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Category: Windows 7

  • How to do Disk clean up in Windows 7


            If you want to reduce the number of unnecessary files on your hard disk to free up disk space and help your computer run faster, use Disk Cleanup. It removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need


    Click on Start –> All Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools. Then click on Disk Cleanup. Alternatively you can open Start Menu and search for Disk Cleanup.



    Once open, select the drive you want to clean up. Mostly this will be the drive where you have Windows installed. Select C:\ drive.




    Let Disk Cleanup determine which files can be cleaned up.




    You will then see a dialog with the files that can be cleaned without any harm to the system. Select the files that you do not need and click OK.





    If you have admin access, you might want to clean up system files as well. Click on System Files in the above dialog. You will then see a More Options tab which you can use to remove old system restore points and shadow copies.


    These is applicable for Windows XP and Windows 7 

  • HOW TO GET UPDATES FOR ALL MICROSOFT PROGRAMS AND DRIVERS ALONG WITH WINDOWS UPDATES

    Windows Update is a service provided by Microsoft that provides updates for the Microsoft Windows operating system and its installed components, including Internet Explorer.
    Along with the version of Windows that you are using and the internet explorer, you can also receive updates for other Microsoft products installed on the computer through Windows updates.
    For instance, if you are using Microsoft Office or Microsoft Money software, you can get updates for those software using Windows Updates.
    Here’s how:
    Open Windows Update from the “Start Search” option
    In the Windows Update screen that appears, look for the option “Find Out More”
    Internet Explorer would open up with a title “Install updates, Office and More”
    Agree to the Terms and Conditions by making a check mark and then clicking on “Install”
    The next time, you use Windows Update; you would get the updates for all the Microsoft programs installed on the computer.

  • How to Add or Remove the Security Tab in Windows Media Player Options



    Information
    This article will show you how to add or remove the Security tab in the Options of Windows Media Player for all users in Windows 7 and Vista but will not work on Windows XP.

    Warning:
    You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.
    Note:
    If removed, any settings made in the Security tab prior to being removed will still be used.
    Even if removed, users can still change security and zone settings by using Internet Explorer security zone settings unless these settings have been hidden or disabled by Internet Explorer policies as well.
    EXAMPLE:
    Security Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    NOTE:
    You would click on Tools (menu bar) and Options in Windows Media Player to see this.

    Through the Local Group Policy Editor
    1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Media Player, and User Interface. (see screenshot below)
    3. In the right pane, right click on Hide Security Tab and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)
    4. To Add “Security” Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    NOTE:
    Not Configured is the default setting.
    B) Go to step 6.
    5. To Remove “Security” Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
    8. If open, close and reopen Windows Media Player options to see the changes.
    This article will work on Windows 7 and Vista but will not work on Windows XP.

  • How to Add or Remove the Privacy Tab in Windows Media Player Options




    Information
    This article will show you how to add or remove the Privacy tab in the Options of Windows Media Player for all users in Windows 7 and Vista. This article is not for Windows XP.

    If removed, any settings made in the Privacy tab prior to being removed will still be used.
    Warning:
    You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.
    EXAMPLE:
    Privacy Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    NOTE:
    You would click on Tools (menu bar) and Options in WMP to see this.

    Through the Local Group Policy Editor
    1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    2. In the left pane, click on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Media Player, and User Interface. (see screenshot below)
    3. In the right pane, right click on Hide Privacy Tab and click on Edit. (see screenshot above)
    4. To Add “Privacy” Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    NOTE:
    Not Configured is the default setting.
    B) Go to step 6.
    5. To Remove “Privacy” Tab in Windows Media Player Options
    A) Select (dot) Enabled. (see screenshot below step 6)
    6. Click on OK. (see screenshot below)
    7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
    8. If open, close and reopen Windows Media Player options to see the changes.

    This article is not for Windows XP.

  • HOW TO DISABLE AERO PEEK FEATURE IN WINDOWS 7

    Aero Peek feature is a feature of Windows 7 that helps the computer user to have a quick peek on the applications and gadgets on the desktop or have a peek at the applications in the taskbar.

    This article is meant  only for Windows 7 and is not applicable to Windows XP.

    For instance, if you are working on some application while a download is happening on the other window, you can just move the mouse pointer on that application for a second and you will see the download status. While you are done, just slide the mouse away and you will get back to the window you were working on.

