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The most recent news starts first, older news below.
Windows is the cause of Boot Camp dual monitor issue
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Two readers say that problem of Windows dual-monitor display settings becoming lost after rebooting Windows is not limited to Boot Camp, but that the problem is with Windows XP. Gary Chou said that the problem occurs on a non-Apple PC:
My work laptop runs Windows XP Pro and also resets dual monitor settings after each reboot. I have to toggle the dual monitor setting each time and also rearrange the proper desktop arrangements (i.e. how Monitor 1 is positioned with respect to Monitor 2). I believe this is a Windows issue rather than a Boot Camp issue.
Richard sees this with VMware Fusion as well in Boot Camp:
Similar problem in VMware Fusion as well. I have Fusion 2.0, which allow dual monitor for Windows XP and Vista to use two monitors. In my XP, I setup for two monitor, took a snapshot, then I restart XP with the snapshot. It worked for a few times but then it will switch back to single monitor. I thought it was a Fusion program, but sounds like it's a Windows XP issue.
If you know of a fix
Syspreping Winclone images works
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Richard Eppert confirms a previous suggestion that Microsoft's Sysprep works for cloning Boot Camp images using Winclone:
Marc Berger is correct, using Sysprep is the way to go. I use exactly the same procedure on our Winclone images and I have our Vista Winclone image pickup the same GPO's that our Dell PCs use after the system is imaged, so the Vista environment looks exactly the same.
VMware Fusion 2.0.1 addresses performance , stability issues
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
VMware has released VMware Fusion 2.0.1, a maintenance update that fixes several dozen issues surrounding performance, stability, and various other bugs. VMware released Fusion 2.0 in September as a major new version with a number of new features.
If you've tried the VMware Fusion 2.0.1 update
if it fixes any problems you've seen.
Running Virtual PC 7, Leopard and Vista
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
For those using PowerPC Macs, Microsoft's now-discontinued Virtual PC is the best way to run Windows. Brian Reilly has posted information about using it to run Windows Vista in Leopard:
As a regular Virtual PC 7 user, I've come across your site on multiple occasions. I recently complied a guide to running Virtual PC 7 in 2008. The article includes the Leopard fix that you already have on your Virtual PC 7 page, but also includes how to run Vista, some VPC7 benchmarks, and a video comparing Word 2008 (mac) to Word 2007's start up time: 12.6 seconds for Word 2008 running natively compared to 9.6 seconds for Word 2007.
Missing Sync for Win Mobile adds direct syncing of Entourage 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Yesterday, Mark/Space released The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0.4 (US$40, free update), an update to the company's Mac OS X software for syncing with Windows Mobile smart phones. The version 4.0.4 update includes direct sync support for Entourage 2008 (as well as with Entourage 2004) without the need to go through the Mac's Sync Services. The new version also includes support for Entourage categories and improved device mounting.
The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0.4 enables users to synchronize Entourage contacts, calendar events, and tasks with categories. Other features of The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile include syncing music, photos, video, files, and much more with support for iCal, Address Book, iPhoto and iTunes.
Missing Sync for BlackBerry adds sync support for BlackBerry Bold
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Mark/Space has released The Missing Sync for BlackBerry 1.0.3 (US$40), an updated to the Mac OS X software for syncing to BlackBerry handheld devices. The new version adds sync support for BlackBerry Bold 9000 series smart phone. The software can sync between BlackBerry Bold and Entourage, iCal and Address Book, and well as iTunes playlists, iPhoto albums and various video formats. The software also works with other BlackBerry models.
The Missing Sync for BlackBerry 1.0.3 can sync contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes with Entourage or Address Book and iCal. It can also sync iTunes playlists, iPhoto albums and various video formats.
More reports and workaround for not seeing Win/Linux SMB shares after 10.5.5 update
Friday, November 14, 2008
Several readers responded to our reader report of the Leopard 10.5.5 update causing the Finder to no longer see Windows and Linux shares. Rudi Huibregtse found that an older fix we had posted worked for this issue-enterning the workgroup name in System Preferences:
Same over here. I fixed it by using the WINS tab solution, filling in the workgroup, as described at MacWindows. I'm glad I checked the MacWindows pages!
If you've tried this fix
Paul Verkruissen reboots his server to...
TIP: Another way to change SID on cloned Boot Camp images: use MS Sysprep
Friday, November 14, 2008
Marc Berger responded to a tip about the need to change the Windows Security ID (SID) when cloning a Boot Camp partition. Berger offers another method:
Just read your post about changing SIDs on Winclone images of Boot Camp installations. We use Microsoft's utility called Sysprep. I use an answer file along with the mini-setup. The answer file contains answers to questions that the MS installer needs...
Windows XP desktop reset each boot under Boot Camp with a second monitor
Friday, November 14, 2008
Andrejs Eigus responded to our report describing Boot Camp Windows dual-monitor display settings becoming lost after rebooting Windows.
