Dropbox Selective Sync not working on Windows 8 DP

I ran into a problem while using Dropbox on several machines running Windows 8 DP (HP TC1100 Tablet PC and HP Slate 500).  I wasn’t able to get the Selective Sync to work.  The Selective Sync button when clicked doesn’t do anything.  Just doesn’t work.

Selective Sync allows you to select what files and folders you want to sync to your computer.

I use this particularly on several machines that I use to test things on and at work, so I don’t necessarily need all my files synced.

I found if you install the software using Windows 7 Compatibility setting it will install successfully and the Selective Sync works.

1. Right click on the file and select Properties.

2. Click on the Compatibility tab.

3. Under Compatibility mode put a check for “Run this program in compatibility mode for” and select Windows 7.

4. Under Privilege Level put a check for “Run this program as an administrator”.

5. Click the Apply button and then Ok.

6. Double click on the file to install.  During the installation you select advanced and it allows you to specify folders to sync.

This allows you to select the files and folders that you wish to sync.

I tested this on version 1.2.48 and 1.3.2 (beta).  Both exhibit the same issues, but both work with the above workaround.

UPDATE: The above allows you to use the selective sync when you initially install, but after the installation selective sync button in preferences still does not work.  Sad face.

UPDATE: Looks like with version 1.2.51 the Selective Sync seems to be working.  Awesome!

Installing Windows 8 DP on HP Slate 500 part 2

In my previous post we installed Windows 8 Developers Preview on the HP Slate 500.  Now we are going to continue where we left off and install drivers.

The first thing that we are going to do is configure the wireless and connect to your home network.  Run Windows Updates and get the latest Windows 8 DP updates.  As of 11/15/2011 these are the the specific Windows 8 DP Updates (7).

Now let’s look at is the Device Manager to see what drivers we are missing.

1. Click on Control Panel Tile and scroll down the list and select More Settings.
2. Click on the the Hardware and Sound link.
3. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.
4. Click on

This is a list of the drivers that Windows is unable to find.

4. Create a folder on the root of your C Drive named SWSETUP.  Go out to HP’s site (here) and download the following drivers to C:\SWSETUP.  This is also the order that I install the drivers.

SP50501 – Broadcom Crystal HD Video Decoder Driver (2010-10-22) [DM]
SP50503 – Intel Chipset Installation Utility and Driver (2010-10-22)
SP50504 – Intel High-Definition (HD) Graphics Driver (2010-10-22)
SP53663 – Broadcom Wireless LAN Driver for Microsoft Windows 7 (2011-06-27)
SP51650 – HP Quick Launch Software (2011-01-24) [SEE INSTALLATION NOTE BELOW]
SP50505 – N-trig Touchscreen Driver (2010-10-22) [DM] [SEE INSTALLATION NOTE BELOW]

[DM] = These are the specific drivers that will resolve the missing drivers above.

When I say to install in W7 Compatibility mode = To install these drivers you will need to right click on the file, select Properties, click on the Compatibility tab. Put a check in the Compatibility Mode (Select Windows 7), Click ok and then double click on the file to install.

NOTE there are two drivers above (51650 and 50505) that will need special installation steps to get installed and configured, so follow the instructions below for installing those drivers.

SP51650 – HP Quick Launch Software (To get the Auto rotate to work)
Before installing, from the Windows 8 Tile Main Menu click on Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program and then select “Turn Windows features on or off”.  Put a check in “Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5.1” and click OK.  This will also connect to Windows Update to install software.  Then execute SP51650 (in W7 Compatibility mode).  Once completed browse out to “C:\Program Files\Hewlett Packard\HP Quick Launch”, and execute HPWMISVC.EXE (in W7 Compatibility mode).

SP50505 – N-trig Touchscreen Driver (To get the multi-touch to work)
Execute SP50505 (in W7 Compatibility mode).  Once the installer opens you will need to browse out to your profile %temp% directory (this will be located in your profile directory typically “C:\USERS\<NAME>\APPData\Local\Temp”.

