STOP USING HandBrake settings for later Gfolio slideshows

Update: I'm not fixing this doc any more. Instead find it in Google docs

Convert videos 2005 to Present Day and Eclectic

I'm converting all my videos so they'll render in Gfolio.

1. Copy one year at a time down from Home Pictures to my desktop
2. Once it's on my desktop, delete all mpgs that already have a converted mp4
3. Now open Handbrake and make sure the queue is cleared.
4. Now select FOLDER (BATCH SCAN). Find your folder and load it. 
5. Now it will say READY. (Or If you already had it open from the last job, it might say QUEUE FINISHED instead of READY.)
6. Choose ADD ALL (it's inside ADD TO QUEUE). Now it will show you the number of jobs PENDING.
7. If at this time Handbrake throws this message, say yes, again and again:
   "there are jobs on the queue with the same destination path. Please choose a different path for this job... Do you wish to proceed trying to add the rest?"
   This happens when Handbrake sees identical titles followed by  numbers like this: (2) and (3). Because it is using the "metadata title" it thinks they're all dupes if they have a different number. It appears if you say yes to each of those, it properly distinguishes between each video title. In this case be sure to clear the queue when you're done so you can start with a clear queue for your next job
8. Now START QUEUE. It can take a long time.
9. When it says QUEUE FINISHED you can now remove all the old videos (the avis, the mpgs, and so forth) and leave the mp4s.
10. Once it has passed your tests, it can replace the folder in Home Pictures.
11. Hold off for a while on doing any backups to Google Drive and Amazon Photos until I'm very confident

Later, see if any images won't render

I've found I might have to convert some images later too, using a different converter. So after I'm done with all video conversions, I can see if any of my images won't render in Gfolio. If that is a problem, then use XnConvert to convert those images.

Addendum 

How I configured my Handbrake Settings

1. Go into Advanced and under File Handling, check the box for Recursively scan directories when using the folder scan mode.
2. Also in Advanced under File Handling, make sure my usual images are being excluded. Be sure to add any to that list that aren't there so they're all excluded: tif, jpg,jpeg,png,gif,bmp,webp,heic,heif,avif,dng,cr2,cr3,nef,arw,orf,raf,sr2,tga,pcx,ppm, mp4. Note that we exclude mp4 so we don't end up with duplicate mp4s
3. In Output Files, in Default Path, use {source_path}
4. Initially I tried moving the resulting year folder to a different place in Google drive and testing it with Gfolio but I'm satisfied with that.
5. Also it looks like I don't need to open Handbrake with admin.

Screenshots of Handbrake Settings

Here's two screenshots (see below) of the advanced settings; however, the setting for excluded filetypes is scrollable, so you won't see them all here.

STOP USING Set up HBBatchBeast to work recursively with HandBrake

 
Note: I discovered I don't need HBBatchBeast after all because HandBrake has recursive in its Advanced settings.

HandBrake seems not to know how to recursively find videos for conversion. I've had to use HBBatchBeast which works with HandBrake, and even so, I had to run HBBatchBeast in admin.

HBBatchBeast is available from Github. Go to releases and then assets and download the zip folder. Extract the zip folder and find the exe file. It's portable so there's no installation, but you will need to keep the entire folder on your hard drive while using HBBatchBeast.

STOP USING Set up Handbrake output folder

You can absolutely tell Handbrake to put each finished file right back into its original folder. Here’s how to set it up correctly. Click to expand:

---

Step 1: Open Handbrake's Preferences

First, you need to get to the main settings panel.

1. Open the Handbrake application.

2. In the top menu bar, click on Tools.

3. From the dropdown menu, select Preferences.

---

Step 2: Configure the Output Destination

This is the most important step. You'll tell Handbrake to use the source file's folder as the destination.

1. In the Preferences window, click on the Output Files tab on the left.

2. Look for the text box labeled Default Path.

3. Delete anything that is currently in that box and type the following exactly:
   {source_path}
   
   ❗️Important: Make sure to include the curly braces {} and use all lowercase letters. This is a special command that tells Handbrake to use the original video's folder.

4. Next, look at the box right below it labeled File Format. To avoid accidentally overwriting your original video, it's a good idea to have Handbrake automatically rename the new file. A safe and common format is:
   {source}-HB
   
   This will take the original filename and add "-HB" to the end of the new, converted file.

Here is what that settings page should look like:

---

Step 3: Verify It's Working

Now, let's make sure the setting is active before you start an encode.

1. Close the Preferences window.

2. Drag a new video file into Handbrake (this setting doesn't apply to files that were already in your queue).

3. At the bottom of the Handbrake window, look at the Save As file path. It should now automatically show the path to the original folder and the new filename.

✅ If the "Save As" path looks correct, you're all set! Just click Start Encode.

---

Troubleshooting Error Messages

If you are still getting errors after doing this, the problem is most likely one of two things:

• Permissions Issue: Handbrake might not have permission to save files in that specific folder. This often happens if your video is in a protected system folder, on a network drive, or on an external drive with read-only permissions.

