Topic: IT Secrets thread!

[dimitri]

Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll have a look at that tomorrow.

I downloaded one called Disk Drill this evening and it seemed to recover a few photos and videos, but you have to pay to have a pro edition to recover more than 500mg (recovery was over 4gb - which I was a bit surprised at as it only looked like it found an additional video and handful of photos).

Was the Recuva one free or cheaper at least, as this one wants £89! to get the pro edition so I can download most of what’s been recovered

Try Photorec

[owens_2k]

A client I'm working for submitted some documents to a firm via a password protected zip file back in 2013 that they cannot remember the password for.

I suggested to my client to contact the original recipient in order to obtain the password but company has since liquidated

Are they beyond recovery or is there a legitimate way to extract the documents from the zip?

[Elmo!]

A client I'm working for submitted some documents to a firm via a password protected zip file back in 2013 that they cannot remember the password for.

I suggested to my client to contact the original recipient in order to obtain the password but company has since liquidated

Are they beyond recovery or is there a legitimate way to extract the documents from the zip?

I've never tried it myself but my understanding is that the password protection on zip files is pretty weak and there are tools out there that can crack them relatively simply given enough time.

[owens_2k]

I've never tried it myself but my understanding is that the password protection on zip files is pretty weak and there are tools out there that can crack them relatively simply given enough time.

I'll probably infect my laptop with all kinds trying to find software that can do it.

I'm sure back in the day you could rename zip files to .txt or something and find the password.

I can see all the files within the zip, just can't open or extract them. Very frustrating!

[PaulF]

Again, this is why you spin up a VM. Keep everything sandboxed.

[chris2006]

You can dump the hash of the password from a zip archive then attempt to crack it using Hashcat or Johntheripper. Having worked in DFIR for a long time, this kind of practice to gain access to encrypted data quite often works, it just can take time.

If you want a lift with it, drop me a PM.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Again, this is why you spin up a VM. Keep everything sandboxed.

VMs are old hat mate. Docker is what you want.

[sattapaartridge]

ive not got into Docker yet, is it CPU intensive? im a .net developer/manager.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

ive not got into Docker yet, is it CPU intensive? im a .net developer/manager.

Barely noticeable on a modern machine, depending on what you're doing

You can also play with Kubernetes for free on your local machine (Look at Docker Desktop, Kind or Minikube)

Kind is good because you can try out multi-clusters on just your own machine and even build a microservices system that you can try out locally before you deploy wherever

[glasgowsmvp]

12ft.io to get around TheAthetic pay wall

[PaulF]

VMs are old hat mate. Docker is what you want.

Soooo.. I created a VM running SQL express on an ubuntu 20.04 box. All working beautifully.
Now I'm trying to test a back up and restore.  BUT I can't install another copy of sql on ubuntu. A chain of errors
So I'm going to try docker.  I'm starting up a VM with docker preinstalled.  How would I connect to the container (ideally from windows) , to tell it to pull and start a sql image?  I assume all I need is the IP address of the VM host and the root login.
( I am assuming of course that the container isolates me from nasty messages about not being able to find mssql or outdated keychain bollox)

Not using a windows host as I'm cheap. Though I may give up soon , because time is money...

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Soooo.. I created a VM running SQL express on an ubuntu 20.04 box. All working beautifully.
Now I'm trying to test a back up and restore.  BUT I can't install another copy of sql on ubuntu. A chain of errors
So I'm going to try docker.  I'm starting up a VM with docker preinstalled.  How would I connect to the container (ideally from windows) , to tell it to pull and start a sql image?  I assume all I need is the IP address of the VM host and the root login.
( I am assuming of course that the container isolates me from nasty messages about not being able to find mssql or outdated keychain bollox)

Not using a windows host as I'm cheap. Though I may give up soon , because time is money...

Install WSL

Upgrade WSL to WSL 2

Install docker desktop

Allow Docker Desktop to use WSL2

COMMANDS:

docker pull mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2019-latest

docker run -e "ACCEPT_EULA=Y" -e "SA_PASSWORD=34r0TNhvgOde" -p 1433:1433 --name sql2019 -h sql2019 -d mcr.microsoft.com/mssql/server:2019-latest




(More info here: https://theserogroup.com/sql-server/getting-started-with-sql-server-in-a-docker-container/   and this shows you how to set up a backup/restore as well)


To get started with Docker/Kubernetes, I'd recommend this excellent course: https://www.udemy.com/course/docker-kubernetes-the-practical-guide/

[owens_2k]

I have a wireless keyboard and on startup of my computer, the F keys on the keyboard always default to the function rather than the F key. So for example when my computer starts, F5 acts as a pause/play button for audio rather than F5 for refresh. I can fix this by pressing a function button which makes the F keys act as F keys.

