Windows 7 - trend Internet Security and AntiVirus DO NOT INSTALL

Yes I found out the hardway... er... again... That you should NOT install Trend AV and Internet Security (the latest version) on Windows 7, a BSOD results followed by heart palpitations when trying to remember if system restore was still turned on or not.

OK so that's a NO Trend AV on W7, does anyone know of any other AV's that don't work as spectacularly as TAV? Write to Neilo with your results :-)

Dell Mini 9 Config

I haven't actually taken the time to note down my dell mini config, so here goes :-

2GB DDR2 memory 667Mhz
8GB SDHC Ultra II 15MB/s seek time
- 4GB Dedicated to ReadyBoost
- 4GB Dedicated to Program Files directory

I think the ReadyBoost option with one of these cards provides a significant boost, I really need to run some bench marks to find out.

I plug it all into a 19" monitor, full size keyboard and mouse connected to a Telstra 3G USB modem. It performs wonderfully all day then I just on the train home and continue to work until I get home.

Windows 7 - Unknow Device in Device Manager blbdrive.sys

I have installed Windows 7 Ultimate Pre Beta again for reasons I will go into later.

This time Around I have disabled Automatic Updates because the patch KB958644 breaks Windows 7 and forces the Dell Mini 9 to boot into System Restore mode

So, anyway, after installation and initial patching, this time I am left with an Unknown Device in the control panel. The Device ID's are

DETECTEDInternal\blbdrive
DETECTED\blbdrive

And according to Chirs123NT's rather helpful Windows 7/Dell Laptop Site :-

"Now, it seems that this points to a file in C:\Windows\System32\Drivers called blbdrive.sys. Our best guess is that it has something to do with the Block Level Backup Engine (which is responsible for image-based backups in Windows Vista and higher, through a feature called CompletePC Backup and Restore), but we’re not 100% sure. If anyone has any information on this please let us know."

Now I am really confused, I have just plugged my Dell Mini 9 in at work, with Full Size USB keybaord, Mouse and External VGA monitor. I go to the control panel and said device is not longer listed as requiring attention.

More soon...

Neilo...

SSD's and Office 2007

Microsoft have posted an article relating to Office 2007 performance on SSD's (Solid State Disks). If you are having trouble as I am with Office 2007 (on the Dell Mini 9). You can rest assured that they are aware of it now.

Please review the KB artcile here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/940226

Windows 7 - Blue Badge Tool

This article is worth checking out if you want to unlock all the Windows 7 features in the current pre-beta.

http://bink.nu/news/blue-badge-tool-available-unlocks-all-known-windows-7-protected-features.aspx

Thank you Nicki, I look forward to sharing our gadget obessional findings on here.

Welcome to Neilo

Dellmini9 welcomes another contributer with a mini 9 wanting to share his experience.

Welcome Neilo.

Windows 7 - Unlocking the new taskbar and Aero Features

Download the exe from this here for x86 machines http://www.withinwindows.com/files/upf/upf_x86_rev0.zip

Then follow the instructions from this guy here :-)
http://www.withinwindows.com/2008/11/02/flashy-windows-7-bits-protected-by-elaborate-scheme-workaround/

Windows 7 Update BSOD

I can confidently say that it is one of the 14 Office 2007 Patches that are waiting to be installed. There are no hidden updates anywhere, I have applied system updates from Intel systematically with no Operating System crash occuring thus far.

When I try to apply the Office 2007 patches one at a time and in order of patch date I get the "you lost connection with windows update" error.

Stay tuned

Windows 7 updates and the Dell Mini 9

A word to the wise, after installing, hold off on appyling any windows updates, there is one that kills the machine entirely and you have to restore back from the latest system backup.

I will post more when I determine which patch is the offending one

rock'n'roll

Neilo

Windows 7 on 9

You will be glad to know that Windows 7 happily installs on the Mini-9. All drivers are recognised using the same methods in the Vista install. It is very snappy and pretty impressive for a beta product.