• Quick Test: Try converting a video file located on your computer's Desktop. If it works there, you know the problem is with the folder permissions of your other files, not with Handbrake's settings.

• Filename Conflict: If you don't change the File Format as suggested in Step 2, Handbrake may be trying to save a new file with the exact same name as the original, which can cause an error. Always make sure the new filename is at least slightly different.

STOP USING Convert wmvs and mpgs to mp4s for free with Adobe Express or Handbrake

 
Adobe Express is an online conversion tool
https://www.adobe.com/express/feature/video/convert/wmv-to-mp4

Apparently this works for MPG's too and maybe avi's.

I had an MPG that probably had a bad codec; anyway it got stuck on Adobe's servers. So I tried Handbrake which worked in under a minute. So I now have Handbrake installed on my Windows 11. Note: the installation of Handbrake requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 8.0, so don't ever erase that.

ALREADY COPIED OVER Crop and Straighten Photos in Photoshop

 
I have 419 gb of pictures. Many of them were scanned from physical photos, four images per jpg. I'm using a tool in Adobe Photoshop to crop and straighten.

Crop and Straighten (with no shortcuts)

This process takes too long, so see below for shortcuts

1. File
2. Automate
3. Crop and straighten photos
4. For each cropped photo, export, quick export as jpg*, use name offered
5. Close all and say no to all
6. Now delete the original

My Shortcuts

1. Shortcut for automate-->crop and straighten is SHIFT-->CTRL--Q
2. Shortcut for quick export as jpg is SHIFT-->CTRL-->A
3. Shortcut for close all is SHIFT-->CTRL-->X

When my Shortcuts get corrupted

I found out that when Photoshop updates itself, it stomps on my shortcuts. The prevailing advice for a setting in Creative Cloud does not prevent this problem from happening. So instead, I have a folder in My Documents that contains my shortcuts. So if they disappear, I can just load them again:

1. In Photoshop go to Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts
2. Click the "Load" button (it's next to the save icon)
3. Navigate to the folder called Linda Adobe Photoshop Shortcuts and find the .ky file. Open it. Your custom shortcuts will be restored.
4. Or, it might be set to default. In the dropdown window you can change it to Linda photo keyboard shortcuts

 

 

I asked Gemini how I can write better prompts

 

How can I write better prompts so you find what I'm looking for?

That's a great question! Here are a few tips that can help me understand what you're looking for more easily:

• Be specific: Include details like the sender, subject, keywords, and the approximate date or time frame if you know them. The more specific you are, the easier it is for me to narrow down the search. For example, instead of just saying "find an email about a meeting," you could say "find the email from John about the project status meeting last Tuesday."
• Use keywords: Think about the important words or phrases in the content you're trying to find. Including these keywords in your prompt can significantly improve the search results.
• Provide context: If you're referring to something you just mentioned or something in your current view, let me know. Phrases like "this email," "this document," or "the message I just showed you" can help me understand the context.
• Mention the type of information: Are you looking for an email, a document, a calendar event, or something else? Specifying the type of information helps me use the right tools to find it.
• Clearly state your goal: Are you trying to find information, summarize something, draft a reply, create an event, or something else? Letting me know your goal helps me understand what you need me to do with the information once I find it.

By providing these details, you can help me understand your requests better and find the information you need more efficiently.

How I fixed the water bin of Roomba J7+ Combo

Error message:

Fluid sensor issue. remove and reinstall bit until you hear a click. Next, press Argjay's button for 10 seconds to reboot. (Error 1014)

Solution:

It's still flaky after the solution.

After several tries following instructions from Gemini and ChatGPT, I still could not find the "sensor" of which they speak.

So instead, I did a full wipe down of the internals of the bin, and the internals of where the bin connects inside the unit. 

I used a long wooden q-tip and a stick, mostly dry, which is important. Ultimately, it worked. No more sensor message. The vacuum cleaned, and then it failed again.

It still is flaky, and I have eject and re-secure the water bin in the unit sometimes. Sometimes it even gets confused and tells me it has lost its wifi connection, but it hasn't. 

But I do find the need to have 3 bins on hand. I bought two from ebay because Roomba doesn't offer one, even for a cost. 

When doing lookups, make sure you are specific about the "plus" in Roomba J7+ because the instructions are different, depending on the plus.

My other water bin works for consistently

Windows 11 Registry tweak to restore file explorer classic menu

The Problem

Windows 11 file explorer right click for cut, copy, rename, share and delete appears in a ribbon which changes location depending on where your file or folder is navigationally on the screen. This is a big usability issue. It causes:

1. Increased Cognitive Load
2. Broken Consistency
3. The "Middle Zone" Ambiguity

Microsoft has no plans to fix it or allow a setting, so the only way to get the classic menu back (from Windows 10) is a registry tweak. It's the most popular registry tweak for Windows 11.

