Friday, August 28, 2009

Laptop battery overheating recall: Find out HP, Compaq, Acer notebook and laptop models affected

An overheated laptop computer left on a couch caused a fire that killed a 56-year-old Vancouver man, the Coroners Service of BC Canada has concluded.

The fire started after the laptop was left on a couch, plugged in and turned on. Because of the lack of ventilation under the laptop, less than an hour later the lithium-ion battery overheated and burst into flames, sparking the fire that eventually killed the man.

The coroner did not release the make of computer involved in the death, but did say several makes of laptops have been recalled in recent years due to problems with lithium-ion batteries overheating and bursting into flames.

Since 2004 in B.C., 4 other laptops have either overheated or short-circuited when left plugged in, causing fires. The death earlier this year, however, was the first in B.C. blamed on a laptop fire, the coroner said in statement.
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HP / Compaq has recalled lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used with various HP and Compaq notebook computers. Models that can contain a recalled battery include:






HP PavilionCompaq PresarioHPHP Compaq



dv2000
dv2500
dv2700
dv6000
dv6500
dv6700
dv9000
dv9500
dv9700





A900
C700
F700
V3000
V3500
V3700
V6000
V6500
V6700


G6000
G7000
6720s


The notebook model is located at the top of the service label on the bottom of the notebook. Batteries that can be subject to the recall will have one of the following bar code labels (^ in the code can be any letter or number):


62940^^AXV^^^^65033^^B7U^^^^
65033^^B7V^^^^
65033^^BGU^^^^
65035^^B7U^^^^
65035^^B7V^^^^
65035^^BGU^^^^
65035^^BGV^^^^
67059^^V8U^^^^
67059^^V8V^^^^

Sold at: Computer and electronics stores nationwide, hp.com and hpshopping.com from August 2007 through March 2008 for between $500 and $3000. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $160.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the recalled battery from their notebook computer and contact HP to determine if their battery is included in the recall and to request a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers may use the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives. Consumers should only use batteries obtained from HP or an authorized reseller.


For information on Acer's laptop battery overheating recall programs, visit here

Saturday, August 22, 2009

McAfee Antivirus Anti Spyware Software Half Price Sale


McAfee Antivirus, Anti Spyware Software Discount Priced

McAfee Total Protection, now half price!:

Fast Anti-Virus and Anti-spyware Protection
Detects, blocks, and removes viruses, spyware, adware and rootkits.
NEW QuickScan
Lets you check for threats in the most commonly infected areas on the computer in less than 10 minutes and on modern machines within seconds.
Network Manager
Lets you easily fix security issues on your home network from one PC. Provides easy and automatic printer and file sharing across computers on your home network that you trust.
Web Site Safety Ratings
Adds safety ratings to sites and search engine results based on comprehensive spam, adware, and online scam safety tests so you know exactly what website is safe to visit.
Anti-phishing
Warns you before accessing dangerous scam websites that try to steal your personal information.
Shredder
Allows you to effectively remove any and all traces of confidential files from your computer.
Computer maintenance
Provides automated tools to keeps your PC running at peak performance.
Identity Protection
Let’s you shop, bank and trade online safely by asking permission before personally identifiable information like PIN’s, bank accounts, Social Security numbers are sent from your PC.
IMPROVED Anti-spam
Helps keep your inbox free from unwanted, fraudulent and offensive emails.
Parental Controls
Let your children go online safely at times that you define.
Data Backup
Save copies of your most valuable files automatically wherever you want on a CD/DVD, USB, external, or network drive.
NEW Network Monitoring
Alerts you when intruders try to connect to your wireless home network.
Email and IM Link Checker
Search or click on links from friends, knowing your PC won’t be exposed to viruses or threats. Link Checker identifies and prevents you from clicking on harmful web site links in your browser, email, or instant messages.
NEW File Protection
McAfee Anti-Theft encryption software lets you password protect your files on your PC (included as a BONUS Internet download).

