After spending 2 full hours I managed to find the culprit for an IDE crash (access violation in VCL210). The cause was ...drum roll please... CnPack!
There was a palette in IDE's main tool bar called MSDN Help. However, when I right click to configure the toolbar, the palette was not listed there to show it/hide it. This probably cause the crash when I tried to remove it by dragging it out of the toolbar.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Let DC++ autoconfigure the Internet connection
If you are behind a router that supports uPNP:
Enjoy.
- Make sure the uPNP feature is active in your router. Usually is disabled by default.
- First you need to enable UPnP in Windows.
- Make sure of this by checking the "Universal Plug and Play Device Host" and "SSDP Discovery" services. Both of these services should be set to "Automatic" startup and "Started" status.
- In DC++ activate the "Firewall with UPnP / Use UPnP to let DC++ configure my router"
Enjoy.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
svchost.exe high memory usage and 100% CPU - SOLVED
Every now and then I see high CPU utilization. So I decided to see which program is taking so much CPU.
First I looked into the task manger. At the first look it didn't show any program to take more than 1% CPU. But after checking the 'Show processes from all users' we got the guilty program: svchost.
But wait! svchost is not a program but a container for other programs (services). So we have to look inside svchost. For this, we click the 'Resource monitor' button (under Performance tab) in TaskManager.
In Resource monitor I looked under the CPU tab and I have seen that netsvcs is the process that takes all the CPU. I checked the checkbox in from of this process to filter out all other irrelevant processes. Now the 'Services' panel (located below Processes panel) shows that wuauserv is the actually guilty party. This is 'Windows updates'
If you have this problem, you could simply turn off this service as explained here:
http://www.techracket.com/solution-fix-svchost-exe-high-memory-usage-cpu-usage/
-----------------------
Related links:
http://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/100-percent-cpu-usage-caused-by-svchost-process-need-help-339390/
First I looked into the task manger. At the first look it didn't show any program to take more than 1% CPU. But after checking the 'Show processes from all users' we got the guilty program: svchost.
But wait! svchost is not a program but a container for other programs (services). So we have to look inside svchost. For this, we click the 'Resource monitor' button (under Performance tab) in TaskManager.
_thumb.png)
In Resource monitor I looked under the CPU tab and I have seen that netsvcs is the process that takes all the CPU. I checked the checkbox in from of this process to filter out all other irrelevant processes. Now the 'Services' panel (located below Processes panel) shows that wuauserv is the actually guilty party. This is 'Windows updates'
If you have this problem, you could simply turn off this service as explained here:
http://www.techracket.com/solution-fix-svchost-exe-high-memory-usage-cpu-usage/
-----------------------
Related links:
http://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/100-percent-cpu-usage-caused-by-svchost-process-need-help-339390/
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
More delphi weirdness - No mapping for the Unicode character exists in the target multi-byte code page
Today I tried to open an old project. While loading the main DFM form I got a "No mapping for the Unicode character exists in the target multi-byte code page" error.
After wasting some time I figured out what caused it: the form had a custom control that had a property like this: HeaderCellSpacing = 1.300000000000000000.
Meanwhile the control was updated and this property was renamed. This was the reason of the error. It was enough to open the DFM and manually delete that property. After that the form loaded nicely.
Delphi should have been able to see which properties does not exist anymore and automatically remove them. Another proof that Delphi XE7 is totally unworthy for day by day development.
Keywords: No mapping for the Unicode character exists in the target multi-byte code page
After wasting some time I figured out what caused it: the form had a custom control that had a property like this: HeaderCellSpacing = 1.300000000000000000.
Meanwhile the control was updated and this property was renamed. This was the reason of the error. It was enough to open the DFM and manually delete that property. After that the form loaded nicely.
Delphi should have been able to see which properties does not exist anymore and automatically remove them. Another proof that Delphi XE7 is totally unworthy for day by day development.
Keywords: No mapping for the Unicode character exists in the target multi-byte code page
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
How to reduce Firefox (FF) memory usage?
How to reduce memory usage in Mozilla Firefox
Know your browser
Type about:memory in the Firefox address bar. This will show you current memory usage.
Browser history
- Type about:config in the Firefox address bar
- Do a search for browser.sessionhistory.max_entries
- Double click the default value (50), change it to something lower (3, 4, 5).
Addons
- Type about:addons in the Firefox address bar
- Disable unused/unnecessary/unknown addons and plugins
AdBlock Plus
If you don't have AdBlock Plus, you don't know what you are missing: The Internet without ads!!! I am not kidding! However, it was reported that AdBlock Plus increased memory usage. So, if you have lots of open tabs, you may want to disable this plugin.
I did an experiment in May 2015, and it seems is not true, or at least, they fixed this issue, since then.
Enable hardware acceleration
- Type about:preferences#advanced in the Firefox address bar
- Check "Use hardware acceleration when available".
Restart Firefox often
In my case it helps a lot to restart Firefox every hour.
History
Press Ctrl+H to show the 'History'. Delete all entries older than 6 months.
Install it fresh
Installing a fresh copy of Firefox will help a lot. Somebody made and experiment about this here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1011071
In my case, the memory consumption decreased from 900MB to 500MB.
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Giving up on Delphi
Some months ago I upgraded from Delphi XE to Delphi XE7. Boy! What a mistake!
As EurekaLog people put it, Delphi XE7 is a "train wreck".
Now I am on the way of contacting Embarcadero and asking for a refund.
I will keep you updated to see how it goes.
You can find the word 'refund' only once in their huge EULA document. Not a good sign.
...Other than with respect to any indemnification hereunder, Licensor’s entire liability and Licensee’s exclusive remedy under this provision will be for Licensor to use commercially reasonable efforts to remedy defects covered by this warranty and condition within a reasonable period of time or, at Licensor’s option, either to replace the defective Product or to refund the amount paid by Licensee to license the use of the Product. Licensor does not warrant or condition that the operation of the Product will be uninterrupted or error free or that all software defects can be corrected. This warranty and condition shall not apply if...
http://edn.embarcadero.com/article/43347
Here is related discussion about the disturbing changes Embarcadero make in their license and marketing approach: http://tech.turbu-rpg.com/429/if-this-is-true
As EurekaLog people put it, Delphi XE7 is a "train wreck".
Now I am on the way of contacting Embarcadero and asking for a refund.
I will keep you updated to see how it goes.
You can find the word 'refund' only once in their huge EULA document. Not a good sign.
...Other than with respect to any indemnification hereunder, Licensor’s entire liability and Licensee’s exclusive remedy under this provision will be for Licensor to use commercially reasonable efforts to remedy defects covered by this warranty and condition within a reasonable period of time or, at Licensor’s option, either to replace the defective Product or to refund the amount paid by Licensee to license the use of the Product. Licensor does not warrant or condition that the operation of the Product will be uninterrupted or error free or that all software defects can be corrected. This warranty and condition shall not apply if...
http://edn.embarcadero.com/article/43347
Here is related discussion about the disturbing changes Embarcadero make in their license and marketing approach: http://tech.turbu-rpg.com/429/if-this-is-true
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
How to set paths (library, debug, BPL, DCP, search) in Delphi XE7 (for multiplatform use)
So, Delphi's help doesn't tell us much about how to set up paths for DPK packages. It is ok. We got all used with Delphi's sloppy manual.
So, I will tell you how I do it so they work both on 32 and 64 Win platforms:
I have these major packages/folders:
This will ensure that the IDE and app that use this package don't have access to the package's PAS files. If the IDE has access to the PAS file it will recompile the files every time you complile the app.Even worst, if the IDE recompiles package's files, it will put the DCUs in app's folder!
Also unckeck 'Build as needed'. xxxxxxxxxxx
IDE setup - Package output directory
IDE setup - Library path settings
In Delphi options -> Library -> Library path, I set these paths for Win32 platform:
CommonPackages are multi-platform (Win32/64) and multi-config (debug, prerelease, release). Therefore, we use $(Config) in the path.
If the control uses *.res files you need to manually copy them in the $(Platform) folder (the folder where the DCU are written)
This is Delphi's help page for Browsing path: Specifies search paths where the compiler can find the required files for the package, such as .dcp and .bpi files.
This is the Delphi global library path. The compiler can find only those files that exist on the Library path. If you try to build your package with a file that is not on the Library path, you receive a compiler error.
Some resource files (such as controls.res) are only available in the Release folder (not the Debug folder), so you should ensure that your project Release directory either is specified in the Library path or will be resolved by at least one variable in the Library path.
Enter the path to package's source code so the IDE will able to reach the code (for example to be able to open a file when you control+click a method in IDE):
The project's 'Search Path' is set like this (for all platforms):
You have to do the same for 32 and 64 bit platforms (in the 'Selected Platform' dropdown menu).
__________
Update: I had problems making a project to work when when I used a combination of $(Platform)_$(Config) and $(Platform) in the paths. It worked after I replaced $(Platform)_$(Config) with $(Platform).
