Check out the fox news story here.

As you should already know, having a UPS (uninterruptible  power supply)  for your server is VERY important.  What you may not know is that having software configured properly to handle a power outage is equally important.  If the computer on the UPS is not configured to shutdown properly, then the UPS will provide no additional support for the server during an extended power outage.

We recently started servicing a new customer who was using a standard Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Small Business Server (SBS) Edition, and during our audit process, I found out that not only was the software not configured properly, but the “Server Agent” part of APC’s PowerChute Business Edition, which is installed as a service, was not running, and could not be started, even with restarting the server.  Noting that there was a more recent version of the software, I attempted to run the new install to upgrade the currently installed version.

After trying to upgrade to the latest PowerChute Business Edition software, the PowerChute BE Server service still would not start, even after restarting the server again. Then I decided to try to uninstall the software, but running the uninstaller would flag an error saying the uninstall files could not be found.

After searching the internet, I found the correct files, folders and registry keys that needed to be removed in order to do a clean install of the PowerChute BE Server service here: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2006/11/01/remove-and-uninstall-apc-powerchute-business-edition-agent-server-and-console-manually/.  Please be aware that this page includes a PG-13 ad on it, so proceed with caution

Since I tried to uninstall the softwarefirst, some of the folders and registry keys listed below were not there. Just delete the ones you see. If you don’t see it, don’t worry about it. Also, on some of the registry keys, it would not let me completely delete the key. In that case, expand the keys fully, and try to delete each sub-key as well. The key may not go away, but you will notice that all of the values in the right side pane will disappear, and this will be enough.

These are the folders you need to delete to remove PowerChute BE Server from your computer. User windows explorer for this bi clicking START, then RUN, and typing EXPLORER. Navigate to the following folders:

C:\Program Files\APC\PowerChute Business Edition\server

C:\Program Files\Common Files\APC

C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information\{A6491A4A-AAA0-4892-BFEF-ECD6CECE2FF3}

Next, you need to remove some registry keys. To do this, launch the Registry Editor by clicking START, then RUN, and type REGEDIT. Browse to keys listed below, highlight them, and press Delete. You can also right click on the key and choose Delete from there.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{A6491A4A-AAA0-4892-BFEF-ECD6CECE2FF3}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_APCPBESERVER

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\APCPBEServer

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_APCPBESERVER

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\APCPBEServer

The following is the set of folders and registry keys associated with the 2 other parts of APC PowerChute Business Edition installation:

Agent:

C:\Program Files\APC\PowerChute Business Edition\agent (or any other install path specified during installation)

C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information\{BCE9F441-9027-4911-82E0-5FB28057897D}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\APC\PowerChute Business Edition

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppPaths\v:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{BCE9F441-9027-4911-82E0-5FB28057897D}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Enum\Root\LEGACY_APCPBEAGENT

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\APCPBEAgent

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\Eventlog\Application\APCPBEAgent

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\Root\LEGACY_APCPBEAGENT

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\APCPBEAgent

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Eventlog\Application\APCPBEAgent

Console:

C:\Program Files\APC\PowerChute Business Edition\console

C:\Program Files\InstallShield Installation Information\{0F86FD09-BA63-4E45-A70B-604C1106C2F2}

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\APC\PowerChuteBusinessEdition\console

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\console.exe

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{0F86FD09-BA63-4E45-A70B-604C1106C2F2}

EnviroSharp is a odor removal, air and surface decontamination service that is chemical free, environmentally friendly and offers permanent results that are unconditionally guaranteed. Still not sure what exactly EnviroSharp is? Click the FAQ tab at envirosharp.com to learn all there is to know about the service and how it works and what others have to say about it. So if it you have a stinky problem in your home or place of business call a EnviroSharp service provider, they will be happy to help. Maybe you’re looking for a great career opportunity, talk to EnviroSharp about becoming a service provider, contact them today.

It’s a simple yet annoying problem.

While installing a fresh copy of Windows XP Pro on a Vmware ESX 3.5 host, I got to the usual “Licensing Agreement” page (you know the one with all the legalese). It asks for the F8 key to be pressed to “agree”.

To my surprise, pressing F8 just wouldn’t work! No combination of CTRL, ALT, shift, ascii-codes would work either, I was stuck on the agreement page!

I had seen this before with a Vmware Workstation installation.  Where, if I wanted to enter a VM’s BIOS settings I needed to use a PS/2 keyboard (in addition to my regular USB keyboard) in order to press “ESC” to enter the configuration page.  The only theory I had in mind was that maybe the USB devices weren’t loaded early enough to access the BIOS, while PS/2 support was. *shrug*

Well, back to ESX. I tried pressing F8 through both the VIC2.5 Console tab and through a separate Console window. No luck.