Is there a way I can make it so the keyboard uses F keys as default rather than the functions? Its annoying me that if I leave the computer for a period of time and come back to it, the keyboard has reverted again (Im assuming due to disconnected from the PC during idle time to save power)

[Andy @ Allerton!]

I have a wireless keyboard and on startup of my computer, the F keys on the keyboard always default to the function rather than the F key. So for example when my computer starts, F5 acts as a pause/play button for audio rather than F5 for refresh. I can fix this by pressing a function button which makes the F keys act as F keys.

Is there a way I can make it so the keyboard uses F keys as default rather than the functions? Its annoying me that if I leave the computer for a period of time and come back to it, the keyboard has reverted again (Im assuming due to disconnected from the PC during idle time to save power)

Depends on the make and model of the keyboard

[Crosby Nick]

Depends on the make and model of the keyboard

It’s a VTech.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

It’s a VTech.

Try this: https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch002160.htm

[tubby]

IT folks, I need advice.  I'm starting a new job next week where I'll be working from home and they use VoIP phones (whatever they are), but are insisting the phone has a wired connection.

My router is downstairs and my "office" is upstairs.  Virgin can move my connection point to upstairs, but I've got a couple of devices downstairs that I really want to keep on wired connections.  I did suggest a wireless adapter for the phone but my new employer said they've had a lot of problems with those in the past and are really pushing for it to be wired.

Are there any other options here?

[PaulF]

Power line is your friend.
I think I have the right name. And you'll be very confused if I haven't. But those special plugs that go in a mains socket and then send your signal over that. I think they can be got for twenty quid a pair, but I've not looked so budget a bit higher.  Might be worth checking with the company they are fine with that.

--edit--. If it's just the phone you need wired upstairs I'd buy a pair , leave the router downstairs and use them for the phone. Actually . I think I might have a spare pair. Pm if you want them.

[tubby]

Power line is your friend.
I think I have the right name. And you'll be very confused if I haven't. But those special plugs that go in a mains socket and then send your signal over that. I think they can be got for twenty quid a pair, but I've not looked so budget a bit higher.  Might be worth checking with the company they are fine with that.

Wouldn't that be the same as a wireless adapter with an ethernet port though?

[PaulF]

Wouldn't that be the same as a wireless adapter with an ethernet port though?

No. The wireless adapter will still use your WiFi signal

[tubby]

No. The wireless adapter will still use your WiFi signal

Oh, so it's two plugs?  One connected to the router, through the mains and then out through a second plug?

[PaulF]

Oh, so it's two plugs?  One connected to the router, through the mains and then out through a second plug?

Exactly it.  -- Unless you live is some sort of mansion with lots of separate mains circuits.

[tubby]

Exactly it.  -- Unless you live is some sort of mansion with lots of separate mains circuits.

Ha I wish.  Thanks, will check it out.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

I couldn't live without my power lines.

[Lalesa]

Not sure what you mean? If you use python, you'll want pip. If you use node.js then you'll want npm

WSL2 is literally Ubuntu running on your machine (That you can use directly with stuff like Docker)

brew and chcolately are available and let you install stuff to your Ubuntu WSL2 instance or Powershell

I use Docker and Kubernetes all the time on my own machne for testing (Mac/Windows)

Great info! Thanks for sharing this. I've just started learning Node.js, so I appreciate any helpful advice. Though I'm currently doing an online course, I need to self-teach. Of course, there is a great number of useful sources out there, but it is always great to learn from the experience of others.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Great info! Thanks for sharing this. I've just started learning Node.js, so I appreciate any helpful advice. Though I'm currently doing an online course, I need to self-teach. Of course, there is a great number of useful sources out there, but it is always great to learn from the experience of others.

NIce one

Happy to ping messages in here if you get stuck or point you at resources.

It really is fascinating stuff. Good luck on your journey. It's great fun!

[PaulF]

I can't work out what node.js actually is. The description makes it sound like a webserver, but it seems to be often used as a sort of compiler \ linker \ way to join packages together.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

I can't work out what node.js actually is. The description makes it sound like a webserver, but it seems to be often used as a sort of compiler \ linker \ way to join packages together.

It's Javascript

Wiki here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Node.js

It's package manager is npm.

If you follow this, you can build a node.js environment on your machine and then create and run a Docker Container:

https://www.docker.com/blog/getting-started-with-docker-using-node-jspart-i/


That should make it a bit clearer.

[NarutoReds]

It's Javascript

Wiki here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Node.js

It's package manager is npm.