McAfee Total Protection is hassle-free, all-you-need security ideal for people who are constantly online researching, communicating, shopping, banking, trading or viewing entertainment. It features the award-winning McAfee SiteAdvisor® Plus web security tool that blocks risky web sites. New for 2009 - McAfee Total Protection includes McAfee Anti-Theft as a bonus Internet download of software that password-protects valuable files in case your PC is lost, stolen or compromised. Get a free 30 day McAfee trial download, or purchase today for 50% off!

Recently discovered viruses:
PWS-Gamania.gen.e!e1198ad97616 Trojan 5716
W32/Pate.a!d31e50161070 Virus 5716
W32/HLLP.Philis.an!7706aab20852 Virus 5716
W32/Autorun.worm.e!ff66586ffc81 Virus 5716
Generic PWS.ak!cf3a26752287 Trojan 5716
FakeAlert-GT.dr!ec49e1ffb2a5 Trojan 5716
Generic PUP.a!79c9388d76ff Program
Generic Dropper.jq!30bf3d7d87fc Trojan 5716
W32/Chir.b@MM!49e7667f6c92 Virus 5716
Generic PWS.y!rf!7a6fddcb75b0 Trojan 5716
Generic VB.e!cc750b5c9c29 Trojan 5716
W32/Expiro!7f47fca68caf Virus 5716
W32/HLLP.Philis.an!76fe474f9b0d Virus 5716
W32/WBoy.a!d16fedff3c33 Virus 5716
PWS-Zbot.gen.g!411aa9e5ae40 Trojan 5716
BackDoor-DUG.a!cfd3c426231f Trojan 5716
Generic FakeAlert.d.gen!43a79418979f Trojan 5716
W32/Virut.n.gen!9994a1687d13 Virus 5716
Generic Downloader.c!bb64da0f5924 Trojan 5716
W32/YahLover.worm!cde9777d2ba6 Trojan 5716
Adware-TryMedia!cda810ba2326 Program 5716
W32/WBoy.a!cd92a4783d71 Virus 5716
W32/WBoy.a!cd8b0603c007 Virus 5716 Low 01/01/0001Generic.dx!e36acc24740a Trojan 5716
FakeAlert-GV!33289f15c9e7 Trojan 5716
Dialer-Generic!ccdf43fffbec Program 5716
Backdoor-CEP.gen.q!a264f5c4589c Trojan 5716
W32/Koobface.worm!64a4e6737938 Virus 5716
FakeAlert-CM!97562dc63aaa

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Friday, August 21, 2009

Upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista? Not Recommended

If you are debating about upgrading your corporate computer system to Windows Vista, we would recommend sticking with XP or Apple OS if you use Macs. From our experience, Vista has so many security updates and driver incompatabilities that you are better off keeping with XP and just making sure that you have the latest security updates from Microsoft. We have converted PCs from Vista back to XP and found a huge performance increase as well as increased reliability and security.

For increased security, please visit our page here

Monday, August 17, 2009

Acer computer locks up - updating drivers may solve the problem

I've been having problems with Windows Vista lately on my ACER Aspire computer - random system lockup that requires a power down and reboot. After researching possible causes and using Microsoft's diagnostic memory test (Control Panel - Administrative Tools) I decided to make sure I had all the latest drivers. Acer's support website ( http://www.acer.ca/acer/service.do ) had updated drivers for the NVidia display adapter as well as new audio and LAN drivers. Installing these updates seems to have fixed the problem as well as sped up overall performance of my system.

I suspect the display driver was the cause of the lockups, but in any case it is worthwhile to check that you have the latest drivers if you're experiencing any mysterious crashes or slow performance. With all the Microsoft security updates to Vista, a driver that was compatible a year ago may no longer work properly.

Also, for ACER notebook users, Acer America Corporation in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily offering free replacement of certain lithium-ion battery packs containing cells made by Sony Energy Devices Corporation and used in certain Acer notebook computers. As announced previously by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been 16 reports of notebook batteries overheating. These reports were associated with earlier recalls by other notebook computer manufacturers of batteries containing these Sony cells. These previous reports involved only minor property damage and two minor burns. None of these reports involved batteries in Acer notebook computers.

We encourage you to check to see if your Acer notebook may have one of these battery packs and, if it does, Acer will replace your battery pack for a new one at no cost to you.

