Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Things I've learned over the last 24 hours, Vol.1

1) If Windows XP is installed to a PC running Windows Vista, and you are careful to install XP to a seperate, unused partition, so as to not damage Vista, then, upon completion, you can no longer boot Vista. ** Vista No Longer Uses The Boot.ini File. ** The CORRECT way to do this is to install XP FIRST, then Vista.

SOLUTION to the problem, if you've already done the damage:
a) Run a Vista repair install.
b) In Vista, download and install a program called EasyBCD (currently v1.52)
c) Use EasyBCD to add a boot entry for Windows XP, allowing you to repair the XP boot option that was removed when Vista was repaired.

2) Lexmark Optra S1250, or other Optra S-series printer giving error 241 paper jams?
           The problem is most likely caused by worn pick-up rollers on the bottom of the printer, positioned over the paper tray. When the rollers get worn, they no longer are able to pick the paper up from the tray. Rather than trying to find and order replacement rollers, and then wait for the rollers to arrive, you can fix the problem yourself in about 2 minutes:
a) remove the paper tray and toner cartridge, then turn the printer on it's side so you can easily see the bottom.
b) visually locate the rollers - there are 2, and they look like off-white rubber cylinders, about 1.5 inches long.
c) Pull the rollers off the metal spindle they are on.
d) Turn the rollers inside-out.
e) Replace them on the spindles, place the printer back right-side-up, replace the toner and paper-tray, and congratulate yourself on saving the printer service fee.

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