Feb
09

ChrisControl Windows 7

Today I searched for a version of ChrisControl that would work with Windows 7. I had been using this at work with XP and it is awesome for doing LAN remote control support. It allows for connection to a windows machine via RDP or VNC. VNC is automatically installed on the target machine and connects without a password. This is all assuming you have access to the administrative share of the target machine. It also automatically uninstalls VNC after the support session has ended. There is no need to have someone at the other end of the connection initiate it or accept it.

I was really bummed when I found out my version of ChrisControl did not work with Windows 7. I found out that have a new beta version that has worked great so far. If you do support, I strongly recommend this program. The beta version can be downloaded here.

Jan
30

Migrating ODBC Data Sources From XP To Windows 7

Today I searched how to migrate ODBC data sources from Windows XP to Windows 7. I have built up quiet the list of data sources over the years and was dreading having to key in each one after setting up Windows 7. I found a free ODBC tool called DTM ODBC Manager. It allows for backup of ODBC data sources. This backup can then be imported back into another windows installation via their software.

Migrate ODBC Data Sources

DTM ODBC Manager Interface

Follow these simple steps to backup your ODBC data sources:

  1. Download and install the DTM ODBC Manager
  2. Open up the DTM ODBC Manager and select the System and User DSN’s to backup.  They are all checked by default.
  3. Click the arrow next to the export button at the top and select “export selected”.
  4. Give your backup file a name when prompted.

Follow these simple steps to restore your ODBC data sources:

  1. Copy the backup file created above to the machine it is going to be restored to.
  2. Install the DTM ODBC Manager on the machine the data sources are being restored to.
  3. Open up the DTM ODBC Manager
  4. Click the import button and browse to the backup file.

All your data sources should now be imported on the new computer or clean Windows install depending on what you are doing.  You will still have to install the odbc data source drivers that you will be using.  Your data sources will not work correctly until the database driver is installed on the new system.  Hats off to the DTM people for making this easy to use product available for free.

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