Windows 11 File Explorer ribbon sucks -- I have to edit the registry

It shows a ribbon across the top for rename, delete, etc. And sometimes the ribbon is on the bottom. I don't like the ribbon. How can I fix this?

It sounds like you're finding the new interface in Windows 11's File Explorer frustrating. The "ribbon" you're referring to has undergone a significant change, and what you're seeing in different locations are actually two distinct elements. Let's clarify what they are and how you can change them.

Understanding the Changes in File Explorer

What you are experiencing is a result of a major redesign in Windows 11. The traditional, large ribbon from Windows 10 has been replaced by two new, more streamlined features:

• The Command Bar (at the top): This is the row of icons for actions like rename, delete, copy, and paste that you see at the top of the File Explorer window. It's a simplified version of the old ribbon.

• The Context Menu (appears on right-click): When you right-click on a file or folder, a new, shorter menu appears with common actions. To see all the options you might be used to from older versions of Windows, you often have to click "Show more options" at the bottom of this menu. This is likely what you mean when you say the "ribbon is on the bottom."

Unfortunately, there is no built-in setting in Windows 11 to simply switch back to the old File Explorer design. However, you are not alone in your preference for the classic view, and there are ways to restore it.

How to Restore the Classic File Explorer Ribbon

You can get back the familiar File Explorer from Windows 10 by making a change to the Windows Registry or by using a third-party application.

Method 1: Editing the Windows Registry

This method will restore the classic File Explorer, including the full ribbon and the old right-click context menu.

Important: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. It's always a good idea to back up your registry before making any changes. This change might also be reverted by future Windows updates.

1. Open the Registry Editor:

   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

   • Type regedit and press Enter.

   • Click "Yes" at the User Account Control prompt.

2. Navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor: You can copy and paste this path into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\

3. Create a new registry key:

   • Right-click on the CLSID folder in the left-hand pane.

   • Select New > Key.

   • Name the new key exactly as follows: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

4. Create another new key inside the one you just made:

   • Right-click on the new {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key.

   • Select New > Key.

   • Name this new key InprocServer32.

5. Finalize the change:

   • Double-click the "(Default)" value in the right-hand pane of the InprocServer32 key.

   • Without typing anything in the "Value data" field, click OK.

6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

To undo this change at any time, simply delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key you created in the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

It sounds like you're finding the new interface in Windows 11's File Explorer frustrating. The "ribbon" you're referring to has undergone a significant change, and what you're seeing in different locations are actually two distinct elements. Let's clarify what they are and how you can change them.

Understanding the Changes in File Explorer

What you are experiencing is a result of a major redesign in Windows 11. The traditional, large ribbon from Windows 10 has been replaced by two new, more streamlined features:

• The Command Bar (at the top): This is the row of icons for actions like rename, delete, copy, and paste that you see at the top of the File Explorer window. It's a simplified version of the old ribbon.

• The Context Menu (appears on right-click): When you right-click on a file or folder, a new, shorter menu appears with common actions. To see all the options you might be used to from older versions of Windows, you often have to click "Show more options" at the bottom of this menu. This is likely what you mean when you say the "ribbon is on the bottom."

Unfortunately, there is no built-in setting in Windows 11 to simply switch back to the old File Explorer design. However, you are not alone in your preference for the classic view, and there are ways to restore it.

How to Restore the Classic File Explorer Ribbon

You can get back the familiar File Explorer from Windows 10 by making a change to the Windows Registry or by using a third-party application.

Method 1: Editing the Windows Registry

This method will restore the classic File Explorer, including the full ribbon and the old right-click context menu.

Important: Editing the Windows Registry can be risky if not done correctly. It's always a good idea to back up your registry before making any changes. This change might also be reverted by future Windows updates.

1. Open the Registry Editor:

   • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

   • Type regedit and press Enter.

   • Click "Yes" at the User Account Control prompt.

2. Navigate to the following location in the Registry Editor: You can copy and paste this path into the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor window: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\

3. Create a new registry key:

   • Right-click on the CLSID folder in the left-hand pane.

   • Select New > Key.

   • Name the new key exactly as follows: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

4. Create another new key inside the one you just made:

   • Right-click on the new {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key.

   • Select New > Key.

   • Name this new key InprocServer32.

5. Finalize the change:

   • Double-click the "(Default)" value in the right-hand pane of the InprocServer32 key.

   • Without typing anything in the "Value data" field, click OK.

6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

To undo this change at any time, simply delete the {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} key you created in the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

When Roomba J7 Combo stops detecting water tank

 

1. Reboot the router (not sure if we need this step)
2. Remove the water tank
3. Move the Roomba off its base
4. Reboot the Roomba, using either the app or the button on the device
5. Return the watertank to the Roomba, click it in
6. Put the Roomba back on its base
7. Close the app and then open it again
8. You should see the sensor working properly, but test the Roomba 

Epson ET-5800 Scan skipping pages

 

I cleaned the ADF rollers (top left door). And I also went in to the Epson scan software on my laptop to change a hidden setting to be "quality" scan. Now it's not skipping pages.