I am having exactly the same problem with my MacBook (Black/Penryn Feb 2008) 2.4 Ghz running Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.5 and Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3 on my Boot Camp partition. I am using external LG 787LE monitor with both Mac OS and Windows, but every time I start up Windows XP, my desktop is reset to be auto-arranged (read: messed up) and I have to re-set up second monitor to use with "Extended Desktop" all over again each time.
If you've seen this problem
Reader says CrossOver Games good for Guild Wars on Mac, not Wizard101
Friday, November 14, 2008
Todd Rosene reports that two Guild Wars games run on Mac with CrossOver Games from CodeWeavers. CrossOver is Mac OS X software that runs certain Windows applications within Mac OS X, without the use of Windows. CrossOver Games is a version optimized for running PC games on Macs. Rosene reports:
CrossOver Games works great for a game I've become mildly addicted to; Guild Wars and Guild Wars Eye of the North. I can keep up with the PC players with no remorse or abuse from my guild mates. Doesn't work with Wizard101, which is a game my wife and daughter play regularly. The girls got me into it this past month to help them quest so I've been borrowing one of my wife's older Gateway notebooks in order to play. I'm going to try Boot Camp with Vista on my MacBook Pro 17" 2.6 and see if Wizard101 runs.
If you've tried CrossOver Games
For more on CrossOver, see our CrossOver Reports page.
MassTransit 6 adds AD user provisioning to enterprise file transfer
Friday, November 14, 2008
Group Logic has released MassTransit 6.0, a new version of its high-speed, high-volume managed file transfer solution for Windows and Mac OS X, adding a dozen new features and increased speed and security. MassTransit 6 features automated, Active Directory-based user provisioning capabilities that can enable AD users to send files from a web-based interface.
To send files, users can log into a web site with their domain credentials or bypass log-in through single sign-on. Recipients of files are notified via email containing links to the files. Credentials and file exchange privileges are automatically managed by Active Directory on an ongoing basis.
MassTransit 6.0 also includes improved management and reporting, with new tools for analyzing system performance, usage, load and errors, and performance and trends. There are new performance and health monitoring interfaces that can be managed from Microsoft Operations Manager and other common enterprise solutions. The new version also includes an updated set of APIs and integration tools including SOAP/web services interfaces with documentation.
Group Logic said that the performance gains in MassTransit 6.0 will in particular benefit customers with thousands of users and monthly file transfer volumes in the millions per month.
Enterprise Desktop Alliance online survey on Macs in enterprise
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Enterprise Desktop Alliance is now hosting a survey about Mac integration in enterprise environments. (Go to the EDA home page and click the Mac Integration Survey button.)
The Enterprise Desktop Alliance an organization of cross-platform integration companies that promotes and support Macs in enterprise environments. (See also Parallels, Group Logic, Centrify Form Alliance for Macs in Enterprise.)
TIP: Reader traces fix for Entourage/Exchange 2007 mail synching problem to Win 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Howard Wanderman adds to the discussion about the problem of Entourage failing to receive some email from Exchange 2007. We have several workarounds listed, but Wanderman recommends a permanent fix:
I came across this and it fixed my problem with certain emails not showing up in Entourage on Exchange 2007.
It turns out that:
a) It's actually Windows Server 2008's fault. (More specifically, the included IIS 7 build), and
b) The specific emails that are not appearing contain potential escape characters in the subject field, posing a security risk.
There's an article on this here.
The short of it is that allowing IIS 7 (which is what serves up HTTP to Entourage) to allow these characters will thus allow it to pass them along to Entourage.
If you've tried this approach
Belkin Switch-to-Mac moves files from Windows PC
Friday, November 14, 2008
Yesterday, Belkin announced the US availability of the Switch-to-Mac Cable (US $50) for migrating files from a PC to a Mac. The cable plugs into the USB ports of a Mac and a PC. Flash RAM in the device contains software that runs on the Windows computer. The software copies music, movies, photos, and other files and Internet preferences to default Mac folders. It then displays a report of what was transferred.
The Switch-to-Mac Cable requires Windows XP or Vista and Mac OS X 10.4.x and 10.5.x. Belkin plans to release the product in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia in February 2009.
MacDrive 7.2.4 update address Vista 64-bit
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mediafour has released MacDrive 7.2.4, a maintenance update to the Windows software that enables Windows to recognize Mac-formatted hard drives, partitions, and storage media. Mediafour said that the update fixes compatibility issues with Windows Vista 64-bit that were found in version 7.2.3. The update is a free download for owners of MacDrive 7.
Parallels Desktop 4 expands graphics, CPU, RAM, more user features, runs Leopard Server in VM
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Today Parallels released Parallels Desktop 4.0 (US $80 Upgrade US $40), a major new version of the virtualization software for Mac OS X. The company said the new version increases performance by 50 percent while using less of the Mac’s hardware resources. Parallels said that version 4.0 also adds 50 new features, including remote control from an iPhone, built-in speech recognition for Windows, and the ability to run Leopard Server in a virtual machine. The update...
