Archive for the ‘Software’ Category

The sad face appears on your iPod screen. You hear a clicking sound (the sound of the hard drive having difficulty spinning).

Have you had these 3 problems going on with your iPod? Then this method just might make your iPod start working again!
Steps

1. Turn your iPod on. Make sure the battery is charged up enough to turn it on.
2. The sad iPod or sad folder should pop up on the screen.
3. Put your ear up against the iPod and you will hear the clicking sound inside (it sounds like a car trying to start up, whenever it takes a few tries turning the keys)
4. While the iPod is still making these sounds, take the iPod in one hand, open the palm of your other hand, and smack the narrow side of the iPod against the palm of your other hand. [WARNING: This method is proven to work as an effortless way to repair iPod hard drive misalignment, but it may result in future hardware problems. This is only a TEMPORARY solution to fixing an iPod, and the problem may come back (experiences vary). Other methods of reviving a dead iPod are available below and may be much safer]
5. Continue smacking it on its side for at least 6 times, while the iPod is trying to turn on. The key is to loosen the hard drive.
6. After this is should resume normal function. If it doesn’t, read below.
7. There are several methods out there that have all successfully fixed iPods, so don’t give up hope yet.
8. If, however, you are a more hands-on type of person and don’t want to bother trying iPod aid through your computer, skip to the bottom of this steps page for info on how to open and repair internally.
9. The first reccomended steps are from Apple’s support website.
1. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
2. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
3. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
4. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer’s FireWire and USB ports.
5. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes. http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/
6. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues. http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
7. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop. http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
10. If none of the above has worked for you, then you should try the following:
1. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
2. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
1. For Mac computer:
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options….” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
2. For Windows computer:
1. Go to folder “My Computer”
2. Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
3. Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
4. Now select “Format”
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iPod Updater and click “Restore”
7. In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“Partition Magic”.
3. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won’t show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it. Note:* It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iPod updater.* It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.* You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
11. iPod still doesn’t work? Keep going with these steps.
* Diagnostic mode solution:
o If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod’s built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a “bad” iPod.
o You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
o Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
+ iPod 1G to 3G: “Menu” and “Play/Pause”
+ iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): “Menu” and “Select”
o The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
+ iPod 1G to 3G: “REW”, “FFW” and “Select”
+ iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): “Back” and “Select”
o You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using “REW” and “FFW”. The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
o Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
* Format your iPod with a start disk:
o I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
12. The next tutorial will teach you how to open up your iPod and attempt to fix it. This should probably be done as a last resort, for opening your iPod will most likely void your warranty. In addition, if executed wrong, your iPod may sustain permanant damage while your problem may have ben easily aided by other processes.
* The best tutorial I’ve read on how to open an iPod is here: http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93789/
13. That tutorial is how to open a 3rd/4th Generation iPod, although most are similarly done. Google it if you’re not satisfied and want more detail; there are a lot of great sites out there.
* Once inside, there are a number of methods you can use that have all been used to fix iPod problems. Make sure the hold switch is on! You don’t want to hit a button and mess something up! The methods will be listed in order of how successful I believe they are.
14. Disconnecting the Hard Drive and Booting Method.
1. Now that your iPod is open, you should see your hard drive lying flat on top. The ribbon cable attached to the hard drive is detachable, so don’t be scared.
2. Gently pull the hard drive away from the cable in which it’s connected, while holding the cable lightly in hand. You don’t want to rip it out the motherboard.
3. Your hard drive should easily break free. Now that it’s out, you can play with it, look around, but the point is to give it a little rest.
4. Next, now that the hard drive is out, carefully flip your iPod over so you’re looking at the screen. Be careful not to rip the ribbon cable by the hold switch.
5. Take the iPod off of hold function, thus enabling the buttons once again.
6. Turn the iPod on. You may recieve an error message, and you may be able to access menus.
1. If you get an error message, try restarting the iPod.
7. Now turn the iPod off.
8. Reactivate the hold switch. Your experiment is complete.
9. Reconnect the hard drive as found before, and carefully replace the back cover. Hope it works.
15. Business Card Method.
1. Now that your iPod is open, you should see your hard drive lying flat on top.
2. Take a regular business card and fold it in half.
3. Place the folded business card on top of the hard drive. (The idea is that your iPod’s hard drive is too loose and the folded business card will put pressure on it when enclosed for a successful spin and no click. This works often). Don’t fold it more than once unless you have a reason, because more pressure on the hard drive may keep it from spinning, causing even more problems.
4. Carefully place the lid back on the iPod, making sure the card is in place correctly.
5. Close up your iPod and hope it works.
16. Time to Spend Some $$ Method.
1. Get a job.
2. You probably have a hardware problem (like me), and you probably need a new hard drive. Google it. eBay it. A regular replacement hard drive isn’t as much as a new iPod, but you’ll have to shell out a couple bucks if you want it fixed.
3. Look at it as an opportunity to upgrade. Maybe look into buying a bigger hard drive to hold more useless shit. It’ll still cost less than a new iPod.
4. Read above for info on how to replace your hard drive. It’s not hard.
5. Pray it’s a hard drive problem after you bought one and can’t return it.
17. If you’ve read this far, you’ve tried everything, and your iPod still isn’t fixed, then ask someone else already. You’ve been up all night reading this tutorial and trying my methods and you’re probably sick of this anyway. Or just steal your friend’s iPod.

