The Windows Wizard

Troubleshoot instantly with the Windows 7 System Diagnostic Report

2011-05-19T20:16:00.001-04:00

You can delve into the Microsoft Windows 7’s Event Viewer to track down issues you are having with hardware and software, but doing so requires effort as well as an understanding of what you are looking at. Fortunately, Windows 7 comes with a host of troubleshooting tools, such as Event Viewer, Resource Monitor, and Reliability Monitor, that you can use to help diagnose all sorts of problems.

One of the other tools that you can use is called the System Diagnostic Report, which is a part of Performance Monitor and can display the status of hardware resources, system response times, and processes on your computer along with system information and configuration data. The neat trick with the System Diagnostic Report is that you can use it to gather troubleshooting information on-the-fly while the problem is occurring. Read more.

Augment your data storage options with Windows 7 Live File System format

2011-05-12T20:25:00.005-04:00

If you are looking to augment or expand your existing data storage options and you have a CD- or DVD-burner on your Microsoft Windows 7 System, then you need to investigate the Live File System format. This new system will allow you to essentially use a CD-RW or DVD-RW disk just like a USB flash drive. In other words, you’ll be able to incrementally add individual files or groups of files to the disc over time. Read more.

Explore the benefits of the Multiple Local Group Policy feature in Windows 7

2011-05-03T23:15:00.008-04:00

If you have ever been responsible for managing stand-alone or workgroup Windows XP systems with multiple user accounts, chances are you wished you could have used Group Policy to set different policies for different users. Unfortunately, Windows XP’s Local Group Policy doesn’t work that way. Fortunately, Microsoft realized that something more was needed and developed the Multiple Local Group Policy system. This new system, available for Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions, will allow you to configure different policies for different users. Read more.

Troubleshoot Windows 7 with the built-in Problem Steps Recorder

2011-04-27T23:18:00.006-04:00

There is still a large number of Windows users who are still running Windows XP. That started me thinking about all the great new Windows 7 features that those folks still running Windows XP are missing out on. For instance, that means that more than half of all the Windows users in the world won’t be able to take advantage of the extremely handy Problem Steps Recorder for helping to solve technical support problems. When started, this new tool will essentially record each and every step a user takes and document the entire operation in both screen captures and step-by-step details. When stopped, the Problem Steps Recorder will save the recorded information as a compiled HTML file and package it up in a ZIP file that an end user can then e-mail to a technician. Read more.

Use a USB Flash Drive to create Windows Password Reset Disk in Windows 7

2011-04-20T23:20:00.003-04:00

Do you have an old 128MB or 256MB USB Flash Drive in the back of your desk drawer gathering dust? If so, you can put that dusty old drive to use again as a Password Reset Disk for Microsoft Windows 7. Read more.

Flying Toasters - A look back at After Dark for Windows 1.0

2011-04-15T23:22:00.009-04:00

In March of 1991, Berkeley Systems released the After Dark for Windows 1.0 screen saver program and the $49.95 package soon became as common on the PC as it was on the Mac. After Dark for Windows came with 35 screen savers, including the wildly popular Flying Toasters. I recently came across a copy and installed it in a virtual Windows 3.1 system and began reliving those fun times. Take a look at this gallery of screen shots.

Decipher Svchost processes in Windows with Svchost Viewer

2011-04-14T23:23:00.003-04:00

Back in November of last year in my blog post titled “Identify and Get Detailed Information about Processes in Windows 7,” I showed you how to use Windows Task Manager to track down detailed information about any process running in Windows 7. However, I recently came across a tool that specializes in just Svchost.exe processes, called Svchost Viewer. Read more.

Vintage Computer Advertisements from the late 1970s

2011-04-06T23:25:00.004-04:00

On a recent attic cleaning expedition, I encountered a box of Scientific American magazines from the late 70s. Each magazine is full of computer advertisements that provide an interesting peek back at the beginning of the computing industry. In this gallery, I will show you what I found.

Give every window in Windows 7 a tabbed user interface

2011-04-05T23:28:00.004-04:00

I recently received an email from a reader who was looking for a way to add tabs to Windows 7’s Windows Explorer. However, I have discovered tool called WindowTabs that can add tabs to every running application’s Window and allows you to group these tabbed windows together as a single entity. As such, you can open multiple instances of Windows Explorer and group them together to create your own multi-tabbed version of Windows Explorer. Read more.

Fine tune the Windows 7 Search Index for better performance

2011-03-31T23:30:00.003-04:00

I recently received email from readers wondering about how the Search Index in Windows 7 works and if it were possible to customize it. Some readers wanted to add different locations to the Search Index and some wanted to remove certain locations. Others wondered about adding or removing certain file types from the Search Index. I also heard from readers who were encountering problems with the Windows 7’s Search and wondered how to fix it. Read more.

Tag your files for easier searches in Windows 7

2011-03-23T23:33:00.002-04:00

In a recent Windows Desktop Report, “Take Advantage of Search Filters in Windows Explorer,” I showed you how to use and take advantage of the Search filters built in to Windows Explorer’s Search box in Windows 7. As I told you in that blog post, as soon as you begin typing text in the Search box, Windows immediately begins sifting through the search index for that text in folder names, file names, the contents of the file, and file properties, such as Tags. Since that blog was posted, I have received several emails from readers asking how you go about tagging files so that you can search on Tags. Read more.

Inside Microsoft Entertainment Packs 1 - 4

2011-03-21T23:35:00.004-04:00

Back in the early 90's, Microsoft released set of games designed exclusively for Windows 3.x called the Microsoft Entertainment Packs. In this series of galleries I'll take you back to the Windows 3.x days and look over the games and screen savers that came in the Microsoft Entertainment Packs.

Inside Microsoft Entertainment Pack 1

Inside Microsoft Entertainment Pack 2

Inside Microsoft Entertainment Pack 3

Inside Microsoft Entertainment Pack 4

Weed through your files Part Two: Windows 7 Group By and Filter features

2011-03-17T23:39:00.006-04:00

In last week’s blog, “Weed through Your Files with the Windows Explorer Arrange By Feature,” I showed you how to use the Arrange By feature in Windows 7’s Windows Explorer to gain a different perspective on the data files that you have stored on your hard disk. However, the Arrange By feature isn’t the only method that you can use to gain an interesting perspective on your data files. There are two other features that you can use to weed through your files: Group By and Filter. Read more.

Weed through your files with the Windows Explorer Arrange By feature

2011-03-10T23:40:00.005-05:00

No matter how organized you are with your data files, chances are good that you don’t know where every document is located. Nor do you even remember every document that you have on your hard disk. While Microsoft Windows 7’s Search feature can help you out when you have an idea of what you are looking for, it really can’t help you when you are not sure what to look for. Fortunately, you can use Windows Explorer’s Arrange By feature to gain a different perspective on the data files that you have stored on your hard disk. Read more.

Take advantage of Search filters in Windows Explorer

2011-03-02T23:42:00.005-05:00

I recently received an email from a reader who was frustrated with the Search feature in Windows Explorer. His complaint was that the Search feature is good in Microsoft Windows 7, but it always turns up too many results, so it is hard to find exactly what he wants. Of course, I agree that the Search feature built in to Windows 7 is great. However, it also has a terrific Search filtering system built right in to Windows Explorer’s Search box. Read more.

Add the Up button to the Explorer Command Bar in Windows 7

2011-02-24T23:44:00.005-05:00

In last week’s blog post, “Why Breadcrumb Navigation Is Better than the Up Button,” I told you that if after reading that post you still were not convinced that the breadcrumb navigation system was better than the Up button, I would show you how to add the Up button to the Windows Explorer Command Bar in Windows 7. After spending some time researching the idea, I did indeed find a way to put the Up button on the Command Bar via a little-known keyboard shortcut, a short VBScript, and some registry edits. Read more.

