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What is the .GTS file extension? It’s at the end of the file name for movies that I have recorded on my satellite receiver Personal Video Recorder (PVR). It plays through the same USB slot of the receiver on the TV, but my computer doesn’t recognize it. Can you help?

The GTS File Extension

Apparently the GTS file extension is an extension used by CaptiveWorks satellite receivers. The CaptiveWorks Web site didn’t have a support section, nor did they have an area where you can download user’s manuals. However, I did find a little bit of information about GTS files elsewhere on the Web. These files are a variation of the MPEG video format.

Renaming the File

Some users have reported success by simply renaming the file with the .MPG or .MPEG file extension. Once renamed, your standard media player should be able to open the file and play it. To rename a file extension, right-click the file, choose Rename, and change the .GTS extension to either .MPG or .MPEG. Once renamed, try opening the file in Windows Media Player or one of your other favorite media players.

Alternative Media Players

Users have reported quite a few different media players that will play GTS files without having to rename or convert them first. Among the players mentioned are:

• GOM Media Player
• KM Player
• Media Player Classic

Try downloading one of these players and opening the GTS file directly from within the newly downloaded media player.

Using Software

If renaming the file extension doesn’t give you the desired results and none of the above media players do the trick, you can try editing software. You’ll import the GTS file into the video editor where you can then view, edit, or burn it. You may even be able to save the file as a different file extension such as .AVI or MPEG.

You might have decent luck with VideoReDo TV Suite. This is a product designed for editing your PVR recordings, such as from TIVO units and other PVRs, and burning the final product to DVD. While it may be overkill for simply viewing the file, it might work. Try the free trial version and see if you can view the GTS file. The documentation on the VideoReDo site didn’t specifically mention GTS files by name but it did say, “. . . works with the widest variety of PVR and DVR formats.”

MPEG Streamclip Video Converter is another option for converting the GTS file to a more universally supported file format. This product has versions for Windows and Macintosh users.

Hopefully, one of these options will work out for you. I’d first try renaming the file extension and see if you can play it in your favorite media player. If not, I’d download the GOM Player. Apparently the GOM Player actively seeks out video codecs, so it may prove useful in the future. Let us know if any of these solutions work as this file extension is relatively new and not much information is available yet.

I had an old Mac with many files and had them transferred to a PC formatted memory stick. I have since attempted to retrieve files and have been unable.

A number of issues could be the cause of this problem. Let’s go through a few of them and see if any of them relate to your situation.

Basic Data Recovery for Macintosh

In order to transfer files that have been taken from a Macintosh without investing in any type of software, you should be able to transfer them to a compatible Macintosh computer. If you are attempting to transfer them to a PC or computer with a Windows -based operating system, you need to use the same type of software program that you created the files in so that the computer will recognize the files and be able to open them properly. If you don’t have the program that you used, then you need to obtain software that will allow you to do so. You can either get a type of emulator that will convert the files or the same software that you originally used, but for the type of operating system that exists on the new machine.

The PC Formatted Memory Stick

If the memory stick has been used after the files were saved to it, it is possible that either the files or the memory stick itself have become damaged. If this is the case, then you might need to use a data recovery application in order to retrieve the files. To check for this, insert the memory stick into the Mac and check to see if the files are visible. If they are, then the problem is not the memory stick.

Data Recovery for Macintosh

If you have been attempting to transfer the data onto a Macintosh, then the problem is most likely with the memory stick itself. If this is the case, you can obtain a data recovery tool to retrieve the files.

Cross-Platform Compatibility for Mac and Windows

Fortunately, software does exist that will allow you to access your Macintosh data on your PC or Windows based machine. The problem with trying to read Mac files on a PC is that the file extensions that are used by the Windows operating system are not used by Mac. What you need is a software utility that will allow you to rename the files so that they can be read. I’ll offer a couple of programs here with pertinent details, but I cannot vouch for any of them since I haven’t used them.

MacNames is one such application, but it is on the pricier side at a cost of approximately $170. It can be used with Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2003 server, Windows 2000, and Windows XP.

Gemulator Explorer is a free utility for reading Macintosh formatted discs on a Windows computer. You can check it out here: Gemulator Explorer.

The DOCX File Extension

The DOCX file extension is a new file extension used primarily by Microsoft Office 2007, though it is slowly spreading to other word processing applications such as OpenOffice.org.

Unfortunately, since it’s so new, the file extension is going through growing pains. For example, people that do not have Word 2007 must jump through a few hoops in order to open this file type. Fortunately, the hoop jumping isn’t too terribly difficult and you’ll soon be able to open DOCX files with ease.

Updating Your Version of Word for Compatibility

First, if you currently have an earlier version of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can update your version so that it will open DOCX files. This update will also allow you to open Excel 2007 spreadsheets (XLSX files) and PowerPoint 2007 presentations.

You will need to download and install the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office System. This pack updates Word 2000 and above (and Office 2000 and above) so that you can open the new 2007 file formats in your existing software.   