Tips

* Make sure that the iPod has enough battery power to turn on.
* An alternative is open up your iPod (which voids the warranty) and squeeze the drive and it’s enclosing padding. There is apparently some grounding that can come loose and this can fix things up again. This worked for me and a friend and if you are very careful when you open the case, it is less violent than smacking it around.
* You can also go to an Apple store and ask to replace the battery! They are happy to help you!
* Don’t steal your friend’s iPod.
* Before trying these methods, contact Apple and see if you can get your iPod replaced for free.
* This method should only be as a last resort. If Apple’s suggestions do not work, first try running a chkdsk function on your iPod.
* Do not break the hard drive!

Article Courtesy of http://www.ipods-world.com/

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mp3DirSorterE

Sort mp3 files in FAT folders: mp3DirSorter

Some mp3 players and some car steros (with SD card support) play folders / tracks in the order in which they are stored in the file system.  Not in alphabetical order. To fix this I wrote mp3DirSorter and now publish it as freeware.

Simply start the program and drag the drive or folder into the program’s main window. You can download the software here: mp3DirSorterE

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AudioShell

AudioShell is a freeware MS Windows Explorer shell extension plug-in which allows you to view and edit ID3 metadata tags directly in Windows Explorer. It supports all files and tags standards supported by Tag&Rename. AudioShell adds ID3 tag editor and viewer tabs to the music files properties menu (you can edit ID3 tags file by file or in groups); detailed music files hints with tag and file information; and additional columns in the Explorer files list. Full Unicode support.

Great tool for mp3 players owners! You quickly and easily fix file tags in Explorer before uploading to your iPod/Creative or any other mp3 player.

System requirements: AudioShell is designed for Windows 2000/XP 32 bit systems.

Supported files and tags formats:

• mp3 (all ID3 tag versions)
• wma, asf and wmv (including DRM protected files)
• Apple iTunes and iPod aac (m4a, m4b, m4v and m4p) and mp4 files
• ogg, flac (vorbis comment tags)
• mpc, mp+ (APE/APEv2 tags)
• monkey’s audio (APE/APEv2 tags)
• wav pack (APE/APEv2 tags)
• optim frog (APE/APEv2 tags)
• wav (ID3v2 tag in ‘tag ‘ RIFF chunk)

Major new features in version 1.3.5 from 1.2:

• added support for cover art in flac files (PICTURE METADATA BLOCK)
• added support for cover art in ogg and speex files (base64 encoded)
• added wav files support (MUSICMATCH Jukebox style – ID3v2 tag added to ‘id3 ‘ wav chunk)
• redesigned music files properties tabs
• added .m4v files extension support
• improved ID3v2.4 tags support (can correctly read any kind of 2.4 tags now)
• added support for UTF8 encoded ID3v2.4 tags
• a lot of fixes

Click here to download directly from Softpointer website.

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audacity

Audacity® is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.

About Audacity

Audacity is a free, easy-to-use and multilingual audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:

• Record live audio.
• Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
• Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
• Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
• Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
• And more! See the complete list of features.

Download Audacity 1.2.6
for Windows® 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista

Optional Downloads, Plug-ins and Libraries

• LADSPA plug-ins 0.4.15 installer (.exe file, 1.5 MB) – over 90 plug-ins.
• VST Enabler – Allows Audacity to load VST effect plug-ins.
• Plug-Ins – Download additional effects and filters.
• LAME MP3 encoder – Allows Audacity to export MP3 files.

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winamp player

Winamp might best be described as the time-warp music jukebox. The app continues to focus on the fun of organizing and playing media while the industry has progressed to all-encompassing multimedia suites that integrate with online music stores and provide ever more intuitive interfaces.

