Can't install Microsoft Security Essentials (Error Code 0x80070643)

Problem:  You can't install Microsoft Security Essentials and get an error coder 0x80070643.

First, be sure to go through these steps.

But when I found that this didn't help, I kept digging and realized I have was having other problems including not being able to open the Management Console or searching from the start menu.  Error 1606 also appeared in the event log.

That's when I came across KB886549, which addresses some registry settings pointing to user profile locations. Just run the "Fix it" button and you're set and should be able to install Microsoft Security Essentials.

Unhide Folders Hidden By a Virus

Problem:  a virus reached your flash drive (maybe even your entire computer) and hid all you folders.  You may even see that your folders have been replaced by a shortcut icon (one with a black arrow in the lower corner).  After removing the virus, the folders can't be unhidden and the property check boxes do not respond.

Solution:  Use a command prompt to change the attributes.

1)  Open the command prompt by going to Start > Run and typing "cmd".  A black screen will open.

2)  Type attrib -s -h /S /D x:\

NOTE:  x:\ should be the drive indicating your flash drive that has the hidden folders.

Open the flash drive again and your folders should now be visible again.

Outlook 2003: MAPI32.DLL error

Problem:  You open Outlook and you get the following error message:

Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. MAPI32.DLL is corrupt or the wrong version. This could have been caused by installing other messaging software. Please reinstall Outlook.

Solution:  For some reason, a repair installation doesn't seem to have any effect on this problem, but the solution is quite simple. 

1.  Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033

NOTE:  For 64-bit OS, the path might be C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\System\MSMAPI\1033

2.  Find the file MSMAPI.DLL and rename it to MSMAPI.OLD.

3.  Open Outlook 2003 and all should be well.  A new MSMAPI.DLL file should be visiable.

How to Remove Password Protection in Excel

I've used this in Excel 2003, but it claims to work in other version:

Download Excel Password Remover 2010

When you open the file, you may get a security warning, so open Excel and go to Tools >  Macro... > Security and change the level to "Low." 

Open Excel Password Remover 2010 again and it will install.

To unlock, go to Tools > Unlock Workbook (or Unlock Sheet) to be able to edit the document.

Jailbroken iPhone 3.1.3 Apps Crash

I jailbroke my iPhone 3G with firmware 3.1.3 and after doing so, any new apps I installed would crash when trying to open.  It was frustrating to see everything close and be back on the home screen.  I finally fixed it:

In iTunes, select the iPhone under the list of devices. 

Go to the Applications tab and click "Sync Applications."

Click Apply.

Click Sync.

Once the Sync is complete, the apps should open.  Very odd bug, indeed.

Excel 2007 - How to Freeze Multiple Columns and/or Rows

 To freeze multiple columns in an Excel spreadsheet, click on the column to the right of the column you wish to freeze and click through the following:

View > Freeze Panes > Freeze Panes

You can do this for rows, too. 

If you want both rows and columns to freeze, then click the single cell you wish to start scrolling with, and go through the same menus above. 

Blackberry - "My Number" is "Unknown"

When you go to make a call, you notice that "My Number" doesn't actually list your number, it just says "Unknown".  You can manually add this by doing the following:

Go to Settings > Options > Advanced Options > SIM Card

Click the button just to the left of the trackball to bring up an options menu and select "Edit SIM Phone Number".

Enter your phone number and press the trackball to save the number.

Done!