If you follow this, you can build a node.js environment on your machine and then create and run a Docker Container:

https://www.docker.com/blog/getting-started-with-docker-using-node-jspart-i/

That should make it a bit clearer.

I'm using it with my React JS development. Sometimes I just hope I could BUILD things offline.

Every single time need to run an NPM, bloody not going to work without Internet.

Was from PHP background previously, it's all good even without Internet (EXCEPT when my boss started to request us using Laravel)... Eerrgghh NPM again.

I could happily develop my back-end right with dotNET even offline, only need a connection when I want to deploy it to a server.

p/s: But yes, I admit that Laravel is awesome though. Hhhuuugggeeee community.

[Lalesa]

NIce one

Happy to ping messages in here if you get stuck or point you at resources.

It really is fascinating stuff. Good luck on your journey. It's great fun!

Thanks a lot!

[Claire.]

Having an absolute mare with an old laptop of my Dad's that he wants to be usable. The HDD was fucked so he replaced it with one he got from another laptop which has the delights of windows vista on it. I've tried making a bootable USB with win10 on it about 10 times now, the only time it actually picked it up it said something like 'non-system disk error' and did nothing. I've got the iso for 32bit, but what format should it be in? I've tried FAT, exFAT, MS-DOS. I'm wondering if there's something daft I'm missing or do I need to get my hands on a win10 dvd?

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Having an absolute mare with an old laptop of my Dad's that he wants to be usable. The HDD was fucked so he replaced it with one he got from another laptop which has the delights of windows vista on it. I've tried making a bootable USB with win10 on it about 10 times now, the only time it actually picked it up it said something like 'non-system disk error' and did nothing. I've got the iso for 32bit, but what format should it be in? I've tried FAT, exFAT, MS-DOS. I'm wondering if there's something daft I'm missing or do I need to get my hands on a win10 dvd?

Go to this site and get the Installation Media Tool and follow the instructions

https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10


If you have a Windows key, you can put it on when installed

If you boot from the USB, you'll need to update the BIOS and you might need to set it up for UEFI

I'm not really understanding why you don't just format the harddrive that's in or buy a new one if it's knacked?

Have a read of this for more tips: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-properly-setup-used-windows-10-pc#create_bootable_media

[Graeme]

Having an absolute mare with an old laptop of my Dad's that he wants to be usable. The HDD was fucked so he replaced it with one he got from another laptop which has the delights of windows vista on it. I've tried making a bootable USB with win10 on it about 10 times now, the only time it actually picked it up it said something like 'non-system disk error' and did nothing. I've got the iso for 32bit, but what format should it be in? I've tried FAT, exFAT, MS-DOS. I'm wondering if there's something daft I'm missing or do I need to get my hands on a win10 dvd?

Is the BIOS definitely configured to read from the USB slot first and not the HDD or DVD Drive?

[Claire.]

I don't have a windows machine that I can use the media creation tool with, work machines are locked down so I'm using a Mac/terminal to do it, I've done it before but newer machines, this is from like 2008. It's a Dell Studio 1735.

How can I format it from the machine it's in? I know you can do that prior to a windows install from a bootable cos I'm sure I've done that before but this is like pulling teeth.

Is the BIOS definitely configured to read from the USB slot first and not the HDD or DVD Drive?

yeah, I've been in the bios and re-ordered it.

[Elmo!]

I don't have a windows machine that I can use the media creation tool with, work machines are locked down so I'm using a Mac/terminal to do it, I've done it before but newer machines, this is from like 2008. It's a Dell Studio 1735.

How can I format it from the machine it's in? I know you can do that prior to a windows install from a bootable cos I'm sure I've done that before but this is like pulling teeth.

yeah, I've been in the bios and re-ordered it.

Do you have the ISO file?

If so, I always use Rufus to make a bootable USB. Just format using Rufus (if BIOS is set to UEFI make sure to choose a compatible format type) and point it at the ISO file.

https://rufus.ie/en/

[Claire.]

Can only use a Mac to create them so don't think I can use that. I don't think the Mac is the problem, it might be legacy bios so at least have something I can look into.

[Graeme]

Does the laptop boot up with the Vista OS on it?

[Claire.]

Yeah, it boots from the hdd. I'm trying it again now, think I need fat32 + mbr. Why is windows such a pain in the hoop.

for Node.js chat - Ryan Dahl is on this week's syntax podcast. - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/syntax-tasty-web-development-treats/id1253186678?i=1000586698199

[Graeme]

If it boots from the Vista HDD then no need for the bootable ISO. Just run the setup file from Windows Explorer and it will copy all of the install files across, reboot and install.

[Graeme]

FAT32 is limited to 4GB and I’m sure the Win10 iso is about 5GB?