So, I will tell you how I do it so they work both on 32 and 64 Win platforms:
My packages
I have these major packages/folders:
- Graphics32
- Drag and Drop (Melander)
- 3rd Party (many small packages put together in a big package)
- CommonPackages (these are my own packages)
Package setup
Double click the DPK file to load it in Delphi. Go to project's settings and set xxxxxxxxxxxx.This will ensure that the IDE and app that use this package don't have access to the package's PAS files. If the IDE has access to the PAS file it will recompile the files every time you complile the app.Even worst, if the IDE recompiles package's files, it will put the DCUs in app's folder!
Also unckeck 'Build as needed'. xxxxxxxxxxx
IDE setup
IDE setup - Package output directory
- For Win32 platform set it to: $(BDSCOMMONDIR)\Bpl
- For Win64 platform set it to: $(BDSCOMMONDIR)\Bpl\$(Platform)
IDE setup - Library path settings
In Delphi options -> Library -> Library path, I set these paths for Win32 platform:
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\DragDrop\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Graphics32\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Third party packages\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\CubicCommonControls\$(Platform)_$(Config)
CommonPackages are multi-platform (Win32/64) and multi-config (debug, prerelease, release). Therefore, we use $(Config) in the path.
If the control uses *.res files you need to manually copy them in the $(Platform) folder (the folder where the DCU are written)
This is Delphi's help page for Browsing path: Specifies search paths where the compiler can find the required files for the package, such as .dcp and .bpi files.
This is the Delphi global library path. The compiler can find only those files that exist on the Library path. If you try to build your package with a file that is not on the Library path, you receive a compiler error.
Some resource files (such as controls.res) are only available in the Release folder (not the Debug folder), so you should ensure that your project Release directory either is specified in the Library path or will be resolved by at least one variable in the Library path.
Browse path
In Delphi options -> Library ->:Enter the path to package's source code so the IDE will able to reach the code (for example to be able to open a file when you control+click a method in IDE):
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\DragDrop\
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Graphics32\
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Third party packages\
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\CubicCommonControls\
- The project Search path for Delphi ( Project > Options > Delphi Compiler ) or the Include path for C++ ( Project > Options > Directories and Conditionals).
- The global browsing path (this option) for Win32 Delphi language projects;
the directories specified with this option are appended to the debug source path
for the project. Therefore, the debugger search order for unit files is
determined by the following path settings:
- The Browsing path (this option).
- The project Source path (the directory in which the project was saved).
Search path
I am not sure you really need the thing below (I think you don't):The project's 'Search Path' is set like this (for all platforms):
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\DragDrop\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Graphics32\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\Third party packages\$(Platform)
- c:\MyProjects\Packages\CubicCommonControls\$(Platform)_$(Config)
You have to do the same for 32 and 64 bit platforms (in the 'Selected Platform' dropdown menu).
The applications
For applications (DPR) that are using the packages specified above I set the 'Unit output directory' like this (for 'All configurations/All platforms'):- .\$(Platform)_$(Config)
__________
Update: I had problems making a project to work when when I used a combination of $(Platform)_$(Config) and $(Platform) in the paths. It worked after I replaced $(Platform)_$(Config) with $(Platform).
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Trying to do some multi-platform programming
So, I purchased Delphi XE7 for a pile of money (around 1000euros) hoping to do all the wonderful things they advertised.
After struggling with their grandiose (read as 'scarce' or 'almost nonexistent') user manual I managed compiling my 32 bit application for Windows 64.
Since Delphi is 32 bit and my Windows machine is also 32 bit you need to somehow deploy your app on Windows 64 and run/debug it there. This is what PAServer (debugger platform assistant) is supposed to do.
However, PAServer keeps crashing as soon you press the Run button in Delphi. Sometimes this error is shown:
Error setting debug exception hook.
[223ADB5B]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.SetDelphiTracingLevel (Line 2324, "Win32Debug.pas" + 5) + $11
[223AD5ED]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.InitExceptRanges (Line 2195, "Win32Debug.pas" + 3) + $4
[223ADFB8]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.DoSetExceptOption (Line 2436, "Win32Debug.pas" + 2) + $6
[203620D0]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TDebugger.SetProcess (Line 11394, "Debug.pas" + 31) + $10
[20363397]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TProcess.SetExceptOption (Line 11709, "Debug.pas" + 1) + $4
[203574BF]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TThread.ntfyThread (Line 6355, "Debug.pas" + 58) + $6
[1B76C593]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $626BB
[1B79C22A]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $92352
[1B79680A]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $8C932
[1B76B927]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $61A4F
[1B76C593]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $626BB
[1B793703]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $8982B
[1B79C4D7]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $925FF
[1B709D72]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at DllUnregisterServer + $17EF6
[1B76B8CC]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $619F4
[505C2850]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.Perform (Line 7010, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $8
[1B76C7FC]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $62924
[1B714263]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $A38B
[505C76E2]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.WndProc (Line 10038, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 153) + $6
[505C2850]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.Perform (Line 7010, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $8
[505C5E7E]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.GetControl (Line 9130, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 4) + $A
[505CA48F]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.CMInvalidate (Line 12012, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $4
[505C2C15]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.WndProc (Line 7232, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 91) + $6
(0003C651){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD651]
(0003C6B8){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD6B8]
(0003C769){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD769]
(00039EF6){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCAEF6]
[500636D0]{rtl210.bpl } System.@FinalizeArray (Line 31435, "System.pas" + 139) + $0
[500636C0]{rtl210.bpl } System.@FinalizeArray (Line 31423, "System.pas" + 127) + $0
[50716363]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.ProcessMessage (Line 10354, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 25) + $1
[5071639E]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.HandleMessage (Line 10382, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 1) + $4
[507166D1]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.Run (Line 10520, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 26) + $3
Some people suggested that if you set your connection (the network connection between the 32 bit debugging machine and 64 bit debugged machine) without a password it may not work! I have tried that but with no success.
UPDATE
I tried to fix this and I spend too much time. In the end I gave up and installed Delphi in a second computer (yes, and did all the madness about installing all tools, libraries, etc) that has Win64 bits.
I also contacted Embarcadero support about this issue. They said that somebody will call me but I never heard from them. They know they can't fix the problem.
The conclusion is that Delphi is not even by far ready for multi-platform development. It has some multi-platform capabilities but I would say it doesn't go beyond the 'experimental' or 'beta' stage. Multi-platform (FMX included) is not ripe yet. Maybe in a couple of years. But then if it is too wait that long (and pay lots of money for upgrades) we should also consider Lazarus.
After struggling with their grandiose (read as 'scarce' or 'almost nonexistent') user manual I managed compiling my 32 bit application for Windows 64.
Since Delphi is 32 bit and my Windows machine is also 32 bit you need to somehow deploy your app on Windows 64 and run/debug it there. This is what PAServer (debugger platform assistant) is supposed to do.
However, PAServer keeps crashing as soon you press the Run button in Delphi. Sometimes this error is shown:
Error setting debug exception hook.
[223ADB5B]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.SetDelphiTracingLevel (Line 2324, "Win32Debug.pas" + 5) + $11
[223AD5ED]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.InitExceptRanges (Line 2195, "Win32Debug.pas" + 3) + $4
[223ADFB8]{win32debugide210.bpl} Win32Debug.TNativeProcess.DoSetExceptOption (Line 2436, "Win32Debug.pas" + 2) + $6
[203620D0]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TDebugger.SetProcess (Line 11394, "Debug.pas" + 31) + $10
[20363397]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TProcess.SetExceptOption (Line 11709, "Debug.pas" + 1) + $4
[203574BF]{dbkdebugide210.bpl} Debug.TThread.ntfyThread (Line 6355, "Debug.pas" + 58) + $6
[1B76C593]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $626BB
[1B79C22A]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $92352
[1B79680A]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $8C932
[1B76B927]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $61A4F
[1B76C593]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $626BB
[1B793703]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $8982B
[1B79C4D7]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $925FF
[1B709D72]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at DllUnregisterServer + $17EF6
[1B76B8CC]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $619F4
[505C2850]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.Perform (Line 7010, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $8
[1B76C7FC]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $62924
[1B714263]{bordbk210.dll} Unknown function at @isDbkLoggingOn$qv + $A38B
[505C76E2]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.WndProc (Line 10038, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 153) + $6
[505C2850]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.Perform (Line 7010, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $8
[505C5E7E]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.GetControl (Line 9130, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 4) + $A
[505CA48F]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TWinControl.CMInvalidate (Line 12012, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 10) + $4
[505C2C15]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Controls.TControl.WndProc (Line 7232, "Vcl.Controls.pas" + 91) + $6
(0003C651){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD651]
(0003C6B8){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD6B8]
(0003C769){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCD769]
(00039EF6){CnWizards_DXE7.dll} [0DCCAEF6]
[500636D0]{rtl210.bpl } System.@FinalizeArray (Line 31435, "System.pas" + 139) + $0
[500636C0]{rtl210.bpl } System.@FinalizeArray (Line 31423, "System.pas" + 127) + $0
[50716363]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.ProcessMessage (Line 10354, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 25) + $1
[5071639E]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.HandleMessage (Line 10382, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 1) + $4
[507166D1]{vcl210.bpl } Vcl.Forms.TApplication.Run (Line 10520, "Vcl.Forms.pas" + 26) + $3
Some people suggested that if you set your connection (the network connection between the 32 bit debugging machine and 64 bit debugged machine) without a password it may not work! I have tried that but with no success.
