This happens a lot with Mac/PC users - music is downloaded with one operating system, but then the user switches to another operating system, but the process should be the same for Vista and XP.

Repair the iPod

When you connect to iTunes, there is an option to repair the iPod. This is actually a bit misleading, and instead of repair, you are actually erasing everything on the device and starting over with the factory settings. Make sure that anything you want to save is backed up first, before you try any kind of repair. If this is a hand-me-down iPod and you don’t care about what is currently on it, go ahead and wipe it clean and start over.

Install the latest version of iTunes on the computer you are going to be using. Connect the iPod to the PC - hopefully iTunes will recognize the iPod.   On the first page, where you see information about the iPod, you will be able to click on the repair button and start the repair process to bring it back to factory settings.

Authorize the Computer

If you are using a new computer and want to synch your iPod to this new computer, you can go to the iTunes app on the iPod while it is connected to the computer and deauthorize it. First, make sure that your files are backed up to an external drive or CD ROM(s).  In the new operating system, download iTunes, setup the account and then import the files from the back up media. You can then go back to the iTunes store and “Authorize” the new computer.

In order to backup your iPod to a CD or external drive, go to Backup, then File and select Backup to Disc. You can also manage your music and video files from a third-party software system such as ephPod, which is a Windows application that is able to quickly transfer songs and libraries.

Watch Media Files from Nokia Phone on your PC

It should be possible to watch media files that you send from your Nokia phone to your PC - here are some steps to try to sort it out. The first thing that you need is a copy of the Nokia PC Suite installed on your computer. Depending on your Nokia phone model, you should have this program on a disc included with your phone. If you haven’t already done so, put the disc in your computer disc drive and follow the prompts to install the program. The Nokia PC Suite program will enable you to seamlessly transfer material between your PC and your Nokia phone, install new software for your Nokia phone and connect your PC to the Internet through your phone. For more general information about the Nokia PC Suite, check out this Nokia PC Suite information page.

Connect your Nokia Phone to your PC

Once you have the PC Suite loaded on your computer, you can attach your Nokia phone with either a USB cable or a Bluetooth connection. When the Nokia is properly synched you should see an icon in the panel on the bottom right of the Windows screen.

Open the Nokia PC Suite and Media Player

Click to open the phone device screen, and then choose the mode of transfer for the files. From the list called Select Mode, choose PC Suite. Now, using the All Programs list inside the Start Menu, choose to open the Nokia PC Suite Program. Once open, select the Nokia Multimedia Player.

Select and Play Media Files on your Computer

When the player opens you should be able to browse all the media files and video clips that are stored on your Nokia phone and play them on your computer through the Nokia PC Suite media player. Simply click File on the top left of the Nokia Player screen, then Open.

Provide More Specific Details

If you are trying to email the files from you phone to your computer, or if you are having trouble opening the files in a different player, the steps above might solve the problem. If not, you might want to write again and provide some more specific details about the file you are trying to open, including the file type and the player you are using and we can take it from there. Good luck!

Depending on the model of your Nokia phone, there are some MP3 Player programs available online for download and purchase. For example, for the Nokia 9300 and 9500, there is the MP3Player application made by Viking Informatics. This program is available online for purchase for $11.95 USD. This is a popular download, with over 11,000 users, that works with Symbian Smartphones, supports Bluetooth and displays skins. This program plays MP3 files, MPEG 1, 2 and 2.5 and ABR and VBR files. The user interface is friendly and displays songs and artists, organized files into folders and offers time elapsed and remaining.

Download an MP3 Player

To download this player, here is a Softpedia link - but, as always, be careful about what you download and be sure to have an up to date and active anti-virus and anti-malware defense system ready to scan the program file. Once you go to the link and click the download tab, the installation will launch and a wizard will open to guide you through the process. There are also free programs available for download - but I can’t vouch for their safety or function. If you are interested in a free program, I might suggest that you spend some time browsing Nokia Media Player forums online and see what other users are recommending or warning against to narrow your options.

Find the Right MP3 Player for your Nokia Phone

If you have a different Nokia phone, you can perform a search for an MP3 player for your model. If the phone can support an MP3 player, you should be able to find a program to buy with relative ease. Once found, the steps to download and install should be provided by the site.

For More Specific Advice

The exact process and steps to install a program will vary depending on the model of your Nokia phone and the MP3 player you decide to buy. If you want more assistance, you can write again with some details about your phone and the MP3 player you are interested in and we can take it from there. Good luck!

