Replies

Based on advice in this thread, I installed IObit Uninstaller. I did not see any options during either download or installation offering additional programs. However, after several days, I started to see a popup appearing offering s game called Magic Barrage. I HATE such popups, because I assume they indicate some from of infection. After checking for malware, I googled Magic Barrage, and found indications that it was related in some way to IObit. I therefore uninstalled IObit Uninstaller, and the popups stopped appearing.

Am I correct in connecting these two? If so, be warned!

Chris

You might try Pimlical. The Pimlical desktop replaces the Palm Desktop. And there is an active Yahoo group that may be able to assist if this doesn’t work. I think you should be able to get it on free trial. Note that you’ll need the version that syncs to Palm, at least initially.

Worth a try?

Chris

James,

I think TreeSize Free might be a solution?

Chris

Microsoft Security Essentials 4.5.216 now available for download from MSE

Chris

If the OP would like to fallback to a previous version of Skype, a thorough uninstall, followed by a install/re-install of the previous desired version, is available from FileHippo.com via http://filehippo.com/download_skype/.

Sadly that link now only downloads SkypeSetup.exe (1.6MB), which is only a ‘stub’ to install the program over the internet. And I’m sure that it will install the latest version. What FileHippo show as ‘Older Versions ‘ is only Skype 6.5.0.107 Beta, which is in fact a later version.

Softpedia allows the download of the complete offline installer, but only for the latest version.

This site PowerGramo appears to offer all previous versions of Skype. I have no experience of this site, so cannot vouch for its safety.

Chris

CryptoPrevent looks good, but how can one be sure that such free software on the web is not a scam? Apart perhaps from Googling it and checking who recommends it – is even that safe?

Chris

For many years, I have been using the free Karen’s Replicator. Although no longer supported, it works well on Windows 7, both 32 and 64 bit. Simple, but effective…

Chris

p.s. only the USA had Thanksgiving, the rest of us didn’t notice anything special.

In the UK, we used to give thanks on the Fourth of July. Is this still the case?

Chris

I don’t understand this. There is only one 32 bit version of MSE covering both Windows XP and Windows 7. There is only one virus definition file for both OS’s. I suppose it is possible that changes could be made to either or both that might make them incompatible with XP, although that seems a little unlikely.

Is this just a scare to get folk to update?

Chris

There must be millions of ‘retired’ copies of Windows XP around that are no longer being used. I have had no problem, or indeed any question, getting validation using the codes from old copies of XP in my library. If you do not have such a copy, perhaps some of your friends may be able to help…

Chris

My usual solution to problems like this is to install a free virtual machine (I use VMware Player) and install the appropriate OS on that. I would guess it would be possible to install the 32 bit Win7 on this. Two possible challenges: first I’m not clear if you have enough free disk space for this. VMware is quite sparing but you would need sufficient for the bare OS. Second, I suspect you might have problems activating the 32 bit version while using the 64 bit version. I doubt if MS would like that. Alternative to assist with both challenges might be to install Win XP on the VM, if you can get hold of a copy cheaply (or maybe you have an old one lying about). You could set up the VM so that it doesn’t access the web to avoid any security problems after the finish of support. And a bare bones Win XP takes up less space.

That works well for me…

Chris

I have long used Karen’s Replicator v3.6.8 Although it is long in the tooth and no longer updated, I have found it does all I need in this regard, including with Win7 64bit.

Chris

@petrox: Glad that worked for you…

Chris

As an alternative to dual boot, I’d suggest you consider running XP under a virtual machine. I have used the free VMware Player to run XP on Windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit with no problems. Some prefer the free version of VirtualBox. Either would give you immediate access to your game without rebooting…

Chris

I suspect that the files will still be available on the MS download site – those for Office 2000 (and I think for Windows 98) are still there. But I agree that it makes sense to download all the updates as suggested by tonyl, and indeed to make and remake a slipstreamed disk.

Chris