UPDATE
I tried to fix this and I spend too much time. In the end I gave up and installed Delphi in a second computer (yes, and did all the madness about installing all tools, libraries, etc) that has Win64 bits.
I also contacted Embarcadero support about this issue. They said that somebody will call me but I never heard from them. They know they can't fix the problem.
The conclusion is that Delphi is not even by far ready for multi-platform development. It has some multi-platform capabilities but I would say it doesn't go beyond the 'experimental' or 'beta' stage. Multi-platform (FMX included) is not ripe yet. Maybe in a couple of years. But then if it is too wait that long (and pay lots of money for upgrades) we should also consider Lazarus.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Delphi bug: Exception EAccessViolation in module rtl210.bpl at 00016A9C [SOLVED]
I keep getting this error at Delphi shut down:
Application Error - Exception EAccessViolation in module rtl210.bpl at 00016A9C.
Access violation at address 50066A9C in module 'rtl210.bpl'. Read of address 06152AF8.
Solution 1:
The problem is fixed by restoring this registry key to its original state: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Embarcadero\BDS\15.0\Known IDE Packages]
Here is the pristine value for this key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Embarcadero\BDS\15.0\Known IDE Packages]
"$(BDS)\\bin\\htmide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\comptoolbar210.bpl"="Component Toolbar Package"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\mlcc210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\tgide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\delphiosx32210.bpl"="Delphi OSX32 Platform"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\macosxdebugide210.bpl"="MacOS"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\delphiwin64210.bpl"="Delphi Win64 Platform"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\win64debugide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\GuidedTour210.bpl"="Embarcadero Guided Tour Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\ModernTheme210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\asmview210.bpl"="Assembly Browser Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\dbkdebugide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\delphiwin32210.bpl"="Delphi Win32 Platform"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\dotnetcoreide210.bpl"=".NET Core IDE Package"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\exceptiondiag210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\fileexplorer210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\historyide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\htmlhelp2210.bpl"="HtmlHelp Viewer"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\idefilefilters210.bpl"="IDE File filters"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\plugview210.bpl"="Pluggable Tree View Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\projpageide210.bpl"="Value Data: Project and template library package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\startpageide210.bpl"="Start Page IDE Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\tlbview210.bpl"="TypeLibrary Browser Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\codetemplates210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\coreproide210.bpl"="Core IDE Pro Package"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\dbkdebugproide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\profiledeployide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\profilemgride210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\sdkmgride210.bpl"="Embarcadero SDK Manager"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\refactoride210.bpl"="Core Refactoring Package"
"$(BDS)\\bin\\todoide210.bpl"="ToDo"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\comcore210.bpl"="HtmlHelp Viewer"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\projecttargets210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\vclmenudesigner210.bpl"=".NET Core IDE Package"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\DataExplorerIDE210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\unittestide210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\iteidew32210.bpl"="(Untitled)"
"$(BDS)\\Bin\\VisualizationServiceIDE210.bpl"="Visualization IDE Service Package"
"C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Embarcadero\\Studio\\15.0\\Experts\\IDEFixPackStartup.bpl"="IDE Fix Pack Startup"
[UPDATE]
SOLUTION 2 (and cause):
After some work I discovered what caused this: The 'FMX controls' package was disabled (probably I disabled it since FMX is still infantile and I don't intend to use it right now). Re-enabling this package solved the problem.
Also removing "$(BDS)\\Bin\\delphiwin32210.bpl"="Delphi Win32 Platform" helped.
Delphi: Access violation in module 'bindcomp210.bpl'
I keep getting an "Access violation at address 1204F872 in module 'bindcomp210.bpl'. Read of address 1423C764" message during Delphi startup.
After poking around I have found the solution: delete the
"Project" and/or "SaveFileDirectory" keys in [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Embarcadero\BDS\15.0\Session]
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
How difficult is to write a solid software protection (licensing) scheme?
Extracting unique identification numbers from hardware and using them for software protection scheme
I had customers that are purchasing a single software license but using it on multiple computers so I wanted to prevent them from doing so. The solution I have found was to generate a license key that is unique for each computer.
How? Using a DLL called Hardware ID Extractor, I can read the unique hardware ID of each computer. The DLL is easy to use. To get the CPU ID for example you simply call: GetCPUID.
The first thing you will ask yourself is: does the ID persist after the user formats the PC and reinstalls Windows. The answer is YES (hooray!). It works because this neat DLL reads the ID that is written (permanently) in hardware, not from Windows registry key.
And yes, it is compatible with all programming languages.
Link: Hardware ID Extractor library
Supported IDs:
Hard drive ID (unique hardware serial number written in drive's IDE electronic chip)
Partition ID (volume serial number)
CPU ID (unique hardware ID)
CPU vendor
CPU current running speed
CPU theoretic speed (CPU rated speed)
Memory Load ( Total memory used in percentage (%) )
Total Physical ( Total physical memory in bytes )
Avail Physical ( Physical memory left in bytes )
Total PageFile ( Total page file in bytes )
Available PageFile( Page file left in bytes )
Total Virtual( Total virtual memory in bytes )
Available Virtual ( Virtual memory left in bytes )
BiosDate
BiosVersion
BiosProductID
BiosVideo
I had customers that are purchasing a single software license but using it on multiple computers so I wanted to prevent them from doing so. The solution I have found was to generate a license key that is unique for each computer.
How? Using a DLL called Hardware ID Extractor, I can read the unique hardware ID of each computer. The DLL is easy to use. To get the CPU ID for example you simply call: GetCPUID.
The first thing you will ask yourself is: does the ID persist after the user formats the PC and reinstalls Windows. The answer is YES (hooray!). It works because this neat DLL reads the ID that is written (permanently) in hardware, not from Windows registry key.
And yes, it is compatible with all programming languages.
Link: Hardware ID Extractor library
Supported IDs:
Hard disk:
Hard drive ID (unique hardware serial number written in drive's IDE electronic chip) Partition ID (volume serial number)
CPU:
CPU ID (unique hardware ID) CPU vendor CPU current running speed CPU theoretic speed (CPU rated speed)
Physical memory:
Memory Load ( Total memory used in percentage (%) )Total Physical ( Total physical memory in bytes )Avail Physical ( Physical memory left in bytes )Total PageFile ( Total page file in bytes )Available PageFile( Page file left in bytes )Total Virtual( Total virtual memory in bytes )Available Virtual ( Virtual memory left in bytes )
BIOS (NEW!):
BiosDateBiosVersionBiosProductIDBiosVideoMy old Fuji A610 is better than my new Fuji F550EXR
My old Fuji A610 is better than my new Fuji F550EXR. Take a look at these two photos takes at the same moment (a camera was in my right hand and the other camera in my left hand). Which one do you like better?
The first one is taken with my ancient FinePix A610, the second one with F550EXR.
____________________
Recommended download:
The first one is taken with my ancient FinePix A610, the second one with F550EXR.
____________________
Recommended download:
Why handling a possible ISP/server time-out is critical?
Imagine that a possible client is downloading the application for the first time. During start up the application checks the internet to updates, news, resource files, etc. If the server fails to respond the application will hang. After 20 seconds (or way less) the customer will hit the Control+Alt+Del buttons, kill the application, uninstall it and download a similar one. Client lost. Bingo!
How to win a "who gets more traffic" contest (How to generate LOT of fake traffic on a web site)
Web Traffic Generator is a nice dirty tool that helps you to generate literary thousands of page views.
Lets say you participate in a contest "who's web page gets more visitors". All you have to do is to download this little devilish software, enter the URL of the page you want to send traffic to and press the 'Generate' button.
Now, minimize the program to system tray and go watch a movie or play a game. Few hours later check the visitor counter on that page. Your puny 35 visits suddenly rised to 35000+
Ups... a bit too much? You should have stopped earlier.
Here is the link to that little proggy.
--------
What else is it good for?
(Extras from program's description:)
With Web Traffic Simulator you can generating fake traffic by reloading the specified web page(s) repeatedly in an integrated web browser. It has many purposes, such as:
And if you wonder if the program will work with Google Analytics, the answer is: it will! Google Analytics will see the fake traffic as real traffic.
Lets say you participate in a contest "who's web page gets more visitors". All you have to do is to download this little devilish software, enter the URL of the page you want to send traffic to and press the 'Generate' button.
Now, minimize the program to system tray and go watch a movie or play a game. Few hours later check the visitor counter on that page. Your puny 35 visits suddenly rised to 35000+
Ups... a bit too much? You should have stopped earlier.
Here is the link to that little proggy.
--------
What else is it good for?
(Extras from program's description:)
With Web Traffic Simulator you can generating fake traffic by reloading the specified web page(s) repeatedly in an integrated web browser. It has many purposes, such as:
- increasing the counter of a web page in order to keep your web site/software in top of the others
- increasing the visits on your YouTube pages
- cheating on a "Top 10" popularity web site by increasing the number of votes
- keeping you connected (preventing a web site like Yahoo Mail from logging you off after a period of inactivity)
- reloading a page millions of times
- downloading an URL (web page, ZIP, EXE...) millions of times
- simulating clicks (for example on a link, banner, image, ad)
- storming a web server by generating massive downloads
- testing your web server under heavy load
- use your imagination and you will find countless other possibilities…
And if you wonder if the program will work with Google Analytics, the answer is: it will! Google Analytics will see the fake traffic as real traffic.