Winamp Main Window

* Winamp 5.5 features our new Bento Skin that’s easier to use and more powerful than ever.
* Easily access the Media Library, Playlist Editor, Video, Visualizations, Media Monitor Browser, EQ, Skin Options and Color Themes all from one single user interface.
* Includes over 20 color themes that suit nearly every mood or occasion!
* Winamp 5.5 carries forward the unobtrusive “Window Shade” mode.

Winamp Playlist Editor

* Drag and drop media directly into a Playlist from Windows Explorer or the Media Library
* Jump directly to an item within the list by double clicking it or selecting the item and pressing Enter
* Sort Playlists by title, file name, or path and file name
* Easily Open and Save Playlists from the Manage Playlist button

Winamp Library

* Organize and find your favorite songs and videos in ONE place
* Rip your favorite music CDs into AAC, MP3, WMA, WAV or FLAC (Ripping limited to ~6x speeds for free users. MP3 encoding is only available in Winamp Pro)
* Burn your favorite music compilations to Audio CD (limited to 2x speed for free users)
* Media Library “Smart Views” allow you to easily create rule based lists of your media
* Easily modify your music collections tags (Artist, Album, Genre, Title, etc.)
* Download and view cover art for all of your albums
* Online Services
o Easily tune into user created Internet TV and Radio stations
o Over 10,000 SHOUTcast Radio stations and 250 Internet TV channels to choose from
o Bookmark your favorite stations and channels for future access
o Hundreds of Winamp Music and AOL Videos for your viewing pleasure
o Other integrated features include: In2TV, Games, Winamp Remote, and more.
* Now Playing
o View album art, artist biographies, discographies
o Keep track of your favorite artists by browsing fan sites and news articles presented in the client
o Easily buy your favorite CDs, memorabilia, or just sell your own
* Download or subscribe to music and video podcasts via the Podcast Directory
* Easily manage all of your Portable Media Players. Winamp natively supports the following devices:
o iPod (Original, Shuffle, Nano & Classic, but NOT iTouch or iPhone)
o Creative Nomad/Zen/MuVo
o PlaysForSure (P4S) devices
o USB Thumbdrives
o ActiveSync devices

Winamp Browser

* Browse any website in the Bento Browser
* Easily add and customize your own favorite links
* Use the Media Monitor to list and download music from MP3 Blogs
* Use the Smart Search to search for skins, plugins, concerts, videos…
* Quick access to Help & Support, and more

Winamp Video

* Play many major video formats (AVI, NSV, WMV, MPG, etc.) with ease
* Easily resize video playback using the 1x, 2x, and Maximize window buttons
* Watch your favorite videos in Full Screen mode
* Quick access to dozens of Internet TV stations created by users

Winamp Visualizations

* Winamp 5.5 comes bundled with the latest version of the ground breaking AVS (Advanced Visualization Studio) and Milkdrop visualizers
* Enjoy over 100 bundled visualization presets created by users
* Switch between presets manually or sit back and watch your presets on Random
* Easily jump to Full Screen mode
* Download new visualizations and presets from Winamp.com

Winamp Equalizer

* Shift the sound from both speakers to left or right using the Balance slider
* Enable Cross Fading to transition the audio smoothly from one song to another
* Select from the dozens of EQ presets to tune the sound
* Create your own EQ settings and save them for future use

Download Winamp Free
http://www.winamp.com/player

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Nero 9 full version Free download – Reloaded brings the digital world to your PC with features that make it fun and easy to create high quality multimedia projects with professional results. Now Win 7 compatible, Nero 9 – Reloaded gives you everything to Create, Rip, Copy, Burn, Edit, Share, Backup, and upload online your music, video, photo, and data . Mix MP3’s, edit vacation videos, author photo slideshows, auto backup your files, record live TV, burn CD/DVDs, Blu-ray disc with just one click. Nero 9 Reloaded includes improved high-definition support, an enhanced media player, new video-editing options, improved live TV, and new autobackup and data-protection features, HD archiving, Import and the ability to convert PowerPoint presentations to DVD-Video format and watch on TV.

What’s new in this version:

Version 9.4.26.0 adds Windows 7 compatibility, archive HD movies in AVCHD format to HDD feature, and import and convert PowerPoint presentations to DVD-Video format and watch on TV feature.

Download Nero 9 totally FREE today:
http://www.nero.com/enu/downloads-nero9-free.php

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Tiny CD Player XL 1.0

Tiny CD Player XL

Oct 8, 2009, We are pleased to announce the release of our first software title: Tiny CD Player XL 1.0

Tiny CD Player XL version 1.0 is a portable, simple but fully functional CD player, standard controls include:

Move back a track
Move forward a track
Play/Pause
Stop

Version 1.00
Initial release

Download here totally FREE:
Tiny CD Player XL 1.0

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