Fixing Duplicates in Zune Library

The Zune software is great, but there are certainly some bugs. If you have a library with a lot of old content (either downloaded off a file sharing program or ripped from CDs), you probably have lots of missing and incorrect metadata. The Zune software can find this metadata (like album and artist information), but this can also create duplicate albums and artists in your library.

To fix the duplicates, you need to take a couple steps:

1. Under "Settings" > "Metadata and Ratings" > "Media Info", select the option to "Only add missing information" - this will prevent the software from making duplicate entries in the future

2. Run the Microsoft Zune Media Collection Reset Tool to clear your entire library so you can start from scratch (yes, you need to do this to remove the duplicate entries):

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=945319

Running this tool will erase your Zune library (including all that bad metadata) so the Zune software can rebuild the library over again without adding the duplicate data. This will take some time, but it will clear out all those unnecessary duplicates.

Hope this helps!

Samsung i770 (Saga) Shortcut Error

If you have the Verizon Samsung Saga (also known as the i770), there is a bug where you may get an error when hitting the Messaging shortcut key (the button in the lower righthand side with the Envelope icon on it).

The error will state "Shortcut Target - Error opening the shortcut or locating the target filename."

This is because the shortcut was removed from the main start menu.

To fix, simply go to start > settings > personal tab > menus > check the "messaging" box

Your shortcut key should now be working again.

I went through 3 phones and a half dozen support agents before I figured this out myself. Samsung does not have the best KB archive....

Replacing Headlight Bulb on BMW E46

Just had a blub go, and the replacement is pretty easy:

1. Buy an H7 55w bulb at any auto-parts store (~$15)
2. Disconnect the electrical connector to the light socket by pressing in the middle tab and pulling up
3. Hold the bulb socket and turn the gray rigng counterclockwise
4. Pop out the old bulb, and place in the new one (do not touch the glass with your bare hands)
5. Install is reverse

Good luck!