Delphi developers are now charged for bug fixes [via Update Subscription]
Starting this year Embarcadero has a new plan to milk money from its customers. With the new 'Update Subscription' plan, Embarcadero wants to charge 30% from original purchase price, each year, each customer that wants access to product bug fixes (that were not supposed to be there anyway).
Eve more, there is no warranty that the customer will actually get the bug fixes. Embarcadero clearly states that: "All fixes, updates and hotfixes are purely at Embarcadero's discretion."
Actually it states that twice. So, don't miss to read it :)
Link
Some stores are already selling upgrade subscriptions for 2000 pounds + VAT.
There is another way to get updates?
No. The FAQ clearly states it:
Can I obtain updates and hotfixes without a subscription?
An active update subscription is the only way to obtain updates and hotfixes for current and prior (up to 2 years) releases.
I see a big incoming wave of programming towards Lazarus.
Eve more, there is no warranty that the customer will actually get the bug fixes. Embarcadero clearly states that: "All fixes, updates and hotfixes are purely at Embarcadero's discretion."
Actually it states that twice. So, don't miss to read it :)
Ongoing Maintenance and Hot-Fixes for Previous Versions*
In the middle of a development cycle on an older IDE version? The RAD Studio team will now continue to release critical updates and hotfixes for up to two (2) years and three (3) major versions, improving your investment and enabling you to upgrade to the latest version on your schedule. All maintenance updates and hotfixes will only be available to users on an active Subscription and cannot be downloaded or purchased separately. Versions currently under Ongoing maintenance include XE7, XE6, and XE5 versions. Active subscribers will also have immediate access to beta hotfixes, providing the most timely access to critical fixes. All fixes, updates and hotfixes are purely at Embarcadero's discretion.Link
Some stores are already selling upgrade subscriptions for 2000 pounds + VAT.
There is another way to get updates?
No. The FAQ clearly states it:
Can I obtain updates and hotfixes without a subscription?
An active update subscription is the only way to obtain updates and hotfixes for current and prior (up to 2 years) releases.
I see a big incoming wave of programming towards Lazarus.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Intel CPU list of bugs
Intel has a long history related to microprocessor bugs.
It started long time ago with the infamous Pentium FDiv bug. Intel quickly released Pentium MMX and said that this is the biggest invention in computing ever but the truth was that increase of performance brought by MMX o plain zero! Why? Because software was not designed to use the MMX feature. Even today only few programs are MMX optimized. But then why Intel released and advertised the Pentium MMX? To convince customers that purchased the flawed processor to upgrade to a less flawed processor.
The problem cost Intel close to 0.5 billion to put right, largely through replacing affected silicon, although it paid a higher price via lost credibility among its user base.
Interesting fact: ever wondered why Intel stopped using the logic numeration (286, 386, 486, etc) and used Pentium instead of 586? Because Intel wanted to put a trademark on their CPU to kill the competition. But they ware not allowed to trademark a name made up of numbers only (reference).
Pentium F00F bug
Intel SandyBridge bug - A serious bug that affected any mainboard with SandyBridge chipset and some i5 and i7 processors purchased after 9 January 2011. This bug cost Intel $700 million to fix this problem.
Security vulnerability in all x86-64 Intel processors
Intel TSX bug - This is a recent discovered bug
It started long time ago with the infamous Pentium FDiv bug. Intel quickly released Pentium MMX and said that this is the biggest invention in computing ever but the truth was that increase of performance brought by MMX o plain zero! Why? Because software was not designed to use the MMX feature. Even today only few programs are MMX optimized. But then why Intel released and advertised the Pentium MMX? To convince customers that purchased the flawed processor to upgrade to a less flawed processor.
The problem cost Intel close to 0.5 billion to put right, largely through replacing affected silicon, although it paid a higher price via lost credibility among its user base.
Interesting fact: ever wondered why Intel stopped using the logic numeration (286, 386, 486, etc) and used Pentium instead of 586? Because Intel wanted to put a trademark on their CPU to kill the competition. But they ware not allowed to trademark a name made up of numbers only (reference).
Pentium F00F bug
Intel SandyBridge bug - A serious bug that affected any mainboard with SandyBridge chipset and some i5 and i7 processors purchased after 9 January 2011. This bug cost Intel $700 million to fix this problem.
Security vulnerability in all x86-64 Intel processors
Intel TSX bug - This is a recent discovered bug
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Feeding my carnivorous plant (Slow motion)
This is a Venus Trap and it is 2 years old.
Despite what the Internet says it survived the winter without going to hibernation.
This is a close up:
And this is the feeding process in slow motion!
Despite what the Internet says it survived the winter without going to hibernation.
This is a close up:
And this is the feeding process in slow motion!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
How to make VirtualDub open/edit mkv, mp4, flv, mov and other file formats?
In order to open MP4 (and other video files) in VirtualDub you need a plugin called 'Virtualdub FFMpeg Input Plugin'.
Installation:
Download the plug in and unzip it in VirtualDub's folder. The ZIP contains two folder one for Windows 32 bit and one for Windows 64 bits. You can delete the one that you don't need.
In my case, the plug in installed looks like this:
c:\Program Files\VirtualDub\plugins32\FFInputDriver.vdplugin
c:\Program Files\VirtualDub\plugins32\ffdlls\avcodec-55.dll
c:\Program Files\VirtualDub\plugins32\ffdlls\avformat-55.dll
c:\Program Files\VirtualDub\plugins32\ffdlls\avutil-52.dll
c:\Program Files\VirtualDub\plugins32\ffdlls\swscale-2.dll
This plugin is freeware and open source.
And yes, it also works with H264 (H264 MPEG-4 AVC) movies. Enjoy :)
Update 2018
A video editor that has EMBEDDED (yes, no codec needed) support for MP4 is AviDemux.
Avidemux is a free video editor designed for simple cutting, filtering and encoding tasks. It supports many file types, including AVI, DVD compatible MPEG files, MP4 and ASF, using a variety of codecs.
It is not quite as sophisticated as VirtualDub but is definitively much more easier to use. I use it mainly to crop movies, and as I said it works with many popular formats, right out of the box.
Video related tools:
Places an animated video/GIF file directly on your desktop.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
IF YOU ARE AN INMOTION HOSTING CUSTOMER READ THIS!!!
IF YOU ARE AN INMOTION HOSTING CUSTOMER READ THIS!!!
InMotion Hosting offer such horrible services. In time their reputation web down so they had to create a puppet company called.... Web Hosting Hub.
Here is some proof: Click the Support button it will take you to a page that has InMotion Hosting logo: https://chatwithourteam.com/licence/1001/open_chat.cgi?lang=eh¶ms=HUB%20HUB%20HUB%20-%20WEB%20HOSTING%20HUB%20-%20HUB%20HUB%20HUB&groups=0
Here is more proof (chat transcript)
Shea R. Web Hosting Hub
Chat session started at 3:25:53 PM
Conference ID: MSNMN3O
Shea R.: Hello catalin. How may I assist you?
catalin: hi
catalin: what is your affiliation with inmotionhosting?
catalin: are you partner?
catalin: are you reseller of inmotion hosting?
Shea R.: Hub and InMotion are actually sister companies. They are two separate entities but share the same support staff. So Hub is not a Reseller by any means.
Shea R.: By the way, are you inquiring for possibly transferring a site to us or would this be for a new project for you?
catalin: ok. i had a terrible experience with inmotion.
catalin: left one year ago.
catalin: so, not interested.
I took my money back immediately and went somewhere else!
MORE LIES!
Please note that Web Hosting Hub has a web page where it compares itself with its concurrency but the comparison is a lie. Because Web Hosting Hub offers only 60 days money back guaranty they wrote that BlueHost (and others) offer only 30 days. So they look better than BlueHost.
Actually BlueHost offer unlimited money back guaranty.
The fact that Web Hub uses such deceptive techniques tells a lot about the way they do business.
Proof:
http://www.webhostinghub.com/web-hosting-comparison.html
InMotion Hosting offer such horrible services. In time their reputation web down so they had to create a puppet company called.... Web Hosting Hub.
Here is some proof: Click the Support button it will take you to a page that has InMotion Hosting logo: https://chatwithourteam.com/licence/1001/open_chat.cgi?lang=eh¶ms=HUB%20HUB%20HUB%20-%20WEB%20HOSTING%20HUB%20-%20HUB%20HUB%20HUB&groups=0
Here is more proof (chat transcript)
Shea R. Web Hosting Hub
Chat session started at 3:25:53 PM
Conference ID: MSNMN3O
Shea R.: Hello catalin. How may I assist you?
catalin: hi
catalin: what is your affiliation with inmotionhosting?
catalin: are you partner?
catalin: are you reseller of inmotion hosting?
Shea R.: Hub and InMotion are actually sister companies. They are two separate entities but share the same support staff. So Hub is not a Reseller by any means.
Shea R.: By the way, are you inquiring for possibly transferring a site to us or would this be for a new project for you?
catalin: ok. i had a terrible experience with inmotion.
catalin: left one year ago.
catalin: so, not interested.
