Cory's Forums

Linux :: Slow usb (?)

Author: clievers
Subject: Slow usb (?)
Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:13 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Was getting slow file copy. Found this page the suggested doing modprobe stuff. Putting here for future reference.

Quote:

I don�t know when this happened but my external USB drives were running really slow. Reading RAW images off them took ages, backups took forever, and moving files back and forth was plain slow.

I use two Seagate FreeAgent external drives. They�re both USB 2 devices so should sustain more than the maximum 1MB/s I was seeing. I decided to go looking. First stop was /var/log/syslog where I found the following:

usb 2-1.2.4.4: new full speed USB device using uhci_hcd and address 13
usb 2-1.2.4.4: not running at top speed; connect to a high speed hub

To cut a long story short, after a few searches I found bug 66115 where the same problem is described. Unfortunately the ticket has since been closed but the work around discovered by Jean Pierre Rupp works for me too. I haven�t modified any files in /etc/ but unloading ehci_hcd and uhci_hcd and reloading in the correct order worked for me:

rmmod ehci_hcd
rmmod uhci_hcd
modprobe ehci_hcd
modprobe uhci_hcd

Now I get a very respectable 15-20MB/s when using rsync to transfer files from my internal drive and reads are super fast:

hdparm -tT /dev/sdi1

/dev/sdi1:
Timing cached reads: 3964 MB in 2.00 seconds = 1985.16 MB/sec
Timing buffered disk reads: 82 MB in 3.03 seconds = 27.08 MB/sec

Next on the TODO list is making sure the modules are loaded in the correct order on reboot. Time to dive into /etc

[/quote]
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Windows :: Auto Update Client script to force Update Detection (WSUS)

Author: clievers
Subject: Auto Update Client script to force Update Detection (WSUS)
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 12:42 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

In testing WSUS on Windows Server 2008, I had my test Client that I needed to keep checking for updates, and not wait for it to do it on it's own (or else that could have taken a really long time).

So I came across a page on WSUS: Script to Force the Update Detection from Automatic Update Client (WUA) for updates on WSUS Server. This seemed to work so I had to post it to my forums in case this site goes down, so I can get the script code again.

Just copy the code and save it to a "AUForceUpdate.cmd" file. Double click this file to run it.

Code:

@echo off
Echo This batch file will Force the Update Detection from the AU client:
Echo 1. Stops the Automatic Updates Service (wuauserv)
Echo 2. Deletes the LastWaitTimeout registry key (if it exists)
Echo 3. Deletes the DetectionStartTime registry key (if it exists)
Echo 4. Deletes the NextDetectionTime registry key (if it exists)
Echo 5. Restart the Automatic Updates Service (wuauserv)
Echo 6. Force the detection
Pause
@echo on
net stop wuauserv
REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update" /v LastWaitTimeout /f
REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update" /v DetectionStartTime /f
Reg Delete "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update" /v NextDetectionTime /f
net start wuauserv
wuauclt /detectnow
@echo off
Echo This AU client will now check for the Updates on the Local WSUS Server.
Pause

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Apple :: Mac OS X Optimization with Tech Tool Pro 4 for Boot Camp

Author: clievers
Subject: Mac OS X Optimization with Tech Tool Pro 4 for Boot Camp
Posted: Tue Nov 11, 2008 11:04 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Mac OS X Optimization with Tech Tool Pro 4 for Boot Camp

So, I went to run the Boot Camp Wizard to install Windows XP on my Mac. I got an error in Boot Camp that wouldn't let me continue. After doing some research, it appeared that possibly I had to Defrag the drive. So I booted into a dvd of Tech Tool Pro 4 and ran the optimizer. It said I had almost 2 thousand fragmented files. So I ran it. After about 9 hours, it finally finished.

I booted back into Mac OS X and tried Boot Camp Wizard again. Didn't work. I went into the Disk Utility and noticed that it wasn't journaled again, again after some research showed that journaling may have to be on. So I booted back into Tech Tool and under Tools and turned Journaling back on.

Back in Mac OS X, Boot Camp Wizard complained that the disk may need to be repaired. So, in Disk Utility I ran 'Verify Disk' and it reports that it appears to be OK. Trying the Boot Camp wizard again now, and after crossing my fingers for a while, I'm seeing a status bar showing that it is actually Partitioning the disk.

