Category: Windows 7 support

Customize Windows Explorer Toolbar Buttons

How to Customize Windows Explorer Toolbar Buttons in Windows 7

Information

This article will show you how to customize the toolbar (command bar) in Windows Explorer to add, remove, or rearrange toolbar buttons of your choice for all users.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.

EXAMPLE:

Windows Explorer Toolbar

Add, Remove, or Rearrange Toolbar Buttons in Windows Explorer

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search box and press enter.

2. If prompted byUAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, navigate to the Windows Explorer location below for the toolbar that you would like to add or remove buttons from.

General Items Folder Template (see also step 4)

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{5c4f28b5-f869-4e84-8e60-f11db97c5cc7}

Videos Folder Template

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{5fa96407-7e77-483c-ac93-691d05850de8}

Documents Folder Template (see also step 4)

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{7d49d726-3c21-4f05-99aa-fdc2c9474656}

Music Folder Template

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{94d6ddcc-4a68-4175-a374-bd584a510b78}

Pictures Folder Template (see also step 4)

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{b3690e58-e961-423b-b687-386ebfd83239}

General (Generic) Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{da3f6866-35fe-4229-821a-26553a67fc18}

Main Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{b3690e58-e961-423b-b687-386ebfd83239}

Videos Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{631958a6-ad0f-4035-a745-28ac066dc6ed}

Documents Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{fbb3477e-c9e4-4b3b-a2ba-d3f5d3cd46f9}

Music Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{3f2a72a7-99fa-4ddb-a5a8-c604edf61d6b}

Pictures Library Folder

Code:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FolderTypes\{0b2baaeb-0042-4dca-aa4d-3ee8648d03e5}

4. If the name of the Windows Explorer location you selected above is in RED (General Items, Documents, and Pictures folder templates), then:

NOTE:

If not in red, then skip this step and go to step 5 or 6.

In the left pane under FolderTypes, right click on the {long number} key below and click on Permissions. Take ownership (step 3 in Option Two of Method TWO at this link) of this key with your administrator account, and set permissions to Allow your administrator account Full Control of the key. (see screenshots below)

Continue on to step 5 or 6 below.

5. To Add or Remove Buttons to be Displayed when a Item is Selected

NOTE:

When you select an item (ex: file or folder), the buttons displayed on the Windows Explorer toolbar locations below are defined in the TasksItemsSelected registry key.

A) In the left pane, click on the TasksItemSelected key under the exanded {long number} key above. (see screenshot below)

NOTE:

If there is not a TasksItemSelected key, then right click on the {long number} key, click on New and Key, type TasksItemSelected and press enter.

B) Go to step 7.

6. To Add or Remove Buttons to be Displayed when No Items are Selected

NOTE:

When you open a folder without anything selected, the buttons displayed on the Windows Explorer toolbar locations below are defined in the TasksNoItemsSelected registry key.

A) In the left pane, click on the TasksNoItemSelected key under the exanded {long number} location above. (see screenshot below)

NOTE:

If there is not a TasksNoItemSelected key, then right click on the {long number} key, click on New and Key, type TasksNoItemSelected and press enter.

7. In the right pane of TasksItemSelected or TasksNoItemSelected, right click on (Default) and click on Modify. (see screenshots below steps 5A and 6A)

8. To Add a Toolbar Button

A) Type in the Value data (see table below) for the button that you want to add in the order you want it to be displayed within the other listed buttons. (see screenshot below step 11.

NOTE:

Be sure to leave only one semicolon (;) inbetween each Value data entry to separate them.

FOR EXAMPLE:

If I wanted to add the Cut and Paste buttons to the Pictures Library tool bar after the default Burn button, I would add Windows.Cut and Windows.Paste in the Edit String (modify) window like this below.

Code:

Windows.slideshow;Windows.burn;Windows.Cut;Windows.Paste;Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline

