Ian R. Hargest updated his Nov. 14 report about the Leopard update 10.5.5 update's problems with SMB file browsing. He fixed the problem by restarting all of his network hardware:

After much troubleshooting, and requisite swearing, turns out my problem was caused by my networking gear. After troubleshooting my Ubuntu server for a couple hours and coming up empty, I figured I'd reboot the network stack just to take it (cable modem, VoIP router and wireless router) out of the mix. Lo and behold, both my Mac and XP client machines were able to recontact the server.

I'd not changed anything on the server; I'd only been looking for something that was amiss. I hadn't changed anything on the Mac nor the XP clients. Strangest damned thing.

If you've seen this

John Grubb echoed yesterday's report that Windows XP loses dual-monitor settings not just in Boot Camp, but on PCs:

Windows XP frequently loses its video settings on Dell machines. I am constantly resetting dual monitor preferences for employees with Dells running Windows XP. All of our employees use dual screens, both with laptops (docked) and desktops too.

XP loses the video settings at least every other reboot if not every on nearly every machine. They call it a nuisance. I call it FRUSTRATING.

So any Mac user who sees this issue either in Boot Camp or virtual environment, take heart. It's not your Mac machine. It's another case of broken Windows.

Derman Enterprises has released Sync'Em 1.10, software for Mac OS X for syncing Mac and one or more Exchange and Google accounts. The new version adds syncing for Exchange and iCal calendar events. Sync'Em also syncs contacts between Exchange, Google/Gmail and Address Book

If you've tried Sync'Em 1.10

Novell released GroupWise 8 (US$143 per license), its groupware collaboration software supporting Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux clients. The new version supports Web 2.0 dashboard-type tools that can bring in RSS feeds, blogs, or other web sites into the GroupWise Home View. There are also improved calendar functions and contact management, and support iPhones, BlackBerrys and Palm handheld devices.

Two readers say that problem of Windows dual-monitor display settings becoming lost after rebooting Windows is not limited to Boot Camp, but that the problem is with Windows XP. Gary Chou said that the problem occurs on a non-Apple PC:

My work laptop runs Windows XP Pro and also resets dual monitor settings after each reboot. I have to toggle the dual monitor setting each time and also rearrange the proper desktop arrangements (i.e. how Monitor 1 is positioned with respect to Monitor 2). I believe this is a Windows issue rather than a Boot Camp issue.

Richard sees this with VMware Fusion as well in Boot Camp:

Similar problem in VMware Fusion as well. I have Fusion 2.0, which allow dual monitor for Windows XP and Vista to use two monitors. In my XP, I setup for two monitor, took a snapshot, then I restart XP with the snapshot. It worked for a few times but then it will switch back to single monitor. I thought it was a Fusion program, but sounds like it's a Windows XP issue.

If you know of a fix

Richard Eppert confirms a previous suggestion that Microsoft's Sysprep works for cloning Boot Camp images using Winclone:

Marc Berger is correct, using Sysprep is the way to go. I use exactly the same procedure on our Winclone images and I have our Vista Winclone image pickup the same GPO's that our Dell PCs use after the system is imaged, so the Vista environment looks exactly the same.

VMware has released VMware Fusion 2.0.1, a maintenance update that fixes several dozen issues surrounding performance, stability, and various other bugs. VMware released Fusion 2.0 in September as a major new version with a number of new features.

If you've tried the VMware Fusion 2.0.1 update if it fixes any problems you've seen.

For those using PowerPC Macs, Microsoft's now-discontinued Virtual PC is the best way to run Windows. Brian Reilly has posted information about using it to run Windows Vista in Leopard:

As a regular Virtual PC 7 user, I've come across your site on multiple occasions. I recently complied a guide to running Virtual PC 7 in 2008. The article includes the Leopard fix that you already have on your Virtual PC 7 page, but also includes how to run Vista, some VPC7 benchmarks, and a video comparing Word 2008 (mac) to Word 2007's start up time: 12.6 seconds for Word 2008 running natively compared to 9.6 seconds for Word 2007.

Yesterday, Mark/Space released The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0.4 (US$40, free update), an update to the company's Mac OS X software for syncing with Windows Mobile smart phones. The version 4.0.4 update includes direct sync support for Entourage 2008 (as well as with Entourage 2004) without the need to go through the Mac's Sync Services. The new version also includes support for Entourage categories and improved device mounting.

The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile 4.0.4 enables users to synchronize Entourage contacts, calendar events, and tasks with categories. Other features of The Missing Sync for Windows Mobile include syncing music, photos, video, files, and much more with support for iCal, Address Book, iPhoto and iTunes.

Mark/Space has released The Missing Sync for BlackBerry 1.0.3 (US$40), an updated to the Mac OS X software for syncing to BlackBerry handheld devices. The new version adds sync support for BlackBerry Bold 9000 series smart phone. The software can sync between BlackBerry Bold and Entourage, iCal and Address Book, and well as iTunes playlists, iPhoto albums and various video formats. The software also works with other BlackBerry models.

The Missing Sync for BlackBerry 1.0.3 can sync contacts, calendars, tasks, and notes with Entourage or Address Book and iCal. It can also sync iTunes playlists, iPhoto albums and various video formats.