(Note, that when the partition scheme comes up, where you have to select the sizes, Windows was defaulting to 5GB and there are buttons for "Divide Equally" and "Use 32GB". What isn't quite as clear is that you can choose a custom size. You can do this by clicking on the little circle between your Mac OS X partition and the Windows partition, and dragging left/right. This changes the size)

After the partitioning is complete continue to follow the instructions and insert your Windows disk, wait for it to be recognized, and then click the Start Installation button. The computer will now reboot and start up from the Windows installation disc. When the Windows setup gets to the point of asking where to install, be sure to select the "C: Partition3 <BOOTCAMP> [FAT32]" (or similar) item. Do a quick NTFS file system format. Do the install as you would a normal system. After Windows XP is installed, eject the Windows disc insert your Mac disc to install Windows drivers following the onscreen instructions.

Now, when booting up your computer, old the 'option' key until you can view the available startup disks. You can also set which operating system you want to boot by default.

Hope this helps someone.
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Linux :: Change Nero image to ISO image

Author: clievers
Subject: Change Nero image to ISO image
Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 2:52 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Change Nero image to ISO image

Often a Nero image needs to be burned. But what happens if you don't have Nero, or you are just trying to burn on Linux?

Well, I came across a site today that shows how to change a Nero image file into an ISO file.

Code:

dd bs=1k if=image.nrg of=image.iso skip=300

It appears to just skip ahead 300k and keep the rest. So, Nero must just have it's own proprietary information in the first 300k of the file.
Sweet.
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MythTV :: Duplicate Channel Listings in MythTV

Author: clievers
Subject: Duplicate Channel Listings in MythTV
Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2008 2:26 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Duplicate Channel Listings in MythTV

So I've had this issue for the past while, where the program listings in my mythfrontend and mythweb had a number of channels that only showed "NO DATA" - not the actual shows. Then one day I realized, when searching for a show, it was finding the program on one of those channels that showed "NO DATA". I thought that was very strange, that program details were there, but I just couldn't see them. Thus the investigation...

It turns out, my cable tv provider, Shaw Cable, had gone through a series of lineup changes (moving channels around, etc). Well, my mythtv is set to update channel listings, to pick up new channels. So, the information was there, if searching on an actual Show, but when browsing the listings, the listings were only showing the earliest channel. So if I had two "Channel 4" in the database, my listings showed the irrelevant one. So, I concluded I had to go through my database and delete the channel's no longer in use.

Mythtv pulls the guide data from SchedulesDirect, so I logged into my account and wrote down all of the channel's (and their callsign/callname). Then, I got all of the channel information from the mythtv database (mythconverg).

Code:

select chanid, channum, callsign, name from channel order by channum;

I then compared side-by-side to see what channels existed in the database, that should not be there (they were incorrect while comparing to the data from SchedulesDirect). From this comparison, I got a series of "chanid"'s (1004,1010,1013,1034,1038,1047,1045,1054,1094,1086,1085,1070). These were the ones that were invalid. Just to double check, for each of these channel id's, I checked the database to see if there any programs for the channel, unlikely since guide data is for 14 days only. For each channel, I ran the sql query:

Code:

select chanid, starttime, endtime, title from program where chanid = #Put-ChanId-Here#;

Sure enough, there was no program data (if there was program data, likely you would want to delete the program data for that channel prior to deleting the channel). Time to delete the channels.

The easiest way is to run one sql statement to delete the channel's, rather then running a dozen different one's. This way is using mysql's "IN" keyword:

Code:

delete from channel where chanid IN(1004,1010,1013,1034,1038,1047,1045,1054,1094,1086,1085,1070);

Now, when I pull up my listings, I have no more "NO DATA" channel's, and the data is there. Sweet!
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Apple :: Share the Internet to your iPpd Touch with your Mac

Author: clievers
Subject: Share the Internet to your iPpd Touch with your Mac
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:17 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

When I'm at work, I cannot use my iPod Touch to browse the Internet / go to the Apps store / etc, because there is no WiFi available. So, I did some searching on how it might be possible to get a connection using my wired ethernet at work.

It turns out, you can enable Internet Sharing via your Ethernet connection - out your AirPort, on your Mac. Sweet. I followed the instructions found on Paulywood. In case the site goes down for some reason (and I need info on how to do it again), I'll quote it.

Quote:

I have an iPod Touch but I don�t have a wireless router. How could I use the features that require wifi. After searching for a way to connect my iPod to the internet, I was able to use the Internet Sharing feature on my iMac.

