NS 7.02 SD Streamline Setup Questions

Hello again Ramona,

NS 7.02, Silly Dog 701's streamlined version, is now working - almost - slick as a whistle. Since I amended the target line, got rid of the splash screen and changed 7.02 to starting with a blank screen [eg no home page] it’s become quite fast to load and open.

This said, I do find 7.2 slower than 4.79 or IE in terms of response to some buttons, most commonly `Bookmarks’. I sometimes wonder if they’re going to open. This said, I’m curious about relative size of my bookmarks: NS 7.2 is a 2149KB file; IE 5.5 is a 3250KB file; while NS 4.79 is but 913KB. I know I have some `clean-out’ to do but it just seems a bit weird.

Before I start re-installing every plug-in I have in NS 4.79, I’d like to see if some and maybe all, will work in 7.2. Can I simply copy them from 4.79 to 7.2? Should I allow overwriting? There are a couple of plug ins I’m going to have to reinstall for sure such as DjVu browser from Lizard Tech.

Is there a simply way to stop the splash screen of 7.02 from loading ex an email hot link? I thought of duplicating the target line from the Task Bar shortcut, into other short cuts but somehow, I doubt that Eudora and NS are so linked. Is there something I can add to the `prefs.js’ file for instance. I also was looking in the Eudora.ini file but cannot spot what or where I should edit.

By the way, I also found that for the amended target line in the Task Bar shortcut, the -P" user profile name" must precede the `-quiet’ and `-browser’. [per your earlier step-by-step instructions and not per your example].

All in all, 7.2 already is beginning to fit like an old slipper and I’ve already made it my default browser.

Thanks Ramona.

 

Welt,
Firstly, I guess you confused with the term "splash screen" and "start up page. "
Splash screen is the logo of application, indicating the programme is launching.
To desable splash screen when Netscape 7.02 launching, add

Code:

 -nosplash

to the end of the command line.

To disable the startup page of Mail,
Edit | Preferences | Mail & Newsgroups, then on the bottom section of right hand side, unselect When Mail launches, show the Start Page in the message area.

I don't recommend you copy your NS4.79's bookmark to 7.02. I am not sure about the file formats.

 

Thanks for the message Antony

Sorry, I didn't confuse `splash' logo and `start page'. Guess I wasn't too clear but Ramona would have known given a prior message. I was taling `start page' as opposed to `home page'. I was talking `splash logo' as that NS 7.0 logo that appears before the browser loads.
I disabled it using the `-quiet ' entry following the path line and user profile entry.

Works fine for direct load but my question to Ramona is about getting rid of it when the browser is called to load from a hot link embedded in an email message, in my case, Eudora. In this instance, the Netscape `splas screen' still appears and slows loading.

Re slow bookmarks loading, I've discovered that, once I've called them the first time, further calls are instantaneous.

Re mail, I already have `start page' de-selected/disabled.

Again thanks.

 

Hi Welt,

The command line switches I gave you, are the ones I use, and they work for me. Whatever works for you is what you should use.

On your Bookmark problem. The growing size of your bookmarks.html file is usually seen when sharing a Profile with Mozilla. For some reason this causes the Bookmarks to double, triple, etc.

Close Netscape:
Back up both your 7.02 and 4.79 Bookmark files

Rename your Netscape 7.02 bookmarks.html file to Xbookmarks.html.

Copy your Communicator 4.79 bookmark.htm file and paste it in your Netscape 7.02 *.slt folder.

Rename the bookmark.htm file to
bookmarks.html.
This is a very subtle change in name.

If this doesn't work, you may have to create a new Profile.

You can copy the entire Communicator 4.79 Plugins folder and place it in your Netscape 7.02 folder:
C:\Program Files\Netscape\Netscape
When prompted to overwrite the existing Folder, answer YES.

You will have to experiment with the plugins, to see whether or not each one will work. Netscape 7 is very lacking in the media area, so good luck!

Antony, has given you the answer to your Mail startup page.

Ramona

 

Welt,

Did your IE Favorites convert when you installed 7.02? That too could account for large size of your bookmarks.html file.

Ramona

 

Hi Welt,

If you are using Eudora as the DEFAULT Mail application, you can add this line to your prefs.js file, better yet, create a user.js file:

user_pref( "network.protocol-handler.external.mailto ", true);

Remember to close Netscape first, and if you opt to add the above script to the prefs.js file, back up the prefs.js file first.

Ramona

 

Sorry, Welt.
I misunderstood your question.

 

User.js File

Hello Ramona

Yes, Eudora is set as my DEFAULT mail application.

I created a `user.js' file with only one line in it and when I tried to open NS 7.02 from an imbedded link in Eudora, I got an error message reading:

An error occurred reading the startup configuration file. Contact your administration advisor.
Syntax Error: missing name after . operator .
user_pref( "network.protocol-handler.external.mailto ".true);

[Note the user_pref etc. line is the sum total of the new user.js file. I checked it using QuickView.]

