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Category: technical support

  • Windows 7 : Disabling Mobility center

                     Windows Mobility Center is a fairly useful tool for those of us using Windows 7 on a laptop computer, but might not be for everybody, especially since it takes over the Win+X keyboard shortcut.


    If you would rather disable Windows Mobility Center, all it takes is a single registry tweak.



    Manual Registry Tweak

    Open up regedit.exe through the start menu search box and then navigate to the following key, creating it if it doesn’t exist:

    Go to following  registry key:
    “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\MobilityCenter”



    Now create a new 32-bit DWORD entry in the right-hand pane called NoMobilityCenter and give it a value of 1.

  • Restore Partition Image from HDD to SSD

    Restore Partition Image from HDD to SSD
    Information
    This article will show you how to restore a partition image from a hard disk drive to a solid state drive, Which earlier was not possible due to the way windows treated both the drives separately.

    Note
    I used Acronis True Image Home 2010 so I am not sure if other programs will work.
    Warning
    This process will delete all data from the partition Windows was previously installed on
    Here’s How:
    1. Install the SSD
    2. Boot up and enter the BIOS to make sure the drive is detected
    3. If the SSD is seen in the BIOS, set it to #1 in the hard drive priorty
    4. Install Windows to the SSD as a Custom Installation (from Step 2)
    5. Once Windows has successfully installed, enter Control Panel,
    AdministrativeTools, Computer Management, Disk Management. Right click
    the SSD (it should be c: ) and Mark Partition as Active”. Click OK at
    the warning/s
    6. Delete the old partiton that Windows was installed on and reformat
    7. Reboot to your Windows installation media (disk or flash drive)
    8. Perform a Startup Repair (You may need to do this a few times before
    Windows will boot)
    9. Once in Windows, install Acronis True Image Home 2010
    10. Start Acronis and Activate Startup Recovery Tool (F11)
    11. Reboot
    12. Press F11 when prompted
    13. Select Acronis True Image Home 2010
    14. Select Restore
    15. Choose the image you created most recently. Do not select the option to restore the MBR
    16. Restore the image to your c: drive
    17. When complete reboot
    18. This is where I got nervous. Windows booted but hung. A hard reset
    was needed. Upon restart I got a message that chkdsk needed to run. Allow it to run.
    19. Reboot and enjoy!
    Tip
    Check that Windows has disabled Auto Degfrag by right-clicking the drive, select Properties, Tools and Defragment Now. When you click Configure Schedule and then Select Disks, your SSD should not appear. If it does, however, simply un-tick it
    To ensure prefetching and Superfetch are disabled you’ll need to enter the registry and check these entries:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\MemoryManagement\PrefetchParamaters
    Both EnablePrefetcher and EnableSuperfetch need to have a value of (0)

  • Enable Secure Log On in Windows 7

    How to Enable or Disable Secure Log On CTRL+ALT+DELETE in Windows 7
    Information
    This will show you how to enable or disable having to press CTRL+ALT+DELETE before logging on to Windows 7 right before the log on screen.

    Note
    Using secure logon provides an additional layer of security for your computer by ensuring that the authentic Windows logon screen appears. When secure logon is enabled, no other program (such as a virus or spyware) can intercept your user name and password as you enter it.
    EXAMPLE:
    Secured Log On CTRL+ALT+DELETE screen
    NOTE:
    If you have a tablet connected your computer with it’s drivers installed, then you may see Press CTRL + Alt + Delete or use the Windows Security Button to log on instead.
    OPTION ONE
    Through Advanced User Accounts
    1. Open the Start Menu.
    2. In the search line, type netplwiz and press Enter. (See screenshot below)