Note: This directory by default is hidden so you will need to enable hidden folders to see this.  Open Windows Explorer and then go up into the menu bar at the top of the screen and select “File”, select “Change folder and search options”, click on the View tab, under Advanced settings check “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” under Hidden files and folders.  While in there I also uncheck Hide extensions for known file types so I can see the file extensions.  Click “Apply to Folder” button above and then click Apply and then Ok to accept the changes.

In the %temp% directory you will be looking for a folder where the date modified column will be around the exact time you executed the file.  The folder will have a GUID name (long name with numbers and letters with dashes in the name like this.

The name will be different of course.  Open up the folder and you are looking for a folder in there named Disk1, if its in there that is the folder you want.  Copy contents of the GUID into “C:\SWSETUP”.  Rename the GUID folder to “ntrig”

Now open Device Manager

1. On the Main Windows 8 Tile menu click on Control Panel Tile and scroll down the list and select More Settings.
2. Click on the the Hardware and Sound link.
3. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.
4. Right Click on the DuoSense and select Update Driver Software.
5. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
6. Browse to C:\SWSETUP\ntrig and put a check “Include subfolders” and click next to install the driver.
7. Now physically open C:\SWSETUP\ntrig\Disk1\x32 and execute DPInst.exe (put in Vista SP2 Compatibility mode, yes Vista).

The above two steps to install SP50505 and SP51650 were taken from the Tablet PC Forum by other forum users (here).  This is a great resource for other tips and tricks and problems.  Highly recommend this site.

This gets you at the point of a working Windows 8 DP operating system on the HP Slate 500.  I highly recommend that you create a Windows Backup Image at this point.

In part 3 I will go through some additional tweaks to Windows 8 DP on HP Slate 500.

Installing Norton Ghost 15.0 on Windows 8

I have been running into several issues trying to get Norton Ghost version 15.0 installed and running on my HP Slate 500 running Windows 8 Developers Preview

ISSUE 1:
I can’t seem to enter my license key.  When trying to install the license key I keep getting an error message:

Cannot activate this product using license key <license key>.  The license key is not valid.  Please enter the correct license key.

I have confirmed that it is a good key by installing on a test machine running Windows 7.

STATUS:
I have not resolved this.  I am currently running the 30 day evaluation.

ISSUE 2:
I wasn’t able to get Ghost to detect any drives.  After initially installing and running under evaluation license it wouldn’t detect any local or connected hard drives.

RESOLUTION OF ISSSUE 2:
Install using Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.

1. Create a folder on your computer called C:\GhostCD and copy the Norton Ghost contents into that directory.
2. Open C:\GhostCD\Install and right click on SETUP.EXE and select Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab. Put a check for “Run this program in compatibility mode for:” and select Windows 7. Click Apply and then OK.
3. Double click on SETUP.EXE to install.

ISSUE 3:
Getting error when trying to run a One time backup.

-Error EBAB0013: A test that safeguards the integrity of the program failed unexpectedly.  CHECK failed.  SnapShotDevice::GetDeviceCharacteristics3: .\SnapShotDevice.cpp(262):mSymSnapVolume->IsSnapped().

(UMI:V-0-2987-19)

RESOUTION OF ISSUE 3:
In my case when I selected to backup the C Drive it was also wanting to backup the SYSTEM drive.  I unchecked that selection and just backed up the C Drive and it ran.

UPDATE 11/12/2012:
This is still an issue with the Windows 8 Full Release (RTM) on HP Slate 500 and Samsung Series 7 Slate.

Installing Windows 8 DP on HP Slate 500 part 1

I have been running Windows 8 DP on my HP Slate 500 for over a month now and just love it.  I really love the graphics (not choppy), better touch response, and better inking.  Still getting use to the whole Windows 8 live tiles.

Windows 8 Developers Preview was announced and made available at the Build conference about a month ago.  To the right is a picture of the Microsoft Lab with other computers and tablets and slate that they tested Windows 8 on, read about it (here).  If you look carefully you will see the HP Slate 500.