When I try to open the `user.js' file, the following message appears in a window.

Script: C:\WINDOWS\Application Data\Mozilla\Profiles\weltrn\wjua7be1.slt\user.js
Line: 1
Char: 56
Error: Expected identifier
Code: 800A03F2
Source: Microsoft JScript compilation error.

When I examine the Create a USER.JS file on line, I notice that the `user.js' file is supposed to be written into [or overwrite] the `pref.js' file. I've scanned the content of the latter file, up and down and sideways, and I cannot fine the line I just placed into the new 'user.js' file.

Since I was not adding it to the `prefs.js' file, I didn't bother to back it up. I've since, however, backed up the `prefs.bak' file expecting it to be a copy of the original.

Seems I've messed up somewhere. I hate to ask again, but `please'....!

I've not yet addressed `bookmarks' but `yes', IE Favourites were imported though they ought to be signifcantly less than in Netscape 4.79 which have accumulated over the years while IE have accumulated only since last September. This said, IE DID import the NS bookmarks so I suppose they've not been duplicated ??????

Thanks Ramona

PS NS 7.2 will load when the Script Error window is clicked and the splash screen still appears using the imbedded address.

Also Netscape was closed when I added the user.js file.

 

Bookmarks

Hi Ramona,

I've decided to let sleeping dogs lie for now. I quite like the 7.02 bookmarks setup and, besides, I've already made some additions and modifications which will be lost if I copy over the 4.79 marks exclusively; ditto IE.

Instead, as time permits, I'll simply go through them and do some editing. Perhaps I can load some little piece of software that will go through them and determine their currency. I'm sure some are long dead...providing the `tool' will work in the background. Seems to me I've seen such bookmark software somewhere. Of course, it will have to be compatible with all.

I've kept your response.

 

Hi Welt,

If the script you posted above, is the exact script you used when you created a user.js file, then you have typo's, and that is why you get the error.

This is the correct script:
user_pref( "network.protocol-handler.external.mailto ", true);

Your script:
user_pref( "network.protocol-handler.external.mailto ".true);

Do you see the errors? You left a space here: user_pref(space "network.protocol...........
and after mailto, there is a period, instead of a comma.

Just do a copy and paste of the correct script, then you won't have to worry about typo's.

Once you have created the user.js file it should be saved to your *.slt folder. Is this where you saved the file?

To open the user.js or prefs.js file you can do one of two things:

1.
Open Notepad
Cllick on Open
Browse to either file

2.
Open Windows Explorer
Highlight the file
Hold down the shift key
Right click the file
Select "Open With" from the Menu
Select Notepad from the list of Programs
Insert a tick beside:
"Always use this program to open this type of file "
Now all you have to do is double click the file, and it will open in Notepad... sans error!

When I examine the Create a USER.JS file on line, I notice that the `user.js' file is supposed to be written into [or overwrite] the `pref.js' file. I've scanned the content of the latter file, up and down and sideways, and I cannot fine the line I just placed into the new 'user.js' file.

That's because of the syntax error. Once you correct it, then you will see that the script added to the user.js file will be included in the prefs.js file.

Since I was not adding it to the `prefs.js' file, I didn't bother to back it up. I've since, however, backed up the `prefs.bak' file expecting it to be a copy of the original.

Your best bet is to back up the entire Profiles folder any time you are going to edit any file in your Profile. My mantra is back up, backup, backup! Back up that Profiles folder at least once weekly, and more if you are making a lot of changes.

I use a very nice little program, that tranquilo told me about, called AM-Deadlink for my Bookmarks. It's compatible with both Netscape 7 and IE.

Ramona

 

USER_PREF.JS

Good evening Ramona,

Once again, I'm indebted to you. I did a copy and save of your latest line, opened the subject file in notepad and paster the line below the one I had typed.

I found two errors in my line but only one from your original post.

I did not have a space between `...pref( "network... ' but I did have one at the beginning of the line [line wasn't hard left] and I had the comma rather than a period after `...mailto ", true;'. But I did copy your original line precisely which does have the comma in it. It had to be the same since I did a copy and paste having saved the message to disk.

Please, I'm not being critical but I've been kicking myself so much lately that I've been sitting alternating cold packs and heat on my thigh and knee today.
It got worse when I first read you message! HA.

Anyway, the corrections are made and I will have a look at the bookmark program you recommended. I will let you know how I make out and I will back up the entire folder first.

You're absolutely correct about backing up. When I was working, I did so religiously but as the years have piled on, I've honestly not been thinking as clearly. I know it's no excuse as I preach this very thing to others.

Anyway, I hope I can now proceed w/o further ado.

Again, thank you.

 

BRAIN DEAD

Ramona,

You were before, still are and probably always will be correct. YES, I should have entered a `comma ' rather than a period
per both of your examples.

I'm in a daze.

 

Yo Welt,

Welcome to the club!

 

Hello Ramona

Brain Dead here again.

