will take quite a while so let it proceed and do other work following.

16.   Note and document the entire \\xxxxxxxx Configuration using Speccy output:

Product: Lenovo  ideaPad S340-15API

Model: 81NC001AUS

Machine Type: 81NC

Processor: AMD Ryzan 5 3500U (4C/8T, 2.1-3.8GHz, 2MB L2 + 4MB L3)

Memory: 8GB (4 GB Soldered + 4GB DIMM DDR4-2400)

SSD: 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe NVMe

Battery: Integrated 52.5Wh

CPU Name: xxxxxxxx

User Name: xxxxx (both UAC and User file)

O/S: Windows 10, Creator Version, 1903

BIOS: Put Specs Here

Chipset: AMD SoC Platform

Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics

Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080) TN 220 nits Anti-glare

Media Reader: 4-in-1

WLAN+Bluetooth: 11ac, 1x1 + BT4.2

Ethernet: NONE … could get USB adapter for under $19

Camera: 720p

Power Adapter: 65W Round Tip

Cores: 4 with 8 Threads

Performance: Max qualified Speed = 2.1 GHz, Max Turbo Boost = 3.7 GHz

 Cache: 2MB L2 + 4MB L3

Audio:

USB: 2- 3.1, 1- type C 

17.   Lenovo VANTAGE Diagnostics: This is put on Start Menu and is window into Lenovo Support with links and diagnostics and update features.

18.   Remove McAfee and ensure Windows Defender comes active. Use Control Panel>Uninstall Programs to remove it. It takes a while and requires Restart to finish the job. Windows Defender (firewall and antivirus) should have ICON in bottom notification area. If not permanently there, hit the “caret” symbol in the area and drag the Defender ICO onto the task bar notification Icon displays.

19.   Fidelity ATP: Download from website and install.

20.   AxCrypt: Install by running 1.7.28930-x64-en-us-beta.msi in \Mydata\My PC Configuration\System Tools & Software\Axcrypt Install Files. The KEEPTIMESTAMP reg hack must be redone to keep timestamp equal to underlying file. Get this from same folder. EDIT the file to see what to set in registry. Bring up Regedit and set the key as indicated in the hack file.

21.   AnyPassword: \Mydata\My PC Configuration\System Tools & Software\ Anypassword Install & PWFile contains the installation tasks:

a.  Run Install_apwp.exe with 3/19/12 date to install the correct version.

b.  Copy latest password database (C:\Users\Rich\MyData\My PC Configuration\System Tools & Software\Any Password Install & PWFile\PWS2016.APW) from old PC into same directory on new Lenovo.

c.   You will need Key, so run AnyPasswordProkey.reg in same folder. It will be xxxxx.

d.   Start it up and specify the password data set copied over in b. above.  (PWS2016.APW).

22.   Everything: Download and install. I believe it was from VOID something or other .

23.   Office 2003: It’s dead and won’t install. So, I found a Microsoft Office Pro 2019 replacement for $27.00 which includes WORD, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, etc. Everything needed. See OFFICE2019 in AnyPassword for details of purchase. Upon purchase product downloads and provides the KEY, so let it rip. Test it by selecting appropriate files (previously encrypted with .axx extension). File with decrypt and invoke the proper program. Program comes up in “compatibility” mode for my old PC files. Maybe because the .doc and .xls extension are old generated. 

24.   Brother Printer (DCP-L2540DW Series) files for installation should already be on new system under \MyData\My PC Configuration\Hardware\Brother DCP-L2540DW Printer folder::

a.  Run (if necessary) DCP-L2540DW-inst-C1-US_DRIVER.EXE

b.  Bring up CC4 app and change default libraries for scanned files to go to the Desktop.

c.  Run CC4 updater CC4Updater_4_6_21_1.exe

d.  Utilities: These came in via the Driver run in a. above.