Microsoft releases Windows 7 pre-beta to developers
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Yesterday, Microsoft released a pre-beta version of Windows 7 to developers at a hardware engineering conference. According to EE|Times, Microsoft will release a full beta of Windows 7 early next year.
Microsoft also released a technical paper yesterday that describes the iPhone-like tablet/touch features in Windows 7, the next version of Windows that will come after Windows Vista. The paper described some of Windows 7's features:
The Windows 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 will introduce math input control, custom dictionaries, and multitouch support to Windows operating systems. These features will enhance tablet functionality and will enable new applications that support practical scenarios for end users:
Math input control will allow input of math formulas and functions from handwritten text.
To improve text recognition, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 will support custom dictionaries, so that administrators can directly enable support for word lists.
Multitouch will support input from multiple touch sources through new window messages, plus a gesture-recognition API that supports panning, zooming, and rotating.
More on cloning Boot Camp: Netrestore and Winclone
TIP: Change SID when cloning Boot Camp/Windows on Windows network
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Daniel Öhman in Sweden warns that when you clone a Boot Camp/Windows partition with Winclone and use it on another Mac on a Windows network, you'll need to change the Security ID (SID):
If two or more computers have the same SID they would corrupt domain membership for each other. Causing everyone but the last joined computer not to be able to log on the domain...
MacDrive 7.2.3 improves Boot Camp/Vista compatibility
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mediafour has release MacDrive 7.2.3, an update to the Windows software that enables Windows to read and write Mac hard drives and removable media. MacDrive also enables users to access the Mac partition from Windows running in Boot Camp. This update fixes several issues with Windows Vista running in Boot Camp, including:
- Improved running in hibernation, which previously caused disk consistency issues
- Fixed a problem where Boot Camp failed to display the Mac OS Startup disk with Vista 64-bit installed
- Fixed a problem where Boot Camp failed to change the Startup disk with Vista 64-bit installed
MacDrive 7.2.3 also fixed a Windows Vista 64-bit problem with the behavior of File Name Maps, as well as other bugs.
If you've tried MacDrive 7.2.3
Hack for full-screen SheepShaver yields poor display quality
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Two readers responded to a tip for enabling full-screen viewing of SheepShaver, which enables Mac OS 9 ("Classic") to run on Intel Macs. Both readers report degradation of image quality.
Philip McDunnough reports:
I did try the tip. Unfortunately it led to a lower resolution and poor graphics. Perhaps one has to edit other parts of the file as well. I did this on a 20" iMac (Intel) running 10.5.5.
Jeremy Matthews had a similar experience:
We tried the tip this morning for enabling full screen on the "Chubby Bunny" version of SheepShaver. It did work, except that everything is in black and white and there are a few visual artifacts. So it's not a complete solution yet.
For more, see our special report, Running OS 9 on Intel Macs.
If you know of a fix for this
Copy problem with SheepShaver verified
Thursday, November 6, 2008
André Marchand verified a Copy problem with SheepShaver, where the Copy function doesn't work in OS 9:
Got the same problem with PageMaker in SheepShaver: sometimes the Copy function works, sometimes it doesn't.
I use a SimpleText text document in SheepShaver to paste the clipboard content of Mac OS X, then select and copy from SimpleText, then paste in PageMaker. It's annoying but it works.
I also have a problem with Oracle 4.5 where the copy, paste function dosen't work at all. I have to select and drag the content from Oracle to a SimpleText text document then select and copy from SimpleText to paste in Mac OS X.
If you've seen this problem
VPN Tracker 5.4 expands SonicWALL combatibility
Thursday, November 6, 2008
equinux has released VPN Tracker 5.4 (US$79, free upgrade), a new version of the multi-purpose IPSec virtual private network client for Mac OS X. The new version adds support for the latest SonicWALL gateway, the SonicWALL Firewall NSA 240. VPN Tracker 5.4 has grown to over 350 VPN gateways, including Cisco. VPN Tracker also works with Windows when running in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
XPlay 3.1 adds iPhone, iPod Touch drive letter access for Windows
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mediafour has released XPlay 3.1, and update of the Windows software that adds iPhone and iPod Touch drive letter access.
XPlay is Windows software that can move music, playlists, and video from iPod to Windows and back, on Mac iPods as well as Windows iPods. XPlay presents direct drive-letter access to an iPod. It also enables a user to manage a Mac or Windows iPod with Windows Media Player or Windows Media Center.
The new version now lists the iPhone and iPod touch with drive letters in My Computer, allowing browsing of the contents as well as copying music to the PC. You can also copy directly to the root of the iPhone and iPod Touch for file transfers. XPlay 3.1 also enbables dragging photos both on and off any iPod, including iPod Touch and iPhone.
The new version allows direct copying from one iPod to another. Plug in two iPods and you can transfer music, photos and videos from one to the other.
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