The New Nation - Internet Edition

When Windows update won't update

Lincoln Spector

Windows Update occasionally gets a bee under its bonnet and simply refuses to work. Really, should that surprise anyone?

Unfortunately, unlike some other Windows problems, this one seldom goes away on its own. You have to fix it. And the exact cause isn't always easy to diagnose and fix.

I'll start with some solutions to a very specific, very common, XP-specific Windows Update problem. Then I'll tell you where to go for additional advise.

If you're running Windows XP, and Windows Update tells you that one or more updates couldn't successfully install, try my handy-dandy repair batch file. Actually, I've written two batch files; one for the 32-bit version of XP, and another for the 64-bit version. Simply download and run the appropriate one.

Unfortunately, when you try to download a batch file in Firefox, it displays the contents of the file (plain, ASCII text) rather than actually downloading it. The easiest workaround (other than using Internet Explorer) is to copy the text to Notepad and save it as a file with the .bat extension rather than the default .txt. When you run the batch file and it displays a message box, click OK.

If the batch file doesn't work, try the Windows Update Agent. You can download versions for the 32-bit version of XP, the 64-bit version, and the Itanium. Once you've downloaded the file:

1. Click Start, then Run, then the Browse button.

2. Locate and double-click the file you just downloaded. Doing so will insert the path and file name into the run box.

3. Enter the text /wuforce (be sure to enter a space before the slash) after the file name. Press ENTER and follow the wizard.

If your not using XP, or if neither of those fixes work, you might try downloading the problematic update manually, then installing it off of your hard drive. I doubt it will work, but it's worth a try. In Internet Explorer (not Firefox), go to the Microsoft Update Catalog to find and download the problem updates.

Finally, there's the Windows Update Troubleshooter, where you stand a good chance there of finding the cause of and solution for your particular problem. Once again, this Web page really doesn't like any browser except Internet Explorer.

There's a separate Vista Troubleshooter. Amazingly, this one works just fine in Firefox. Email your technology questions to me at answer@pcworld.com, or post them to a community of helpful folks on the PCW Answer Line forum.

Apple to recall iPhone chargers

IPhone 3G owners could be at risk of electric shock from faulty power adapters, Apple has warned.

The metal prongs on many of the ultra-compact USB adapters sold with the 3G iPhone model could break off, putting owners at risk.

Apple has urged owners to swap the adapters that came with the phone to minimise risk. No-one has been injured by the faulty adapters as yet.

At risk are iPhone owners in the US, Japan, Canada and Mexico. Apple said iPhone 3G adapters sold in a further 10 Latin American nations were also faulty.

In a statement Apple said it had found that, under certain circumstances, the thin metal prongs on the power adapter could break off and get stuck in a power socket.

The ultra-compact adapters were sold with every iPhone 3G since the device went on sale in 22 countries on 11 July.

Since the iPhone launched in June 2007 Apple has sold more than six million of the devices. It is not clear how many iPhone 3G handsets have been sold and how many people are at risk. Apple said it will replace adapters free of charge and that the fixed versions should be available on 10 October. Until then it said owners should recharge their phone by connecting the device to a computer via a USB port.

Replacement chargers can be ordered via Apple's website or at an Apple store from starting on 10 October.

Oracle for customers, partners to think green

· New sustainability-focused conference program will help customers and partners attending Oracle OpenWorld® San Francisco 2008 "green" their businesses, address compliance and sustainability issues, and showcase best business practices that help companies minimize their environmental impact.

· The Oracle OpenWorld Green Program will include:

o The Green Room - Four days filled with 19 sessions that delve into the effect an increased focus on sustainability has on business. Hot topics will include a "Great Debate" on the environment and the economy, trends for the green enterprise, trends for green IT and eco-best practices, and a session with Oracle Chairman Jeff Henley on Oracle's own green efforts.

o The Green Marketplace - Dedicated exhibits that showcase solutions in sustainability and the role technology can play in helping companies go green. Highlights will include:

· Companies including 2future Oy, Accenture, ESS-Home, IBM, PG&E, Sun Microsystems, Inc., The Nature Conservancy, Voltaire, Xerox and Zogix.

· The Oracle OpenWorld Farmers Market, featuring samples and goods for sale from local sustainable producers including: Eco Citizen, Elixir Olive Oil, Farm Fresh to You, flourchylde Bakery, Food and Vine, Hidden Star Orchards, Laloo's Goat's Milk Ice Cream Company, Marshall's Farm Natural Honey, New Belgium Brewing Company and TCHO Chocolates.

· For the first time, Oracle will host the "Empowering the Green Enterprise" awards. The awards will recognize Oracle customers and partners who are using Oracle's products to reduce their costs, improve their business efficiencies and measure their sustainability efforts through green business practices.

Green Efforts Go Local

· Oracle OpenWorld will also take comprehensive steps to help reduce the conference's overall footprint by working closely with its partners, exhibitors, conference attendees, local hotels, Moscone Center and the City of San Francisco.

· The event will incorporate and expand upon the company's green business practices and the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (three R's) to help create an event with the lowest possible environmental impact. At the show, attendees will see the three R's in action:

o Reduce - Oracle OpenWorld will strive to reduce the use of printed materials by implementing virtual collateral racks, mobile messaging for survey collection and information kiosks that help attendees navigate the conference. Oracle is also taking steps to use vehicles that use bio-fuels and the latest eco-technology for its shuttle service to help reduce emissions.

o Recycle - The event will use recyclable, environmentally responsible signage products, carpets, and packing and shipping materials. There will also be an increased focus on the use of biodegradable name badges, holders, lanyards, and exhibit hall bags; and printers that use recycled and recyclable printer cartridges. There will be well-marked recycling bins throughout conference venues and all food service pieces will be recyclable and/or 100% compostable.

o Reuse - Show exhibits and staging will be built using reusable materials like astro-turf and there will be collection areas for plastic badge holders. Excess food will be donated to local organizations.

· Conference attendees will also be encouraged to contribute to the company's environmental efforts through fun green venues and activities including:

o The "Ready, Set, Connect" Pedal Power Station, in Yerba Buena Gardens will include 20 bicycle stations where attendees can collectively pedal to store power for the show. Additional satellite pedal stations throughout the conference will allow attendees to cycle to power their cell phones and laptops.

o A water bar and full-service water stations will be located throughout the event, so that conference goers can fill up without using plastic water bottles to help reduce overall waste.

Supporting Quote

· "We created the Green Program as an interactive, educational forum where our customers and partners can take part in the evolving discussion on what it means to be a green business and make decisions that best benefit their needs" said Tania Weidick, Vice President Corporate Marketing, Oracle. "Whether our customers' green efforts are driven by a desire to protect the environment, reduce costs, produce eco-friendly goods, or comply with government regulation, the end result is how we can all make a positive impact on our world."