waldwolf

...whenever you get about half way through each episode the audio goes out of sync....

Is this correct? If your burning 3 episodes, the audio in each of the 3 is in sync until your approximately one-half through each episode.

I suspect the problem lays elsewhere than in the software. A few questions:

1. You did not list your HDD specs. What is its Make/Model No.? What is current "free" space?

2. Have you burned a single episode only? If so, did you still loose audio sync?

3. Did you notice any picture "flicker" just prior to audio sync loss?

4. Is sync loss noticeable when the DVD is played on a conventional DVD player (vs. your computer)?

6. Are you using a "Name Brand" DVD blank?

7. Have you tried rebooting your system, then shutting down all programs running in the background (especially antivirus/spyware utilities) then opening Nero Vision and proceeding with a burn?

waldwolf

Daren - Chase (JP Morgan) may have blocked access from your area due to phishing attempts or your account has been blocked due to multiple inaccurate login attempts.

First try the following secure login link: https://chaseonline.chase.com/chaseonline/logon/sso_logon.jsp

If that doesn't work, I would telephone or email Chase and enquire as to your problem.

References:

What is Phishing?

Security warning concerning pfishing of Chase accounts

waldwolf

astral - Sorry, my error. You should enter 00 00 00 00 in that window not 01 00 00 00

waldwolf

1. I am on IE6

2. There is no value for NoFind, it is not on the list.

Hum......very strange.

Ok, lets try this.

Do the Start/Run/Regedit bit and go back to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\

Click Edit/String/BinaryValue and enter NoFind as the name.

Then double click the new name, and in the new window, enter 01 00 00 00

Close windows, then open and test your Windows Explorer search function.

Does above work now?

If not, go back to the NoFind entry and delete it (and I'll go back to my references books.)

waldwolf

astral - A couple of questions:

1) Are you running IE6 or IE7 ? (Yes, I understand your talking about Windows Explorer, but they are both functionally related.)

2) Do a Start/Run/Regedit and check the following entry:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\

In the right pane, what is the value shown for "NoFind" ?

waldwolf

totster - As other have suggested, take the computer to an authorized Acer repair facility and register your complaint and get a dated receipt.

That will document a failure occured within the warrenty period. Said receipt could, if necessary, be used to legally pressure Acer should the problem still exist, once the warrenty expires.

waldwolf

......I assume it was, but don't know.......

You can test your IE browser by visiting this link: Test Page. If your browser crashes and you get the message shown in photo 1 (above), then your VML library file has not been patched. If you get the 2 red boxes, as shown in photo 2, then the VML library file was patched.

Now that I've just started using Gmail instead of Hotmail, I'll probably use IE Explorer even less.

Be aware, if you use Outlook or Outlook Express to retreve your eMail, whether from Hotmail or Gmail, Outlook and Outlook Express both use the basic IE engine and are therefore vunerable, if the VML file has not been patched.

Norton is a good AV, but somewhat "blotted", hard to uninstall and may slowdown older computers. The others you list are also very good and any one of them should do the job.

Your listing of spyware detectors is impressive. May I suggest you add to that list SpyBot Search & Destroy which is free (don't you just love that word ) and available for download here.

IMHO a good two-way, repeat two-way firewall should be your first line of defense. Of course you want to stop anyone from gaining access to your computer, but equally important, should you become infected, you want to stop the attacker from obtaining information stored on your system and "calling home". Some people think the WindowsXP firewall or standard broadband router is all they need in the way of firewall protection. Be aware, both of these are one-way firewalls and can (by their design) only stop incoming traffic, not outgoing traffic. (Windows Vista is expected to have a built-in two-way firewall.)

good luck

waldwolf

PS - Don't forget the old saying......when you assume something, you make an ass out of u and me.

.....Thanks for that I shal see if I can get hold of that. Any ideas of where I might be able to get it?.....

You can download a trial version of v7.0.8.2 (or the latest) at this link: http://www.filehippo.com/download_nero_7_premium/?845

waldwolf

ltdknowledge - You may have "caught" this malware as the result of downloading a codec for your music/video player. If memory serves me, "Virus Burst" is included in Lavasoft's Ad-Aware definitions.

