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Category: tech support

  • Speed Up the Shut Down Time in Windows 7

    Information:
    This article will show you how to set the Wait to Kill time Windows 7 waits for programs to save data and close before shutting down.
    This process is applicable to Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well

    Warning:
    You should always save and close all programs before shutting down the computer to help prevent any data loss.
    Solutions:
    Through Registry Editor
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    2. In the search box, type regedit and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
    3. In regedit, go to: (See screenshot below)
    Code:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
    4. In the right pane, right click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout and click on Modify. (See screenshot above)
    5. Type in a number between 2000-20000 (2-20 seconds) and click on OK. (See screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    The default time is 12000. I use 2000 (2 seconds) and have not had any problems. Your experience may vary.
    6. Close regedit.
    NOTE:
    If you have problems with programs from your computer shutting down to quickly, then repeat the above steps and increase the time (step 5) a bit.
    This process is applicable to Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well

  • How to Rebuild the Icon Cache in Windows 7

    Information
    If one or more of your icons are not displaying correctly, or that your icon cache is corrupted, then you might consider rebuilding the icon cache to reset and reload the icon images into the icon cache.
    This  article is also applicable for Windows Xp and Windows Vista

    Note
    This will not help with any of the following icon issues:
    A shortcut’s icon that is not displayed properly due to the source of the shortcut being moved or deleted. You may need to recreate a new shortcut directly from the source (ex: program’s exe) file to replace it instead.
    All icons for a specific file extension display the wrong icon. This may be do to setting the wrong association for what program to open the file extension instead. You can restore the default file extension’s associations to fix this icon instead.
    Solution:
    Rebuild the Icon Cache using the Command Prompt
    1. Close and save anything that you are working on. This command will kill explorer and restart the computer when completed.
    2. Open the Start Menu, and type cmd in the search box and press enter.
    3. In the command prompt, Copy and Paste each command line below exactly as is and press enter after each command.
    taskkill /IM explorer.exe /F
    CD /d %userprofile%\AppData\Local
    DEL IconCache.db /a
    shutdown /r
    4. The IconCache.db file has now been rebuilt.

  • Bootmgr is missing – Fix

    You may get this error while booting your computer.
    Information
    This problem is not hardware related and can be fixed with a Windows 7 DVD OR a system repair disc.

    Here’s How TO ACHIVE THIS:
    NOTE: Sometimes it may take running a startup repair a few times before it fully fixes the startup issue.
    1. Boot to the System Recovery Options screen.
    2. Select the Startup Repair option. (See screenshot below)
    3. Now click on Startup Repair. Run the startup repair and it will attempt to fix this issue.
    NOTE:
    It will ask you to reboot your system. Reboot to see if it works. If it doesn’t work, follow step 4.
    4. Click on Command Prompt.
    A) Type c: and press .
    B) At the C:\ prompt, type cd boot and press .
    C) At the C:\Boot prompt, type the following commands and press Enter after each command.
    Code:
    bootrec /RebuildBcd
    bootrec /FixMbr
    bootrec /FixBoot

    D) Now close the command prompt, remove the DVD and reboot your computer.

  • How to Change the Default Operating System to Start in Windows 7

    Information
    If you dual boot with one or more operating systems installed other than Windows 7, then this will show you how to change the default operating system to start in the Windows Boot Manager.

    EXAMPLE: Windows Boot Manager
    NOTE:
    This is the boot screen where you select what operating system that you would like to start. By default, you have 30 seconds to choose another operating system before the default operating system will start automatically.
    Option One
    Through Startup and Recovery
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    A) Right click on the Computer button on the dark right side and click on Properties.
    B) Go to step 3.
    OR
       
    2. Open the Control Panel (All Items view) and click on the System icon.
    3. In the left blue pane, click on the Advanced system settings link. (See screenshot below)
    4. Close the System window. (See screenshot above)
    5. Under the Advanced tab, click on the Settings button under Startup and Recovery. (See screenshot below)
    6. Under System Startup, select a operating system from the drop down menu to be the new default operating system, then click on OK. (See screenshots below)
    7. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 5)
    Option Two
    Through System Configuration
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    A) In the search line, type msconfig.exe and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
    B) Go to step 3.
    OR
    2. Open the Control Panel (All Items view) and click on the Administrative Tools icon and System Configuration.
    A) Close the Administrative Tools window.
    3. Click on the Boot tab. (See screenshot below)
    4. Select another operating system that is not set as the Default OS to be the new default operating system instead. (See screenshot above)
    5. Check the Make all boot settings permanent box, and click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3)
    6. Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)
    7. Click on the Restart button. (See screenshot below)
    WARNING:
    This will restart the computer immediately. Make sure you save and close anything open that you do not want to lose first.



