Saturday, August 14, 2010

Dropbox Online file storage - 2GB of storage for free

I signed up for this service after a friend recommended it to me, and I must say it's pretty sweet. I really like the fact that they have Windows, Mac, and Linux client software that lets you integrate the service so it appears as a local storage location on your computer. I've got it installed on my Netbook and my Notebook, they both have Ubuntu Netbook Remix installed. I currently don't have access to my Hackintosh system or my Windows 7 gaming PC but I'll be installing it as soon as I can go pick them up and bring them to where I'm currently staying.

Here is a referral link to sign up for the free service if you are interested. If you use my link I get a free additional 250 megabytes of storage space, and you also get an additional 250 megabytes of storage space added to your dropbox account.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

how to fix your Acer Aspire One netbook if it has the Blank screen and doesn't boot problem

I picked up an Acer Aspire One A150 ZG5 netbook off ebay as a parts or repair system. the hard drive was removed but it came with everything else. It wouldn't display anything on the screen and wouldn't POST so I got on google and did some research and found this info on several different websites. I don't know who the original poster was for this info but thank you, as it worked perfectly for me. I now have a working netbook for less than $100 dollars total (I already had a sata notebook drive I could use)

anyways here is the info.

1) Format a USB memory key with the FAT mode.
2) Download the latest version of the BIOS from Acer support website:

* HERE if you have a Aspire One A150
http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/notebook/as_one_150.html

* HERE for the Aspire One A110
http://support.acer-euro.com/drivers/notebook/as_one_110.html

3) Extract the files from the zip and put both the FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the root directory of the memory key.

4) Rename the BIOS file to ZG5IA32.FD and then remove the disk.

5) Turn the AA1 off, insert the battery and connect the AC adapter.

6) Insert the USB Memory Key into one of the USB port of the Aspire One.

 note: I've read different reports stating that it usually works better if you use the usb ports on the left side of the netbook, I used one on the left when I did my flash and it worked for me


7) Press Fn+Esc, keep it pressed and press the power button to turn the AA1 on.

8) Release Fn+Esc after a few seconds, the power button will be blinking.

9) Press the power button once. The AA1 will start the BIOS flash, do not interrupt for any reason. After some minutes the power button will stop blinking, and then the AA1 will reboot. Wait till the AA1 has completed all this operations.

If you're having issues with a D250 aka KAV60 Acer Aspire one Netbook try these instructions

http://gadgetmix.com/netbook/acer-aspire-d250-bios-recovery/

Something went wrong with your Aspire D250 BIOS? Download the latest BIOS from support.acer.com and follow these instructions:
  1. First format an USB stick with FAT, if this option is not available use a smaller USB stick (eg 1Gig)
  2. Download the latest BIOS, and put both FLASHIT.EXE and the BIOS file in the root directory of the stick. Do NOT rename the BIOS file, it should be KAV60.fd
  3. Now connect the USB stick to the AA1
    Turn the AA1 off, DISCONNECT the battery but leaving the AC adapter connected. Press Fn+Esc, keep it pressed and press the power button to turn the AA1 on. Release Fn+Esc after a few seconds. Press power button if it begins to blink, otherwise do nothing. The AA1 will now initiate the BIOS flash, do not interrupt it under any circumstances. The AA1 will reboot shortly after. Wait patiently.

  4. The BIOS has been flashed and all settings reset to default.