I took my money back immediately and went somewhere else!
MORE LIES!
Please note that Web Hosting Hub has a web page where it compares itself with its concurrency but the comparison is a lie. Because Web Hosting Hub offers only 60 days money back guaranty they wrote that BlueHost (and others) offer only 30 days. So they look better than BlueHost.
Actually BlueHost offer unlimited money back guaranty.
The fact that Web Hub uses such deceptive techniques tells a lot about the way they do business.
Proof:
http://www.webhostinghub.com/web-hosting-comparison.html
Total Commander 8.50 is here. There is a HUGE list of new features
So, what's new in Total Commander 8.50? The Ghisler.com web site shows a difficult to read list of changes: the new features are mixed with the bug fixes. Here is the easy to read (only new features) list:
(PS: I used Cubic Bold Editor to filter unwanted lines)
F5,F6,Shift+F6: Remove characters #00-#31 like line breaks (LF) in name and replace tabs by spaces when new name pasted from clipboard (32/64)
Show thumbnails in virtual folders like libraries, only supports the Explorer method, no internal caching (32/64)
Support environment variables in synchronize dirs (left and right paths) (32/64)
Faster read of folders with many subfolders when overlay icons are disabled (check whether folder is shared only when displaying the icon) (32/64)
Compare by content: Removed compare limit of 16350 characters per line (comparison inside a line still limited to 4096 characters) (32/64)
Quicker loading of thumbnails from thumbs cache by keeping thumbs file open while thumbs are loaded in the background (32/64)
More code to avoid hanging when network is down, e.g. while settings dialog is up, or user refreshes current dir (32/64)
Search function, search for file contents: Do not unpack files under 1MB from 7zip to TEMP, but instead to memory -> much faster (32/64)
"Save tabs on both sides to file" now also works when the other panel does not have any tabs (saves the current directory) (32/64)
F5 copy: While counting total size and number of files, show '?' to the left of the value to indicate that the total isn't reached (32/64)
Search function, search for file contents: Do not unpack files <1mb -="" but="" from="" instead="" memory="" rar="" temp="" to="" zip=""> much faster (32/64)
Copy and Delete functions: Show number of bytes and files while counting files for progress dialog (32/64)
Copy in background: When user closes TC and confirms to abort background transfers, show "Transfer aborted" in the title of the background transfer windows (32/64)
Control overwrite behaviour in background transfer manager: wincmd.ini [Configuration] BackgroundCopyFlags=1: 0=never reset; 1=reset overwrite flags when list becomes empty; 2=reset overwrite flags each time a file or group of files is added to the list (32/64)
Auto-install file for plugins (pluginst.inf) now supports version= field, which will be shown on a separate line in the auto-install dialog (32/64)
HTTP download via Ctrl+N: Support servers returning incorrect headers, e.g. Content-Length: 0 but valid Content-Range (32/64)
Updated tcuninst.exe to use latest code signing certificate (32)
Support unpacking of multi-volume 7zip files, which are just regular (but split) 7zip files. All parts must be in the same directory (32/64)
F5 copy dialog: Show exclamation mark near "Verify" when it differs from what has been configured in Configuration - Options - Copy/Delete (32/64)
F5 copy with verify: In case of an error, log the checked size, src and trg md5 values for debug reasons (32/64)
32-bit only (for test purposes): CRC create checkbox, 2 columns for checksum type, increased width (32)
Configure selection of files by clicking on their icons via main configuration dialog (32/64)
Use selection of files by clicking on their icons only when tapping on touch screen: wincmd.ini [Configuration] IconClickSelection=2 (32/64)
Windows Vista or newer: Use "Segoe UI Semibold" as new default main window and list font if available (32/64)
Option to remember position of background transfer manager in system menu (click on top-left icon) (32/64)
New option wincmd.ini [Packer] PackEncrypted=1 determines when to check "Encrypt" option in pack dialog: 0=never, 1=when target contains encrypted files, 2=always (32/64)
"Select duplicate files" dialog: Changed English text of "Do not select" to "Leave at least one file in each group unselected" (32/64)
Create CRC checksums: New dialog to also create SHA256+SHA512, remember option "separate checksum files" and "*.*.sha" when entered by the user (32/64)
Show "Verify" checkbox also in Shift+F5 (copy in place) dialog and Synchronize dirs (copy dialog) (32/64)
Virtual folders like photo cameras didn't return a "Date modified" field - use DateCreated field instead. Unfortunately there is no way to copy this date with the file (32/64)
Show "Verify" option in F5 copy dialog. Option in settings defines startup behaviour (32/64)
Allow to see files in archives even when an error is reported (e.g. because a file of a multi-part archive is missing). An error will be shown with OK/Cancel (32/64)
Separate commands to switch hidden/system files on/off: cm_SwitchHid and cm_SwitchSys (32/64)
Auto re-upload of files on FTP or plugin: Warn user if he is editing a file which was a partial download (32/64)
Auto re-upload of files to FTP or file system plugin when saved (F3/F4) is now disabled by default, user will be asked on first use whether he wants to enable it
Also find text in Apple iWorks documents, except for accented characters - they are stored as e.g. "ü" (support may be added later) (32/64)
Make option to open launched programs on same monitor configurable: wincmd.ini [Configuration] OpenOnSameMonitor=1 or =0 (32/64)
F5 copy, questions asked at end: If there is a dialog within the first 5 seconds, show it instead of postponing it (the user should still be there) - was 0.5 seconds in beta 1 (32/64)
Turn off selection of files by clicking on their icons: wincmd.ini [Configuration] IconClickSelection=0 (32/64)
Drive dropdown combobox: Open context menu also with Shift+F10 or special context menu key (32/64)
Configure button bar: Append command when command line contains cm_ or em_ command and ends with a comma (32/64)
Slow down copying in background while reading directory in the foreground to avoid hangs (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] CopyAllTimes=1: Copy all 3 timestamps (also the creation and last access times) when copying files (internal copy function, compatibility only on NT-based systems) (32/64)
Compare by content: "Resync comparison from here" now also possible after making a change, but Undo cannot go back before that point (32/64)
Set current monitor (same as the one TC is on) when opening file with ENTER - only has an effect on programs which start with default window position (32/64)
F5 copy, only files of this type: Also support the new method to copy corresponding files, e.g. *.cr2 > img*.jpg (32/64)
Select/Unselect files (Num+ / Num-): New method to select corresponding files. Example: *.jpg > *.crw Result: When IMG_1056.JPG is selected, CRW_1056.CR2 will also be selected. crw files without corresponding jpg are not selected (32/64)
Watch directory changes: Do not cause complete refresh of dir when changes come while a dialog box is up. Instead, add the changes once the dialog box is closed (32/64)
Watch directory changes: Extra check to make sure the directory hasn't changed since the notification (32/64)
When CopyLinks set to value other than 0, do not count size of links when copying (32/64)
Create folder junctions and soft links also with admin rights (via tcmadmin.exe) if creation in main program fails (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] CopyLinks=0: Set to 1 to copy file system links to folders as links, set to 2 to also adjust the drive in the link if link and link target are on the same drive (32/64)
Function to copy file system links to folders (junction or soft link) with adjusting the target path. Disabled by default (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] SyncRecompareAfterCopy=0 turns off automatic recompare after synchronizing files. The result list is just cleared (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] ShowExtraDrives=3 allows to configure the extra items shown in the drive dropdown combobox. Sum of 1: My Computer, 2: My documents (32/64)
When setting a font in Configuration - Options - Fonts, also save it in section 'AllResolutions' (32/64)
When there is no section in wincmd.ini for the current display resolution, look in section 'AllResolutions' (32/64)
Menu item "Search in separate process" in menu "Commands", new hotkey Alt+Shift+F7 (32/64)
Describe new functions in help, split topic about wincmd.ini in two due to lack of space (32/64)
High DPI icons for "Compare by content" dialog buttons (32/64)
Use ignore list also when getting directory size with
Duplicate file finder: Save option 'Find files by identical plugin fields' (32/64)
Explicitly redraw item under cursor after calling SetFocus, should fix disappearing cursor for some users (64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] MaxItemsInComboBox=20 allows to set the maximum number of entries in various comboboxes: F7 New Folder history, old searches, multi-rename tool, new connection etc. (default 20, max 500) (32/64)
Copy files: New option "Skip all" when access is denied to the target file, e.g. because it's open. Uses same flag as when there is a write error (32/64)
Lister: New right click menu entry to search for the selected text with Google. Can be customized: wincmd.ini [Lister] Contextmenu1=Title|http://someaddress?variable=%s (%s will be replaced by the search string) (32/64)
Always use new delete method when VistaDelete isn't set in wincmd.ini, but show our own delete confirmation dialog if the system dialog is disabled (32/64)
Check option "Encrypt" in pack dialog when packing with Alt+F5, and the target archive already exists and contains encrypted files (ZIP only) (32/64)
Check option "Encrypt" in pack dialog when adding files to an archive in other panel (F5) which already contains encrypted files (32/64)
Use FindFirstFileExW with option FIND_FIRST_EX_LARGE_FETCH instead of FindFirstFileW if available to speed up reading directories (32/64)
Internal unpacker for 7zip format using 7zip dll (32/64)
Open RAR archives with password-protected names (32/64)
Support for new RAR5 format (list archive content, unpack) (32/64)
Copy directly from archive/ftp/fs plugin to virtual folder with no local path (e.g. Android MTP device) (32/64)
New internal command cm_SearchStandalone opens separate search dialog with same parameters as cm_SearchFor opens the internal dialog (32/64)
Open "Find files" dialog as a standalone program: Set sort order of search results (1=name, 2=extension, 3=size, 4=time, negative = descending): totalcmd.exe /S=F:S-4 c:\path (32/64)
Open "Find files" dialog as a standalone program: Support "Feed to listbox" (32/64)
Open "Find files" dialog as a standalone program with saved search (e.g. named "example"): totalcmd.exe /S=F:Lexample c:\path (32/64)
Open "Find files" dialog as a standalone program: totalcmd.exe /S=F c:\path (32/64)
Support unpacking of LHA archives larger than 2 GB (32/64)
Allow user to increase FTP connect timeout for data connections to max 60 seconds: wcx_ftp.ini [General] DataConnectTimeout=10 (default is 10 seconds) (32/64)
Internal LHA unpacker: Support for higher compression formats -lh6- and -lh7- (64k and 128k sliding window size) (32/64)
Warn also in Synchronize dirs when the ESC key seems to be stuck (e.g. when using virtualization software) (32/64)
FTP download from list can now copy files without the "copy:" prefix by specifying the full path to the files (32/64)
Select files by clicking on their icons also in single click start mode (click on name launches file/opens folder) (32/64)