Before you start you need to turn AirPort: On

Step#1:Open System Preferences / Sharing

Step#2:Under Service click on Internet Sharing, for Share your connection from: select �Built-in Ethernet, for To computers using: select �AirPort�

Step#3:Click AirPort Options, choose a Network Name, Enable encryption, choose your Password, click �OK�

Step#4:Under Service check the Internet Sharing box, and click Start

When you turn on your iPod Touch and open Safari, a list of networks will appear, choose the one you made and enter your password. Now you can enjoy all the wireless features on your iPod Touch.

Hope this helps.
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Windows :: Running Scheduled Task with no user password

Author: clievers
Subject: Running Scheduled Task with no user password
Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:22 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

I recently ran into a situation where a computer auto-logged on to the Administrator account (therefore it has no password), and we needed to set up a couple of backup jobs (ntbackup). When setting a schedule for the jobs though, it prompted for username/password. Clicking "ok" didn't work, even though there was no password. It turns out this is a local security setting, that prevents this. To disable it under XP Pro, go to Start | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Local Security Policy.
Then go to Local Policies | Security.
On the right hand side (third one down), the one that says "Accounts: Limit local account use of blank passwords to console logon only.", edit this entry and set it to disabled.
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Database - MySQL :: myisamchk on corrupt database table

Author: clievers
Subject: myisamchk on corrupt database table
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:31 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

- Stop mysql
- Move into DB directory

Code:

cd /var/lib/mysql/dbfoldername

- Run myisamchk

Code:

myisamchk -s --update-state *.MYI

- Find the table(s) that are corrupt then for each, run:

Code:

myisamchk -r tablename

- After complete, for kicks, again run:

Code:

myisamchk -s --update-state *.MYI

- Start mysql again
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Linux :: Windows Install pfsense to a CF-Card for ALIX.2C3

Author: clievers
Subject: Windows Install pfsense to a CF-Card for ALIX.2C3
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 1:37 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Windows Install Steps of pfsense to a CF Memory Card for ALIX.2C3 Firewall

Recently I purchased parts from netgate to build a pfsense firewall. It is an ALIX.2C3 setup. I tried a few methods to try and get things working, but ended up getting some help from a colleague on a couple steps I missed. Below is a guideline to the steps I performed to get it working. "rockpenguin" wrote up a nice how-to as well on Installing pfsense on the alix2c1. It sure would have been handy had I seen it when I was putting mine together. He uses linux and dd to do the image work, whereas mine used mostly Windows, hence my brief post.

---

Install freedos on CF Card to update bios

This is very important. It was one of the steps I missed when doing my setup. Without the most recent bios, the newest pfsense did not fully boot. It would freeze on the dhcp portion when booting. It was very frustrating.

Backup CF Card if required - this will erase your card. If you happen to have an old CF Card lying around, perfect. Dedicate it to your bios updates. I only have one, so if I were to update in the future, I would either have to buy another card, or scrap my pfsense install and then re-do that afterwards.
Insert CF Card in card reader and connect to Windows computer
Identify drive letter and disk number
On Windows, extract the "freedos3.zip" (See resources below) file somewhere, and open a command prompt into this folder.
Copy the "physdiskwrite.exe" file to this folder as well
Type "physdiskwrite freedos_alixupdate_0.99.img" (what the image is we want to write)
Type the disk number of the CF Card, at this writing my CF Card is J:\ which should be PhysicalDrive4. Type "y" to overwrite. Let it write the image.
Open up J:\ (CF Card drive) and extract the new bios zip file contents to it
Load up serial program (such as hyperterminal, or other. I used linux's minicom for this step though) and boot to freedos
Type "sb" and it will quickly update the bios

Write pfSense Image to Memory Card

Insert CF Card into Memory Card Reader
Open Command Prompt and change directory to where your working files are
Type "physdiskwrite pfSense-*.img.gz" (whatever the pfsense image is we want to write)
Type the disk number of the CF Card, at this writing my CF Card is J:\ which should be PhysicalDrive4. Type "y" to overwrite. Let it write the image to the CF Card.