Pre-Steps

1. Download the Windows Developers Preview 32-bit here (2.8 GB).

2. Download and create a bootable USB with the iso here. This makes the process so easy. Click, click, walk away and boom, you have a bootable Windows 8 USB drive. I used a 4 GB USB stick that you can get for $10 at Walmart.

Install Process

1. Plug USB into Slate.  I have my HP Slate in the dock with a USB mouse and keyboard attached to the dock and the USB stick in the Slate.

Put the USB Stick in the USB Slot on the computer
Power on the Slate
Click “-“ to get into the Start Menu
Click “-“ and select Boot Device and click the Home Button to select
Click “-“ and select the USB Stick and click the Home Button to select

2. Go through the usual installation options.  I selected fresh install (not an upgrade) and left all the other partitions in tact (System and HP_TOOLS), I just installed over the primary partition.

In my next post I will go through getting drivers installed and configured.

My impressions of the Asus Eee Slate EP121

The Asus Eee Slate EP121 is the most powerful Tablet on the market (as of 10/2011) with an Intel Dual Core i5 processor (x64), 64GB Solid State Drive, and 4GB Ram.

You can get the full specifications (here).

I have always loved the concept of the Tablet PC.  I like the idea of being to use the computer and also the ability to use it as a Tablet with the stylus pen to write/ink.

My first introduction to the Tablet PC world was the HP TC1100 Tablet PC.  This came out around 2003 era with Windows XP Tablet Edition.  The Wacom digitizer and inking was fantastic.  I still own and use this Tablet to this day and even have Windows 7 rocking on it.  This definitely gave it new life.  I always thought if this basic design was updated with today’s technology it would be the best Tablet PC ever.  Still waiting.

When I heard that HP was releasing the HP Slate 500 I couldn’t wait, I thought this was the update to the TC1100 that I was waiting for.  I was quickly disappointed with the inking.  The N-trig digitizer and pen wasn’t a fluid as my old HP TC1100 and it was noisy to boot.  Then I heard about the Asus Eee Slate EP121 having the Wacom digitizer and I thought that maybe this is the one.

I have had the Asus Eee Slate EP121 device for just over two months now.

Grade A:
The Wacom Digitizer and Pen.  The fluid inking with the Wacom pen make it a real pleasant writing experience.  It is really like a hot knife cutting through butter.  It is that smooth.

The CPU power (Intel Dual Core i5 processor, x64), Ram (4GB), and Solid State Drive (64GB) that really make this a workhorse.  This is more powerful than my Dell Latitude E6400 that I am running at work.

Touch screen and brightness are really outstanding.  The wide viewing angles are great.

Grade B:
I like the included Bluetooth keyboard.  It is a great addition to make this very nice to use at your desk.  The included case also allows you stand the Tablet upright.

Includes 2 USB ports, Full SD Card slot, and mini HDMI port.

The pen silo.  This is huge having a slot where the pen can go in.  Very nice and really under rated in my opinion.

Grade C:
The wireless card seems to be a little weak in reception.  I am not getting great connectivity or speed.

I may get a little heat on this but the size of the display is too big (12.1”).  I wish this was more around the 10” range.  Fitting more of a page in portrait without the blank edges and wasted space.  Might be just me.

Grade D:
The noise coming from the fan being constantly on.  I understand that this is a Dual Core i5 processor, but the fan is annoying.  I feel like I need to tape up the exhaust fan cover when I go into a meeting.  It is very noticeable.

The battery life states 4.5hrs, but I am getting around 3hrs of use and that is mostly notes, and web browsing.  Using a better power mode setting like balanced mode would definitely increase this time.  Again I can understand some of that with the power that this has.  Just a little disappointed.

No rear facing camera.

Missing TPM Security.

Windows 7 Home Premium.

Update: I see that Asus has released a refresh model BP121 which looks to be more Business related and includes the TPM Security and Windows 7 Ultimate edition.