Following is an extract from my `pref.js' file located in the `*.slt' profile directory:

user_pref( "network.cookie.cookieBehavior ", 1);
user_pref( "network.ftp.anonymous_password ", " ");
user_pref( "network.hosts.pop_server ", "shawmail ");
user_pref( "network.hosts.smtp_server ", "shawmail ");
user_pref( "network.protocol-handler.external.mailto ", true);
user_pref( "news.directory ", "C:\\WINDOWS\\Application Data\\Mozilla\\Profiles\\weltrn\\wjua7be1.slt\\News ");

I can see no error but when I click on an Eudora hot link, the splash screen still appears but it doesn't appear when NS is opened from the Task Bar shortcut. At least I get no script error.

Can you tell me what am I still doing wrong? I tried three different email messages with links to this site. Rescued them from my trash folder. All still exhibit the splash screen.

The entire folder sans sub folders has been backed up to my second hard disk.

 

Hi Welt,

Some settings for you to check:


Add the following to the [Settings] section of eudora.ini:

ForceDDEForHandlingMailto=1

Also check your File Types for URL:Mailto Protocol to see if Eudora is listed there.
Open Windows Explorer
Click on View|Folder Options|File Types

Have you disabled using Netscape Mail as the default mail program
Edit | Preferences | Mail & Newsgroups

Have you set Email to Eudora
Control Panel | Internet Properties | Programs | E-mail

Check this Registry Entry to see whether or not it points to Eudora, as it should:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\mailto\shell\open\command]

Eudora Knowledge Base Articles

I haven't been batting 5000 on making Eudora the default Mail program with Netscape 7. It's a known bug with NT, but seems to be an all around problem.

Ramona

 

Hi Ramona

I do believe that I've not made myself clear re URLs `hot wired' [eg embedded] into Eudora messages.

I'm having NO problems using Eudora as my default email software in NS 7.02. NS defaults to Eudora and I just did an on-line test to confirm.

Nonetheless, I checked every setting you raised and all are in order. I did not, however, add the `force' line to the Eudora.ini file as I see no need for it. Why repair that which isn't broken.

The problem I have is with Netscape and it's merely a nettle, a burr under my saddle and it does slow NS loading.

I simply want to get rid of the Netscape splash logo [reads Netscape 7.0] when I click on an embedded link. It's now gone when I activate NS from the Task Bar shortcut. I simply was hoping that there is somewhere else that I can perhaps supplement the path or command line with something like: -P " my user profile" -quiet OR -nosplash.

Perhaps I should simply say a HUGE thank you and butt out. I've already commanded an inordinate amount of your time and patience.

 

Hi Welt,

Let me clarify, so we are on the same page:

You are using Eudora
You do not have Netscape open
You click on a link in your email
The Netscape 7 Splash Screen comes up

Does Netscape open, or is it only the Splash Screen? I'm totally unclear on this.

What browser is your default?

Thanks!

Ramona

 

Hi Ramona,

You are correct in your summation.

Splash screen comes up, there's a few seconds pause[seems forever] and then Netscape finally opens. Of course, the delay could be tantamount to having a home page selected rather than opening to a blank window.

NS 7.02 is my default browser.

Please don't worry. You've had a very busy day. I can wait. As I said, it's just a nettle. After you helped me get rid of the splash screen from the Task Bar short cut, I became spoiled and waved IE goodbye.

Thanks.

Ron

I'm still messing about with Dead Link. It will prove a good program once I figure out why it freezes on me. I may have to do a reinstall although it was installed with only Zone Alarm and Explorer active.

It works very, very well until I close the browser, highlight the bookmarks I want deleted and select delete. Then and only then, the software freezes solidly. It's Ctrl-Alt-Del time.

It might be that DL is overloading the system although I tried it following a fresh boot and had only NS 7.02 and
Dead Link open. I started with 87% resources. Oh yes, I also had pre-selected NS 6-7 as the browser.

This is only feedback. No need to respond.

 

Hi Welt,

O.K., you just want to disable the Splash Screen when you click on the hotlink in Eudora. Sheesh, I was trying to make something complicated out of it.

I'm not sure you can do that, but let me see what I can find.

Ramona

 

Hi Ramona

Yup, dat's all. Sometimes simple things can sound more complicated than the complicated.

Ran Deadlink again tonight and it once again froze in the deletion of marked links stage. It's frustrating.

I suddenly realised that NS 4.79 had in it most of the bookmarks from past versions; they were imported into IE 5.5 and when I installed NS 7.02, it imported them twice: once from 4.79 and once from IE in addition to the IE marks.

It may be that I need to do the deletions in bits and pieces rather than in one fell swoop. Took 2 3/4 hours running time tonight to get through the entire bookmarks file.

Perhaps I can back up the bookmarks file and then split it into chunks so as to process less marks at a time. By deleting as I go and then adding back some more, at least I'd be re-checking a smaller number of marks each pass.

Not to worry. I've not given up.

Ron