The following Acer notebook computer models sold in the United States and Canada may have battery packs affected by this replacement program:

TravelMate Series Beginning with: 242x, 320x, 321x, 330x, 422x, 467x, 561x, C20x.

Aspire™ Series Beginning with: 556x, 560x, 567x, 930x, 941x, and 980x.

The battery packs included in this program were sold in the United States and Canada through authorized distributors as part of the identified TravelMate™ and Aspire™ notebook computers. In addition, these battery packs may have also been provided in response to service calls. The affected battery packs were shipped to distributors beginning in May 2004 and may have been sold at retail through November 2006.

tags: acer notebook computer, aspire t180 desktop, locks up, random crashes, drivers, download , battery overheating, free replacement, warranty

Friday, August 14, 2009

Hide your IP address with the Anonymizer - Protection from Phishing, Spyware, Viruses and more


Anonymizer - identity protection software
Surf the web Anonymously

Protect Your Identity Online

It is estimated that 90% of all computers are infected with some form of spyware that may track keystrokes, allowing criminals to learn passwords and bank account numbers—essentially giving them access to anything and everything on your computer.

None of us ever really believe identity theft will happen to us but that is precisely what happened to over 10 million people last year alone. To say that we are at risk is an understatement. There are elite groups of cyber criminals forming in the far corners of the globe targeting consumers and businesses online.

Without proper protection, it is not a question of "if" you will become a victim-but "when". Spyware technologies are becoming more advanced and sophisticated each year and are the primary tools for identity thieves. And firewalls and anti-virus software alone aren't enough to stop them.

By the time identity theft has been discovered, 85% of victims have already lost money. But there is a far darker side to identity theft than the pure monetary loss: Credit score damage. If an identity thief remains undetected for too long or gains access to your social security number, credit score damage becomes a very real possibility. It can take years to regain complete control of your identity and the costs to you can run into the thousands. Your credit is literally your financial lifeline—protect it and your identity with Anonymizer's online privacy solutions.

Anonymizer is the global leader in online privacy and identity protection solutions and secures your financial lifeline against would-be identity thieves using the latest and most advanced technology. Anonymizer Anonymous Surfing combines the protection of rotating anonymous IP addresses with the security of 128-bit SSL technology. Our Anonymous Surfing product will protect you against Phishing, Pharming, Spoofing, or anyone looking to "piggyback" on your Internet connection. Anonymizer identity theft protection solutions give you the peace of mind you deserve by protecting your identity with the best privacy protection on the market today.

To view your current IP address, click here.

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Monday, August 10, 2009

Sears Canada bonus discount coupon code - order online and save extra

Save $10 on your next purchase of $100* or more at Sears.ca
with bonus code 941 612 401 when you checkout. Hurry, only until August 31st, 2009!

Bonus code restrictions:
*Offer valid until August 31, 2009. Minimum purchase amount is before taxes and applicable charges. Limit one Bonus Offer Number per order; cannot be combined with any other Bonus Offer Number. Excludes items with prices ending in .97, cosmetics and fragrances, electronics, major appliances, Gift Card purchases, deferral or installment billing fees, protection agreements, delivery, installation and maintenance charges. Excludes outlet items. Offer available only through an online purchase at Sears.ca. Offer not valid in-store.


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How to fix "Invalid Engine Code" error on Lexmark Optra Printers

An Invalid Engine Code error message may mean that your Lexmark printer has lost the stored operating code for the engine board.

What to do

1. If you have not yet done so, try turning the printer off and then back on. Simply resetting the printer may restore it to a working condition.

2. If this does not clear the error, the code on the printer's engine board will need to be rewritten. You can obtain the engine code file from our website and send the file to the printer without having the printer serviced. Before sending the engine code file to the printer, it is helpful to put the printer into "Flash Engine" mode. Do the following:

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Press and hold the Menu, Select, and Return buttons.
3. While holding these buttons down, turn the printer on.
4. When Performing Self Test appears on the printer, release the buttons. The printer screen should now say Invalid Engine Code.