Why breadcrumb navigation is better than the Up button

2011-02-17T23:52:00.009-05:00

Almost as soon as last week’s blog, “Modify Windows Explorer Command Bar for All Folders,” hit the site, I was receiving emails from readers asking if the technique could be used to put the Up button on the Command Bar. After spending some time researching the idea, I did indeed find a way to put the Up button on Windows Explorer’s Command Bar in Microsoft Windows 7 via a little VBScript magic and some registry trickery. Read more.

The Evolution of the Windows Start menu

2011-02-16T23:54:00.004-05:00

We all use the Windows Start menu every day, but did you know that it wasn’t always called the Start menu? Take a look at this gallery of images.

Modify Windows Explorer Command Bar for all folders

2011-02-10T23:58:00.003-05:00

In last week’s blog, “Use Special Codes to Add Commands to the Windows Explorer Command Bar,” I told you about special codes that exist in the registry that you can use to add commands to Microsoft Windows Explorer’s context-sensitive Command Bar. I also told you there is a key in the registry called Generic for all the other folders that do not appear in any of the Libraries. I then explained that to add commands to the Windows Explorer Command Bars for all the other folders that do not appear in any of the Libraries, you’ll have to do a bit more work. Read more.

How Many Floppy Disks Would It Take To Equal 1 Gigabyte?

2011-02-10T23:56:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wondered how many floppy disks it would take to equal 1 Gigabyte? Check out this image gallery and find out.

Use special codes to add commands to the Windows Explorer Command Bar

2011-02-03T23:59:00.006-05:00

I like having the Show the Preview pane button on the Command Bar in Windows Explorer, but when I use it, I want to hide the Navigation Pane and the Details Pane to give me more room for the preview, as shown in Figure A. However, to get there, I have to go to the Organize menu, access the Layout menu, and select the Details Pane toggle, and then I have to go back through all that again to select the Details Pane toggle. It is a real pain (pun intended). I have always wished that Microsoft had put buttons or commands on the Command Bar for those two options, just like they did for the Preview Pane button. Recently, I discovered a set of keys in the Registry, one for each type of Library, that are designed to configure the context-sensitive Command Bars that appear in Windows Explorer. Read more.

Make the Windows Key a good habit in Windows 7

2011-01-27T00:01:00.005-05:00

As you may know, the Windows Key was introduced on the first Microsoft Natural Keyboard in 1994, and while it is now a mainstay on just about every PC keyboard, I am still surprised by the fact that not many people use it to their advantage. Sure, lots of folks use Windows Key to open the Start menu or in combination with the [Tab] key to launch the Windows Flip 3D feature, the rotating carousel-like interface for switching between tasks. However, there are many other really handy, timesaving features that the Windows Key can provide for Windows 7 users if, and only if, you take the time to learn the keystrokes and make using them a habit. Read more.

Access the real Administrator account in Windows 7

2011-01-20T00:03:00.006-05:00

As you know, the User Account Control (UAC) system is the heart and soul of the security system in Microsoft Windows 7. It is designed to protect your system from inadvertent or malicious incidents that could compromise stability or security while you are logged on using an account with administrative privileges, where you have full access to the system. Of course, you can perform administrative operations simply by working through the UAC prompt. Or, if you totally dislike the UAC system, you can also easily disable it. However, there certainly are times when it would just be nice to log on to your Windows 7 system with a good old-fashioned, full-fledged Administrator account. When you do, you’ll never encounter a UAC prompt. Read more.

Take advantage of Windows 7 Gadgets to create room on the Taskbar

2011-01-12T00:04:00.004-05:00

As you may know, Microsoft first introduced Gadgets in Windows Vista, where they existed in a docked container called the Sidebar. In Windows 7, Microsoft did away with the Sidebar, and now Gadgets are free to be positioned anywhere on your desktop. I love this feature and have used it to move to the next level and am now really taking advantage of Gadgets. Read more.

Create your own Classic Start Menu in Windows 7

2011-01-06T00:05:00.004-05:00

As you may know, Classic Shell allows you to revive the Classic Start Menu in Windows 7. However, using Classic Shell isn’t the only way that you can get a Classic Start Menu in Windows 7. In fact, you can create your own Classic Start Menu and position it right next to the new Start Menu in Windows 7. With this side-by-side arrangement you can have the best of both worlds. You can use your custom Classic Start Menu for the majority of your tasks and then use Windows 7’s new Start Menu when you have time to get used to how it works. Read more.

Will 2011 be the year of the Windows 7 tablet PC?

2010-12-20T00:07:00.001-05:00

With the beginning of the New Year right around the corner, I am looking forward to another year of working with Windows 7. It is now running on every one of the main computers in my home. I am looking forward to the possibility of seeing a solid, consumer-oriented tablet PC running Windows 7 that will give the Apple iPad a real run for its money. So, I did a little poking around on the Internet to see what I could learn about the new, as well as existing, Windows 7 tablet PCs. Read more.

Customize Windows 7 HomeGroup with a new name and a new icon

2010-12-15T00:14:00.004-05:00

In a recent blog post, “Remove HomeGroup from Windows Explorer in Windows 7,” I showed you how to remove HomeGroup from the navigation pane in Windows Explorer by disabling the HomeGroup services. Before I did so, I provided you with links to several articles that I wrote extolling the HomeGroup feature in the hopes that after reading them you might begin to see that the HomeGroup feature is a valuable asset to the operating system from both a security and efficiency standpoint. For those of you who decided to keep or to reactivate the Windows 7 HomeGroup as well as for those of you who have always appreciated this new feature, I’ve discovered a few ways that you can customize the HomeGroup networking tool with a couple of registry edits — you can rename it and you can change its icon. Read more.

Remove Favorites from Windows Explorer in Windows 7

2010-12-09T20:16:00.006-05:00

I recently showed you how to remove Libraries and HomeGroup from Windows 7’s Windows Explorer in the articles: “Remove Libraries from Windows Explorer in Windows 7” and “Remove HomeGroup from Windows Explorer in Windows 7.” Soon after those articles were published, I was asked if there was a way to remove Favorites from Windows Explorer. Now personally, I can’t think of one good reason for removing such a timesaving feature from Windows Explorer, but some of you are adamant that you want to remove this feature. Therefore, I will acquiesce. Read more.

Remove HomeGroup from Windows Explorer in Windows 7

2010-12-01T20:18:00.008-05:00

After last week’s blog post, “Remove Libraries from Windows Explorer in Windows 7,” several readers asked if there was a way to remove HomeGroup from Windows Explorer in Windows 7. Read more.

Remove Libraries from Windows Explorer in Windows 7

2010-11-24T20:25:00.006-05:00

In the past, I covered eight techniques that you can use to get more out of Windows Explorer in Windows 7. One of the techniques that I shared was how to expand the navigation pane. A reader told me that while reconfiguring the navigation pane so that Libraries were not as prominent was a good trick, but what he really wanted to be able to do was to remove Libraries altogether. After a bit of investigation, I discovered that it is possible to remove Libraries from Windows Explorer with a couple of Registry tweaks. Read more.

Work around these Windows Live Messenger 2011 annoyances

2010-11-18T20:26:00.009-05:00

If you are a Windows Live Messenger user, you know that Microsoft recently released the 2011 version of Messenger and that the product has been expanded beyond the Windows Live network to become a social networking portal. All these great new features aside, there are a couple of things that really annoy me about Windows Messenger in Windows 7. The first is that the Windows Live Messenger icon no longer appears in the Notification Area — instead it resides on the Taskbar, where it takes up valuable space even when you are not using it. The second is that by default Windows Live Messenger opens in an almost full-screen view. Read more.