    3. Click on the Advanced tab. (See screenshot below)
    4. To Enable Secure Log On
    A) Check the Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete box. (See screenshot above)
    B) Go to step 6.
    5. To Disable Secure Log On
    A) Uncheck the Requires users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete box. (See screenshot below step 3)
    6. Click on OK. (See screenshot below step 3)
    OPTION TWO
    Manually Through Registry Editor
    1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
    2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
    3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshots below)
    Code:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
    4. In the right pane, right click on DisableCAD and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)
    5. To Enable Secure Log On
    A) Type 0 (number zero), and click on OK. (see screeshot below)
    B) Go to step 7.
    6. To Disable Secure Log On
    A) Type 1, and click on OK. (see screeshot above)
    7. Close regedit.
    OPTION THREE
    Through Local Security Policy
    1. Open the Local Security Policy editor.
    2. In the left pane, expand Local Policies, and click on Security Options. (see screenshot below)
    3. In the right pane, right click on Interactive Logon: Do not required CTRL+ALT+DEL and click on Properties. (see screenshot above)
    4. To Enable Secure Log On
    A) Select (dot) Disabled, and click on OK. (see screeshot below)
    B) Go to step 6.
    5. To Disable Secure Log On
    A) Select (dot) Enabled, and click on OK. (see screeshot above)
    6. Close the Local Security Policy window.

  • Windows 7 : Creating System Image

             The new backup utilities in Windows 7 are actually pretty impressive and creating an image will be possible in all versions. Today we take a look at creating a backup image of your machine without the need for a third party utility like Ghost or True Image.
    You just just finished installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 on your computer and have it set up to your liking. One of the first things you should do now is create an image of the disc so in the event of a crash you will be able to restore it to its current state. An image is an exact copy of everything on the drive and will restore it back to its current state. It’s probably best to create an image when everything is clean and organized on your system. This will make the image file smaller and allows you to restore the system with a smooth running set up.
    Creating an Image in Windows 7
    Click on Start go to Getting Started and then select Back up your files.



    Next click on the Create a system image hyper-link.


    Decide where you want to save the image. You can choose an external drive, burn to multiple DVD’s, or store it on a network location.


    You can include other drives if you want as well but remember that will add to the size of the final image.


    At the confirmation screen notice the amount of space the image may take. If something doesn’t look right you can still go back from this point and make adjustments.


    A progress meter is displayed while the images is created and backed up. In this example a disk of about 15GB in size took under 20 minutes backed up to an external drive. Times will vary depending on your system and where you’re backing it up to.




    After the process is complete you get the option to create a system repair disc which you should do and make sure to save it in a secure location.


    When it comes time to restore the image, you will be able to use the System Recovery Options to get the system back.

  • Add/Remove Network Connection to Network Bridge

    How to Remove or Add a Network Connection to a Network Bridge
    Information
    If you have two or more networks connected by a network bridge, then this will show you how to remove or add a network connection to the bridge.

    Warning
    You should not add a public Internet connection to a network bridge because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.
    Here’s How:
    1. Click or right click on the Network icon in the notification area, then click on Open Network and Sharing Center. (see screenshot below)
    A) Go to step 3.
    OR
    2. Open the Control Panel (icon view), and click on the Network and Sharing Center icon.
    3. Click on the Change adapter settings link. (see screenshot below)
     
    4. To Add a Connection to the Network Bridge
    A) Right click on the Network that you want to add, and click on Add to Bridge. (see screenshot below)
    B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator’s password (if standard user).
    C) After a moment, the network will be added to the bridge.
    D Go to step 6.
    5. To Remove a Connection from the Network Bridge
    A) Right click on the Bridged Network that you want to remove, and click on Remove from Bridge. (see screenshot below)
    B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator’s password (if standard user).
    C) After a moment, the network will be removed from the bridge.
    6. When finished, you can now close the Network Connections window. (see screenshot below step 4A or 5A)

  • Delete or Create Network Bridge- Windows 7

    How to Delete or Create a Network Bridge in Windows 7
    Information
    This article will show you how to create a network bridge to connect two or more of your networks together so that they can communicate.
    You can only create one network bridge on a computer, but the one network bridge can handle any number of network connections added to it.

    Warning
    You should not create a bridge between an Internet connection and a network connection because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.
    Here’s How:
    1. Click or right click on the Network icon in the notification area, then click on Open Network and Sharing Center. (see screenshot below)

    A) Go to step 3.
    OR
    2. Open the Control Panel (icon view), and click on the Network and Sharing Center icon.
    3. Click on the Change adapter settings link. (see screenshot below)

    4. To Create a Network Bridge –
    A) Press and hold down the CTRL key and select each network connection that you want to bridge together. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    You must select at least two network connections to be able to bridge them together.