3. With the printer in "Flash Engine" mode, you can now copy the engine code file to the printer. The method to use depends on how your computer is connected to the printer. A direct parallel connection to the printer from a computer with DOS on it works best. However, you can also send the files to the printer through a direct USB connection or via an FTP connection across a network. Refer to the appropriate link below for instructions.

How to copy engine code via parallel cable
How to copy engine code via a USB connection
How to copy engine code via an FTP session

If copying the engine code to the printer does not clear the error message, the engine/system board will need to be replaced. This will require service to the printer...

Optra firmware engine code authorization:
# Optra S (4059) series: 4059engn
# Optra T610, Optra T612, Optra T614, Optra T616: optrateng
# Lexmark T520, Lexmark T522, Lexmark T620, and Lexmark T622: lextengn
# Lexmark T630, Lexmark T632, Lexmark T634: e551416
# Lexmark W812: eng204

What is my IP number? See your current IP address information

Find out your current I.P. address information here.

If your computer connects to the internet through a modem, the IP address listed is ONLY for this connection. This address will change every time you log into the internet. If your computer has a dedicated connection, the address shown has been assigned to your computer.

Click here for your current IP information


Your IP address identifies your computer or device on a TCP/IP network. Networks using TCP/IP route messages based on the IP address of the destination. The format of an IP address is a 32-bit numeric address, shown as 4 numbers separated by periods. Each number can be zero to 255. For example, 1.132.12.110 could be an IP address.
Within isolated networks, you can assign IP addresses at random as long as each one is unique. However, connecting a private network to the Internet requires using registered IP addresses (called Internet addresses) to avoid duplication.



The four numbers in an IP address are used in different ways to identify a particular network and a host on that network. Four regional Internet registries - ARIN, RIPE NCC, LACNIC and APNIC - assign Internet addresses from the following three classes:



Class A - supports 16 million hosts on each of 126 networks
Class B - supports 65,000 hosts on each of 16,000 networks
Class C - supports 254 hosts on each of 2 million networks
The number of unassigned Internet addresses is running out, so a new scheme called CIDR is gradually replacing the system based on classes A, B, and C ...

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Cross border shopping: Vancouver, Bellingham , Tulalip, Seattle outlets

As of June 1, 2009 Canadians need a passport, nexus card or enhanced driver's licence plus birth certificate to cross the border into the U.S.

Vancouver area shoppers can save big on certain items by shopping at Bellis Fair in Bellingham or the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip. Outlet stores in Tulalip (just north of Everett, WA) include Adidas, Aeropostale, Banana Republic, BCBG, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, GAP, Guess, Jockey, Lucky Brand, NIKE, PacSun, Ralph Lauren, Restoration Hardware and Tommy Hilfiger.

To book your stay online at the luxurious Tulalip Resort Casino Hotel, visit
flights, hotels, car rental specials at Expedia.ca

for the best rates.


Canadian residents who have been out of Canada for 24-47 hours can claim $50 in purchases at Canada Customs without duty or taxes; more than 48 hours but less than 7 days, $400 ; and 7 days or more, $750 . If the value of the declaration exceeds the personal exemption, you must pay duty on the remaining value.

If you're looking for a hotel in the area, check out the deals in Everett, Lynnwood or Seattle or use Priceline.com to bid on a hotel room in the general area. You can also find some great hotel deals in the area using the now discounted Entertainment 2009 Vancouver or Seattle Coupon Book. Get more info at Seattle-Deals.blogspot.com

If you prefer to avoid border lineups, online stores that ship to Canada include JC Penney, Lands End, Altrec and Bare Necessities. You can access their websites from here or here.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Schellenberg.ca - Canadian website support, HTML troubleshooting, online shopping, travel deals

Welcome to Schellenberg.ca, a Canadian site for technical support, computer info, internet website troubleshooting information, HTML, XML sitemap services, blog creation, web traffic analysis and optimization, online shopping links with Amazon Canada, Sears Canada, Crucial memory, Dell Canada Computers, travel deals with Expedia Canada and more...

We are based in Vancouver, BC but are available for website tech support or corporate blog creation anywhere in North America. You can contact us at the link on our homepage here.

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