Outlook PST Errors and File Corruption

I had two users complain about errors in Outlook 2003 running on XP-Pro recently that uses a POP3 account. Two of the errors were:

C:\DOCUME~1\lynda\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERcd7a.dir00\OUTLOOK.EXE.mdmp

C:\DOCUME~1\lynda\LOCALS~1\Temp\WERcd7a.dir00\appcompat.txt

In researching this, one of our IT Team members suggested the “scanpst.exe” tool that comes with Microsoft Office. I followed up with additional research on this and found a Microsoft Office link that provides detailed directions that are easy to follow.

I ran the “scanpst.exe” tool on both PST files, the tool identified over 80 errors in each PST file, and it then successfully corrected all of the errors or file corruption in Outlook. Both Outlook PST files functioned error-free after running this tool! What a great tool along with good documentation from Microsoft.

Enercient HVAC Monitoring

I attended the kickoff launch of a new start-up company Enercient Systems Technologies (www.enercient.com) tonight. Enercient is providing wireless sensors and a router with unique software for monitoring HVAC systems such as boilers, heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners. This might be an excellent opportunity for church IT people to talk to your facilities people to see what monitoring your HVAC systems have and if they are capable of being monitored over a network.

As the cost of energy (gas, electric, or oil) continue to fluctuate, this may be a way of improving the efficiency of existing systems without costly replacement.

Church Technology Management

I just read (actually I read it on 23 Dec, but only am now getting to posting this) David Drinnon’s blog posting on the relationship between IT, communications, and media. Great article that supports the view that these technology intensive areas should be led by one person and that one person should participate in the leadership of the church. So often, there is a lack of coordination between these parties and as David states, “Churches can't afford to operate inefficiently because of the high cost of technology”. Having a holistic strategy with IT, communications, and media has to improve the ability to reach your audience in addition to improving the overall efficiency of technology management.

Church Information Technology

Tony Dye’s Blog (http://tonydye.typepad.com/main/2008/11/best-practices-handbook-for-church-it.html) had an interesting article concerning the thought of writing a book on church information technology (IT) on 27 Nov. The idea of a book on church IT is interesting and very much needed as my literature research in this area found that there is very little published work in this area. When I state, “published work”, I am referring to peer-reviewed research. I am currently conducting research on church IT management and how variables of business processes and strategic planning relate to church IT management. I hope to conduct a survey within the next 2-3 months on this topic. Church IT has to be about supporting the ministry of the church in bringing people to Christ or furthering people's faith journey. If it does not support that, then we need too really understand what we are trying to accomplish.

Thoughts on the Financial Markets

The financial markets are hurting now due to the greed on part of Congress who failed to act on this several years ago, the executive branch of government who has failed to rein in the improper activities of the financial business sector, and the incompetent leadership at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Lets not forget the mortgage companies, brokers, and brokerages whose stupidity allowed for the approving of mortgage amounts beyond what people could afford. With today’s economy being a global activity, market activity in the U.S. affects the whole world. Of course, there are also the cartels who are manipulating the markets for more profits... looks like lots of greedy and shortsighted people trying to get their way.

With the world economy in such turmoil and so much uncertainty, I wanted to share a few thoughts on how I am preparing to weather this economic storm from a personal and IT management prospective.

1. Budget and tracking all of our expenses, this enables me to know what and where we are spending our money. Knowledge is power and power enables discipline!
2. We have an objective of having six months worth of living expenses saved in liquid assets/accounts such as money market accounts. There are some financial advisers now recommending 12 months due to the increase in unemployment. For those who don't have six months of living expenses set aside, consider the following steps.
- Stop all unnecessary spending such as coffee at Starbucks, soda's from vending machines, reduce eating out, stop or reduce smoking, stop or reduce drinking alcoholic beverages out, and cancel or reduce services not being used such as cable/satellite TV/movie channels
- Reduce your shopping trips and makes lists of what you specifically need prior to entering a store, avoid impulse shopping
- Limit your shopping online and watch out for the sales and bargain advertising that temps you to make impulse purchases
- Avoid or delay getting more animals/pets
- Have a garage sale or list extra stuff for sale on http://www.craigslist.org If you haven't used things for over a year, sale it, even if it's at a dirt cheap price as it's better to sell cheap rather than letting the stuff sit on a shelf not earning any money!
- Pay your bills on time and pay down loans ASAP in priority order of the interest rates
- Buy used items at Goodwill or other thrift shops, look for sales or coupons before buying essential items
- Reduce the number of items you buy for Christmas, have friends over instead of giving gifts, do a work project for parents and other relatives who need help in maintaining their homes, look for other alternatives instead of gifts. Do not be afraid to say that you are attempting to build up your rainy day fund!
- Focus on building friendships rather than giving material items
- Learn to be content with what you already have

1 Timothy 6:6-9 (New Living Translation)

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.


3. For the computer and networking geeks, look at delaying purchases, making do with what you have, or look at the used IT equipment market. Ask for additional discounts and remember if your buying it for your church or ministry, get the sales taxes waived!

Consider seeking out financial counseling from your credit union, financial planner, or other financial organization who has your interest in mind. One I use is Thrivent Financial for Lutherans: http://www.thrivent.com/

Reference: How to Prosper in a Declining Economy by Crown Financial Ministries, http://www.crown.org

Additional references:
http://www.smartmoney.com/
http://money.cnn.com/
http://www.dolans.com/
http://www.thrivent.com/

Easy Worship 2007

We use Easy Worship for our audio/video presentations for church services, I am thinking of updating to the latest 2007 version, has anyone used it yet?

28 Nov 2008: I upgraded a few computers to Easy Worship 2007, the upgrade was flawless and the new application looks good.

Wireless & Memory Upgrade Makes a Difference!

I spent the afternoon trimming trees trying to have an unobstructed view for my wireless bridge between buildings. I got enough cleared out so that the Cisco Aironet radios will associate now, I need to chainsaw some more branches to ensure it stays clear when the leaves come back on the tress.

I also added a 1GB memory module to a four-year-old HP Pavilion laptop e/w AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz CPU, what a difference, XP-Pro runs supper fast now! For $31 from Buy.com I was able to get PNY 1GB PC2700 333MHz 200-pin SO-DIMM DDR Notebook Memory.