    B) Release the CTRL key, then right click on one of the selected network connections and click on Bridge Connections. (see screenshot below)

    C) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator’s password (if standard user).
    D) After a moment, you will now have a network bridge of the selected network connections. (see screenshot below)

    E) Go to step 6.
    5. To Delete a Network Bridge –
    A) Right click on the Network Bridge and click on Delete. (see screenshot below)

    B) Click on Yes. (see screenshot below)

    C) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (if administrator) or type in the administrator’s password (if standard user).
    D) After a moment, the network bridge will be deleted and removed. (see screenshot below)

    6. When finished, you can now close the Network Connections window. (see screenshot above or below step 5D)

  • Change the Default Icon of a File

    How to Change the Default Icon of a File Extension in Windows 7
    Information
    This article will show you how to change the default icon of any file extension to have a custom icon of your choice instead for it in Windows 7.

    Tip
    By default, known file extension types are set to be hidden in Windows 7. You will need to unhide file extensions to see and know what the file extension is to make it easier to change the icon for the file extension.
    Note
    You will need to use a 256×256 pixel icon for them to display properly at all of the available icon view sizes in Windows 7.
    Some programs may automatically reset the default file extension icon back to the default one it uses even after you have changed it. This tutorial will not work for these programs.
    If you change the default program for what opens the file extension, it will also change the icon of the file extension to be whatever it is for the program you selected uses.
    Warning
    You will need to be logged on to a administrator account to do this.
    Making changes in the registry can cause problems if you make a mistake. You should create a system restore point before proceeding in case you need to do a system restore with the restore point to undo a mistake made in the registry.
    EXAMPLE:
    Default and New Icon for “MP3” File Extensions

    Here’s How:
    NOTE:
    For an example in this tutorial, I will be changing the default icon used for the MP3 file extension. You would just substitute the file extension that you want to change the default icon for instead.
    1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press enter.
    2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
    3. If Using the Default Program in Windows 7 to Open the File Extension With
    NOTE:
    You would use this option if you are using the default program that Windows 7 uses to open the file extension with, and not opens with a 3rd party program that you installed.
    A) In regedit, go to: (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    Substitute .mp3 below with the file extension you want to change the icon for instead.
    Code:
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mp3
    B) In the right pane of the file extension, make note of the Data value to the right of (Default). (see screenshot above)
    NOTE:
    For example it is WMP11.AssocFile.MP3 for the .mp3 file extension.
    C) Go to step 5.
    4. If Using a Installed 3rd Party Program as the Default Program to Open the File Extension With
    NOTE:
    You would do this option if you have changed the default program used by Windows 7 to open the file extension with to be opened by a installed 3rd party (not included in Windows 7) program instead.
    A) In regedit, go to: (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    Substitute .mp3 below with the file extension you want to change the icon for instead.
    Code:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.mp3\Userchoice
    B) In the right pane, look at the Data value to the right of Progid. (see screenshot above)
    NOTE:
    For example it is WMP11.AssocFile.MP3 for the .mp3 file extension type by default. Your value will vary depending on the default program you have set or installed to open this file extension with.
    5. In regedit, scroll past the file extensions and go to: (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    Substitute WMP11.AssocFile.MP3 with the Data value from step 3B or 4B for the file extension Data value that you want to change the icon for instead.
    Code:
    HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\WMP11.AssocFile.MP3
    6. Click on the arrow next to for example WMP11.AssocFile.MP3 to expand the key (folder). (see screenshot above)
    NOTE:
    Substitute WMP11.AssocFile.MP3 with the Data value from step 3B or 4B for the file extension Data value that you want to change the icon for instead.
    Tip
    To Backup the Default File Extension Icon
    NOTE:
    To restore the default file extension icon from this created backup below, right click on the .reg backup file and click on Merge. Next, approve the merge and log off and log on to apply the change to restore the default icon.
    A) In the left pane of regedit, right click on DefaultIcon and click on Export. (See screenshot below step 5)
    B) Select a location to where you want to save the backup reg file to.
    C) Type in a name and click on the Save button.
    NOTE:
    Be sure to type in a name that is easily recognized by you for that file extension. For example, MP3 default icon.
    7. In the right pane of DefaultIcon, right click on (Default) and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 5)
    NOTE:
    If you do not have DefaultIcon in the left pane of for example WMP11.AssocFile.MP3, then right click on WMP11.AssocFile.MP3, click on New and Key, type in DefaultIcon, and press Enter.
    8. Select either Option One or Option Two below for what type of icon you want to replace the default file extension icon with.
    OPTION ONE
    Use another Icon Included in Windows 7
    A. Download and install the free program IconViewerfor your 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7.
    NOTE:
    This program will add a Icons tab to files (ex: imageres.dll) that contain a icon library in them so you can see the icons available in it.
    B. In Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll and right click on imageres.dll, click on Properties, and click on the Icons tab.
    NOTE:
    You can use any of the Windows 7 files that include icons in them that you want though. This is just the most common one.
    C. Scroll through the icons and make note of the icon number of the one you want to use to replace the default file extension icon with, then close the properties window. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    For example, icon number 1023.
    D) In the Modify window, type in (full path of the Windows 7 file with file extension),-#### and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    For example, I would type in the location exactly as below for what I used in B and C above.
    Code:
    C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll,-1023
    E) Go to step 9.
    OPTION TWO
    Use a Saved Custom Icon of Your Own
    A) Create or download and save a icon (.ico file) of your choice to a location you wish to keep the icon stored at.
    NOTE:
    See the Note box at the top of this tutorial for about what kind of icon to use. The icon must stay at this location for as long as it is being used for the file extension.
    B) In the Modify window, type in “full path of the icon file with file extension” and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    For example, If I I had a icon store on my Desktop name New Icon Location.ico, I would type in the location exactly as below. Just substitute with your icons full path and name with file extension in quotes instead.
    Code:
    “C:\Users\UserName\Desktop\New Icon Location.ico”
    9. Close regedit.
    10. Log off and log on, or restart the computer, to fully apply the icon change.