Identify and get detailed information about processes in Windows 7

2010-11-11T20:29:00.005-05:00

In my October 5 blog post, “Investigate Memory Usage with Windows 7 Resource Monitor,” I showed you how to use the detailed information displayed in Microsoft Windows 7 Resource Monitor to investigate memory usage. I went into quite a bit of detail while describing the Processes table on the Memory tab. Since that blog was published, I have received numerous questions from readers wanting to know how to go about identifying those processes with executable file names that are not as easy to identify. Fortunately, there is a way to learn a great deal about any and all processes in Windows 7. However, you have to switch over to Windows Task Manager to make it happen. Read more.

New troubleshooting features in the Windows 7 System Configuration tool

2010-11-02T20:30:00.005-04:00

After reading my recent blog post, “Use Windows 7 Event Viewer to Track Down Issues That Cause Slower Boot Times, a friend who just recently made the move to Microsoft Windows 7 from Windows XP asked me whether the System Configuration Utility was still a viable tool to use in Windows 7. After I assured him that it was still a useful troubleshooting tool and described the modifications in the new version, I thought that a lot of people moving from XP to Windows 7 might have the same question. Read more.

Use Robocopy's multi-threaded feature to quickly back up your data in Windows 7

2010-10-26T20:32:00.005-04:00

Soon after Windows Vista came out, I discovered that Microsoft had updated the venerable Robocopy with a bunch of extra features and made it a regular part of the Windows operating system. Of course, when Windows 7 came out I immediately examined the newest version of Robocopy and discovered that Microsoft had again updated Robocopy with a single, but very powerful, new feature — the ability to perform a multi-threaded copy option. More specifically, with multi-threaded capabilities Robocopy can now simultaneously copy multiple files in parallel, which will result in very fast backup operations. Read more.

Use Windows 7 Event Viewer to track down issues that cause slower boot times

2010-10-21T20:33:00.001-04:00

In last week’s blog, “Better Troubleshooting Capabilities with Windows 7 Event Viewer,” I introduced you to some of the new features in Microsoft Windows 7’s Event Viewer and told you that these new features make the new tool far superior to its XP predecessor. As I mentioned, in addition to the new interface, Microsoft designed Windows 7’s Event Viewer to provide you with more meaningful, actionable, and well-documented events in order to provide better information for troubleshooting. Recently, I had an opportunity to put Windows 7’s Event Viewer to the test. Read more.

Better troubleshooting capabilities with Windows 7 Event Viewer

2010-10-14T20:35:00.002-04:00

If you had been holding on to Microsoft Windows XP and just recently made the move to Windows 7, you’ve begun to discover that a lot has changed in the operating system besides just the new user interface with all its new bells and whistles. For example, chances are that one of the first places that you probably turned to when troubleshooting problems in Windows XP was the Event Viewer. Well, when you get to Windows 7’s Event Viewer, you are in for a new experience. Read more.

Investigate memory usage with Windows 7 Resource Monitor

2010-10-05T20:36:00.004-04:00

In last week’s blog post, “Learn How to Use the Windows 7 Resource Monitor for Effective Troubleshooting,” I introduced you to the Resource Monitor tool’s powerful features and explained how you can use it to get a better understanding of how system resources are used by processes and services. I also indicated that you can use Resource Monitor to delve into specific problems, such as investigating memory usage. Read more.

Learn how to use the Windows 7 Resource Monitor for effective troubleshooting

2010-09-29T20:37:00.002-04:00

After last week’s blog “Track Stability in Windows 7 with the Reliability Monitor” was posted, I received an e-mail message from a reader who described their Reliability Monitor chart as being full of Windows and Miscellaneous failures that seemed to be occurring on a regular basis. The reader suspected that a malfunctioning process was the cause and wanted more detail on using Microsoft Windows 7’s Resource Monitor to keep tabs on system resources being used by running processes and services. While I was able to help the reader out, a comment they made about feeling overwhelmed by the amount of detailed information and the number of features packed into Windows 7’s Resource Monitor stuck with me for a few days. Read more.

Track stability in Windows 7 with the Reliability Monitor

2010-09-22T20:39:00.003-04:00

Having the ability to track system stability over time is something that all Microsoft Windows users have wanted at one time or another. Of course, Windows Performance Monitor has been around for a long time but requires manual configuration and a deep understanding of all the cryptically named counters. Fortunately, Windows 7’s Reliability Monitor is a preconfigured tool that will allow you to track hardware and software problems and other changes to your computer. Read more.

Convert Windows XP into a Windows 7 Virtual Machine with Disk2vhd

2010-09-17T20:40:00.009-04:00

Would you like to be able to still run Microsoft Windows XP while you get familiar with Windows 7? Well, moving your existing Windows XP system to a virtual machine that you can run in Windows 7 is a relatively easy procedure with the Disk2vhd tool from Microsoft’s Windows Sysinternals team: Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell. Read more.

Answers to some common questions about symbolic links

2010-09-05T20:41:00.001-04:00

In last week’s blog, “Be More Efficient and Better Organized with the MKLink Symbolic Link Tool,” I provided a brief introduction to the concept of symbolic links and then jumped right into how to use the MKLink command in Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows 7 to create them. After the blog post was published, many folks sent me e-mail or posted questions in the discussion thread asking for a deeper understanding of how symbolic links work within the Windows Vista and 7 operating systems. Read more.

Be more efficient and better organized with the MKLink symbolic link tool

2010-09-01T21:18:00.001-04:00

If you are like most folks who have been using Microsoft Windows for quite some time, chances are good that you create and use shortcuts quite regularly. As you know, shortcuts can save you time and effort when it comes to quickly accessing applications or folders. While creating and using these types of standard shortcuts is quite simple, Windows 7 and Vista come with a tool called MKLink for creating a more advanced type of shortcut called a symbolic link. Read more.

Troubleshoot problem applications with Windows 7 Program Compatibility tools

2010-08-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

As you know, Microsoft has put a great deal of effort into making sure that Windows 7 is extremely compatible with new and existing hardware and software. The most evident piece of this compatibility push was Microsoft’s establishment of the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program. Another big piece of Microsoft’s compatibility push was the inclusion of Windows XP Mode in Windows 7.

However, there is another big feature built in to Microsoft Windows 7 that is designed to enhance compatibility but doesn’t seem to get as much of the fanfare as the others — the Program Compatibility Assistant. This tool is designed to automatically run when it detects an older program that is encountering compatibility problems. Read more.

Take advantage of Windows 7's Disk Defragmenter to get detailed drive data

2010-08-19T19:37:00.001-04:00

As you know by now, Microsoft Windows 7’s Disk Defragmenter is configured to run on a regular schedule right out of the box. And, when it runs, it is hidden in the background with no visible interface or icon. This means that Disk Defragmenter will always keep your hard disk in tip-top shape and you never even have to think about defragmenting your hard disk.

Even though the disk defragmenting operation is totally automated in Windows 7, such that you really never need manually run the utility, the user interface in Disk Defragmenter has been redesigned so that it can provide you with detailed defragmentation status information allowing you to monitor the progress of the operation if you wish to run it manually. Read more.

Install the Aero Snap feature in almost any version of Windows

2010-08-12T20:02:00.000-04:00

As you probably know, Snap is a new windows management feature in Microsoft Windows 7 that allows you to arrange open windows, including maximizing and resizing, just by dragging and dropping a window to different edges of the screen. When a window is dragged to the correct position, a ripple effect will emanate from the cursor and you’ll see an animated outline of the window instantly appear in its new position. As soon as you release the mouse button, the window will snap to that position.