Toolbar Button	Value Data	Description
Burn	Windows.burn	It allows you to burn the folder or the file selected
Close	Windows.closewindow	It allows you to close the active window
Copy	Windows.Copy	It allows you to copy the item selected in the clipboard
Cut	Windows.Cut	It allows you to move the item selected into the clipboard
Delete	Windows.Delete	It allows you to delete the item selected
Details pane	Windows.previewpane	It allows you to toggle the Details pane on or off
(Details view)	Windows.topviewrestoredefault	It allows you display the details view
E-mail	Windows.email	It allows you to send by email the item selected
Folder and search options	Windows.folderoptions	Opens Folder Options
Include in library	Windows.includeinlibrary	It allows you to include in any library the folder selected
Layout	Windows.layout	It allows you to turn on or off the navigation pane, the detail pane, the reading pane or the library pane
Library pane	Windows.librarypane	It allows you to turn on or off the library pane
Manage Default Printers	Windows.ManageDefaultPrinters	It allows you to manage the printer installed by default
Menu bar	Windows.menubar	It allows you to turn the menu bar on or off
Navigation pane	Windows.navpane	It allows you to turn the navigation pane on or off
New folder	Windows.newfolder	It allows you to create a new folder in the folder you have open or selected
Organize	Windows.organize	It allows you to turn on or off the options for the organization of items
Paste	Windows.Paste	It allows you to paste the content of the clipboard
Play all	Windows.playmusic	It allows you to play all the music files in a opened folder
Properties	Windows.properties	It allows you to display or hide all the properties of the item selected
Preview pane	Windows.readingpane	It allows you to turn the Preview pane on or off
Print	Windows.print	It allows you to print the document selected
Print server properties	Windows.OpenPrinterServerProperty	It allows you to display or hide the properties of your printer
	Windows.OpenSearchViewSite
Redo	Windows.redo	It allows you to cancel the last modification made
Rename	Windows.rename	It allows you to rename the item selected
Remove Properties	Windows.removeproperties	It allows you to delete all the properties you want about the item selected
See what’s printing	Windows.OpenPrintQueue	It allows you to display or hide all the files you’re printing
Select all	Windows.selectall	It allows you to select all of the items in the opened folder
Separator	Windows.separator	It allows you to create an empty space between the tasks
Share with	Windows.Share	It allows you to share the item selected in private or with your homegroup
Share with	Windows.ShareHomegroupFullAcces	It allows you to share the item selected in private or with your homegroup
Share with	Windows.ShareHomegroupReadAccess	It allows you to share the item selected in private or with your homegroup
Share with	Windows.SharePrivate	It allows you to share the item selected in private or with your homegroup
Share with	Windows.ShareSpecificUsers	It allows you to share the item selected in private or with your homegroup
Slide show	Windows.slideshow	It allows you to see any images through a slideshow
Start scan	Windows.StartScan	It allows you to execute a quick scan of the selected item
Sync	Windows.CscSync	It allows you to synchronize your folders or files with your device
Undo	Windows.undo	It allows you to cancel the last modification made, or restore the folder or file deleted from the Recycle Bin
	Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline	??
	Windows.UpdatePrinterDriver	It allows you to update your printer’s drivers

9. To Remove a Toolbar Button

A) Remove the Value data (see table below step 8A) for the button that you want to remove. (see screenshot below step 11)

NOTE:

Be sure to leave only one semicolon (;) inbetween each remaining Value data entry to separate them.

FOR EXAMPLE:

If I wanted to remove the Cut and Paste buttons added to the Pictures Library tool bar from step 8, I would edit out Windows.Cut and Windows.Paste in the Edit String (modify) window like this below.

BEFORE

Code:

Windows.slideshow;Windows.burn;Windows.Cut;Windows.Paste;Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline

AFTER

Code:

Windows.slideshow;Windows.burn;Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline

10. To Rearrange Display Order of the Toolbar Buttons

A) Arrange the Value data (see table below step 8A) listed in the Edit String (modify) window in the order of how you would like them displayed on the toolbar. (see screenshot below step 11)

NOTE:

Be sure to leave only one semicolon (;) inbetween each Value data entry to separate them.

FOR EXAMPLE:

If I wanted to rearange the Cut and Paste buttons added to the Pictures Library tool bar from step 8, I would edit the Windows.Cut and Windows.Paste value data in the Edit String (modify) window like this below.

BEFORE

Code:

Windows.slideshow;Windows.burn;Windows.Cut;Windows.Paste;Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline

AFTER

Code:

Windows.slideshow;Windows.burn;Windows.Paste;Windows.Cut;Windows.CscWorkOfflineOnline

11. When finished adding, removing, or rearranging the button’s Value data (ex: Windows.burn) in the Edit String box, click on OK. (see screenshot below)

12. Repeat the steps above if you would like to add, remove, or rearrage toolbar buttons for any other Windows Explorer location in step 3.

13. When finished, close regedit.

14. If open, close and reopen Windows Explorer to see the changes applied at the location you selected in step 3 (not the registry location).

March 15, 2012

Tile Screens_Win 7 Tips
If you are a new Windows 7 user, you may have heard about the new auto-tile feature and wondered how it works. Although you can still right-click on the task bar to tile windows manually as in previous versions of Windows, Windows 7 has the ability to tile windows automatically, saving time and mouse clicks. Use the auto-tile feature in Windows 7 to view two windows or documents simultaneously on a large monitor.