Files - Combine files: Support files in the following format: filename.00000.zip.part (32/64)
Files - Combine files: Show number of combined files in the title when done, so the user can verify that all files were handled (especially when no CRC file was present) (32/64)
Search - duplicate file finder, compare by plugin fields: Also supports character ranges, e.g. [=tc.name:1-3] will match just the first 3 characters of the name (32/64)
Search - duplicate file finder: Find files by identical plugin fields. Also supports units. (32/64)
Enhanced selection dialog for duplicate file finder (Alt+F7, Ctrl+Tab, duplicate files - Feed to listbox): Select by name, size, time, and folder (32/64)
Support delayed copying in case of errors (files without errors moved first) also when moving files between two different drives (32/64)
Logging: Also log CRC errors and read errors in function Files - Verify checksums (if option to Pack/Unpack/Test is checked) (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] SkippedFileCopy=0 turns off new copy mode where files with errors are skipped and handled at the end (32/64)
F5 copy: First copy all files where the user doesn't need to be asked and skip all with errors, ask at the end (32/64)
Download from FS plugin after search - Feed to listbox -> show option to keep relative paths (32/64)
Display HTML files which are encoded with UTF-16 (normally used only in e-mails, not on the WWW). The file will show up as HTML+UTF-8 because it's temporarily converted to UTF-8 (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] ShowWarningIcons=0 turns off the warning exclamation mark icons to the left of remembered options enabled by the user (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Packer] KeepPackerPassword=0: Allow to keep last archive password when: 1: program is minimized 2: screen saver starts 3: both (32/64)
The remembered archive password will be cleared when minimizing TC, putting the PC to sleep, or when a screensaver starts (32/64)
Checkbox "Remember" in password dialog to enable the RememberLastPassword option (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Packer] RememberLastPassword=0: Set to 1 to remember the last used archive password for all other archives (packing+unpacking) until TC is closed (option auto-saved) (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Packer] SkipFirstDir=1: Sets initial state of option "Leave out base directory when packing folders". The option is not auto-saved, but remembered while TC is running (32/64)
Files - Pack files: New option when creating one file per selected file/folder: Leave out the (selected) base directory when packing folders, e.g. dir "test" selected -> the name "test" will not be part of the files in the archive (32/64)
Show example in dialog "expand selection" (key "+" on numeric keypad) how to enter regular expressions directly (32/64)
Show exclamation mark to the left of some checkboxes to warn user about possible problems: Copy: keep relative dirs from branch view, ZIP: not preserving path, not storing recursively, Unzip: Not unpacking paths, overwriting files without confirmation, FTP upload: Converting to lowercase, Search: In archives (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] ShowHiddenSystem=0 now means: 0=show neither, 1=hidden+system, 2=hidden, 3=system (32/64)
Split function "Show hidden/system files" into two options "Show hidden files" and "Show system files" (32/64)
Click on directory in search window status bar allows to skip this directory and all its subdirs when searching (pauses search and asks for confirmation). Works with dirs, archives and file system plugins (32/64)
Return to virtual folders like libraries or mtp devices via history even after closing and restarting. May not work after disconnecting+reconnecting the device (32/64)
Support virtual folders like Android devices (mtp, media transfer protocol) in multi-rename tool (32/64)
When using VerifyCopy option with default copy method (CopyFileEx), use background thread to read source file a second time and calculate checksum while copying (32/64)
If RenameSelOnlyName option is set, select only the name part also in Shift+F5 (32/64)
Show option "Skip all" when compatibility mode copy method (CopyFileEx) gets a read error (32/64)
Support for multiple internal (cm_xyz) or user-defined (em_xyz) commands on a single button or start menu command: Separate by a comma, e.g. cm_SelectAll,cm_Copy. Not all commands can be chained this way! (32/64)
Verify after copy: Show error when comparing of source+target results in a difference, allow to skip all warnings. Errors will be written to the log file (32/64)
Show progress bar when using VerifyCopy=1: Copying goes from 0..50%, verifying from 50-100% (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] VerifyCopy=1: Verify target after copying (using MD5 checksum), target file will be re-read with option "no buffering". Warning: Slow! (32/64)
Configuration - Options - FTP: Allow to open new connections in target panel, do NOT make panel active (32/64)
Show directory created outside of TC also in separate tree if it was created in the current directory (32/64)
Allow to ignore NTFS directory links in various functions: wincmd.ini [Configuration] IgnoreLinks=0 Sum of: 1: copy/move/calculate space, 2: internal packers (zip, tar), 4: branch view, 8: find files, 16: ignore links even when they are selected in the current directory (32/64)
Inplace rename: Do not warn about existing target directory if the user added a trailing backslash, e.g. target\ (32/64)
"Associate with"-Dialog is now resizable, but doesn't remember its size and position (32/64)
Rename file (main program or sync tool): If the user specifies a directory, e.g. subdir\file.ext which doesn't exist yet, create it (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] RelativePathCopy=2 controls option "Keep relative paths" in F5/F6: Sum of: 1: enabled at start, 2: remember last option while TC is running 4: remember last option also after closing TC, -1: hide option (32/64)
Ctrl+Home in copy/move/pack dialog places cursor just before the name part of the file (32/64)
Show number of bytes handled also in these dialogs: ftp uploads+downloads (single files only), pack+unpack with packer plugins, encode/decode file (32/64)
Show number of files handled also in these dialogs: Multi-Rename tool, Synchronize (delete, attributes), fs-plugin copy+delete, pack+unpack with packer plugins (32/64)
Split/combine files: Show number of bytes and number of files (32/64)
Encode files: Show number of bytes done and total (32/64)
Delete progress dialog: Show number of deleted files (32/64)
Copy progress dialog: Show number of copied bytes also when copying only one file (32/64)
Copy progress dialog: Show number of remaining files/bytes instead of number of copied files/bytes by clicking on the bytes/files display (32/64)
Background copy progress dialog: Show From+To names as a tooltip when hovering over the text field (32/64)
Support right click menu in dropdown part of drive combobox -> no need to switch to that drive first (32/64)
Windows Vista/7/8: Handle opening of unknown file types according to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Unknown (may use opendlg subkey; doesn't work on XP) (32/64)
New command line parameter /A tells TC to not open archives received via command line, but instead open the directory and place the cursor on the archive (32/64)
Operations in background: New button to return the operation to the foreground. Only works if there isn't any other modal dialog in TC (32/64)
Copy files - click on "Background" -> Show number of copied files and bytes and the totals too (32/64)
Delete function (not to recycle bin): Retry to delete a directory after 100 ms if deleting failed with "not empty" AND we deleted some files from it (32/64)
Delete function (not to recycle bin): Only warn at the end when some directories couldn't be deleted (except if access denied, for admin option), offer to try again (32/64)
Drive dropdown list: New entries "Computer" and "My Documents (directory)" (32/64)
Search function: Remember last used text search options while TC is running, save on exit (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] OldCmdLineCount=20 allows to set the number of command lines kept in the history (32/64)
Search, Feed to listbox, Ctrl+Left or Right Arrow -> do not select file when using cursor in inactive panel, just set the cursor on the file (32/64)
Do not show error when user double clicks on EXE but cancels windows account control dialog (32/64)
wcx_ftp.ini [General] SaveNewConnection=0 -> do not ask to save when disconnecting a connection created with Ctrl+N (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] HistoryLen=26 allows to set the displayed length of the directory history (default 26, max 100) (32/64)
Show file size and last modified time also in virtual folders like connected MTP devices like Android phones/tablets (32/64)
Lister: Open file with flag FILE_SHARE_DELETE on NT-based systems if normal open fails (32/64)
F5 copy dialog: New button to define search for "Only files of this type" (32/64)
Search function: "Feed to listbox" also when searching in archives: Results from just one archive will be added directly, otherwise just the archives themselves will be listed (32/64)
Search function: The option "Office xml" now also searches in EPUB files (htm, html and opf) (32/64)
Search function: New option "Office xml (docx, xlsx, odt etc) searches the new xml-based zipped office files, even inside other archives (32/64)
Search function: Allow to search for any combination of ANSI, ASCII, UTF-16 Unicode and UTF-8 Unicode at the same time (32/64)
Buttonbar command ZIPFROMLIST now supports parameters: -m move, -o overwrite without asking, -0 .. -9 compression rate, -c0 encrypt (zip20), -c1 AES128, -c2 AES192, -c3 AES256, -c0pass .. -c3pass encrypt with given password (32/64)
Turn the new auto-re-uploading of TEMP files on/off via settings: Configuration - Options - View/Edit (32/64)
wincmd.ini [Configuration] AutoReUpload=1/0 turns new auto re-upload method of TEMP files on/off (32/64)
Delete temporary directory remainders under %TEMP%\_tcx\ after 1 month (32/64)
Option to keep relative subdirs when copying files from branch view, only enabled when F5/F6 copy dialog is actually shown (32/64)
Search function: Support "Feed to listbox" also when searching on FTP servers. Note: Not all servers can handle relative paths (32/64)
Search function: Support "Feed to listbox" also when searching in file system plugins (32/64)
Print preview: Added scrollbar tracking (real time redrawing) on XP or newer (32/64)
High DPI support for breadcrumb bar, and for the drive selection dialog in the search function (32/64)
Make current path panel as high as the drive dropdown combobox when a touch device is detected (32/64)
Verify SHA512 checksums with code from www.wolfgang-ehrhardt.de (32/64)
Files - Change attributes: Show progress dialog if function takes more than 2 seconds to complete (32/64)
FTP download from list: New command "sleep x" adds a delay of x milliseconds (e.g. sleep 1000) (32/64)
Touch screen: in right mouse button selection mode, show context menu on long finger tap when staying on file, select files when moving finger (32/64)
wcx_ftp.ini new SpecialFlags options to force timestamp function: 4096=MDTM, 8192=MFMT, 12288=SITE UTIME (32/64)
Regular expressions: Increased number of sub-expressions (NSUBEXP) from 15 to 32 (32/64)
FTP download from list: Look for list file in current directory (active panel) if no path to the list file is given (32/64)
Drive combobox: React to characters A..Z also when keyboard set to other than latin, e.g. cyrillic (32/64)
Left click on file icon selects/unselects just that file (32/64)
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
I don't know which is worst iPage or BlueHost....