25.   Cute PDF: Download from site BOTH Cute PDF. It will also download Prereq GhostScript Converter and install.

26.   Window Title Colors: Go to Settings > Personalize > Colors and then select the set light red

27.   Display Theme. Find Yosemite file and run it.

28.   Ancestral Quest 15. Download from searched site and got Key from old PC to enter. Copy old Ancestry Stuff on Desktop of old PC to new location 

29.   Add UAC Picture: Search and go ahead and update. I picked tiger.

30.   Customize Start ICONs. This was a disaster. Icons wouldn’t set where I wanted them and deleted themselves! Later Windows updates seem resolved this. So, keep doing check updates .

31.   BIOS: As soon as RESTART is hit or turning on, BEFORE Lenovo Logon screen comes up, QUICKLY and hold F2 key down. Alternate method after the system is up is to go to START>Settings>Update & Recovery>Revocery>Restart Now>Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>AEFI Firmware>Restart.

32.   Set up File Network sharing: Network Sharing

This is mostly set up for W10 machines on your local network. To see the devices, which include PCs, on your network:

1.      File Explorer>Network should list the PCs and their names

2.      Select a name of a network PC other than the one you are on and expand to see “users” and then folders/files you have access to.

If for some reason “Network” does not show the network devices, it is probably because Network Discovery is off. In this case, right-click Network>Properties>Change Advanced Sharing Settings to turn it on. Also look at “File and Printer Sharing” and turn it on . Other options available here also to limit sharing ability but I did not explore them.

33.   SAFE Mode: Hold Shift and do Restart AND keep holding Shift until menu comes up for Troubleshooting, Select Windows Startup Settings and select Safe Mode. Signin REQUIRES Local Account Signin. If you set up to use Microsoft Signin then you need to switch to Local. I recommend always using a local one, but for Microsoft, set up a pin in addition to the complicated password you set up.

34.   Create subdirectory under \Onedrive\ for wife’s documents to share with other PC   However, I do need to copy periodically her files into this new folder on my PC.

35.   Install Advanced IP scanner 2.5. Give me IP, MAC, Device name

36.   Download ACDSEE for Pentax. This is obsolete. Install FastStone Image Viewer from Internet instead (this is FREEWARE)

38.   Install OLD Windows 7 Microsoft Card Games - Win7GamesForWin10-Setup.exe can be retrieved from https://www.groovypost.com/howto/install-windows-7-classic-games-windows-10/

39.   Install Malwarebytes from site

40.   Note Lenovo Tips for this PC:

a.  To set High Resolution Display mode right-click Desktop>Select Display Settings

b.  Switch Camera Privacy shutter to cover camera if you want to ensure privacy (top middle of display).

c.  Backlight Keyboard – toggle by hitting Fn + Space Bar

d.  When power is on, you can switch between power modes Quiet, Intelligent, and Performance by doing Fn+Q

e.  With power off you can determine battery status by hitting any CAPS key.

905. Lenovo Price Match WORKS!!!

So, I bought a new Lenovo PC on 10/11. Then I received an advertisement from Lenovo on the 25th and my PC was marked down 35% to below what I paid for it. Yes, calling Lenovo was a wonderful experience and the Rep couldn't had been more patient and nice till she could covey the Price Match rules to me. It was not as I expected, meaning take the old price and compare to a new machine again on their site less additional 10% and then another 7% military discount. Didn't work that way. Instead it works as follows:

Compare the bottom price you paid for the PC originally ordered. In this case it was list price -10% sales discount-7% military = say $450. Now find the email offering a 35% off list price, click on it which takes you to the Lenovo internet site and shows you the price at 10% off, say $400. Althought the sale of that PC has another ecode for 10% off and I would get another 7% off as a military discount, they do NOT count. You can ONLY compare your bottom cost of original PC to whatever appears on the site BEFORE additional ecode discounts. The military discount also comes AFTER that when actual purchase screen comes up.

Bottom line: Take a Screenshot of the lower priced item (probably before additional discounts) -- $400 is used in my example. Compare it to original cost -- $450 in my example. It is that differece you will get as a credit to original cost paid.