This article will help you to tile screens in Windows 7.
Instructions
1. Open all the programs or folders that you want to open.
2. Open ‘Task manager‘.
3. Go to ‘Application‘ tab.
4. Select the tasks that you want to tile.
5. Right click on the tasks that you want to tile.
6. Select ‘Tile horizontally’ or ‘Tile Vertically‘.
February 28, 2012
Tile Screens_Win 7 Tips
If you are a new Windows 7 user, you may have heard about the new auto-tile feature and wondered how it works. Although you can still right-click on the task bar to tile windows manually as in previous versions of Windows, Windows 7 has the ability to tile windows automatically, saving time and mouse clicks. Use the auto-tile feature in Windows 7 to view two windows or documents simultaneously on a large monitor.

This article will help you to tile screens in Windows 7.
Instructions
1. Open all the programs or folders that you want to open.
2. Open ‘Task manager‘.
3. Go to ‘Application‘ tab.
4. Select the tasks that you want to tile.
5. Right click on the tasks that you want to tile.
6. Select ‘Tile horizontally’ or ‘Tile Vertically‘.
August 12, 2011
Keyboard Shortcut for Volume Control
Digging through files, folders and programs to find your computer’s volume control can be an annoying process. And while you do have a volume icon in your task bar, it only controls your master volume. In Windows XP, creating a keyboard shortcut will help you access volume control more quickly, as well as open other facets of volume control such as wave, synth, microphone and balance that are not immediately available in the task bar. See “tips” for notes regarding Windows Vista and Windows 7.

This article will help you to creat Keyboard Shortcut for Volume Control.
Introduction
1. In Windows XP or earlier, click “Start” and click “All Programs.” When the program list appears, click “Accessories,” then “Entertainment,” then “Volume Control.”
2. Right-click on volume control, then select “Properties.” In the volume control properties, select the “Shortcut” tab.
3. The box next to the words “Shortcut key” should say “None.” Click in that box, then touch the key (number, letter, or symbol) you wish to use as your volume control shortcut key. This will make your shortcut Ctrl+Alt+(your desired key).
4. Click “Apply.” Close the volume control properties box, then use your keyboard shortcut to open volume control to ensure it worked.
Tips
- Windows Vista and Windows 7 do allow users to create keyboard shortcuts, but not for volume control. Fortunately, many desktop keyboards (sometimes sold with the computer, sometimes sold separately) have volume controls available right on the keyboard. Also, many Vista and 7 laptops have built-in keyboard volume control; usually the combination of the function (Fn) key plus another key can raise or lower volume. For instance, on some laptops, Fn+PgUp will increase volume, while Fn+PgDn will lower volume. Look for speaker icons on your laptop’s keys; these are your volume shortcut keys.
August 8, 2011
Monitor Shared Folders in Windows Vista

Quick Way to Monitor Shared Folders in Windows Vista

INFORMATION:

This article will show you how to monitor shared folders in Windows Vista.

Here’s How:

1) Open command prompt (Start->All Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt), type fsmgmt.msc and press Enter button.

2) The shared folders snap-in will appear. If you click Shares, it will list down all shared folders, folder path, number of client connections, etc.

Note: You can also right click the folder to open or stop the folder sharing.

3) If you click on Sessions, it lists down all users who are connected to this computer’s shared folders. From here, you will know some valuable connected user info, such as user ID, computer name, how many files are opened by user, since when the folder is accessed by user, idle time and whether the user logged on using Guest account.

Note: You can also right click any user ID and click on Close Session option to disconnect this user.

4) Proceed to click on Open Files, it will list down all files currently accessed by users and also the permission user owns on the opened files.

Note: You can also right click any file and click on Close Open File option to close open file.

August 5, 2011
Download XP Programs to Windows 7
On the Internet, you can find thousands of programs to download for your Windows 7 computer. However, many of these programs are old and were designed for Windows XP. Sometimes the developer has issued an updated version for the newer operating system that you can download. If the developer has not updated the program, you can still download the Windows XP version and operate it on your Windows 7 computer.

This article will help you to download XP Programs to Windows 7.
Introduction
1. Open your browser, and go to the Web page that contains the program’s download link.
2. Right-click on the download link, and select “Save Target As.” Your browser might say something slightly different. In the navigation window, select “Desktop” and click “Save.” Close your browser.
3. Double-click on the icon for the program you just downloaded. It is an executable installation file. When prompted, click “Yes” to allow the program to make changes to your computer. Follow the installation instructions for the specific program.
4. Right-click on the icon used to open the program after it has finished installing. Click “Properties.”
5. Click the “Compatibility” tab. Click the box next to “Run Program in Compatibility Mode For.” Select “Windows XP (Service Pack 3)” from the drop-down menu. Click “OK.” You can now run the Windows XP program normally in Windows 7.
August 5, 2011
Get Rid of Parental Controls_Win 7 tips
Microsoft Windows 7 lets parents control the access their children have to the computer, including how much time they spend on it and the programs they can use. The aim of this feature is to help parents feel more comfortable with their kids using the computer so that they don’t have to personally monitor them at all times. You can get rid of Parental Controls for a particular user by adjusting the user’s settings in the Windows 7 Control Panel.

