Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Reader Library 3.1 fixed.....FINALLY!

As many of you out there probably know, the latest version of Sony's Reader Library software has some issues. For the last two weeks I have been struggling with it. I was able to install the program but when I tried to launch it...........nothing! The process "Reader Library.exe *32" would appear in the Task Manager of Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit but nothing would happen.

I had this issue on two machines, both running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit and finally arrived at a solution. It is important to note, however, that I have only tried this with Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit but the same process should work on other 64bit Windows platforms as well.

And now what you have all been waiting for...........


Step 1

Remove the Sony Reader Library from your system. This can be done by using the "Uninstall a Program" feature found in the Control Panel's category view. (Vista and Windows 7 only. XP users will use "Add/Remove Programs")


Step 2

Delete the following folders:

C:\ProgramData\kinoma
C:\ProgramData\Marlin
C:\Program Files (x86)\Sony\eBook Library
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Sony Corporation
C:\Users\%usernam%\AppData\Local\kinoma

Make sure to delete the entire folder, not just the contents. Also, if you are unable to see the "AppData" folder complete the following steps (Vista and Windows 7 only):

1. In a Windows explorer window click the "Organize" drop down in the top left corner.
2. Click "Folder and Search Options".
3. Select the "View" tab.
4. Tick the radio button labeled "Show hidden files, folders and drives".
5. Click "Apply".
6. Click "OK".

You should now be able to see and explore the "AppData" folder.


Step 3


Reboot the computer.
That's right turn it off and on again.


Step 4

Install the Sony Reader Library Software:

1. If you have not already done so download the software here: http://ebookstore.sony.com/download/

2. Right click the installer file and select "Run as Administrator".

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE..........


Step 4

Disable DEP (Data Execution Prevention) by completing the following steps:

1. Click "Start".
2. Right click "Computer" select "Properties".
3. Click "Advanced System Settings".
4. Select the "Advanced" tab.
5. Under "Performance" click "Settings".
6. Select the "Data Execution Prevention" tab.
7. Tick the radio button labeled "Turn on DEP for essential Windows programs and services only."
8. Click "Apply".
9. Reboot the computer (Again, sorry!)


Conclusion

If all went well you should now be able to launch the Reader Library, browse the store and purchase books for your Sony eReader. You will even be able to sync with your reader in the epub format that Sony adopted with the latest update to the software.

We love our Sony PRS-505 reader, but the software has been a real headache. There are alternatives out there like Callibre, however, shouldn't the software intended for our readers be the best choice?

Hopefully Sony will find a much more elegant and straight forward solution soon, but until then I hope some frustrated user out there will find this information helpful and once again be able to enjoy the Sony eReader as it was intended.

Friday, January 1, 2010

What if............

What if we all stopped for a moment and actually let the fact that it is now 2010 sink in? I can't believe that it has been ten years since high school, eight years since I got married and twenty years since I saw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the big screen. All of these facts have made me realize just how short life is and made me wonder just how much time I have wasted.

Apart from that, I have also been thinking a lot about the past and reflecting on people and things that I consider important. I was recently given the family van by my Dad. I remember when they brought it home from the dealership twenty years ago all shiny and new. I also remember many miles and many adventures taking place in that van. Sometimes when I drive it I really wish I was eight again and had no responsibility or worries. I also re-discovered a cartoon series called The Mysterious Cities of Gold that I watched regularly as a kid. It is funny how many god times I began to recall as I watched those cartoons, I even found myself singing the theme song while walking around the house.

I think what makes retro so cool is that it takes us all back to a time when we were comfortable and secure. I have greatly enjoyed sharing some of my childhood with my kids first hand, that is an opportunity that many parents do not get. How many of us are lucky enought to drop our kids off at school in the same family van that our parents dropped us off in. We have a blast watching old cartoons together. I get a real kick out of watching my kids pretend to be the same characters that I did while I was growng up.

It's too bad that I have to be a responsible adult now and go to work and pay bills. I really miss the days when all I had to worry about was who I was going to play with and how soon dinner would be ready.