IPage are totally incompetent and their server is down every 2 days.
In the last 3 days I have spent over 19 hours trying to convince them their server has a problem.
Only look at this transcript:
____
IPage: Hi Petria, how are you today?
Petria: not so great.
Petria: I have problems with your server
Petria: I reported this problem also yesterday
Petria: it is intermitent
Petria: do you know what intermitent means?
IPage: Yes.
IPage: What exactly seems to be the issue?
Petria: how can we diagnose this kind of problem?
Petria: I have an exe file
Petria: uploaded here:
Petria: http://www.bionixwallpaper.com/downloads/Bionix%20Desktop%20Wallpaper%20Changer/BioniX%20Wallpaper%20Setup.exe
Petria: the users reported in the last days that they get incomplete downloads.
Petria: indeed TODAY, about 40 minutes ago I also got two incomplete downloads
IPage: Let me check.
Petria: I got them yesterday also
Petria: at 16:51 today (my time) the download had only 12.8 MB
IPage: Yes, I tried and the file downloaded already.
Petria: then again only 6.4 MB
Petria: what size?
IPage: The download is depends on your Internet connection. You can contact Internet Service Provider to check issue.
IPage: There is no filesize limit to download.
Petria: I never said that
IPage: If small filesize means download immediately. Otherwise it takes time.
IPage: The download is not incomplete.
Petria: I never spoke about time/speed either
IPage: Okay.
IPage: I can understand.
Petria: DID YOU ACTUALLY READ THE TEXT ABOVE?
IPage: Yes, I am sorry.
Petria: do you understand my problem?
Petria: do you have technical expertize to help me with this?
IPage: You are saying that you can see file size difference right?
IPage: Yes, I understand your inquiry.
Petria: Good I got fucking pissed about it!
IPage: Petria, I am really sorry about this issue.
Petria: I keep contacting you in the last two days and I gut bull shit answers like the one above
Petria: > You are saying that you can see file size difference right?
Petria: God! yes, finally!
IPage: No, I cannot see filesize difference.
Petria: I got different sizes
Petria: I made 9 downlaods in the last hour
IPage: I can see filesze 13.5 MB is downloaded.
Petria: over 50 in the last 2 days
Petria: and I keep telling you there is a problem, but your support stuff is too incompentent to understand this
Petria: and don't tell me is my ISP
Petria: I got reports from users!
Petria: they are all over the world
Petria: please let me know if you still think is my isp or we can continue
Petria: I can send you a screenshot with my donwnloads
Petria: to see the size of each download
Petria: and I also have some emails from customers
IPage: Yes, please upload a screenshot to account and let me know filename
Petria: the problem started 2 days ago when your server was down
IPage: Okay.
IPage: I can forward issue to technical specialists to check it. Can you please provide us a screenshot?
Petria: i already sent one yesterday, but I will do it again. anything to convince you that your server got into a glithc two days ago
IPage: Please send one now. I can access it and check.
Petria: www.bionixwallpaper.com/downloads/Bionix Desktop Wallpaper Changer/screenshot.PNG
Petria: or
Petria: www.bionixwallpaper.com/downloads/Bionix Desktop Wallpaper Changer/screenshot.PNG
IPage: Let me check. Please hold on.
Petria: this is yesterday's screenshot.
Petria: www.bionixwallpaper.com/downloads/Bionix Desktop Wallpaper Changer/yesterday.png
Petria: again... IPS problems is aout of question since I got reports from users.
Petria: I also have this reproduced in a diff computer
Petria: so. it is not local and coincides with your server failure 2 days ago
IPage: yes, I am checking it. This need to be check by technical specialists. Let me create a support ticket. Please hold on.
IPage: Thank you for holding.
IPage: Our technical specialists will be investigating further on the issue. I have also hand over all my findings to that specialist. You should be hearing from them within 2-4 hours.
IPage: Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
___
Their 'specialist' did fucking nothing! More chats like this to follow. No solution from iPage.
So, I tried to convince them to give my money back but the refuse to say what it the procedure, how to apply for a refund.
I am moving to BlueHost now.
A big and sincere FUCK YOU iPage.com
-------
Monday, September 2, 2013
BlueHost sucks
I have tried last week to purchase a Pro hosting plan from BlueHost. I was in a hurry so I was looking for a dynamic and professional company. Their web site was saying "instant setup" so I happily took my wallet, paid the 120.2$ and waited to the magic to happen.
I waited a full day to receive my login. Instead, I got AFTER A FULL FUCKING DAY an email saying that my application is incomplete. They asked my scan my Credit Card and send it to them. WTF? Anyway, I done it. Next day, seeing that I get no answer, I contact them to see what's going on. 'The next operator will be available in 15 minutes.' WTF?
After waiting more than that I get to speak with someone: 'Wrong department. Please hold while we transfer you'..... WTF? Finally I get a real human to speak with. They told me they lost my email (the one with the credit card). So I need to scan it again and send it over. 'We will contact you later'.
It was already late Saturday in USA and they DON'T offer support Sunday. I was prepared to buy yet another hosting from a different company. As backup. In case BlueHost screw it.
After waiting another day, they slap me hard again: they asked my ID also. So, yet another day for them to process the new document and YET another day to receive the answer: "Your application has been rejected and the account deleted. Your charge will be refunded in 7-14 days!"
They got from me my money, a copy of my credit card and my ID (god knows how they will use it). I got nothing! Fuckers!
Conclusion: stay away from BlueHost. Go to a real/professional hosting company!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Firefox (23) going downhill
I just discovered that Firefox removed the 'Disable or replace context menus' checkbox from its OPTIONS panel. They say its and improvement. Mozilla! What the fuck? That was our first defense line against some intrusive web sites.
To get access to this feature type 'about:config' in your address bar then search for this string: dom.event.contextmenu.enabled
Double click the 'value' column to change it from enabled to disabled.
MOZILLA stop screwing around!
To get access to this feature type 'about:config' in your address bar then search for this string: dom.event.contextmenu.enabled
Double click the 'value' column to change it from enabled to disabled.
MOZILLA stop screwing around!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
How to solve the "Cannot load a form that has itself as ancestor" error in Delphi
How to solve the "Cannot load a form that has itself as ancestor" error in Delphi
This is how a new/empty project should look like:
And this how your project probably looks like:
I spent on hour to find the well hidden culprit.
I had a previous problems where Delphi messed up the DPR file (the {$R *.res} declaration).