OVERALL GRADE
I would give this an overall score of a C+.  It is definitely on the right track, but at the price of this unit I would find something else.  It is missing some key components for me to really recommend.

Dell Latitude ST Tablet (on order)

Do you remember the leaked specifications that came out in August on the Dell Peju Tablet (here).  Well this is it, Dell’s entry into the Windows 7 Tablet PC market.  Technical Specifications (here).

Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate (x86)
Atom Z670
2GB DDR2 SDRAM at 800Mhz
Mobil Intel SM35 Chipset
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 600
Choice of 32GB, 64GB or 128GB Solid State Hard Drive
Dell Wireless 1535C and Bluetooth 4.0
Mobile Broadband & GPS Options
W: 10.63″ | H: 0.59″ | D: 7.32″
Weight: 1.8lbs
TPM 1.2
USB 2.0, SD, HDMI, Stylus silo, headphone/microphone combo jack
10.1″ WXGA (1280×800) Wide Viewing Angle LED with Corning Gorilla Glass (touch and pen input) with N-trig digitizer.

Optional Dock
3 USB 2.0 ports, Gigabit LAN, HDMI, and Audio out

Base price is $759.00

There is some customizing that you can do by allowing you to select the operating system, size of the Solid State Drive, and preloaded software.

I went with Windows 7 Ultimate, 128GB SSD, Office 2010 Professional with Adobe Standard, and the Docking Station.  The dock should really be included at that price, pretty spendy dock at $109.

The unit has been ordered and is looking like a December 1st ship date.  I will blog more when I have this bad boy in my hands.

UPDATE (11/23): I just shipping information that the Docks have shipped.  Unfortunately Thanksgiving will prevent them from actually shipping.  They have a 12/5 delivery.  Not that I can do much with the Docks without the Tablets.  🙂

UPDATE (12/2): Just got the shipping notification, they are on their way.  Should have Docks on Monday and Tablet probably Wednesday of Thursday (they shipped the Docks before the Tablet).  I’ll just use them as book ends until the Tabets arrive.

UPDATE (12/6): OUT FOR DELIVERY!  My favorite 3 words.

Installing Windows 8 DP on HP Tablet TC1100 part 2

In previous post we installed Windows 8 Developers Preview on the HP Tablet TC1100.  Now we are going to continue where we left off and configure it.

Screen resolution

1. At the main start page / tiles click on Desktop.

2. Right click on the Desktop and select Screen Resolution.  Change the Resolution from 800×600 to 1024×768 and click Apply.  Then click keep changes.  Way better.

Device Manager (Let’s take a look at what we are missing)

1. From where we are click the Start button to take us back to the Tiles.

2. Click on the Control Panel Tile and scroll down the list to More Settings.

3. Click on Hardware and Sound.

4. Under Devices and Printers click on Device Manager.

Above is a view of what the Device Manager looks like and the missing items.

5. Recommend first hard wiring to your network and running Windows Update.  As of 10/17/2011 these were the following Windows Updates (specifically related to Windows).

If you can’t directly connect to Ethernet you will need to get your wireless driver (here).  I have had been experiencing a lot of problems getting the wireless working.  I tried the HP WLAN W500 and the Intel PRO 2100 3B.

If you have the HP Compaq W500 Compatible 802.11/a/b/g [Part #: 349985-001], you can install the following HP Driver after the OS has been installed.

SP32579 – HP WLAN W400-W500 Driver for Windows [2006-05]

If you have the HP Compaq Laptop Wireless 2100 802.11b Mini-PCI Card [Part #: 348997-001], you will have to manually connect computer to NETWORK with Ethernet and run Windows Update to get the Wireless working.

To determine which one you have you will need to unscrew one of the back covers and look at the HP Part Number.

This is the list of drivers that I installed and in that order.