Too bad you had to pay to find a fix. If you don't have Ad-Aware, you can download their free version, here.

waldwolf

agsnowdon - It is my understanding most audio sync loss is due to "frame loss" during the burning process. This could be due to many factors, including defects in the burning software itself.

You indicate you were using Nero, but which version? Have heard Nero v7.2.x.x definitely has audio sync issues, but the earlier v7.0.x.x works just fine. (The latest release is v7.5.7.0 (Nero Vision v4.7.0.9), but haven't had time to test it.)

The least expensive way to go, for now, may be to try an earlier version.

good luck

waldwolf

waldwolf:

As soon as I clicked on the link next to "There is a VML vulnerability test", I got a message popped up from Norton, that it just blocked an intrusion attempt.

That is good. It shows your AV (Norton) detected an attempt to modify your Windows VML driver (VGX.DLL).

The question you should now ask yourself now is "Was my VGX.DLL driver patched via Microsoft's Windows Update?"

If not, you could still be vulnerable if you use Internet Explorer and/or Outlook/Outlook Express and your AV has been compromised by some virus or trojan. In addition, if you use one of the no-longer supported system versions (Windows 9x to 2000 SP3 and XP-SP0), then you may still be vunerable, as Microsoft Update no longer supports those systems. A second party patch for these older systems is available HERE.

The VML test link, previously shown, will give you one of the following messages when tested, depending on your browsers make/version:

UNPATCHED IE - Browser will "crash" and following message appear:

PATCHED IE - Two red squares will be displayed in browser window:

FIREFOX TEST MESSAGE - Tested version: 1.5x

waldwolf

....AMD's future CPU's will put the graphics processor on the CPU in one chip eliminating the graphics card. This close integration will make graphics faster, cheaper, and run cooler.....

The chip may run faster, but I doubt is will run cooler.

The old Which is better or faster, Intel or AMD? argument has been going on for years. Just like Windows vs. OS.x or IE vs. Firefox. It all comes down to personal taste and ones financial resourses.

Just last week, Intel announced it would start shipping "Quad" processors (four-chips-in-one), six months ahead of the original anticipated release date. AMD also have "Quad" chips in the works, but the release date is not expected for at least 6 months, (At the moment, AMD appears to be running in second place, due to design and production capacity problems.)

Hopefully this "fight" will go on for years with the consumer the winner, having more selection and lower prices.

waldwolf

.........I sent an email to a friend and they say, that my emails are follwed with counless spam emails. I have scanned my computer with zone alarm and Prevx1 and both have indicated my computer is clean.....

The fact a friend received spam right after you emailed them is a strong indication your system may have been compromised and now contains some type of malware, such as a Rootkit, or is subject to the VML Buffer Overrun vulnerability, and is now infected by malware taking advantage of that recently discovered Windows vulnerability.

Rootkits are not in themselves malware programs. Rootkits are programs used to hide the presence of malware programs. If a Rootkit has been installed, you may not be aware that your computer has been compromised, and traditional anti-virus software may not be able to detect the malicious programs. More details HERE. In some instances, it may be necessary to do a complete system reinstall, to eliminate the infection.

In mid-September, it was discovered that many versions of Windows were vulnerable to "VLM Buffer Overrun", wherein an attacker could take complete control of an infected system. Microsoft has since provided a critical patch to "fix" this vulnerability, and the Update is available for download at the "Microsoft Download Center". More info HERE . There is a VML vulnerability test HERE.

LaReina, I'm not trying to scare you, but just provide some food for thought and places to go to obtain more information and help.

For background, one of the more famous Rootkits was the one SONY/BMG included in many of their music CD's, which when played on a computer, made that computer vulnerable to attack by hackers and spammers alike. Sony will be paying out millions to compensate victims. Unfortunately, the malware we need to worry about, are those as yet undiscovered.

With regard to the VML problem, several "companies" in Russia are selling malware which takes advantage of a Windows VML vulnerability. Most of the sites using that malware, are agents for spammers, and are paid a "per-person" fee for every computer infected. The infected computer then uses its email client to spread spam. (It is estimated there are now 1,000's of sites using this software, mainly porno and warez.