    http://www.linkedtube.com/static/flash/player.swf?sum=How%20to%20Change%20the%20Default%20Operating%20System%20to%20Start%20in%20Windows%207&btn=TechSupp247&txt=Tech%20Supp%20247&vis=always&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftechsupp247&vid=gsY8Ib7-NOk

  • How to Enable/Disable Fast User Switching In Windows 7

    Computer’s are often shared between multiple users, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 makes it easier for users to share a computer using the Fast User Switching feature enabled, it allows more than one user to log on simultaneously at a single computer, if you are currently logged onto a computer, another user can log on to watch movies or play games, without you having to close your open programs and log off. Once the user is finished, you can return to your session with all your programs running.
    ** This process will work on Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well.

    Method 1: Using Local Group Policy Editor
    Click Start, type gpedit.msc in the Start Search or Run dialog box and press Enter.
    Now navigate to the following location:
    Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
    To Disable Fast User Switching:
    Set Hide entry points for Fast User Switching to Enabled. By enabling the policy, Administrators can hide the Switch user button in the Logon UI, the Start menu and the Task Manager.
    To Enable Fast User Switching:
    Set Hide entry points for Fast User Switching to not configured for enabling Fast User Switching.
    Method 2: Using Registry
    To change settings via registry, follow these simple steps:
    Click Start, type regedit in the Start Search or Run dialog box and press Enter.
    Navigate to the following branch:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ System
    Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named HideFastUserSwitching by right clicking on the right side of the editor and selecting New >  DWORD(32bit) Value.
    Set the Value data for HideFastUserSwitching to 1
    ** This process will work on Windows Xp and Windows Vista as well.

  • How to Speed Up the Shut Down Time in Windows 7


    Information
    This article will show you how to set the Wait to Kill time Windows 7 waits for programs to save data and close before shutting down. This process can be performed on Windows Xp and Vista as well.
    Warning
    You should always save and close all programs before shutting down the computer to help prevent any data loss.
    Through the Registry
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    2. In the search box, type regedit and press Enter. (See screen shot below)
    3. In regedit, go to: (See screen shot below)
    Code:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
    4. In the right pane, right click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout and click on Modify. (See screenshot above)
    5. Type in a number between 2000-20000 (2-20 seconds) and click on OK. (See screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    The default time is 12000. I use 2000 (2 seconds) and have not had any problems. Your experience may vary depending on Xp or vista.
    6. Close regedit.
    NOTE:
    If you have problems with programs shutting down too quickly, then repeat the above steps and increase the time (step 5) a bit and as i mentioned this trick works on Windows Xp as well.

  • How to Enable or Disable Windows Media Center

    Information
    This article will show you how to enable or disable Windows Media Center from being able to run by all users in Windows 7.

    Windows Media Center is not available in the Windows 7 Starter and Windows 7 Home Basic editions.
    EXAMPLE:
    Windows Media Center Disabled Message
    NOTE:
    This is the error message that will be displayed when a user tries to open Windows Media Center when it is disabled.
    OPTION ONE
    Through the Local Group Policy Editor
    1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    2. In the left pane, click on the arrow to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, then click on Windows Media Center. (see screenshot below)
    3. In the right pane, right click on Do not allow Windows Media Center to run and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)
    4. To Enable Windows Media Center
    A) Select (dot) Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    B) Go to step 6.
    5. To Disable Windows Media Center
    Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.
    OPTION TWO
    Through “Set Program Access and Computer Defaults”
    1. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Default Programs icon.
    2. Click on the Set program access and computer defaults link. (see screenshot below)
    3. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
    4. Click on the Custom gray bar or arrow to expand it. (see screenshot below)
    5. To Enable Windows Media Center
    A) Under the Choose a default media player section, check the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    B) Go to step 7.
    6. To Disable Windows Media Center
    Under the Choose a default media player section, uncheck the Enable access to this program box to the right of Windows Media Center, then click on OK. (see screenshot above)
    7. Close the Default Programs window. (see screenshot below step 2)

  • How to Enable or Disable Autorun for Removable Media in Windows 7

    Information
    This tutorial will show you how to enable the AutoRun feature of AutoPlay in Windows 7, which is disabled by default, for external drives.