Assemble ALIX Parts - Booting Up

Put CF Card in the CF-bay of the ALIX board
Connect laptop/lan to ethernet jack closest to power supply (vr0)
Connect wan cable to ethernet jack furthest from power supply (vr2)
Launch TeraTerm (Windows Serial app) or minicom (Linux Serial app) on the appropriate COM port.
Turn power on and enter the bios by quickly hitting "s".
Press "9" to specify "9600 baud"
Press "q" to quit
Change minicom serial settings (might have to power unit off now) to "9600" instead of the "38400"
Power on and let boot / load
Configure your network cards and pfsense setup
Initial pfSense should be at 192.168.1.1/24, log onto webConfigurator at http://192.168.1.1 with user/pwd of admin/pfsense

---

Resources

Freedos Information
Bios Updates
ALIX Parts
pfsense
Tutorial on WRAP (pre-ALIX) install

---

Hopefully this can offer any help with something you may have missed. Note that I take no responsibility if you screw up your system (like installing to your c-drive instead of CF Card for example, double check your disk numbers !!!).

I also hope I haven't forgotten anything or that something doesn't make sense. I didn't really keep too good of documentation while I set it all up. Most of this is from memory and some rough guideline notes.

Good luck. !!!
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Windows :: Setting Windows to synch its time to NTP

Author: clievers
Subject: Setting Windows to synch its time to NTP
Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:01 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

For Windows computers not joined to a Windows domain, you can just double-click on your clock, and set your settings on the third tab: Internet Time.

However, for Windows computers on a domain, or for Windows domain controllers, this third tab does not exist. One way to set the computer so it will do the NTP time updates from external time pools is to run the following command in the command prompt:

Code:

net time /setsntp:"0.north-america.pool.ntp.org,1.north-america.pool.ntp.org,2.north-america.pool.ntp.org,3.north-america.pool.ntp.org"

, obviously subsitituting the comma-delimeted list with time pools of your choosing.
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Database - MySQL :: RE: MySql Tasks / Commands

Author: clievers
Subject: Convert Binary MySql Log to Ascii
Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 9:31 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 1

The tool mysqlbinlog allow you to examine the binary logs in text format.

To use it, run:

Code:

mysqlbinlog test-bin.001 > /tmp/testqueries.log

where you are currently in the mysql log directory (ie: /var/log/mysql/) and test-bin.001 is the binary file and /tmp/testqueries.log is the ascii outputted file to examine later.
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Windows :: Remote Into Windows Server Console

Author: clievers
Subject: Remote Into Windows Server Console
Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:03 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

When you remote (remote desktop) into a Windows Server, you are loggin in as one of the built-in terminal sessions. Usually there are two of these available.
If you need to login though, just as if you are in front of the computer, the Console, you can do it through the command:

Code:

mstsc /console /v:192.168.105.163 /w:800 /h:600

This will login to specified ip address, and optionally set it to 800x600 resolution.
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Windows :: Open .chm file from Network Share

Author: clievers
Subject: Open .chm file from Network Share
Posted: Wed Oct 24, 2007 8:38 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Open .chm file from Network Share

Have you ever tried to open a .chm file (Microsoft Compiled HTML file) from a network share? No go. I can open it fine locally, but as soon as I copy it to my file server, then try to open it via my mapped drive, the content won't display when opening it. Well, I finally came across a comment on a site that shows how to edit the registry to make this work.

Quote:

If you add the following registry change to your PC you can open chm files stored on a network share.

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\HTMLHelp\1.x\ItssRestrictions]
"MaxAllowedZone"=dword:00000004

Also, it's worth mentioning

Quote:

that if you have some characters anywher on the fullpathname of the CHM (notably #, as in -of course- C#), then the CHM blows. Just replace "#" by "Sharp" in the pathname and the CHM works again.

I discovered this the hard way as well, but since another comment in the site mentions this, it's worth mentioning here, because it was a big issue for me.
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Windows :: Check for listening ports

Author: clievers
Subject: Check for listening ports
Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 1:05 pm (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Had to do a check for my local system and what ports it was listening on. My colleague helped me with giving me the command:

Code:

netstat -an | find /i "listening"

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Linux :: Mount/Remount a hard drive

Author: clievers
Subject: Mount/Remount a hard drive
Posted: Fri Aug 24, 2007 10:18 am (GMT -6)
Topic Replies: 0

Mount/Remount a hard drive

Mounting a hard drive is easy, just do:

Code:

mount /media/hda1

where /media/hda1 is the partition you are wishing to mount.

If you have a mounted drive and you need to remount it, either to read-only or read-write (depending on how it is currently mounted), just do the following. For read-only:

Code:

mount -oremount,ro /media/hda1

and for read-write:

Code:

mount -remount,rw /media/hda1

.
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