The HP IPAQ Palm Reader is a terrific device that lets you connect to the Internet in order to access emails, browse the web, send texts, and use instant messaging services just to mention a few of the many functions it provides for its users. Setting up your modem connection is a bit of a conundrum the first time that you need to go through it. After all, it isn’t something that you do every day, so you can’t be expected to know exactly what to do without first finding out. Since you haven’t given me your model number, I’ve provided the steps for two common procedures that you might need to take below.

Setting up Modem Connection

Follow these simple directions in order to set up your IPAQ’s modem connection:

1. In order to obtain your ISP number, all you need to do is contact your Internet Service Provider and tell the representative what you need it for. She will give you the correct number to use. Do this before you take any other steps.
2. Make sure that you have the appropriate modem card by checking the documentation for your IPAQ.
3. Insert the card into the proper slot on the IPAQ.
4. Access the “Today” screen and select “Start.”
5. Using your stylus, select “Settings.”
6. Select “Connections.” This step brings up the option that you need in order to connect to the Internet.
7. Access the drop down menu in order to select “Internet Connections.”
8. Using the stylus, select the “Modify” button. Drag down and select “New.” Please note that this option might include other words such as add or create, depending on your model of IPAQ.
9. At this point, you get to name the connection. Next, select the type of modem that you are using. Plus, you must also enter the transfer rate for the modem.
10. Enter the number for your Internet Service Provider and select “Next.”
11. Personalize your settings for the number of rings that you prefer to occur before allowing the modem to hang up along with any other options that you want to use.
12. Select “Finish” in order to save the settings for your modem connection.

Setting up Modem Connection: GSM/GPRS

Many of the newer models of Palm Readers use GSM/GPRS capability. You will need to use this set of directions if this is the case.

1. Make sure you check the documentation for your IPAQ and obtain the appropriate modem card. Insert the card into the proper slot on your IPAQ.
2. Access the “Today” screen and select the “wireless icon” in the lower right-hand side of the screen.
3. Select the option for “Settings” which should appear next to the phone/Bluetooth icon.
4. The GSM/GPRS data should appear. Now, select your “Country” as well as your “Service Provider” from the drop down menu list that is available.
5. Select “OK.”
6. Your system should begin and complete an updating process. Once it takes you back to the Phone/Bluetooth settings, select “OK.”
7. You should now be back at the “Today” screen. Select “Start” and “Internet Explorer” in order to see if you have connected properly.

Motorola MP3 Codec Problems

Apparently this is a fairly common error for users trying to load ring tones to Motorolas. The first thing that comes to mind is that the file might not actually be saved in MP3 format. If your audio clip is saved as an MP4 or WAV file, it might not be compatible with the Motorola software.

About Microsoft Codecs

It is also possible that you are missing a codec - depending on the program you are using to upload the file, it might make a difference. Codecs are tiny programs with coding and decoding sequences that allow your computer to open and save different file formats. Here is the link to the Microsoft Codec Installation page, which might be helpful in updating or installing new codecs.

Update your Software for Compatibility

The codecs required to encode and decode MP3s are generally standard with computers that support Windows XP and Vista, but some manufacturers don’t include the relevant software. To begin, you should make sure that all your relevant audio programs are up to date. If you run Windows Media Player, make sure that you have the most recent version. Many users report this problem solved by updating WMP and getting the latest software that way.

Checking the Status of your Codecs

Here’s how you can check your codecs and find out if you are missing something that you need to upload your MP3.

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Sound and Audio Devices and then select the Hardware tab
3. Click to highlight Audio Codecs, then click Properties
4. From the Properties tab, click to highlight the Fraunhofer MPEG Layer 3 or IIS Codec and choose Properties
5. This should display information about your codec
   1. If it says “decode only,” then you are missing the MP3 codec that you need to encode the file to transfer it and updating Windows Media Player might solve the issue
   2. If not, here is a link to the Fraunhofer website and a codec download page that might have the encoding codec you are missing

If this doesn’t solve your codec problem, the next option is to search for the appropriate encoder codec online. You might have some more specific success by contacting Motorola or perusing the Motorola user forum online and asking what has worked for other users. The solution will likely also depend on your operating system, as some codecs are XP compatible and others are programmed for Vista. Good luck!