Well, fortunately for all of us (XP, Vista and 7 users) the folks at Nurgo Software have developed a very cool piece of software called AquaSnap that brings the new Aero Snap and Shake features from Windows 7 to Windows XP and Windows Vista for free. You can even use it in Windows 2000. Read more.

Move your entire Windows XP installation into Windows 7 with Paragon Go Virtual

2010-08-04T19:54:00.002-04:00

Would you like to be using Microsoft Windows 7, but are sticking with Windows XP because you have been using it for close to 10 years and have a lot invested in it? Well, what if I told you that you could easily move your existing Windows XP system to a virtual machine that you could then run in Windows 7? Well you can, with Paragon Go Virtual - and the best part is that it won’t cost you a penny.

Paragon Go Virtual is a conversion tool that creates virtual machines which can be run by VMware Workstation/Player or VMware Fusion on a Mac, Microsoft Virtual PC, or Oracle VirtualBox. The software comes in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and in addition to converting Windows XP into a virtual machine, it can also convert Windows 2000, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Read more.

Get better organized with the Maple flat-file database application

2010-07-28T19:49:00.001-04:00

The other day one of my coworkers mentioned that he needed a flat-file database tool that was easy to use and ran in Microsoft Windows 7, and he asked me if I could make a recommendation. (I love being asked questions like this when I already have an answer.) I quickly responded Maple! To which he replied, what? Like the Tree? I said, yes, just like the tree. I then explained that was the name of the tool that combined the power of a word-processing application with the organization structure of Windows Explorer to make one of the best flat-file database tools that I have ever used. Read more.

Customize folder backgrounds in Windows Vista and Windows 7

2010-07-22T14:14:00.001-04:00

If you used Microsoft Windows 98, chances are good that you remember that operating system’s Customize This Folder wizard, which allowed you to customize your folders by setting different backgrounds and choosing a text color. A friend of mine was reminiscing about that capability the other day and asked me why this feature wasn’t one of the many bells and whistles in Microsoft Windows 7.

He really liked to be able to customize certain folders back then, as it helped him to organize content. I told him about Windows 7’s Content view, which makes keeping track of multimedia files easier. He quickly replied that Content view wasn’t the same as the Windows 98 feature, and I knew he was right. Since I had no quick comeback, I sulked off.

Later, while doing a bit of researching on the Internet, I encountered a nice little program called the Windows 7 Folder Background Changer, which was developed for The Windows Club website by Krishna Bagaria. This neat little program runs as a standalone application and works in both Windows Vista and Windows 7. Read more.

Move your entire Windows XP installation into Windows 7 with Zinstall XP7

2010-07-15T14:12:00.002-04:00

If you are still using Microsoft Windows XP but thinking of moving to Windows 7, you’re probably feeling a bit apprehensive about the project. What if I told you that you could convert your entire Windows XP installation (data files and applications) into a virtual machine that you could then run inside Windows 7? Well, you can do just exactly that by using a unique product called Zinstall XP7.

Zinstall XP7 is a product designed to make it possible for Windows XP users to migrate/upgrade their existing systems to Windows 7. With Zinstall XP7, you can move your Windows XP installation, intact, from an older computer to a newer computer already running Windows 7 as well as revive your Windows XP installation after performing a Windows XP to Windows 7 Custom installation procedure on your existing computer. Zinstall calls this latter method an in-place migration, and it employs a truly unique process, which I’ll describe in detail. Read more.

Manage network logon credentials in Microsoft Windows

2010-07-07T14:08:00.002-04:00

As you may know, Microsoft Windows 7 provides a new and improved version of a tool that also appeared in Windows Vista and Windows XP and is designed for managing network-based logon credentials (i.e. user names and passwords) from sources that adhere to Microsoft credential management standards. The Windows 7 tool is called Credential Manager and is more advanced than the simplistic tool called Stored User Names and Passwords that came with Windows Vista and Windows XP.

With credentials stored in these tools, you will be able to automatically log on to a server/site without first being prompted to provide a user name and password. For example, Windows 7’s Credential Manager can store credentials and automatically log you in to Windows Live services such as Hotmail and SkyDrive, Microsoft Office services such as Outlook Web Access for Exchange Server as well as Windows servers and Remote Desktop connections. Read more.

Quick Tip: Disable Snap in Windows 7

2010-07-01T14:06:00.002-04:00

As you know, with the introduction of Snap in Microsoft Windows 7, we now have a completely new way of managing open windows. This feature allows you to arrange open windows, including maximizing and resizing, just by dragging and dropping a window to different edges of the screen. When a window is dragged to the correct position, a ripple effect will emanate from the cursor and you’ll see an animated outline of the window instantly appear in its new position. As soon as you release the mouse button, the window will snap to that position.

While many of us think that Snap is an awesome feature, many others think that it is annoying. For those in the latter category, I recently discovered that you can disable Snap. Read more.

Add Windows 7 themes and backgrounds for the July 4th holiday

2010-06-29T14:04:00.002-04:00

As I prepare myself for the July 4th celebration, I’ve been working on customizing my Microsoft Windows 7 system and decided to share with the TechRepublic Community what I have done. I also explain how to create a guest account in Windows 7 so that if you have visitors this holiday you can allow them to use your PC without risking your configuration. Read more.

Official support is ending so why are you still running Windows XP SP2?

2010-06-23T14:03:00.003-04:00

As you probably know, a lot of folks chose to continue running Microsoft Windows XP after Windows Vista came out because it was such a problematic operating system. As such, those folks simply refused to upgrade. Many people and organizations are still running Windows XP and waiting to see what happens as Windows 7 approaches its first Service Pack.

Reasons for continuing to use the SP2 version and purposefully avoiding SP3 range from perceived compatibility problems to the misconceptions that SP3 didn’t offer anything new to that fact that because SP2 was a very much hyped security packed version that it was somehow superior to its successor. Whatever the reason, those folks really must wake up and smell the coffee soon because in about two weeks official support for Windows XP SP2 will end. Read more.

Move your Windows XP installation into Windows 7 with VMware

2010-06-17T13:59:00.001-04:00

If you are still using Microsoft Windows XP but thinking of moving to Windows 7, you’re probably feeling a bit apprehensive about the project. What if I told you that you could have Windows XP and Windows 7 running on the same system? Of course, you might say that’s what Windows XP Mode is all about, and you’d be right.

But what if I told you that you could have your Windows XP installation and Windows 7 running on the same system? To that you might say that’s what dual booting is all about, and you’d be right again.

But what if I told you that you could use VMware Converter to turn your entire Windows XP installation (data files, applications as well as the operating system) into a virtual machine that you could then run inside Windows 7 with VMware Player without having to worry about configuring a dual-boot partition scheme and without having to reinstall all your applications in Windows XP Mode? Well, it’s true, and the best part is that it won’t cost you a penny! Read more.

Five tips for taking advantage of Windows 7 file management features

2010-06-14T13:56:00.003-04:00

Microsoft made several basic file-management enhancements in Windows 7. Although some are fairly obvious, others can be a bit tricky to find and harness. Once you get used to using them, though, you’ll find them pretty handy. Read more.

How do I use a Windows 7 Virtual Hard Disk as a backup device?

2010-06-09T13:51:00.003-04:00

As you know, using external hard disks as backup devices has become very popular recently due to the fact that they are now relatively inexpensive to purchase or build. I use several of them for backups on my home and test systems.

The other day I was experimenting with Windows XP Mode on my Microsoft Windows 7 test system and was backing up my Windows XP Mode virtual machine and the accompanying virtual hard disk (VHD), when it occurred to me that I could use a VHD as a backup device.