  • Show or Hide All Hidden Files

     
    How to Show or Hide All Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives in Windows 7
    Information
    This will show you how to have all hidden files, folders, and drives to show or don’t show in Windows 7. These are set to be hidden by default in Windows 7.

    Note
    When you have these hidden files, folders, and drives set to show, the icon shows as transparent to indicate that they are set as hidden.
    EXAMPLE: A Hidden and Normal Folder
    EXAMPLE: A Hidden Protected Operating System File
    OPTION ONE
    Through Folder Options
    1. Open Folder Options.
    2. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
    A) Select (dot) Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot below)
    B) Click on the Apply button.
    3. To Don’t Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
    A) Select (dot) Don’t Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot above)
    B) Click on the Apply button.
    4. To Show Protected Operating System Files
    A) Do step 2.
    B) Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files box. (See screenshot below step 5B)
    C) Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)
    D) Go to step 6.
    5. To Hide Protected Operating System Files
    A) Do step 3.
    B) Check the Hide protected operating system files box. (See screenshot below)
    6. Click on OK. (See screenshot above)
    OPTION TWO
    Through Registry Editor
    1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search line and press enter.
    2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
    3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
    Code:
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
    4. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
    A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)
    B) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    C) Go to step 8.
    5. To Don’t Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
    A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
    B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4B)
    C) Go to step 8.
    6. To Show Protected Operating System Files
    A) Do step 4.
    B) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
    C) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 7B)
    D) Go to step 8.
    7. To Hide Protected Operating System Files
    A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
    B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below )
    8. Close regedit.
    9. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.

  • Add or Remove Ease of Access Center

    How to Add or Remove Ease of Access Center from Windows 7 Log On Screen
    Information
    On the log in screen at the bottom left there is a button called the Ease of Access button, if you do not want this button just follow this tutorial.

