Quick & Dirty x64 Porting Fix

I've been porting a native app to x64 (64-bit Windows XP) and having some headaches. In particular, I was running across this error:

This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect.  Reinstalling the application may fix this problem.

Ironically, the app in question was part of the install process, so it definitely wasn't an installation issue.

After a few unsuccessful minor tweaks, I ended up creating a new "Hello World" app with VS 2005 on my 32-bit dev tablet. Sure enough, I got the same error when running it on the fresh 64-bit. After a little investigation, I found that I was able to run the app by not embedding the manifest (set "Embed Manifest" to "No" in Configuration Properties | Manifest Tool | Input And Output of the app's properties dialog), which is done by default.

I wouldn't recommend using this as a basis for a port, but it can help you get the app up and running quickly.

4/12/2006 8:44:20 AM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [2]  

I Can't Leave For A Single Week?!?

I was in Beijing last week, and look what happened while I was gone:

Ashton, am I being punk'd? Anyway, if I see Tom or Katie, I'll ask where your car is.

4/12/2006 2:50:17 AM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Top Ten Most Annoying Recorded Messages

There are few things I've agreed with more than this list: http://www.vocalabs.com/resources/blog/C1672660030/E20060403162858/index.html.

4/4/2006 9:34:34 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Team Hanselman and Diabetes Walk 2006

Scott gives a ton to the community (such as being lead dev on DasBlog [the app that runs SharpLogic's blogs] and chairing the Portland Code Camp). If you can, help him out: http://www.hanselman.com/blog/TeamHanselmanAndDiabetesWalk2006.aspx

3/20/2006 12:00:23 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

The Tale of Two Jimmys

Scott brings up some good points about the future of America: http://swigartconsulting.blogs.com/tech_blender/2006/03/h1b_visas_and_t.html. I love "HIS NAME'S NOT JIMMY!!! THERE ARE NO JIMMY'S IN CHINA!!!"

While I completely agree with Scott regarding the number of no-ops our country regularly produces, I also have a great deal of confidence in the future thanks to programs like H1B, which continually raise the average IQ and work ethic of our workforce and genepool. For the record, the H1B process makes sure you've given US citizens a fair opportunity to take on the job and requires you to pay the prevailing wage for a region, so it's actually more expensive to hire using H1B (after you account for legal and filing fees).

However, if we could also export one dud for every rock start import, that would be great too.

3/20/2006 11:32:24 AM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

I'm Starting To Get The Hang Of Fatherhood

Check out these "Before" & "After" pictures:

3/18/2006 11:24:04 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Method Of The Day

Do you find that PathMakeUniqueName doesn't meet your needs? Perhaps you should try PathYetAnotherMakeUniqueName

I can't believe I never noticed this before.

3/13/2006 3:52:21 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Two Useful Tips

I've come across two solutions for common Windows problems that may help.

First, if you always get "an error has occurred in the script on this page" dialog boxes when using Windows Media Player, go into Internet Explorer and clear your temporary files. Not sure why it works, but I have less interest in figuring it out now that those dialogs have stopped.

Second, if you are running ActiveSync and have a device docked, you can probably cure 99% of all Windows problems by unplugging and replugging the device. I can't remember the last time that ActiveSync wasn't responsible for a temporary system hang, loss of Internet connectivity, or other problems. I have no idea what goes into developing ActiveSync, but it apparently involves disabling the user's access to the task list (via Task Manager or tasklist) and putting the kabash on anything that gives it a sideways glance. It's probably the surliest application I've ever used--and I even beta tested Microsoft FightPicker 2006 Super Belligerent Edition.

3/9/2006 1:07:35 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Eric Sink Wrote A Book

You can pre-order from Amazon. I just did.

Seriously, this guy rocks. I've had the opportunity to talk with him on a number of occassions and he's simply brilliant. If you'd like to learn from one of the best in the biz, buy this book!

Not convinced? Check out his old column on MSDN.

No, I'm no getting a kickback

2/24/2006 11:47:48 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Maker Faire Is Coming

In case you haven't seen it, the first US Maker Faire will be held in San Mateo on April 22-23. It's really cheap ($12 for adults, kids under 12 free) to get in and there will be lots of cool stuff going on. A bunch of us from SharpLogic will be going down to show off some of our classics in the sprawling Microsoft pavilion (such as the LEGO stuff) as well as some cool new stuff never before seen. I took on one of the projects myself, which involved some of PhidgetsUSA's security floor mats (use your imagination). It's pretty badass, but you'll have to come to the show to see it.

2/24/2006 11:42:13 PM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]  

Speaking Of Passwords...

I really hate it when a site asks you to create a password, and then emails it to you in cleartext as part of the followup. To get around this, I end up using really obvious passwords when creating an account, and then immediately change the password to something strong as soon as it's activated. However, some sites really screw you by forcing you to create a string password, and then mailing it for the world to see. Even worse, I recently used a site that sends you your updated password in email whenever you change it.

2/22/2006 1:44:26 AM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [1]  

"Every Picture Of You Is When You Were Younger"

I came across this nugget when signing up for a Mappoint developer account (you need to change the initial password):

This reminds me of one of Mitch Hedberg's quotes. From his entry on wikiquote (you have to imagine him saying it):

One time a guy handed me a picture of himself, and he said, "Here's a picture of me when I was younger." Every picture of you is of when you were younger. "Here's a picture of me when I am older." "You son of a bitch, how'd you pull that off? Let me see that camera."

Ironically, Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" just came on as I've written this. Mitch, I really wish you still were.

2/22/2006 1:13:37 AM (Pacific Standard Time, UTC-08:00)      Comments [0]