Once I began experimenting with this technique, I knew that it would be perfect complement to my overall backup strategy. I don’t trust a single backup device and like to have multiple backups just in case. Using VHDs, I can easily back up my data and then just copy the VHD file to another external device. Read more.

Reap the benefits of Windows 7's Task Manager

2010-06-03T13:49:00.002-04:00

When you access the Task Manager in Microsoft Windows 7, it’s very easy to overlook the new features and other changes until you take a closer look. If you’re coming from Windows XP, you’ll discover that there are many new and improved features. If you’re coming from Windows Vista, you’ll find a familiar user interface, which has been polished up a bit. Read more.

Five tips for getting the most out of Windows 7 Jump Lists

2010-05-26T13:46:00.002-04:00

Windows 7’s new Jump Lists feature is designed to make it easier to find what you want and perform common tasks associated with an application. As with anything new, Jump Lists may take a little getting used to — but you’ll probably find they’re worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you put this handy feature to work. Read more.

Take advantage of Sticky Notes in Windows 7

2010-05-26T13:39:00.003-04:00

While the Sticky Notes applet may not be the most exciting feature in Microsoft Windows 7, there are actually a number of situations where this little applet can come in handy. And, believe it or not, there’s a lot more to Sticky Notes than meets the eye.

I must admit that when I first looked at the Sticky Notes applet in Windows 7, I really wasn’t that impressed and promptly forgot about it. However, I recently reached for a real sticky note and discovered that somebody had absconded with the last pad of 3M Post-it Notes from my desk drawer. With no other option, I clicked the Start button, typed sticky in the Start Search box, and launched the Sticky Notes applet.

Ever since that day, I have been using the Sticky Notes applet here and there, discovering its features and its shortcomings, and of course learning about workarounds. Read more.

Move the Recycle Bin to the Taskbar in Windows 7

2010-05-19T13:36:00.002-04:00

After writing last week’s blog, “Take Advantage of the Taskbar Features in Windows 7,” I found myself focusing on the taskbar to make sure that I was taking advantage of all the features it has to offer. While I was doing so, I began to think about the only icon that I had on the desktop — the Recycle Bin — and wonder if there was a way to put the Recycle Bin on the taskbar.

When the Recycle Bin first made its appearance in Windows 95, I really enjoyed dragging and dropping unneeded files on the trash can icon and watching them disappear. It was just so cool! (Keep in mind that was 15 years ago and the drag-and-drop capability was a new feature.)

However, more often than not, the desktop and the Recycle Bin icon were buried behind a bunch of open windows, and as time went by and the operating system evolved, I began using the other methods to delete files. Most often, I would select a file and click the red X Delete button on Windows Explorer’s toolbar. I also would right-click on a file and select the Delete command, or after selecting a file just press the [Delete] key on the keyboard. I still use these techniques today as I am sure that most of you do too.

However, there’s just something that is innately satisfying about dragging a file to the trash can icon and dropping it in there. My wife says that it must be a guy thing. And then she reminds me of how excited my buddies and I get throwing beer cans halfway across the room to the trash can in the corner on Poker Game nights. We raise our fists in the air and yell “Score!” when someone makes it in.

Anyway, I discovered a way to put a working copy of the Recycle Bin on the taskbar in the lower right corner adjacent to the notification area. That way it is always visible on the screen no matter how many open windows you have on the desktop.
Read more.

Take advantage of the Taskbar features in Windows 7

2010-05-13T13:31:00.002-04:00

As you may remember, back in the Windows 3.x days, Microsoft gave the operating system the ability to run multiple programs at the same time, which was a revolutionary change. Unfortunately, taking advantage of the new capability was rather difficult because the operating system didn’t provide us with a good method for keeping track of, or switching between, all the running programs.

Fortunately, in Windows 7, Microsoft has provided us with several very cool, very graphical methods for switching between open windows or tasks. Of course, Windows Flip 3D, which uses visual depth to give you a very interesting way of switching, immediately comes to mind when speaking of new task-switching features. However, the tried-and-true taskbar has received many new and improved features in Windows 7 that not only enhance task switching but add a host of other features designed to improve the overall usability of the operating system.

However, it is all too easy to simply focus on the basic aspects of the taskbar and overlook all the other neat features. Read more.

Add the Copy To and Move To folder commands to the Windows Explorer context menu

2010-05-06T22:48:00.003-04:00

After last week’s blog, Move and Copy files the old tried-and-true way in Windows 7, was published, several folks asked about adding the Copy To Folder and Move To Folder commands to the context menu and to Windows Explorer’s toolbar, just like back in the Windows XP days. Fortunately, adding the commands to the context menu in Windows 7 is possible with a pretty straightforward registry edit. However, adding the commands to the toolbar in Windows Explorer isn’t as easy as it was back then.

I’ll show you how to add the Copy To Folder and Move To Folder commands to Windows Explorer’s context menu. I’ll also take a closer look at the context sensitive features of the toolbar in Windows 7’s version of Windows Explorer. Read more.

Move and Copy files the old tried-and-true way in Windows 7

2010-04-27T22:44:00.002-04:00

While I’ve become quite enamored with using Aero Snap and my simulated dual-pane file manager technique, when copying and moving files and folders from one location to another, there are times when I reach back and use one of the tried-and-true techniques from Windows days gone by. Of course, I’m talking about the good old Send To command and the Copy To Folder and Move To Folder commands.

I happened to mention these old commands to a friend of mine, and she looked at me with a surprised expression and exclaimed that she had all but forgotten about those commands. She then told me that she always uses the Copy/Cut and Paste commands when it comes to copying and moving files. I asked around and discovered that she isn’t the only one. Read more.

Unlock missing screen saver configuration settings in Windows 7

2010-04-22T22:39:00.005-04:00

Unfortunately, none of the Windows 7 screen savers provides any configuration settings with which you could customize the display. As such, I sat down over the weekend and dug out the three HTML applications (HTA) that I created in the Vista time frame and refreshed them to provide a simple user interface for configuring Windows 7’s screen savers. Read more.

Troubleshoot a wireless connection in Windows 7 with a firmware upgrade

2010-04-14T22:32:00.003-04:00

Like many folks out there, my father has been a Microsoft Windows XP holdout. He’s upgraded to newer and more powerful machines several times over the years to keep pace with his computerized photography hobby, but each time, he has installed Windows XP. I don’t blame him for skipping Vista as it was notoriously out of whack with several of his favorite photography programs.

This past weekend, I finally succeeded in getting him to make the move to Windows 7 on the laptop, but only as long as we set it as a Windows XP/Windows 7 dual-boot system.

Setting up the dual-boot configuration was a breeze, and soon we were booting up Windows 7 Ultimate on his laptop. Everything was going smoothly, and I was extolling the benefits of Windows 7 with a big smile on my face until the laptop attempted to connect to his wireless network.

At that moment, the whole network came tumbling down, and I was soon embroiled in one of the trickiest troubleshooting expeditions I have been involved in for some time. Fortunately, the story has a happy ending, and everything is now working fine. But, because this type of situation could easily befall and befuddle others out there, I thought that I would chronicle my trials and tribulations in an effort to save others from this fate. Read more.

Check out the Windows 7 applet replacements in Windows Live Essentials

2010-04-07T22:28:00.002-04:00

When Microsoft was designing Windows 7, they decided to strip out some of the applets that have been a part of the Windows operating system for quite some time. The four applets that are no longer part of the operating system are Windows Mail, Windows Calendar, Windows Photo Gallery, and Windows Movie Maker. Instead, Microsoft moved these applets to the cloud and rebranded them as Windows Live Essentials.