An additional test you could try is, setup a NEW email address, then send yourself a message to the new address, using your old address as sender. See if this new account receives spam, as did your friends.

good luck

waldwolf

sungod - The first thing I would look at are the pins on the computer motherboard, where the mains adapter plugs into your laptop.

Constant insertion and removal of the mains adapter plug can cause a solder joint on one of the pins to loosen or the printed circuit board track to develop a "hair line" crack. Either condition will cause the intermittent operation you describe. This condition is quite common in most electronics, where power plugs, earphones, microphones, etc. are constantly plugged in and removed.

A fast and easy repair for any qualified technician.

waldwolf

Daffy D - A couple of suggestions:

1. Before starting any update session, make sure ALL malware detectors (antivirus, spyware, etc) and "pop-up" blockers are turned OFF.

2. Next, read the Microsoft Database article Here, paying particular attention to "Method 3" under RESOLUTION.

3. Go to this website and click on item #4 and read the instructions.

Should you feel above is too technical, seek assistance from a knowledgeable friend who can provide hands-on help.

waldwolf

I find it interesting CNET Editors gave Firefox 2 an overall rating of 8.3 out of 10.........while users only rated it 6.9 out of 10, thus far.

As with good wine, hopefully it will improve with age.

waldwolf

tywais - The developer of TabMixPlus advises a FF2 compatable version will be available within a week.

If you want to try the beta version of his forthcoming release (v0.3.5-RC1), you can download it HERE

waldwolf

agsnowdon - For info and future planning:

1. AMD will discontinue all socket 939 processor production by the end of 2006, in favor of socket AM2 designs which feature virtualization technology, are more "energy-efficient" and also support "dual-channel" DDR2 memory.

2. Intel just announced it will begin OEM shipments of its QUAD DUO 2 (four-cores-in-one) processors next month, instead of in mid-2007, as earlier announced. (AMD's "quad-processors" are still scheduled for mid-2007 release.)

With the forthcoming release of Windows Vista, new "quad" processors, new DVD burners, etc., you may wish to wait a bit for the smoke to clear, before committing resourses to hardware which may shortly be out-of-date.

waldwolf

Apple Blames Microsoft for iPod Virus

Apple Computer is apologizing to owners of recent video iPods users who may find their devices infected by a Windows-based virus.

While the RavMonE.exe virus is rated a low risk by anti-virus companies, the Cupertino, California based computer maker is pointing a finger of blame at Microsoft.

Apple said it discovered the RavMonE.exe virus on video iPods leaving a contract manufacturer and effects units purchased after Sept. 12, 2006. Owners of iPod nanos, shuffles and Mac OS X operating system are unaffected, according to the Cupertino, Calif-based computer maker.

The virus propagates using mass storage devices connected to Windows machines, such as external hard drives, digital cameras, removable media and USB flash drives. The effect is mild: your computer security settings are lowered and is easily-detected, according to McAfee.

Microsoft, however, said the virus does not appear to take advantage of a Windows vulnerability.

"It is important to note that no operating system is immune to malicious software," a Microsoft spokesperson noted.

Microsoft also encouraged third-party vendors to scan products for malicious software before devices are shipped to consumers.

McAfee also announced a new version of its Stinger software to remove the virus, which it labels W32/RJump.worm. The worm, which converts itself to a Windows portable executable file to create a system backdoor, was discovered June 20, according to a statement from the anti-virus company.

The virus is easily-disabled with anti-virus software and the company said it has seen less than 25 reports of the virus. But that didn't stop Apple from taking a swipe at its PC rival amid its own mea culpa.

"As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves, for not catching it," Apple told video iPod customers on its Website. The company assured customers all video iPods are now shipping free of the virus.

Apple said Windows users should attach the video iPod to their Windows machines and run an anti-virus application. If the virus is found, consumers can then use ITunes 7 to restore the iPod's software. Apple also provided links to trial versions of several anti-virus software packages, including Microsoft Live OneCare.

/Internetnews.com - 10/18/06

When it comes to malware, I'm of the belief one needs to be pro-active, not reactive.

