Archive for the ‘Tricks’ Category

In case you are wondering why Windows Media Player runs in 32 bit mode when you have a 64 bit Windows 7, and how to run the 64 bit version, read on. It seems that by default Microsoft decided on running the 32 bit version, perhaps for codec compatibility. However, the 64 bit version is already included. To use this instead (the quick and easy way) do the following 10 second fix:

1. Unpin the WMP icon from the taskbar (assuming that’s where you started it from)
2. Open C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe (Notice it’s not the C:\Program Files (x86) folder).
3. Just pin that version instead and you are set.

Here’s the result:

My Digital Life blog has posted a rather complex solution that modifies the registry. However, this does will not work if you still have the 32 bit version pinned to the taskbar and you use it from there. Much simpler than running all those registry hacks is to run your 64 bit version and associate all audio and video files with it.

I find that the performance is at least moderately better, especially when loading my immense music library. WMP 32 bit seems to freeze up for at least 5-10 seconds, whereas x64 just takes a second or two. The 64 bit version seems to take up about 7-8MB more RAM, but not that I care now that I have 4 GB to spare.

I’ve been having a problem with my battery for my Thinkpad T61 for a while, and since it’s out of warranty I thought I will need to shell out a $150 for a new one.

Luckily, I decided to check the lenovo forums in case there’s others with a major battery problem (completely dead a month after warranty expired), and turns out it’s an “unofficial” recall for a LARGE number of batteries:

Lenovo has released a software tool to evaluate whether your battery is eligible for a free replacement. Note that this tool is not the same one as the Battery Recall Program (which is safety-related).

There is a catch, though. Most of the time, even if you are experiencing a noticeable problem with your battery, the tool will fail to detect it because it has to talk with the ThinkPad Power Manager. On mine, the Manager said my condition is “Fair” and thus unable to qualify. What I did to get it working is a battery gauge reset, which remeasures the voltages of the battery and hopefully would detect the problem. If it doesn’t, give it a few more tries – but beware – every time you do that it takes a toll on your battery life (deep discharge). Only do that if your battery is crap anyways.

Once you get the “Poor” status, run the tool again and you will be directed to a free replacement order form.

Good luck.

I just got my hands on the most amazing deal for software I’ve ever had, which is a Windows 7 Ultimate for less than $10 through my university’s software program. Since I was already using Windows 7 RC1 for months and the license is set to expire spring 2010, I was more than happy. However, I realized that Windows 7 installer won’t let you upgrade to the final version so I would have to do a clean install. But I DON’T want to. Thankfully, I stumbled across this article on HowToGeek that has a simple 2 second fix to that whole problem.

Enjoy the best OS ever made!