So, how well do the Windows 7 applet replacements work? Actually, very well! Read more.

Get management buy-in with the Windows 7 Upgrade Project Kit

2010-03-31T22:24:00.003-04:00

Here’s a scenario that is surely being played out in many IT departments right now:

Back in the early 2000s you successively managed the upgrade of the client side of your IT infrastructure to Windows XP. Sure there were a few bumps in the road, but once you got through those, your company enjoyed increased efficiency due to the new features and vast improvements built in to the Windows XP operating system

Now, Windows 7 is on the scene, and Service Pack 1 is right around the corner. Over the past five months you’ve spent a lot of time investigating and testing Windows 7 in your test bed, and you’re confident that the new operating system is ready to take your IT infrastructure to the next level. However, you’re not sure how open upper management will be to the idea.

Recently, I discovered the Windows 7 Upgrade Project Kit from ToolkitCafe and found a complete set of tools for creating a comprehensive Windows 7 upgrade plan that will not only help you get buy-in from upper management but will also help you to orchestrate a very well-planned-out and successful Windows 7 upgrade. Read more.

Keep tabs on ReadyBoost with Windows 7's Performance Monitor

2010-03-24T22:22:00.002-04:00

In my last blog post, “Take a Closer Look at ReadyBoost Features in Windows 7,” I showed you how to set up ReadyBoost and explained how it works. Once you understand how ReadyBoost works and have it configured on your system, you’re obviously going to be looking for the promised performance gain. Unfortunately, ReadyBoost isn’t like adding rocket fuel to your system, and it’s not going to dramatically speed up every task that you regularly perform.

There are some tasks where the performance gain will be evident, and there are others where it will not. In other words, it is very difficult to be plugging away at some task on your system and just feel it kick in and say to yourself “Wow, there goes ReadyBoost! What a rush!”

To see ReadyBoost in action, you’re going to have to keep tabs on it with Windows 7’s Performance Monitor. Read more.

Take a closer look at ReadyBoost features in Windows 7

2010-03-17T22:18:00.004-04:00

The other day a friend and I were talking about the merits of Windows 7, and I was trying to convince him that it was time to let go of Windows XP and move up to the latest version. During our discussion he brought up Windows Vista and ReadyBoost and then asked me if ReadyBoost was even available in Windows 7. When I told him that it was indeed still a part of the Windows 7 operating system, he questioned whether it was really necessary anymore, considering the fact that 2GB-4GB of RAM was pretty common in new PCs these days.

That got me wondering. During the Vista buildup, ReadyBoost was a pretty common topic of discussion. Back then, memory was still pretty expensive and ReadyBoost was being touted as an inexpensive way to make the new and memory-intensive operating system a little snappier. During the Windows 7 buildup, I really don’t remember hearing much about ReadyBoost at all. Do you?

Even so, ReadyBoost is a still a part of the Windows 7 operating system, and as such, I thought that I would examine it in more detail. Read more.

Get access to Windows XP Mode via Windows Anytime Upgrade

2010-03-10T22:15:00.001-05:00

In last week’s blog, “Get the Most Out of Windows XP Mode with These Tips,” I showed you several very cool tips that you can employ if you are using Windows XP Mode in Windows 7. That article drew some criticism about Windows XP Mode that I thought raised some very valid concerns. I have heard similar concerns from other folks as well. As such, I thought that I should address them in this week’s blog since they have equally valid solutions.

The main gist of these concerns refers to the fact that Windows XP Mode is touted as one of the major features in Windows 7, yet it is available only in the higher-end versions of Windows 7 — Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate. Furthermore, most consumer computer outlets typically carry the lower-end versions of Windows 7 — mainly Home Premium. Therefore, it may be difficult for the average consumer to take advantage of this great feature.

It is also possible that a less-informed consumer could purchase a computer with Windows 7 Home Premium from a consumer outlet thinking that because they are getting Windows 7, they would have access to Windows XP Mode. To further complicate the matter, there is still a lot of concern about the various CPUs out there and the necessary built-in hardware-assisted virtualization technology. Read more.

Get the most out of Windows XP Mode with these tips

2010-03-04T22:12:00.002-05:00

While Windows 7 has several built-in compatibility features that are designed to allow you to run most Windows XP applications right from within Windows 7, there are other older Windows XP applications that will not run in Windows 7 even with those built-in compatibility features. For these types of applications, Microsoft designed Windows XP Mode for Windows 7.

Installing and using Windows XP Mode is a very straightforward operation. If you have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate and the CPU and if your PC has the necessary built-in hardware-based virtualization technology, then all you have to do is download and install Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC.

Once you have Windows XP Mode up and running, you can install your XP applications in the Windows XP VM (Virtual Machine) just like you normally would. You’ll then be able to launch your XP applications right from the Windows 7 Start menu.

While using Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC is pretty straightforward, there are some tips that you can employ to get the most out of this winning combination. Read more.

Change and customize Windows 7's Logon screen wallpaper

2010-02-23T22:09:00.002-05:00

While experimenting with several Microsoft Windows 7 systems recently, I spent a lot of time staring at the Logon screen. During that time, I began to think about changing the Logon screen wallpaper. Now, I have changed the Logon screen wallpaper in just about every version of Windows I’ve used, so I knew that there had to be a way to do so.

However, when I began to investigate the procedure in Windows 7, I discovered that changing the Logon screen wallpaper in the newest version of the Windows operating system is easy, once you know the steps — and you don’t even need any third-party software to do it.

In order to make it easy for OEMs to customize Windows 7, Microsoft built the ability to change the Logon screen wallpaper right into the operating system. Read more.

The TaskList Gadget makes it easier to troubleshoot running processes

2010-02-19T22:06:00.002-05:00

When you’re troubleshooting problems in Windows, one of the tools you’re likely to use is the Task Manager. It’s designed to provide you with detailed information about the programs and processes that are running on a system. However, Task Manager doesn’t really give you the full picture when it comes to the running processes. For instance, what if you suspect that a DLL is at the root of a problem and want to find out what DLL modules a particular process is using?

To get the information you need, you can shell out to a Command Prompt window and use the TaskList command-line utility, along with a couple of special parameters. But working from a Command Prompt can get fairly tedious. So I created the TaskList Gadget, which automates the TaskList command. Read more.

Be a power user: Customize the file management features of Windows Explorer

2010-02-18T22:03:00.002-05:00

While the new Libraries features is notably the biggest enhancement to Windows Explorer, Microsoft did indeed make many other standard file-management enhancements in Windows 7. Over the past couple of months I’ve uncovered and begun to use many of these to enhance my productivity. While some of them are obvious, many of them are a bit tricky to find and harness. Read more.

Take full advantage of the new font features in Windows 7

2010-02-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

Microsoft made some pretty dramatic improvements in Windows 7’s graphics subsystem in order to improve performance for the entire spectrum of usage scenarios, from the day-to-day desktop displays to the extreme CAD and game graphics. However, what you may not know is that Microsoft has also made some pretty dramatic improvements in Windows 7’s font system. Read more.

Put the Classic Start menu in Windows 7 with Classic Shell

2010-02-02T21:56:00.003-05:00

On more than one occasion, I’ve looked through the discussions for the Windows 7 blog posts that I have written here at TechRepublic and found messages from angry Windows users that go something along the lines of “Because Microsoft took away the Classic Start menu in Windows 7, I am not going to upgrade!”

When I see these types of messages, I imagine curmudgeonly folks sitting in front of an old Pentium II computer running Windows NT. Of course I know that is not a fair assessment, because many people I know who have either Windows XP or Windows Vista installed also use the Classic Start menu feature.