It turns out that the only solution to pressing F8 was to access the VIC2.5 through another workstation (using a PS/2 keyboard) and finally F8 was accepted. Weird.

Yes it’s simple yet annoying problem.

(For the record, my workstation has a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (ver 1.0))

Update 20080814: One reader’s comment really fixes this beautifully

hey4ndrw Says:
If you have the Microsoft Wireless Natural Multimedia ergonomic keyboard, and no amount of leaning on the F8 key to select “I Agree” works when reinstalling XP, try tapping once on the F Lock button (one key to the right of F12), then pressing F8. Worked for me.

Urban-Impact.org is a rich new site featuring video and slide show galleries. A user can learn all there is to know about the ministry and it’s staff, check the schedule for up coming events like the Blue Jean Banquet in June. While you’re there why not donate to a good cause or just shoot them an email and be sure to visit their partner ministries too.

Rose Colored Glasses:  A Buyer’s Disease

By Steven Gluck  – President GS Solutions Inc.

You have been hunting for months.  You just refer to it as “THE CAR” … it sits on a pedestal in your mind and you yearn for it.   Well it seems as if the stars have aligned and you have finally found it – and it is close!   The right year, model, color and by the description – it sounds perfect.   You set the meeting and you are minutes from arrival and setting your eyes on THE CAR … but wait … unfortunately you are compelled to reach into your glove compartment to slip on the those rarely used spectacles … you say to yourself – “I’m a seasoned car person – I don’t need or want to put them on”.   But the pull is strong and irresistible – THE CAR is calling your name and at the last minute – you slip on those large rimmed Rose Colored Glasses – you know the ones – they make you look like Elton John during the psychedelic ‘70s. 

Rose Colored Glasses:   The attitude of cheerful optimism, of seeing everything in an attractive, pleasant light.  The expression itself goes back to at least 1861, when it is first recorded in ‘Tom Brown at Oxford’:   “Oxford was a sort of Utopia to the Captain.  He continued to behold towers, and quadrangles, and chapels, through rose-colored glasses.”  From the ‘Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins’ by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997) 

You round the corner and there it is – a ‘cherry’ – THE CAR is beautiful … albeit slightly pinker than the owner described … but beautiful nonetheless

What to do now?  You know it is just a car – a used machine that likely has many faults.  How do you protect yourself against the mind-altering fuchsia view?   Well – I can tell you that I have many pairs of these “beams” in shades ranging from cerise to salmon to coral – all with various multiplying powers – I actually like them all.  How do I protect myself so I don’t just hand over a blank check as well as my direct withdrawal codes from my IRA?   It is simple:  A Checklist.  

So while the shocking pink glasses are safely tucked away, make yourself a comprehensive review list of items to systematically investigate and question while reviewing THE CAR.  As you create your list,  (just don’t use red ink – unreadable during your rose tainted inspection)  you will want to think through the process carefully to hit all important points.  Listed below are just some suggestions and reminders for your “Sanity List” – as I like to call it.   Please note that this is far from a comprehensive list and was not created with any specific vehicle in mind.  Each car has unique elements and the list should be carefully thought through and customized for THE CAR.   Don’t forget a flashlight – seems to help pierce some of the rosiness of your altered view.  Lastly, enjoy your find, get excited, put on the glasses and bring a set for your companion … but bring the list.

• GENERAL - OriginalityDocumentation / Clear Title manuals / maintenance recordsPrevious ownersReason for saleRecent work done on carSpecifically inquire about issues in each areaTake notes during reviewLook for areas that will need work or restorationMileage commensurate with      condition / originalityKeys for all car itemsSpare parts includedStorage conditionsStudy current market values 
  
• BODY – Paint quality/original/last painted Chrome ConditionPanel fit and straightnessBottom/inside of doorsRust points / problem spotsDoor operation / sound of closeDoor / window gasketsReview windows – operation /  condition / qualityBottom of fendersMissing / broken / loose partsLook down low near road lineRoof condition or convertible fit/finishTire conditionWheel conditionTrunk condition Trunk gaskets
  
•  ENGINE – Engine cleanliness Oil or water leaksOil, water condition (look/smell)Hose connectionsRadiator conditionEngine sound / vibrationExhaust sound / condition / smellEngine breather / smoke / fumesTransmission leaks / soundsTransmission operation / gear changes Clutch feel /operationSteering feel / tight / looseBrakes condition / brake pedal feelThrottle feel / responsivenessChassis inspection / rust / squeaks      / leaks

• INTERIOR – Interior condition / originalitySeating surfaces / rips / wearBack seats conditionCapet / Floor mats Gauges function Radio operation Wood quality 
  
• FINAL STAGES – Study car againAsk questions againReady to buy / sell?Have a number in mindTransportation optionsPayment optionsDo you want to sleep on it?  Buy THE CAR