Did you accidentally land on a bad site when browsing the Web? While it’s advisable to close bad websites immediately, you can quickly block that particular site before closing it so that you don’t visit that site in future. This can be done using the BlockThisSite Internet Explorer Menu Extension that I’ve created. The extension works by automatically adding an entry to the HOSTS file for each site you block. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘scripts’
BlockThisSite Menu Extension for Internet Explorer
Script to Backup the Services Configuration (Startup Type) in Windows 7/XP/2003/Vista
After doing a fresh install of Windows XP/2003/Vista/7, disabling unused Windows Services is one of the time consuming tasks you perform. One configured, you can backup the service startup state using a Batch file or Script so that it can be used for subsequent installations, or if you need to automate the task on several computers in your workgroup. (more…)
Quickly Clear the Google Chrome Cache Using Script
Here is a VBScript to automatically clear the cache in Google Chrome. This script has been tested with Google Chrome Final version 1.0.154.36, under Windows XP and Windows Vista systems. (more…)
Error “Invalid Update Control CTF File” When Updating AVG Anti-Virus 8.0
When updating AVG 8.0 today, I received the error "Invalid Update Control CTF File". After searching the AVG support forum, I found a couple of easy solutions which can resolve the error.
Method 1
1. Double-click the AVG icon in the Notification area.
2. Click the Tools menu and click Advanced Settings…
3. Navigate to the Manage option in the Update branch.
(The Manage option is included in AVG version 8.0.233 and higher.)
4. Click the Delete temporary update files button.
5. Click Yes to confirm removal.
See if you’re now able to update AVG.
Note: The above button deletes all the temporary files, downloaded .BIN and .CTF files which were created by AVG. Whereas the Vbscript file included under "Method 2" deletes only the .CTF files.
Method 2
From AVG forum:
You need to rename/remove the CTF temp files in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Avg8\update\download…. Dont delete all the .bin files in there unless you want to re-run all updates since your original installation (reinstallation seems to cause a problem in IEs Link Scanner which causes IE to Crash). Only rename/remove the avginfo files that end with .ctf.
There were two .CTF files (avginfoavi.ctf and avginfowin.ctf) in that folder, and deleting them fixed the problem indeed.
Note: The Application Data folder is hidden by default. You need to enable Windows Explorer to show hidden files in order to view the Application Data folder. Alternately, type the above folder path in the Start, Run dialog and press {ENTER} to launch the folder.
Windows Vista users: Delete the .CTF files from the following folder:
C:\ProgramData\avg8\update\download
Script to automate the task
I’ve scripted the above so that it can help if you want to run the task in multiple PCs. Download del_avg_ctf.zip and save to Desktop. Unzip the file and run the script del_avg_ctf.vbs. The AVG Update .CTF files should be deleted automatically. The script runs fine in Windows XP and Windows Vista systems.
How to Determine the Last Shutdown Date and Time in Windows XP/2003/Vista
The easiest way to determine the last shutdown date/time is to check the event logs. When you shutdown a computer Event ID 6006 is written to the Event log which denotes a clean shutdown. Here is a sample event. (more…)
Optimize the Windows XP/Vista Registry Regularly Using NTREGOPT
NTREGOPT is a registry optimization tool for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista. This program compacts the registry to the minimum size possible by removing any slack space that may be left after installing or uninstalling applications in the system. Note that this program does not modify the registry contents in any way. (more…)
Add “Mail Recipient (as Path)” Option to the Send to Menu to Email File Paths
Let’s assume you’re working in the training department of a firm, and need to send training materials to new recruits on a regular basis. The usual way is to right-click on the file, choose Send To, and click Mail Recipient. This attaches the file to the compose window in your mail client. (more…)
How to Run .BAT Files Invisibly, Without Displaying the Command Prompt Window
Batch files (.BAT) and Windows NT Command Script (.CMD) files run in console window when double-clicked. This means that the Command Prompt window will be visible until the .BAT/.CMD file execution is complete. To make .BAT or .CMD file execution less intrusive, you can configure it to run minimized. Or if the .BAT or .CMD file does not require user input during run time, you can launch it in invisible mode using a Script. Both options are discussed below. (more…)
How to Rename the Recycle Bin in Windows Vista
Sometime back we saw how to rename the Recycle Bin in Windows XP. This is possible in Windows Vista, but you need to modify a different registry key. (more…)