Still I have a hard time imagining anyone wanting to forego all the underlying advances in the Windows 7 operating system just because of a dislike of the Start menu and other user-interface features. However, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

In any case, those die-hard classic Start menu fans have a champion out there. At SourceForge.net, which claims to be the world’s largest open source software development Web site, a fellow by the name of Ivo Beltchev has created a wonderful program called Classic Shell. In addition to bringing the Classic Start menu to the Windows 7 user interface, Classic Shell brings a number of other classic features to Windows 7, such as the Windows Explorer toolbar, complete with the Up button. Read more.

Investigate Internet TV in Windows 7 Media Center

2010-01-26T21:51:00.002-05:00

Over the holidays, one of the old television sets in my home suffered a catastrophic failure. To maintain the entertainment equilibrium in our household, my wife and I decided to shuffle the remaining sets around and add a big screen HDTV to the mix. While configuring and setting up the new TV, I connected my laptop running Windows 7 to the TV set and began experimenting with Windows Media Center’s Internet TV component.

I discovered that it was a really neat feature and provided a very nice way to access all sorts of streaming media from the Internet. As I began espousing the features of Internet TV component to my friends and family, I also discovered that not many people were familiar with this feature of Windows Media Center. In fact, most folks that I talked to assumed that in order to take advantage of Windows Media Center you must have a TV tuner card installed in your system. However that’s not the case.

In the Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate) version of Windows Media Center, the enhanced Internet TV lets you watch videos from a variety of providers via the Internet right in Windows Media Center. This new version of Internet TV features enhancements to the UI and now provides more content from a variety of content providers, such as CBS, MSNBC, MSN, Zune, and more. Read more.

Peek behind the GodMode curtains to reveal useful canonical names and GUIDs

2010-01-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

In last week’s blog post, “Exert Your Control with GodMode Folders in Windows 7,” I discussed a few of the so-called “GodMode” folders in Windows 7. As I mentioned in that post, Windows 7’s GodMode folders are simply special folders that are hidden until you enter a special, secret code.

Well, it turns out that the latter part of that sentence is only half true. The special folders are indeed hidden until you enter a special code, but the codes aren’t really secret.

Apparently all Windows 7 and Windows Vista Control Panel items have what is called a canonical name and an associated GUID (the infamous “special codes”). In this context, Microsoft describes a canonical name as being a nonlocalized string that the Control Panel item declares in the registry. A GUID, or Globally Unique Identifier, is a special type of identifier that is unique in any context, which Microsoft uses to provide an internal access point to Control Panel items.

In this edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, I’ll discuss the Control Panel canonical names in more detail and show you how to use them to create shortcuts to your favorite Control Panel items. I’ll then present the text file and script and show you how to use them. That way you can instantly create these canonical name shortcuts on your Windows 7 system and be able to easily conduct your own investigation to discern which of these shortcuts will be helpful to you and delete those that won’t. What could be easier

Exert your control with GodMode folders in Windows 7

2010-01-13T20:02:00.002-05:00

Over the past week or so, I have read a lot about the so-called “GodMode” folders in Windows 7. Chances are that you have too. While the term originated in video games, such as Doom from id Software, where entering a special code makes a player’s character invincible, it has been applied to certain special, undocumented folders in Windows 7.

When playing a video game in GodMode, you are guaranteed to win because no matter how powerful the nemesis, you cannot be killed. So, you might wonder, does that mean that when working in a “GodMode” folder in Windows 7 you can do whatever you want without fear of crashing or locking up the operating system? Unfortunately, no, it does not.

All kidding aside, Windows 7’s GodMode folders are simply special folders that are hidden until you enter a special, secret code. The fact that you have to enter a secret code is more likely the source of these folders being called “GodMode” folders. Read more.

Explore new desktop backgrounds and themes in Windows 7

2010-01-06T19:31:00.003-05:00

No matter how serious of a Microsoft Windows user you consider yourself to be, you’ve got to admit that you’ve played around with wallpapering your desktop, In fact, it’s probably a safe bet to say that ever since Windows 95 came out and provided us with the ability to easily change and create desktop wallpaper, we’ve all been enamored with this feature. Chances are also good that when Microsoft Plus! came out for Windows 95 and provided us with an the Desktop Themes feature, most of us were happily entertained by the fact that not only could we change the desktop wallpaper, but now we could coordinate our entire user interface according to our favorite categorical themes.

My interest in Desktop Backgrounds and Themes has recently been rekindled by several posts on Microsoft’s The Windows Blog site that revolve around this topic. Read more..

How do I make Windows 7 HomeGroup content accessible to Vista and XP?

2009-12-21T15:29:00.003-05:00

As I explained in “How Do I Create and Configure a Network with Windows 7 HomeGroup?” the HomeGroup feature in Microsoft Windows 7 is an enhanced version of a peer-to-peer workgroup designed to make sharing files and folder easier on a home or small business network. I then showed you how to create and join a HomeGroup with Windows 7.

In “Extend Default Folder Sharing Capabilities in Windows 7 HomeGroup,” I explained how Libraries are used to share folders and files and also described other built-in features that you can use to extend folder sharing capabilities in a Windows 7 HomeGroup. Read more.

Simplify file management with the XCopy Tool

2009-12-19T15:24:00.003-05:00

If you needed to copy hundreds of files from one local hard disk to another or from one system to another across a network, would you perform the operation from Windows Explorer? Possibly. However, if you wanted to do something fancy, such as copy only those files that have changed on or after a certain date or maybe copy only those files that have the archive bit set, performing the operation in Windows Explorer would be time consuming and difficult. So you’d probably shell out to a Command Prompt window and use the good old DOS-based XCopy command, along with its detailed set of switches.

Since XCopy is still a viable file management tool, I updated the XCopy Tool, an HTML application I created back in 2002. This updated version, which you can download for free, works in Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Read more.

The Flashlight - An IT Pro's Best Friend!

2009-12-18T08:13:00.002-05:00

IT Professionals employ all sorts of specialized tools in their jobs. While most of these tools are software based or involve computerized hardware, many of them are pretty traditional tools like a pliers or a screwdriver. Among these types of traditional tools is the flashlight. When it comes to investigating dark corners in a server room, pulling cables through the ceiling, or just connecting cables to the back of a computer under a desk in a cubicle, flashlights are an IT professional’s best friend.

In this gallery, I’ll present a collection of very interesting flashlights and flashlight accessories that you might find useful in your day-to-day work as an IT professional. Check it out!

Extend default folder sharing capabilities in Windows 7 HomeGroup

2009-12-15T13:58:00.002-05:00

In the last edition on the Windows Vista and Windows 7 report, How do I create and configure a network with Windows 7 HomeGroup?, I showed you how to create, configure, and take advantage of a HomeGroup. As I did so, I explained that after you have two or more Windows 7 systems joined to a HomeGroup, you can launch Computer, and expand the HomeGroup section in the Navigation pane in order to see other systems in the HomeGroup. When you do, you can access the shared libraries on any system in the HomeGroup. Read more.

10 books every IT pro should read

2009-12-14T22:23:00.001-05:00

As an IT professional, chances are you read a lot. And, it’s a good bet that most of what you read consists of manuals and other technical books and articles directly related to your work. However, you really owe it to yourself read other types of IT-related books. For example, reading nonfiction IT-related books can help you gain different perspectives on the industry, while reading fictional books about IT will allow you to relax and enjoy the industry. So as we get ready to close the book (pun intended) on the first decade of the 2000s, I thought I would compile a list of 10 books I think every IT pro should read.

How do I create and configure a network with Windows 7 HomeGroup?