Had they used the method I thought was fair, i.e., figure out the cost including the ecode promotions and military discount, my difference would have been about $200 less. But, using the documented method the difference was $63. I'll live with that.

Now NOTE: I could have returned the original PC since it was still within the 30 days at Lenovo's cost and reordered the same machine and realize the $200 savings. So, I had an option of accepting the $63 or go through the return process. Since I had already spent 2 days and completely configured the original to match my old system with modifications including new software, I decided my time cost me more than $137, the difference I would have realized. Thus, I chose the Price Match method and will be thankful. Now I still have another 25 days to watch for further retail sales even lower than what I am now out and do the Price Match again.

btw. I LOVE the Lenovo!!! Unlike the Dell I TRIED and returned in 2017, this one is totally silent! I hear NO fan(s) running and had NO hardware problems. The Dell product is documented in a different post. Search under computers.

904. Can't Signin to SAFE mode - Password Not Recognized

Brand new Lenovo PC setup and working great. But, I tried my last test, i.e. to get to SAFE mode should I need it. Obviously, this could be hardware problem, but unlikely. It is a Windows 10 problem. SAFE mode does NOT recognize the Password/Pin when using Microsoft Account Signin. Confused? You have two choices of setting up your PC login/signin: Microsoft Account or Local. Normal logins work fine using either method. Getting to BIOS also works fine wither way. Only trying to get into SAFE mode does the Microsoft Account login password fail. So, the solution is to always use a Local Login OR beware of this problem and if you can, switch to Use Local Login via Start>Settings>Accounts yada,yada first before trying to use SAFE mode.

Just for completeness, to get to SAFE mode go to to restart, hold down shift key and hit restart and continue to hold it down until a screen comes up where you select Troubleshooting>Advanced Options>Startup Settings>Restart. Next screen gives you a lot of options to go to and how. Option 4 gets you to SAFE mode without network.

903. Wireless printer lost from network

Of course, when you need it most it will give it won't be there! So was my Brother printer yesterday. The messages coming from Windows 10 were of no help indicating that there was just an error with the printer. Like most diagnosis I dive into it without trying the obvious first. Well, I finally go to the printer console and tap the keys to reset the network connectivity and then go to wireless wizard to set it up. No resolution that way. Resolution came when I decided to try manual wireless connect. Brother printer asked for SSID of router and then wireless network password. Bingo. Resolved. What disconnected it in the first place is unknown. I'll just have to blame it on goo old Suddenlink, my ISP, which does things like this randomly. Regardless, back to normal and my new Lenovo PC setup, different post, was successful.

So, remember to always start at: Is it plugged in? when trying to resolve a problem. Get it fixed quickly, then debug to find out what caused it so you can prevent it from happening again.

902 "Where Have All the Elves Gone?" by Christian Warren Freed -- 5 Stars

Where Have All the Elves Gone?  by Christian Warren Freed -- 5 Stars

Publisher: Warfighter books

ISBN: 9781365991127 

I hadn’t read a fantasy novel in some time and it was fun to get back to a story filled with elves, dwarves, and even a dragon and a gargoyle. The storyline is unique, a novelist who finds himself in the middle of a battle as dangerous and otherworldly as those he writes about. The plot is action packed and although the battles are longer than I liked, they are exciting. I loved the fantasy characters and the human ones as well. Overall, it was an entertaining and enjoyable book. 

Reviewer: Nancy

901. "Midnight in the Graveyard" by Robert McCammon -- 4 Stars

Midnight in the Graveyard by Robert McCammon --  4 Stars

Silver Shamrock Publishing

ISBN: 9781951043025

What caught my attention was the name Robert McCammon. I’ve been a long time fan of his writing and the one story of his that is included in the book does not disappoint. The other stories are entertaining. There are lots of ghosts and surprising conclusions. Each story is unique. The collection is spooky and a little scary. Its release is perfectly timed for Halloween. Like all anthologies, some stories are really good and others are okay, but all were fun to read.

Reviewer: Nancy