Check your Cables and Connections

I don’t think that your iPhone issue is related to moving your computer. It sounds more like an operating system or software compatibility problem, but a great place to start it by triple checking your computer cables and connections and make sure that the power source is stable. You should also check the USB port that you are plugging the iPhone into by connecting a different device and making sure that it works properly. Since iPhones sync with other Mac products, make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes, if you use it.

Change the Drive Assignment

The iPhone can cause problems for some operating system, including Windows XP because the operating system recognizes the device but can’t communicate with it properly. Some users report success after changing the drive letters. I’m not sure why, but this seems to help the computer with the device.

1. Click Start, choose Control Panel, and then Performance and Maintenance
2. Choose Administrative Tools, then click twice to open Computer Management
3. On the left side, select Disk Management
4. Right click the drive you want to change, then click Change Drive Letter and Paths
5. Click Change, then click to select Assign the Following Drive Letter
6. Choose the drive letter that you want to use, then OK
7. Choose Yes to confirm the change
8. Try the iPhone again

Update or Disable Webcam Software

If this doesn’t work, there is another fix you can try. If your computer is equipped with a built in webcam, it could be conflicting with the iPhone. The first step is to go to the website for the manufacturer of the camera you have and look for new drivers. Also, it’s sometimes installed rather than built in camera software that is messing with the Windows operating system, so look for any camera or webcam software you have installed in All Programs search for updates. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to try disabling your built in camera, or removing the added software, and removing the corresponding registry entries. 

Get a Powered USB Hub

The only other thing that comes to mind is the power supply. Some users report computers crashing when an iPhone is connected if there isn’t enough power going to the system. In this case, the computer shuts down to protect itself. The fix for this is simple enough, but will cost about 5 dollars. All you need is to get a powered USB hub - one with an external power supply so that it isn’t taxing the computer - to connect between the computer and the iPhone and you should be in business.

Service Pack and Dongle

You need two things in order for a Bluetooth device to work on your computer - the latest Windows XP Service Pack 3 (if you’re running XP) and a “dongle” that is compatible with your system. The updated Service Packs have many of the drivers that are needed by Bluetooth devices. A dongle is a small piece of hardware that fits into your USB port that will allow your devices to run. One dongle that you can buy for about $30 that has worked for other users in your situation is the D-Link DBT-120. If you have done both of these things, and you still can’t find the Bluetooth device icon on your computer, there are a few other things you can try.

Change in REGEDIT

You can try deleting a registry key that may allow the system to scan for hardware changes and allow the Bluetooth to be recognized. Know that changing things in the registry can be dangerous, so be careful and make sure your system is backed up completely.

Go to Start and then Run. In the dialog box, type in REGEDIT and click Ok. Navigate to HKEY Local Machine\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class. Find and delete this key: {e0cbf06c-cd8b-4647-bb8a-263b43f0f974}. Now go back to Device Manager. Remove any Bluetooth devices that might be listed here. Now click on Action and choose Scan for hardware changes. This should re-enumerate the Bluetooth adapter.

Scan Now

You can also try to run the sfc \scannow command, which is the system file checker to make sure everything is running properly. You will need the XP disc for this to work properly. Go to Start and then Run. In the box, type in: sfc \scannow. This will guide you into the set up and then it will run. It may take a while to complete, so do this when you have some time.

Hopefully, the proper Bluetooth adapter and the correct Service Pack will have you up and running wirelessly.

How to Block Unwanted Calls from Telemarketers

Placing your personal home phone number or personal wireless number on the National Do-Not-Call list will effectively cut back on the number of phone calls you receive from telemarketers. You do need to register (sign up) for this service, but it is free. A few exceptions do exist such as any organization that you personally contact has the right to call you at a later date. This would include any applications that you made, purchases, or inquiries to the company. To sign up on the Do-Not-Call list, call this toll free number: 1-888-382-1222. You must make the phone call from the number that you want to place on the list.

Prank and Harassing Phone Calls

In order to deal with prank phone calls or harassing phone calls, you should contact your local police department. It is illegal to make such phone calls and the police department will need you to make a formal complaint so that they can help you with this situation.

Blocking Unwanted Phone Calls through Your Phone Service

Most phone services feature an option that you can get for a small monthly fee to block unwanted phone calls from your phone number. It might be called call block, call screening, or call rejection depending on your phone service provider. Contact your provider and ask about this service.

Blocking Unwanted Phone Calls with Special Software

A number of software applications have been designed to block unwanted phone calls from your personal phone number. I haven’t used any of these applications myself so I cannot vouch for their reliability or usefulness in blocking annoying phone calls. However, you can do a bit of research online to check out the features of the applications that you want to check out. Then, make your decision based upon what you have learned.