A firewall is pro-active, an antivirus is reactive! As the old saying goes..."an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

A simple, inexpensive (or free) 2-way firewall is 100 times better than the most costly antivirus/spyware detector. Even a properly configured 1-way "hardware" firewall (such as found in most routers) will block most uninvited malware entering, but not exiting.

Yes, should one become infected, you'll most likely need some type of malware detector to locate/remove the offending party. One of the free online system scans by Kaspersky, Symantec, TrendMicro, McAfee and others, should be able to handle that chore nicely. Its also more likely those online scanners are "current", than is any personal antivirus/spyware detector.

My 2¢ ........and a little food for thought.

waldwolf

lopburiguy - As I don't know what operating system you using (Windows 98/98SE/ME/NT/XP, Linux, etc.) it would be difficult to give you specific step-by-step instructions for installing the Firefox plugins or extensions......and if, by chance, that new "PC" of yours were actually a MAC ( ) , then that would be a whole new kettle of fish.

For example, if your OS is Windows 98, they could be located in either:

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\searchplugins

-or-

C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\sh01recn.default\searchplugins

Please read the following, as I think you'll find the answers you seek, there: PluginDoc

waldwolf

......I have to admit that one of the reasons I bought this drive is that I was having a similar issue with an older internal DVD writer that came with the box....

It would be helpful to know how old your system is, Memory size, CPU speed, HDD size, speed and (if any) the HDD cache size.

Is DVD writing always so difficult or am I unlucky?

In your search for a solution to the problem described, you probably read that speed is much more important in DVD burning than it is with CD's. A CD records much more slowly on the inner part of the CD surface, where it's harder to get good recordings, then speeds up as the recording progresses toward the outer edge of the disk.

Most DVD's record at full speed right from the start, so if the media you use is "El Cheapo" brand, the odds are you may end up with problems. (Storage of blank media, especially in hot, humid locations can also dramatically effect its life.)

Data verification stage starts, and the system hangs......

To me, it appears data was interupted or lost during the original burning session.

- In Nero, are you burning the files as DATA or VIDEO/PICTURE ?

- Have you tried a burning "Simulation"? (If yes, results.)

waldwolf

/edit - grammer

yeti - I'm not clear as to whether, when the problem first occured, you were running on battery only or on a mains adapter, with battery installed.

The "freeze" you experienced may, as you suspected, be related to chip (CPU, etc.) internal heat problems. Unless one can measure the exact internal temperature of these chips, it is difficult to determine whether they are exceeding their design specifications, just by "touch". If the notebook has an internal fan, I would try to determine if it is actually running.

I use a 5 years old Laptop......

Is this the original battery? If so, it is probably a NiCd (Nickel Cadmium). NiCd's can develop a "memory effect" if not fully charged and occasionally fully discharged, or if they are overcharged . Basically this "memory effect" prohibits the battery from becoming fully charged. In recent years, NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydrate) and LiOn (Lithium Ion) batteries solved many of these problems as well as offering longer battery useage. As sbk suggests, try replacing the battery with a "loaner", to see if the problem goes away.

Checked the harddrive with the Windows utility, did not find any problem.

The Windows built in "ScanDisk" isn't capable of determing whether or not a harddrive is "dying".

Is there a tool to check the harddrive for problems more toroughly than the one embedded in Windows?....

Would suggest you take a look at Steve Gibson's SpinRite, which is highly praised by many professionals. You can also download two (2) videos which show how SpinRite works, HERE

waldwolf

...........I do not want anyone burning copies in between myself and the buyer...........

Copying the data from a CD or DVD to ones hard drive, or burning another copy of a CD or DVD (even those which have commercial anti-piracy protection) is actually easier than trying to find a relatively secure password. Doesn't take a lot of smarts to do either! ( Examples of duplication software: HERE ...and... HERE )

maestro - Your welcome. You may be interested in reading Steve Gibson's (GRC) article "Perfect Passwords", at the GRC website. Quite interesting.

waldwolf

Tony - Could not duplicate the problem you describe. Possibly one of the search plugins is in conflict or damaged.

Suggest you check the Firefox Forums HERE...... HERE ...and... HERE, or post your problem in their main forum.

If you have not already done so, you may also want to try reinstalling Firefox, especially if your not running the latest release, v1.5.0.7.

Good luck.

waldwolf