When do we ever learn?
uses
Forms,
Unit1 in 'Unit1.pas' {Form1};And this how your project probably looks like:
uses
Forms,
Unit1 in 'Unit1.pas' {Form}; <--------- here="" missing="" span="">I spent on hour to find the well hidden culprit.
I had a previous problems where Delphi messed up the DPR file (the {$R *.res} declaration).
When do we ever learn?
Friday, July 5, 2013
Where do I see the results of a disk scan in windows 7?
On Windows XP/Windows 7 Disk Scan (chkdsk) shows no report upon compleation.
To see the results of a disk scan in windows you need to type this command in PowerShell:
get-winevent -FilterHashTable @{logname="Application"; id="1001"}| ?{$_.providername -match "wininit"} | fl timecreated, message | out-file c:\stuff\CheckdiskResults.txt
Please note the last path in the command: c:\stuff\CheckdiskResults.txt
You should enter an existing folder here OR to create the c:\stuff folder.
Note: to open the PowerShell (press Win + R keys together and type in PowerShell.exe)
To see the results of a disk scan in windows you need to type this command in PowerShell:
get-winevent -FilterHashTable @{logname="Application"; id="1001"}| ?{$_.providername -match "wininit"} | fl timecreated, message | out-file c:\stuff\CheckdiskResults.txt
Please note the last path in the command: c:\stuff\CheckdiskResults.txt
You should enter an existing folder here OR to create the c:\stuff folder.
Note: to open the PowerShell (press Win + R keys together and type in PowerShell.exe)
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Foscam FI9821W - (The worst) wireless IP web cam
FoScam FI9821W - Wireless security web cam?
Summary
I wanted to monitor my baby so on 1 April 2013 I purchased a wireless IP camera for 122 Euros from 'Foscam Digital Technologies UK' via Amazon.
When the IP camera arrived I tough "cool, I will have it up and running in 10 minutes". Now,few weeks months later I still struggle to make it work.
The Foscam (it should be rather spelled Fo-SCAM) wireless IP camera hardware seems somehow decent but the software is written by a dog. It is damn difficult to install and configure. There are multiple installation steps. The documentation is poorly written and the interface is poorly designed. For example the "IPCamera.exe" application has no visible button of menu. All functionality is hidden behind a pop-up menu that appears on right click.
In the end this Foscam camera just doesn't work.
Nightmare installation / under-the-table software
So, the first problem I had was in the first step of the installation. Here I had to use a Windows application called "IPCamera.exe". But every time I ran the application it crashed with this explanatory message:
SOLUTION: I spent some time with the software and I have found out that instead of crashing the application should have displayed the following message 'Cannot connect to network. Please check your fucking firewall'.
I am a software developer too and I know this is NOT the way to handle a firewall problem.
Foscam will crash the video driver
As soon as I installed web camera's second driver in Firefox the computer started to crash. Repeatedly. Every time I accessed the Foscam web cam GUI the computer will crash with a BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death). There is a conflict between nvlddmkm.sys (the nVidia driver) and Foscam web camera driver. Got the latest driver from nVidia. Still crashes like hell as soon as I try to access the Foscam IP camera.
Update (14 May 2013): I have installed the IP camera also on my second computer. This one has an Intel video card. Also this video driver crashes when I try to access the camera.
Bad firmaware, bad!
As you see, I have spent quite some time trying to make this camera work. That's me I am stubborn. So, the next thing I have tried was to update the firmware. I thought this will make it work.
I went to Forscam.us web site to download a new version of firmware. But surprise! Even if the camera firmware is faulty, Foscam won't let you access the updates unless you register yourself with them. WTF? They really WANT to make this difficult. Anyway after registering myself I got the direct link to the download page. I will share it with you so you won't have to register yourself: http://www.foscam.com/down.aspx
Unfortunately, the firmware update available on web site (V1.1.1.11) is actually older than the one in my webcam (1.2.1.1). So, yet another dead end.
No support / Total scam?
So what's the last resort when you have problems with a brand new/expensive product you just purchased? The support!
The support was very unresponsive. I only got 2 emails from them. The last one suggested to uninstall the DLL from Firefox and install it back, but didn't explained how to do that, neither provider the DLL or an uninstaller. I asked them how to do that. But they never-ever replied back.
They also have a forum. I tried to get support via forum but when I try to create an account they ask the following security question: "Where was the camera created". I have tried "US", "USA", "America", "United States of America". None of them worked. So, I couldn't access the forum. WTF?
I would safely say that there is NO support whats so ever for this IP camera.
Update:
*13 days few months after I contacted the support for the first time I still struggle with this piece of crap.I only once encountered in my life support as bad Foscam's support.
* Foscam.us support gave up and redirected me to Foscam.com. Now I have to start this bullshit all over.
Update:
Foscam released FI9821W v2. They promised they fixed all issues. So I purchased this web camera also. Guess what? They fixed those issues but added others. On this new camera the night vision is not working anymore (broken IR LEDs) and the sound is very poor (broken microphone). I will return this camera soon also.
Conclusion
The good
The bad
With its price and set of features, the camera it will be GREAT (I repeat GREAT) if it would work. But it doesn't work! Don't waste over 100 Euros on a not-yet-mature product!
The webcam is produced by a company called Foscam which is very ironic because the company name could easily be written as Fo-SCAM!
Fewweeks months after I purchased this IP web camera it still doesn't work.
Update 2014:
Amazon offers 2 years warranty so I send the camera back got full refund.
Recommended download:
Summary
I wanted to monitor my baby so on 1 April 2013 I purchased a wireless IP camera for 122 Euros from 'Foscam Digital Technologies UK' via Amazon.
When the IP camera arrived I tough "cool, I will have it up and running in 10 minutes". Now,
The Foscam (it should be rather spelled Fo-SCAM) wireless IP camera hardware seems somehow decent but the software is written by a dog. It is damn difficult to install and configure. There are multiple installation steps. The documentation is poorly written and the interface is poorly designed. For example the "IPCamera.exe" application has no visible button of menu. All functionality is hidden behind a pop-up menu that appears on right click.
In the end this Foscam camera just doesn't work.
Nightmare installation / under-the-table software
So, the first problem I had was in the first step of the installation. Here I had to use a Windows application called "IPCamera.exe". But every time I ran the application it crashed with this explanatory message:
SOLUTION: I spent some time with the software and I have found out that instead of crashing the application should have displayed the following message 'Cannot connect to network. Please check your fucking firewall'.
I am a software developer too and I know this is NOT the way to handle a firewall problem.
Foscam will crash the video driver
As soon as I installed web camera's second driver in Firefox the computer started to crash. Repeatedly. Every time I accessed the Foscam web cam GUI the computer will crash with a BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death). There is a conflict between nvlddmkm.sys (the nVidia driver) and Foscam web camera driver. Got the latest driver from nVidia. Still crashes like hell as soon as I try to access the Foscam IP camera.
Bad firmaware, bad!
As you see, I have spent quite some time trying to make this camera work. That's me I am stubborn. So, the next thing I have tried was to update the firmware. I thought this will make it work.
I went to Forscam.us web site to download a new version of firmware. But surprise! Even if the camera firmware is faulty, Foscam won't let you access the updates unless you register yourself with them. WTF? They really WANT to make this difficult. Anyway after registering myself I got the direct link to the download page. I will share it with you so you won't have to register yourself: http://www.foscam.com/down.aspx
Unfortunately, the firmware update available on web site (V1.1.1.11) is actually older than the one in my webcam (1.2.1.1). So, yet another dead end.
No support / Total scam?
So what's the last resort when you have problems with a brand new/expensive product you just purchased? The support!
The support was very unresponsive. I only got 2 emails from them. The last one suggested to uninstall the DLL from Firefox and install it back, but didn't explained how to do that, neither provider the DLL or an uninstaller. I asked them how to do that. But they never-ever replied back.
They also have a forum. I tried to get support via forum but when I try to create an account they ask the following security question: "Where was the camera created". I have tried "US", "USA", "America", "United States of America". None of them worked. So, I couldn't access the forum. WTF?
I would safely say that there is NO support whats so ever for this IP camera.
Update:
*
* Foscam.us support gave up and redirected me to Foscam.com. Now I have to start this bullshit all over.
Update:
Foscam released FI9821W v2. They promised they fixed all issues. So I purchased this web camera also. Guess what? They fixed those issues but added others. On this new camera the night vision is not working anymore (broken IR LEDs) and the sound is very poor (broken microphone). I will return this camera soon also.
Conclusion
The good
- The camera can pan vertically and horizontally
- IR (infrared) night vision
The bad
- No customer support whatsoever
- Poor manual
- Impossible to use/configure. I invested over 14 hours in it and still doesn't work.
- The driver is unusable.
- After installing the driver the computer crashes every 2-5 minutes with BSOD
- Information of web site is misleading/obsolete
- The camera's speaker makes noises so it cannot be used as a baby monitor or as secret camera
With its price and set of features, the camera it will be GREAT (I repeat GREAT) if it would work. But it doesn't work! Don't waste over 100 Euros on a not-yet-mature product!
The webcam is produced by a company called Foscam which is very ironic because the company name could easily be written as Fo-SCAM!
Few
Update 2014:
Amazon offers 2 years warranty so I send the camera back got full refund.
Recommended download:
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