    Note
    Autoplay feature enable Windows to pop up the default options when a removable drives like USB flash drive or CD ROM is inserted.
    Warning
    Autoplay feature is, by default, disabled in Windows 7 due to security reasons. Many malwares like Conficker Worm can autorun on your computer if an infected USB drive, CD or DVD is inserted.However, its useful to enable autoplay as it gives quick access to default choices when any removable drive is inserted. Anyways, use it at your risk.
    EXAMPLE: AutoPlay
    Method 1:
    1. Go to Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\AutoPlay.
    To Enable:
    At the top, check Use Autoplay for all devices and Click Save.
    To Disable:
    Uncheck Use Autoplay for all devices and Click Save.
    Method 2:
    1. Click Start and in the Search box, type gpedit.msc and press Enter. Now browse to Computer Configuration\ Administrative Templates\ Windows Components\ Autoplay Policies\ Turn off Autoplay.
    To Enable:
    Change the value of Turn off Autoplay to disabled.
    To Disable:
    Change the value of Turn off Autoplay to enabled.


    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6ubWhGVF2U&fs=1&hl=en_US]

  • How to Use System Restore to Change your User Account Password

    If you are not able to log on to Windows 7 / Vista for any of the following reasons:
    You set a new password for the Administrator account and no longer remember it.
    You enter the correct password but because of system corruption it is not accepted.
    You delete a protected Administrator account and are no longer able to log on to another account.
    You change a protected Administrator account to a standard user account and are unable to log on to another Administrator account.
    In any of the above conditions are true for you, this article is for you



    Note:
    For this to work there must be a valid System Restore Point to use from the last successful log on.

    Information

    This will work for either Windows 7 or Windows Vista but not for Windows XP.

    If you don’t have a proper Windows installation disk, have a look at the link below to create a repair disk that can be used to reset your user account password in Windows 7 and Vista.

    System Repair Disk – Create

    Let’s get Started!
    1) The Boot Priority in the BIOS needs to be set to boot first from the optical drive, insert your Windows disk and re-start the PC, when you see “Press any key to boot from CD or DVD” press the space bar.

    2) After the initial “Windows is loading files” select your language, time and keyboard preferences and click next, then select “Repair your computer”, then it’ll do some searching then choose “Syetem Restore”.




    3) Remember you must select the restore point before you started experiencing the issues; once you have selected the correct restore point you’ll be presented with one last chance before the restore begins, when you are sure everything is correct click next then finish.




    4) When the System Restore “checkup” completes you’ll get a “Confirm your Restore Point” window, click finish then yes to the next window, then you will need to restart the machine to complete the process.





    5)When the PC restarts remember you MUSTuse the password that was active for the Restore Point that you went back to. After Windows restarts you’ll get a “System Restore Completed Successfully” window, just click close.


    6) You may need to add back any programs and/or any Windows Updates that may have been removed during the restore process, you may also need to reset any personal settings that may have been changed but all your personal documents or files will be intact.

  • How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc

    Information
    This article will show you how to create a Windows 7 system repair disc to use to boot to the system recovery options if you don’t have a Windows installation disc, can’t find your Windows installation disc, or can’t access the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer.


    Tip
    If you would like to create this on a USB flash drive instead of a DVD, then also see this post here.
    EXAMPLE: System Recovery Options screen
    NOTE: Using the System Repair Disc that you have created below, you can boot to the system recovery options screen below.
    OPTION ONE
    Manually Create One in Windows 7
    NOTE:
    If you have a OEM Windows 7 instead of a retail Windows 7, then you may need to use OPTION TWO below to create a System Repair Disc with instead.
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    A) In the search line, type recdisc.exe and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
    B) Go to step 3.
    OR
    2. Open the Control Panel (All Items view), and click on the Backup and Restore icon.
    A) Click on the Create a System recovery disc link in the left blue pane. (See screenshot below)
    3. Insert a blank CD or DVD into your CD/DVD drive and click on the Create disc button. (See screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    If you are prompted to insert a Windows installation disc, it means that the files needed to create the system repair disc cannot be found on your computer. Insert a Windows 7 installation disc.
    4. It will now start creating the System Repair Disc. (See screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    If a AutoPlay window pops up, just close it.
    5. When it’s finished, click on the Close button. (See screenshot below)
    6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)
    7. Remove and label your new Windows 7 System Repair Disc from the CD/DVD drive.
    OPTION TWO
    Create One with a Download
    NOTE:
    This option is perfect if you do not have a retail Windows 7 installation DVD and only have a OEM Windows 7 recovery DVD or partition.
    1. Download the same 32 bit (x86) or 64 bit ISO file from the link below for your 32-bit ot 64-bit Windows 7 version.
    NOTE:
    This will be a torrent download. Be sure to read the instructions on how to download and use the torrent file at the site below.
    Download Windows 7 System Recovery Disc 32 Bit 
    Download Windows 7 System Recovery Disc 64 Bit
    2. Burn the ISO to a DVD disc.
    OR
    3. You can use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool to burn the ISO to a USB flash drive.
    4. You now have a Windows 7 System Repair Disc on a DVD or USB flash drive.


    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3It7vTYyE5o&fs=1&hl=en_US]