Windows 7 network share refresh problems

Recently when I have attempted to access network shares using a Windows 7 client, I would often be unable to see newly created files/folders. Even if I create the folder myself via the client, sometimes it would not appear, and pressing F5/refresh would not help!

Sometimes I would also delete a file, and whilst the file would be deleted it would still show in the folder view!

After a bit of digging, the following seemed to do the trick:

1. Backup your registry.

2. Edit your registry and go to  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters

3. Create the following DWORD values:

• FileInfoCacheLifetime = 0
• FileNotFoundCacheLifetime = 0
• DirectoryCacheLifetime = 0

4. Reboot the machine.

Android push email settings for gmail and hotmail/live mail

Recently I acquired a Galaxy Tab, and found that the stock Samsung email app is much more screen real-estate friendly than the GMail app.

Now to get push email working on the Samsung app, you need to configure your email accounts using the Microsoft Activesync profile.

For gmail, the settings are as follows:

Email or account: Google\email@Gmail.com 
Server: m.Google.com
SSL enabled
username: Google\email@Gmail.com
password: password

For hotmail or live mail, the settings are as follows:

Email or account: myemail@live.com
Server: m.hotmail.com
SSL enabled
username: myemail@live.com
password: password

Restore 'free space' to Windows Explorer status bar

If like me you've been missing the 'free space' information in your status bar of Windows Explorer since installing Vista or Windows 7, then I have found a solution!

Classic Shell is a collection of features that were available in older versions of Windows but are removed from Vista and Windows 7. Most importantly, it can restore the old status bar with the free space info. It also has a classic start menu for Windows 7, can add a toolbar for Windows Explorer and restore some of the cosmetic changes made to IE9.

Free phone holder stand in 30 seconds

Recently I took a trip to Sydney and I had the forethought to load my HTC Desire with a few episodes of Top Gear. Whilst in the air, I started watching and found myself thinking 'hmmm I need a stand so I don't have to hold this stupid phone'.

Whilst sadly my genius didn't bring me any brilliant ideas at the time, a quick google when I got home found an excellent solution to my problem, and best of all, it's free!

Essentially, just take one plastic card, such as an old hotel or security swipe card, and bend it in two spots to create your own phone holder that other companies would charge you exorbitant amounts for!

The first bend should be slightly off centre, and then the second bend should be about 1 centimetre deep or enough to hold your phone. Here are the results:

Here's a link to the page where I got the idea from:

Cheap and Quick Portable stand