Google Voice has a phone spam feature designed into it. This feature is designed to allow users to block specific phone numbers from contacting their phone. It works with multiple phone numbers as well. The user simply tags specific phone numbers as spam and those numbers are blocked from ringing their phone number. It also blocks those phone numbers from leaving emails. The unwanted phone calls must be manually deleted from a designated spam folder.

Caller ID Manager is another application that is designed to block unwanted calls from ringing your phone number. It is put out by Privacy Corps. You can even block unwanted phone callers from ringing your phone with Caller ID Manager.

CallZap is another application that is designed to block unwanted calls from ringing your phone number. It is designed for use with a caller ID compatible modem.

Java Platform Micro Edition Software Development Kit 3.0 Early Access

I think the program you are referring to is the Java Platform Micro Edition Software Development Kit 3.0 Early Access, which you can get from the Sun Microsystems website through this link. Sun boasts that Java ME is “The most ubiquitous application platform for mobile devices.”

Java ME 3.0 is the latest from Java for developing applications for mobile devices. Java ME 3.0 includes the technologies of its predecessors, Java Toolkit 1.0 and Java Wireless Toolkit 2.5.2 and adds advanced device emulation and other features. For detailed information about this application, check out its page on the Sun Microsystems website.

Software and Hardware Requirements

The Java Micro Edition Software Development Kit (SDK) is available for Windows XP Service Pac 3 and Vista 32 bit Service Pack 1. There is not a release available for 64 bit Vista versions yet. To run this Java SDK you need to have a Java Standard Edition (SE) installed on your system. The Java SE is the desktop version with which you can create and launch Java applications. You also need Apple Quick Time Player in order to play ARM files on Windows. The hardware minimum requirements include 200 MB of available hard disk space, 1 GB of RAM and a 1 GHz Pentium CPU or better.

Install Java ME SDK 3.0

To install the Java ME SDK 3.0, first make sure that your computer meets the required software and hardware expectations. Follow the link offered above to download the Java platform. When the icon appears on your desktop, click it twice to open it and launch the installation. Follow the prompts offered by the installation wizard to install. When the installation is complete, you will see the Device Manager show up in the Windows system tray.

Java Capabilities in Mobile Devices

If you are looking for a download to install a Java program to view applications on your mobile device, you need to check with the manufacturer. The capacity for Java applications is determined when the device is made, and depends on whether or not the device has KVM - the mobile equivalent of Java - installed to play Java applications. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to download the mobile capacity if it wasn’t installed on your device.

For some of these activities, you need to have Flash enabled on your PSP. The PSP that includes PSP firmware 2.70 or later comes with Flash capability. There’s no need to download it. If you need to check to see what version you have, you can visit this link:

Unfortunately, if you don’t have the proper firmware, you will not be able to access Flash. Currently, it isn’t possible to download Flash onto a PSP. The only way to get it is through the firmware. If you do not have version 2.70 or later, you need to obtain it by  visiting the website (Playstation Support.)

Enabling Flash on a PSP

In order to use Flash and view Flash content on your PSP, you need to enable it first. The method you use to do so depends upon the model PSP you have. Follow the directions outlined below for the PSP model that you have. Once you enable Flash on your PSP, you will be able to play games or view content that requires Flash to be enabled.

Enabling Flash on a PSP-1001

• 1) Navigate to “Settings.”
• 2) Navigate to “System Settings.”
• 3) Select “Enable Flash Player.”
• 4) Press the “x” button.

Enabling Flash on a PSP-2001 or 3001

• 1) Navigate to “Network.”
• 2) Navigate to “www (the Internet Browser.)”
• 3) Press the “x” button.
• 4) Select the button with the little triangle on it to access the menu for the Internet Browser.
• 5) Navigate to “Tools.”
• 6) Select “Settings.”
• 7) Select “View Settings.”
• 8) Navigate to “Flash.”
• 9) Press the “x” button.
• 10) Use the directional pad to move in the direction that allows you to select “On.”

PSP and Internet Connection

If you need to set up the infrastructure on your PSP so that you can connect to the Internet, visit this link on the Playstation website: Playstation PSP Infrastructure.

PSP and System Updates

It is important that PSP owners keep up with the updates for their system on a regular basis. In order to access these updates, visit the PSP page for Playstation’s website at this link: PSP. You can also access this information on the support page for the website at this link: Playstation Support.