File Extension .DOCX not opening? — Run a free Windows diagnostic scan Now –

Once installed, you’ll be able to use your version of Microsoft Word as normal. It will now have enhanced compatibility features.

Downloading the Free Word 2007 Viewer

The Word 2007 Viewer is also available for anyone who wants to be able to view .DOCX files. This free viewer allows you to open, view, and print DOCX files, but you won’t be able to change, create, or edit Word files in it.

When opening Word 2007 DOCX files in the viewer, some elements created in Word 2007 will be changed to static text or images. This is fine for viewing purposes but may not be desirable if you need to edit these elements (such as equations, bibliographies, citations, diagrams, etc.) in Word 2007 later.

Alternatives to Creating DOCX Files

Some users have Microsoft Word 2007 installed on their computers, but need to save their documents in the earlier .DOC format so that other users can open their documents without having to jump through hoops. This is easy enough to do. If you have Word 2007 and want to save a single document as a .DOC document rather than a .DOCX file, go to the Office button and click Save As > Word 97-2003 Document.

If you want all of your documents to default to .DOC instead of .DOCX, go to the Office button and click on Word Options. Click Save and choose “Word 97-2003 Document (*.DOC)” in the dropdown list next to “Save files in this format.” Click OK.

Is there a review site that is available to average computer users to get comprehensive and reliable advice on software?

CNET Reviews

Yes! Try CNET Reviews. CNET is a highly respected organization that provides unbiased reviews based on tests performed in their labs, user input, and hands-on use. They review thousands of products including computers, hardware, software, monitors, computer devices and printers, laptops, digital cameras, DVD players, TVs, and more. Go to the CNET Web site and click on Reviews and then choose the relevant category from the list. From there, you’ll be able to read detailed reviews by CNET editors and users, view video reviews, read articles, see graphical ratings, and get an overview of the products features and price range.

You can also compare products to similar offerings which is nice when several editions are offered or many products from different vendors have been reviewed.

CNET Downloads

The Downloads section of CNET is also a useful area for computer users. Here you can search for specific types of computer programs and see numerous offerings ranging from free programs to commercial editions. You’ll find reviews and be able to download the applications with confidence that you are using a respected download site that doesn’t discriminately post programs. In fact, CNET tests all downloads for spyware before they offer them on their site.

Softpedia

Another good site is Softpedia.com. This site features reviews, articles, ratings, and downloads. You’ll often see the “100% Clean: No Spyware, No Adware, No Viruses - Certified by Softpedia” graphic on web sites that have earned this certification for their products. This is a respected certification that verifies a product has passed Softpedia’s testing process. However, it’s always smart to double check the Softpedia.com Web site to make sure that the product has in fact passed the tests. After all, developers of malicious software have been known to copy and paste logos from legitimate sources.

Tucows

Tucows is one of the original software download sites and is a huge resource for users of all abilities. You’ll find software reviews as well as tools, videos, and downloads. Like Softpedia and CNET, Tucows ratings are highly sought after by software vendors. On a related note, Tucows has launched Butterscotch.com which uses a similar approach only in video form.

West Coast Labs

Another resource is West Coast Labs. This organization is an independent testing facility that certifies information security products and services. You can look up different security products such as anti-virus or anti-spyware programs and view their test results and certification status.

Each of the above mentioned Web sites should provide you with a wealth of resources when researching software products. In addition, Filetonic.com is growing and we occasionally review products. For example, we recently reviewed about 20 antivirus applications for 2009 as well as online backup programs.

I have problems sending email under Windows Live Mail. I get the error message “msmail.dll mail could not be initialized (0×80041161)”. Next, IE7 has started blocking access to MSN sites consistently. I also get locked out of Yahoo Messenger and receive notices to update Java and Adobe as well as low memory. My fourth question relates to another PC which says my Office 2000 Professional software is not found on the PC or CD-ROM, so how to correct this? Finally, is there a free anti-spyware program that works with AVG 8.0 free antivirus software?

Let’s take each question one at a time and see if we can’t solve some of your computer problems.

Windows Live Mail Msmail.dll Error

The Windows Live Mail msmail.dll error appears to be related to a poor shutdown of the application. Many users have reported that rebooting has solved this problem while others have successfully solved it by going to Task Manager and ending any WLMail.exe processes running under the Process tab.

Internet Explorer Blocks Access to MSN Sites

Is it possible that someone has adjusted your security settings to block specific websites? For example, many companies create group policies that restrict users from visiting specific Web sites. I’ve heard of non-Microsoft Web browsers (such as Firefox) being blocked from accessing MSN sites but not necessarily Internet Explorer 7.

You might check your Internet Options settings to see if MSN sites have been added to the Restricted Sites list. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Security and click on Restricted Sites. Click on Sites. From here, you can add and remove sites. Likewise, your firewall may be blocking access to specific Web sites as well.