2009-12-10T10:26:00.002-05:00

The HomeGroup feature in Windows 7 is essentially a peer-to-peer workgroup/network that has been redesigned to make it simpler for home users to set up a home network. While this is essentially true, there is more to a Windows 7’s HomeGroup feature than meets the eye.

Even though a HomeGroup works like a standard peer-to-peer workgroup, behind the scenes it does in fact share some of the networking functionality of a domain. For example, the computers in a HomeGroup have an inherent machine trust and there are consistent user identities throughout the network. As such, the Windows 7 HomeGroup feature is ideal for a small- to medium-sized business network — despite the name. Read more.

Product Spotlight: EASEUS Partition Master

2009-12-07T10:20:00.003-05:00

If you need more partitioning power than the Windows operating system’s native Disk Management provides, you should take a closer look at EASEUS Partition Master 4.1.1. This utility offers all the standard and advanced features you’d want to have available in a disk partitioning tool, it supports Windows 7, and it comes in three versions to fit all levels and budgets. Read more.

Check out the Windows 7 Control Panel Walkthrough series

2009-12-03T17:16:00.002-05:00

To help you become familiar with all of the tools that are available in Windows 7’s Control Panel, I have created the Windows 7 Control Panel Walkthrough Photo Gallery series in which I show you every tool in each of the Control Panel categories. As I do, I provide you with a brief overview of what each tool does.

Each of the Windows 7 Control Panel Walkthroughs in this series exists as a TechRepublic Photo Gallery on the TechRepublic site. To make all of these Galleries easily accessible as a useful resource, I’ve created this blog entry to provide a brief summary of the Galleries and to provide a central location that links to each one. Check it out!.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Ease of Access Control Panel

2009-12-02T18:38:00.004-05:00

Windows 7’s Control Panel is literally packed with tools (a.k.a. applets) that allow you to configure and control the way that the operating system works. Because the Control Panel has so many tools, Microsoft added a Search box to make it easy for you to find the tool that you need for a particular task.

To help you become familiar with all of the tools that are available in Windows 7’s Control Panel, I have created the Windows 7 Walkthrough series in which I’ll show you and provide a brief overview of each tool in the Control Panel categories. This one covers the Ease of Access category.

Take full advantage of Jump Lists in Windows 7 with these tips

2009-12-02T13:27:00.001-05:00

As you probably know by now, the new Jump Lists feature in Microsoft Windows 7 is designed to make it easier to find what you want and perform common tasks associated with an application. Jump Lists appear on the Start menu as well as on the Taskbar. Like anything new, Jump Lists may take a while to get used to using. However, if you jump right in (pun intended) and start using Jump Lists, you will surely begin to recognize the boost in efficiency that they can bring to your every day computing life. Read more.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Clock, Language, and Region Control Panel

2009-11-25T16:48:00.002-05:00

Add the ARP Gadget to your troubleshooting toolbox

2009-11-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is a key TCP/IP protocol that is used to determine the physical address of the network card that corresponds to an IP address. When you’re troubleshooting TCP/IP connectivity problems on a Windows network, you may need to investigate or modify the ARP cache as you look for problems.

Windows comes with a command-line utility called ARP, which you can use to display or adjust the contents of the ARP cache of either a local or remote system. To make the tool easier to use, I created the ARP Gadget, which automates the ARP command.

Evaluate the efficiency of Windows 7 Power Plan settings

2009-11-24T21:44:00.000-05:00

A colleague recently asked me if was really true that Windows 7 power management settings were more efficient and would allow longer battery life when running on a laptop. I told him that based on my experience with running Windows 7 on my laptop; it did indeed appear to be true that improvements in Windows 7 power-management technologies provided me with longer battery life.

Of course, in order to get as much battery power as possible out of a single charge, I must admit that I did spend some time tweaking my Power Plan settings in the Control Panel’s Power Options tool. I also uncovered a new feature in Windows 7’s PowerCfg command line tool that allowed me to evaluate the efficiency of my Power Plan settings.

In this edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, I’ll briefly examine Windows 7’s Power Plans. I’ll then show you how to use Windows 7’s PowerCfg command line tool to evaluate the efficiency of your Power Plan settings.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: Appearance and Personalization Control Panel

2009-11-19T17:49:00.001-05:00

Explore the Windows 7 Application Compatibility List for IT Professionals

2009-11-18T15:28:00.002-05:00

In the October 9th edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, The Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program ensures compatibility for Windows 7, I explained that in addition to improving performance of the new operating system, Microsoft put a great deal of effort into making sure that Windows 7 is extremely compatible with new and existing hardware and software.

To make these compatibility investigations more productive for IT professionals, this week Microsoft released the Windows 7 Application Compatibility List for IT Professionals, an Excel-based spreadsheet that provides one-stop access to a complete list of software applications (more than 5,500 applications) which have undergone the Windows 7 Logo Program testing program for compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.

In this edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, I’ll examine the Windows 7 Application Compatibility List for IT Professionals spreadsheet and provide you with an overview of what you can find in it.

Get quick access to troubleshooting info with the Netstat Gadget

2009-11-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

The difficulty in troubleshooting TCP/IP connectivity problems on a Windows network stems from the sheer number of connections and services on a particular system. Identifying the status of the connections and determining which services are running can help you narrow down the search, but doing so takes time. However, an underused Windows command-line utility, Netstat, can shorten the time it takes to hunt down rogue connections by quickly providing information about client services and TCP/IP communications.

Unfortunately, because Netstat is a command-line tool, admins often avoid it. So to make the Netstat tool a bit easier to use, I created the Netstat Gadget, which automates the Netstat command.

Windows 7 Walkthrough: User Accounts and Family Safety Control Panel

2009-11-12T18:01:00.002-05:00

10 antivirus programs for Windows 7

2009-11-11T18:44:00.001-05:00

Now that Windows 7 is out, chances are that evildoers the world over are busily scheming and dreaming up new and horrendous malware to target the new operating system in yet an another attempt to bring the computing world to its knees.

Of course, one could say that Windows 7 is probably one of the most secure operating systems ever to come out of Redmond; however, that doesn’t mean that Windows 7 doesn’t need the extra protection provided by an antivirus program. And due to the success of the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program, a lot of programs are vying for the opportunity to protect Windows 7. Here are 10 antivirus programs that have earned the Compatible with Windows 7 logo.

Take the productivity benefits of Snap, Shake, and Peek seriously

2009-11-11T16:46:00.001-05:00

While many will simply brush off the new Aero UI features, Snap, Shake and Peek, as being nothing more than eye candy in Microsoft Windows 7, these three items have actually been designed to address the lack of any real improvement in a very common task that has been around since Windows came into being — managing multiple open windows.

If you’ve been working with the Windows operating system for a while, then you know that the problem of managing multiple open windows is an old one and that over the years, Microsoft really hasn’t devised anything new for you to more efficiently work with multiple open windows. Sure, there have been many advances in task management, but when it comes down to actual window management, there hasn’t been much innovation. That’s what makes Snap, Shake, and Peek so exciting.

In this edition of the Windows Vista and Windows 7 Report, I’ll examine the management of multiple open windows in the Windows operating system over the years. I’ll then focus on the windows management solutions offered by the new Aero UI features: Snap, Shake, and Peek.

Even more classic Microsoft commercials and videos you may have forgotten

2009-11-06T16:17:00.001-05:00

The first and second installments of classic Microsoft commercials and videos Classic Microsoft commercials and videos you may have forgotten and More classic Microsoft commercials and videos you may have forgotten were so popular that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post the last batch of the collection. So without further ado, here are even more classic Microsoft commercials and videos you may have forgotten.