    Warning
    If you do not follow this tutorial exactly you will most likely have to do a system restore!!!
    OPTION ONE
    Remove Ease of Access button
    1. Take ownership of the file c:/windows/system32/authui.dll
    2. Open the file c:/windows/system32/authui.dll in Resource Hacker.
    3. In Resource Hacker go to the location: UIFILE/12400/1033:
    4. Copy all of the code from UIFILE/12400/1033 into a blank text file:
    5. Find the following line in your code:
    6. Delete it and everything after it until:
    NOTE: Make sure not to leave a blank line where you deleted the code.
    7. Copy the code from the text document back to Resource Hacker and make sure there is a blank line of code at the very bottom of the code. Then select Compile Script.
    8. Repea the steps 5-8 for location UIFILE/12401/1033 and UIFILE/12402/1033.
    Warning
    DO NOT JUST COPY AND PASTE THE SAME CODE INTO ALL THREE!!
    9. Save the file as authui – new.dll onto your desktop.
    10. Copy the file authui – new.dll to c:/windows/system32
    11. Start the program Task Manager, and Notepad
    12. Using Task Manager end the process explorer.exe:
    13. Using notepad go to file/open:
    14. Browse to c:/windows/system32/ make sure to have All Files selected:
    15. Rename the file authui.dll to authui – backup.dll
    16. Rename the file authui – new.dll to authui.dll
    17. Push the keys: Ctrl+Alt+Del
    18. Select Log off
    19. Select Log on
    20. Done
    OPTION TWO
    Restore Ease of Access button
    1. Start the program Task Manager, and Notepad
    2. Using Task Manager end the process explorer.exe:
    3. Using notepad go to file/open:
    4. Browse to c:/windows/system32/ make sure to have All Files selected:
    5. Rename the file authui.dll to authui – new.dll
    6. Rename the file authui – backup.dll to authui.dll
    7. Push the keys: Ctrl+Alt+Del
    8. Select Log off
    9. Select Log on
    10. Done

  • Enable or Disable Desktop Composition

    Enable or Disable Desktop Composition in Windows 7
    Information
    The desktop composition feature was introduced in Vista, it fundamentally changed the way applications display pixels on the screen. When desktop composition is enabled, individual windows no longer draw directly to the screen or primary display device as they did in previous versions of Windows. Instead, their drawing is redirected to off-screen surfaces in video memory, which are then rendered into a desktop image and presented on the display.

    Desktop composition is performed by the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager (DWM) service. Through desktop composition, DWM enables visual effects on the desktop as well as various Aero features such as thumbnail previews, Aero themes, glass window frames, 3-D window transition animations, Windows Flip and Windows Flip3D, and high resolution support.
    This will show you how to enable or disable Desktop Composition using different options in Windows 7 and Vista.
    Note
    Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic editions do not have the Aero feature included.
    OPTION ONE
    Through Visual Effects Settings
    1. Open the Visual Effects settings window in Performance Options.
    2. To Enable Desktop Composition
    A) Check the Enable desktop composition box, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    This is the default setting.
    3. To Disable Desktop Composition
    A) Uncheck the Enable desktop composition box, and click on OK. (see screenshot above)
    OPTION TWO
    Through Services
    NOTE:
    This option will affect all users on the computer.
    1. Open the Services window, and select the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service. (see screenshot below)
    2. Right click on Desktop Window Manager Session Manager, and click on Properties. (see screenshot above)
    3. To Enable Desktop Composition
    A) Set the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service to Automatic and Start it. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    This is the default setting.
    B) Check to make sure that you also have desktop composition enabled using one of the other options in this tutorial as well. Both are required to be enabled.
    4. To Disable Desktop Composition
    A) Stop and set the Desktop Window Manager Session Manager service to Disabled. (see screenshot above)
    OPTION THREE
    Manually Through Registry Editor
    1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search boxand press Enter.
    2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes (Windows 7) or Continue (Vista).
    3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
    HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
    4. In the right pane, double click on CompositionPolicy. (see screenshot above)
    5. To Enable Desktop Composition
    A) Type in 0, and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    NOTE:
    This is the default setting.
    B) Go to step 7.
    6. To Disable Desktop Composition
    A) Type in 1, and click on OK. (see screenshot above)
    7. Close regedit.
    8. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply the changes.