This article will help you to get rid of parental control in Windows 7.
Instructions
1. Log into Windows 7 with an administrator account.
2. Click the “Start” icon and select the “Control Panel.”
3. Click “Set up parental controls for any user” under “User Accounts and Family Safety.”
4. Click to select the user for whom you want to remove Parental Controls and click “Off” under “Parental Controls.”
5. Click “OK” to save the changes.
August 4, 2011
Connect Xbox 360_win7 Tips
This is going to walk you right through connecting your Xbox 360 to a Windows 7 PC. If you have an xbox and have not linked it up to your pc yet you are missing out. Your XBOX 360 when connected will be able to stream all of your music, and movies right from your PC to your TV.

This article will help you connect Xbox 360 to Windows 7.
Instructions
1. On the computer running Windows 7 click the following:
  Start, Control Panel, Network and Internet
2. Select “Home Group and Sharing Options“
3. Click “change advanced sharing settings“
4. Under “Media Streaming” click “Choose Media Streaming Options“
5. Click “Turn on media streaming“
6. You will now have the option to name your media library if you want to, but is not necessary.
7. Click “Choose Default Settings“. You can choose star ratings and parental controls here if you want to, and then click “OK“. You are now done with setting up the PC.
8. Turn on your XBOX 360 and go to the “My Xbox Channel” and select “Music“, “Photos“, or “Video” library.
9. Select your pc from the list and the file you wish to play.
August 4, 2011
Renew IP Address_Win 7 tips
The new Microsoft Operating System is set up differently than Windows XP and Windows Vista. If you purchase a new PC or Laptop, unless otherwise requested, you’ll have Windows 7 as your operating system.

When you connect your new computer to your existing modem you will not have an Internet connection because the IP address will need to be renewed. In some instances the IP address will automatically renew if you unplug the modem and restart your computer. However, in most cases you will need to release and renew the IP address and this article will show you how to accomplish this using Windows 7.

This article will help you to renew IP adderess in Windows.
Instructions
1. Connect your new computer to your modem. Do not unplug your modem yet. Start your new computer and get to the desktop.
2. Open the Control Panel which will either be on the desktop or on the Start Menu. From the Control Panel, click on “Network and Internet” and then click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. From the Network and Sharing Center, top-left click on “Change adapter settings.” You will see the Local Area Connection icon. Right-click on the LAN icon and select “disable.” This disables the Local Area Connection and also “releases the IP address.” Below the LAN icon you will now see the word, “disabled.” Leave this on your screen because you’ll come back to it in a minute or so.
4. Unplug your modem. If you unplug the modem and you still see lights, then you will need to remove the battery from your modem. You want all the lights out on your modem because this completes the releasing of the IP address.
5. After 10-20 seconds, plug your modem back in and give the modem at least a minute to fully reset. You’ll know it has reset when the lights on the modem are back to normal.
6. Go back to your Local Area Connection icon, right-click, and select “enable.” This will complete the process of “renewing” your IP address and this will restore your Internet connection.
August 3, 2011
Reformat a Windows 7 Computer
Have you ever tried to reformat a hard drive on a computer with windows 7? For some it might seem hard, but I will teach you how to do it easily with a few simple steps. Keep in mind that reformating your hard drive will reset it to the factory setting, so you want to make sure that you backup everything that you want to save before we begin the process.

This article will help you to reformat a Windows 7 computer.
Instructions
1. ATTENTION!
  Reformatting a computer will reset it to the factor image, all data must be backed up or it WILL be lost. There are several reasons to reformat a hard drive. A few reasons include but are not limited to: driver issues, virus, cleaning up, getting rid of the computer, etc.
2. RECOVERY DISKS!
  Every new windows 7 owner should know that the new computers are not supplied with recovery disks anymore. The manufacturer allows the user to create one set of disks upon the purchase of a new machine. It is important to create the disks early as driver issues and viruses may arise. In order to create recovery disks on windows 7 you want to click on the start menu. Next, type in recovery in the Start Search option area. Next, click on recovery disk creation and follow the process. It will require that you have about 3 dvds or about 7 cds to create the recovery disks.
3. REFORMATING HARD DRIVE!
  Once the recovery disks have been made reformatting windows 7 is quite simple. Insert the recovery disks into the cd/dvd tray on the machine. You are now going to want to turn the computer off. When the computer has turned off, go ahead and turn it back on. A screen should pop up asking you whether you want to boot from Hard Drive or Disk. Choose the disk option. After you make it this far it is a downhill process. Next you follow the on-screen instruction make sure you reformat the machine, not recover it.
August 3, 2011