Yahoo Messenger and Updating Java and Adobe Messages

Yahoo Messenger periodically updates the underlying technologies used, thus requiring users to update their computers. Many users report problems with updating Java and Adobe. These two programs generally require a full uninstall before you download an updated version. Go to Add and Remove Programs and uninstall Java and Adobe before downloading and installing the latest version. Here’s an article discussing Java installations.

Out of Memory Issues

Out of memory issues can be related to any number of problems. One of the biggest culprits is having too many programs running at once. Many of these are needlessly running, so it pays to close them - and prevent programs from launching automatically whether you need them or not. Another culprit is spyware. Thus, I’m going to recommend that you download Windows Defender if you don’t have it already.

This free Microsoft product guards against spyware and features a handy Startup Programs management tool. Simply launch Defender, go to Tools, click Software Explorer, and view the Startup Programs list. When you see a program that you don’t need to run at all times, click Disable (or remove if you want to remove it from the list completely).

While you’re at it, go to Options and set up regular spyware scans.

Office Professional Software is Not Found

I’m not exactly clear on your Office Professional error. Was it previously installed on this PC and now it can’t be found? If so, the shortcut may be corrupt. Shortcut icons do occasionally go bad. If this is the case, delete the shortcut and create a new one. Do this by right-clicking the Start button and choosing Explore. Now, let’s navigate to the Program Files folder. Find the Microsoft folder. Next, find the Office folder. It may have a version number in its name. For example, I have Office 2007 and the Office folder is named “Office 12.” Now, look for the various application files such as winword.exe, excel.exe, and powerpnt.exe. Right click each one and click Create Shortcut.

Free Anti-Spyware Programs

We recently reviewed a crop of antivirus programs for 2009. Of those reviewed, several offered anti-spyware protection. Of those, I did find one that is free for personal use. Avast Antivirus is a well-respected application that provides free virus and spyware protection for personal users. Read the full review here: http://filetonic.com/blog/2008/10/24/avast-antivirus/.

What are PPS Files?

Before we tackle translating the PPS file from one language to the next, let’s go over PPS files in general. PPS files are PowerPoint Slideshows which are presentations that you can view on your computer. These files are created in Microsoft Office’s PowerPoint application. If you have PowerPoint installed on your PC, you should be able to open the Dutch PPS file in “edit” mode where you can then quickly translate the Dutch text into English.

Translating the Dutch Text into English

Once the PPS file is opened in PowerPoint, you can use the built-in translation tool to translate the text into one of many languages, including from Dutch to English. For example, I translated the first paragraph of this article into Dutch as shown below:

Wat zijn PPS Dossiers?

Alvorens wij het vertalen van het PPS dossier uit één taal in volgende aanpakken, ga in het algemeen over PPS dossiers. PPS de dossiers zijn Powerpoint Slideshows die presentaties zijn die u op uw computer kunt bekijken. Deze dossiers worden gecreërd in de toepassing van het Powerpoint van het Bureau van Microsoft. Als u Powerpoint hebt dat op uw PC wordt geïnstalleerd, zou u moeten kunnen openen.

I haven’t a clue as to the accuracy of the translation as I don’t speak Dutch; perhaps one of our Dutch readers can chime in and let us know how the translation looks. In the meantime, this easy-to-use tool should provide you with a decent starting point.

Selecting the Text

First, you’ll need to select the text that you want to translate and copy it (Control + C). If the PPS file is large, you may be better off copying and pasting the text into Microsoft Word and using Office’s translation feature in Word instead of going slide by slide in PowerPoint. Either way, once you have the text selected, hit the Shift and F7 keys simultaneously. This will open the Research pane. Paste the text into the Search For box and then use the dropdown menu to select Translation.

Setting the Translation

Once the Translation setting has been selected, you’ll need to choose Dutch under “From” and English under “To.” Your translated text will appear in the pane below where you can copy and paste it into a new slide or Word document.

It’s easy. Here are just a few samples of “What are PPS Files?” translated into different languages:

• 什么是PPS文件？(Chinese)
• Was sind PPS Akten? (German)
• ¿Cuáles son archivos del PPS? (Spanish)
• Är vad PPS sparar? (Swedish)
• Будут архивами PPS? (Russian)

Online Translations

If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can use the World Lingo free translator, which powers the translation feature found in Office, over the Internet. Here’s the World Lingo Translator link.

Google’s “Google Translate” gadget is also an option for translating text. Simply copy your text into the box, choose the languages, and click the Translate button.

Translating Spoken Dutch to English

As far as the spoken Dutch goes, you’ll likely need to hire an actual translator to translate the spoken words into English. Many professional Web sites offer translation services such as TranslationCentral.com and those listed on Languages on the Web. Other options include posting an ad on Craiglist.org to see if any Dutch speakers in your community would be willing to help you out for a small fee or contacting a university or college with a Dutch language program for assistance. Professors may know of students that might be willing to help out or you may be able to post a flyer on their bulletin board.