Android KitKat's new Runtime

I read that using KitKat's new ART runtime could improve battery life on the new Nexus 5. From my brief testing, it does indeed seem to be the case.

However, not all applications work with the new runtime, which is a deal breaker for me.

Check out XDA Developers for more details
https://www.xda-developers.com/android/android-4-4-kitkats-art-and-app-compatibility/

Unlocking a Huawei E1750 3G Dongle

This technique may work for other models, but I only own the E1750 and worked perfectly for me.

First thing you need is a IMEI number. If like me if you don't have the original box or paperwork, it's not that difficult to find it on a Windows machine

1. Install the drivers and the dongle onto a machine.
2. Find the modem in device manager.
3. If you look at the properties of the device, there should be a Diagnostics Tab (at least on Windows 7).
4. Click on Query Modem. One of the values returned will be the IMEI number.

Now that you have that, go to this web site http://tools.texby.com/unlock-codes/huawei/?download-huawei-code-writer.
This should return two codes. First is the unlock code, which you need to unlock the modem.
If you wish to upgrade the firmware, you need the next code and download the latest firmware, drivers and generic dialler software from here http://huaweiunlocking.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/huawei-e1750-unlock-update-firmware.html.

As an addition, if you want to change the way the dongle is presented every time it is plugged into a computer, follow these instructions http://www.androidtablets.net/forum/gome-flytouch-ii-accessories/4686-my-manual-huawei-usb-3g.html.

Expanding Strings And Environment Variables in PowerShell

I hadn't realised this was possible, but you can use environment variables in Powershell. I don't mean by doing something like this

$tempvar = $env:temp

Instead if you have a string which contains environment variables in the form of %temp% for example.

Read the this blog post to get the full lowdown.
http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/scriptfanatic/archive/2011/01/02/how-to-expand-strings-and-environment-variables-in-powershell.aspx

Installing Microsoft Windows Automated Installation Kit

When installing WAIK off a USB stick or hard disk, you may get an error “Please insert the disk: Windows Automation Installation Kit CD”

I found the perfect answer here: http://richardyoung.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/silent-install-of-the-waik-fails-with-error-please-insert-the-disk-windows-automation-installation-kit-cd/

Basically, get something like Orca (if you've never used it before, this article may help http://support.microsoft.com/kb/255905) and create a transform.

You need to change the values in the Media table. I changed everything that had a volume label "KB3AIK_EN" to "DEFAULT".

Then ran the command

msiexec /i WAIKX86.msi TRANSFORMS="waik.mst"

Change the msi to the relevant one (e.g. use waikx64.msi on a 64 bit platform) and put in the full path of the MST file.

Why you should take a USB hub on holiday

Firstly, I have to admit that this idea wasn't originally mine, however I'm happy to share this with you.

So I'm sure you're like me when you go on holiday, you end up taking multiple gadgets with you. Now most of these devices can be charged by the USB port on a computer. Unlike some of you, I don't like taking a laptop with me wherever I go, so to cut down on the number of bulky chargers, take a powered USB hub and plug your devices into that. It's as easy as that. This works really well in foreign countries where you might only have one converter.

This works with some blackberries, but doesn't work with an IPod Nano. I bought one of these from eBuyer as it has 7 ports http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130519.

Cannot remove the domain '' because it is referenced by the proxy address template 'smtp:@'

I had this issue on my Exchange server when I realised that my server was incorrectly configured for a few email domains.

Luckily this fixed my issue.
http://www.blogwebsites.net/member.php?page=comments&member=boredazfcuk&newsid=4454

Basically use ADSI edit to delete the offending address from the disabledGatewayProxy attribute.

Hi there

So here's the start of my first blog. As the title says, this will be my adventures in I.T. from gadgets to enterprise technology.

Hope you enjoy it and find something useful.