SP27014 – NVIDIA Video Driver [2004-01] w/NVIDIA 82.12 Fix (here)

SP28787 – Q Menu for Tablet [v2.10 Rev A] | [2004-10-10]

SP24241 – Tablet PC Button Driver [v1.00 Rev B] | [2003-11-07]

SP29116 – Texas Instruments 4in1 Card [v1.011.1 Rev A] | [2004-10-20]

SP24581 – Wacom Digitizer Driver [v1.6.1.3 Rev A] | [2003-09-24]

Install the drivers in Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode.  Right click on the file and select Properties, click on the Compatibility tab.  Put a check in the Compatibility Mode.  Click ok and then double click on the file to install.

I am still playing with and learning Windows 8.  If I come across anything new I will be sure to post.

Installing Windows 8 DP on HP Tablet TC1100 part 1

In a previous post I wrote about how to get Windows 7 installed on the HP Tablet TC1100.  Now with the recent release of Windows 8 Developers Preview at Build I thought that I would give it a try on the HP Tablet TC1100.

Let’s get right into this.

I recommend a clean install and not an upgrade.  I had an extra disk lying around so I used that rather than my original W7 disk.  You can use existing image but format it during the install.  I don’t ever recommend upgrading OS.  I would rather have clean install.

Pre-Steps

1. Download the Windows Developers Preview 32-bit here (2.8 GB).

2. Download and create a bootable USB with the iso here. This makes the process so easy.  Click, click, walk away and boom, you have a bootable Windows 8 USB drive.  I used a 4 GB USB stick that you can get for $10 at Walmart.

Install process

1. BOOT HP TABLET TC1100 TO USB.  The following will allow you to boot from the USB stick. By default on the TC1100 you will not be able to boot from the USB Stick.

Put the USB Stick in the USB Slot on the computer.
Start up the Tablet and hit the jog dial and Launch System Setup.
Scroll over to the Advanced Tab
Scroll down to Boot Order and hit Enter
Select Hard Drive and hit Enter
Hit the -/+ to move up the USB drive to the top of the list.
Hit F10 to Save and Exit.
System should automatically boot to the USB drive.

2. Go through the usual installation options. Prepping the disk (format etc.), unpacking the image, installing, configuring, computer name, username, preparing devices, etc.

Boom you have Windows 8 Developers Preview Installed on your HP Tablet TC1100.

In my next post I will discuss configuring and installing drivers.

Missing multi-select check box in Windows Explorer

I have been using Tablet PC’s for several years now and really like some of the additional features / add-ins that are included with stylus and touch.  Funny how you get used to using a certain feature and when it is missing your world crashes down around you and you can’t do anything.  I ran into one such feature that was missing in a new Windows Slate (ASUS EP121 Slate) that I just recently received.

That feature is the multi-select files in Windows Explorer using the stylus or touch.  This allows you to do just that multi-select files and copy, cut, and paste files between locations.

After a little digging around I found a setting in the folder options that controls this behavior.  Open Windows Explorer, click on Organize in the menu bar, select Folder and Search options.  Scroll down and make sure that “Use check box to select items” is checked.  The clouds parted and the Angels began to sing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the end result.  Check box allows you to select multiple files in Windows Explorer.  I know what you are saying.  Seriously!  I know, but when something you get so accustom using is gone, it kind of bothers me.  Anyway, crisis averted.  Continue doing what you were doing.

New Data Protection Manager 2010 Book by Steve Buchanan

New Microsoft Data Protection Manager 2010 Book by Steve Buchanan’s [Packt Publishing] (Get it from Packt here).  The book is still warm from being just printed (rel: May 27, 2011)

Visit the Publisher site (link above) and download a free chapter.

I am new to Data Protection Manager (DPM) and needed a way to get up to speed quickly to start managing an existing deployment.  This book is arranged in a way that helps you understand what DPM is, what it does, and how to do it.  The step by step instructions are very detailed.  I would highly recommend this book for those starting out or those wanting to learn more about DPM.

This is currently the only book out on DPM 2010 (as of June 2011).

* I am not affiliated with Packt Publishing or the Author nor did I receive any benefits from this recommendation.