    Some of you might not like this feature because when the mouse moves accidentally, it changes the screen.
    To disable Aero Peek

    To disable Aero Peek:
    1. Right click on “Computer”
    2. Go to “Properties”
    3. On the Left Pane click on “Advanced System Settings”
    4. Click on “Settings” under “Performance”
    5. In the Window that appears look for “Enable Aero Peek” and uncheck the Check Box. And then click on “Apply” and then “OK”
      The feature can be enabled again by making a check mark again.
      This article is meant  only for Windows 7 and is not applicable to Windows XP.

  • Automatically backup to Skydrive


    This tutorial is going to show you how to backup to Windows Live SkyDrive, but this time, for free and it actually works, but still with some of the limitations (The 50MB limit, and a 9 subfolder limit). 

    Here’s what you need:
    Microsoft Office 2010
    A Windows Live ID
    GoodSync(Or any other backup utility that works with Mapped Drives)
    Windows 7
    SkyDrive
    Here’s How:
    Go to http://skydrive.live.com, and sign in.
    Click the “Create Folder” link on the top left.
    Type in “Backup,” or whatever you want your backup folder to be called, and make sure that your privacy setting is set to “Just Me.” Click “Next,” and then on the next page, click “Cancel.” You won’t be doing anything else on SkyDrive for now.
    Linking ID’s
    Before you do anything else, you need to link Windows 7 with your Windows Live ID. To do this, go to the start menu, and click your account picture.
    Click “Link Online IDs” in the sidebar, and then click “Add Online Provider.”
    This should open up your default browser to the Online IDs page at Microsoft. Click you Operating System bits(32 or 64) download button, then click “Save”, and then after downloading, either click it, or push “Run.” If you need help telling which bit-version you have, click “Am I running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?” link.
    Follow the Installation process, and then click finish.
    Go back to the User Accounts window, if you’re not already returned there. You should see a Windows Live section in the list now. Click “Link Online ID,” and then enter your Windows Live ID information. Click “Sign In.” You’re done with that section. Now, we’re off to Office.
    Office
    If you don’t have Microsoft Office 2010, you can get the beta version for free here.
    Open up any Office application(You can use any application to do this, but for this example, I’m going to use Word.)
    Click ‘File,” then click “Save and Send”(or “Share” if you have the beta version). Click “Save to Web”(or Save to SkyDrive in the beta version).
    Click the “Sign In” button, and if you need to, enter your Windows Live information.
    Office should think for a little bit, then it should show you all of your SkyDrive folders. Scroll down and click the “Save As” button. A window should pop up.
    In the window, select the address bar, and then copy the address by clicking it, selecting all of it, right-clicking it, and clicking “Copy”. Then click cancel. You just needed the address.
    Windows Explorer
    Now you need to go to “Computer”. You can do this by clicking on the Start button, and clicking “Computer”. In the window that opens, click “Map Network Drive”.
    A window should open up. Right-click the textbox, and click “Paste.” Change “\whatever” (In the first picture, “\whatever” is \Pictures) to “\Backup”, or whatever you named the folder back in step 1. If you want, you can change the drive letter, but you don’t have to. Click “Finish”.
    It should start thinking. It may ask you for your Windows Live ID information. Give it to them.
    It might take a little while, but it should open up a new window. That’s your SkyDrive Backup folder.
    GoodSync
    Now it’s time for the good stuff. Download GoodSync at www.goodsync.com/download. Click the download button, and then click “Save.” After it’s done downloading, either click it, or click “Run.” Follow the installation steps, and then click “Finish.”
    Start up GoodSync. If it’s your first time running it(and we assume it is), it will ask you to name your new backup. Name it something like “SkyDrive Backup,” and then click the “Backup” option. Click “Create”. (If you’re new to GoodSync, you might need to click the “Tutorial” link.)
    A new window should pop up, and a balloon should be pointing to a “Browse” button. This is your source folder; the folder you will be backing up. Click “Browse”.
    A new window should open. Just browse to the folder you want, click on it, then click OK. In this example, I’m going to back up my “Pictures” folder.
    Now a balloon should be pointing to another “Browse” button. This is your destination; the folder where you “Source” will go. So, in this example, “Pictures” is going to my SkyDrive backup drive. Click “Browse.”
    Click “My Computer,” and then click your SkyDrive backup drive. It should be under your physical drives, or your other mapped drives. Note: If you don’t want the contents of the “Pictures” folder(or whatever you picked) going into the backup drive, but instead want it going into a sub-directory, click your SkyDrive folder, and then click “Make New Folder,” and name it the name of the folder you wanted to back up. Click “Ok.”
    It should now start analyzing your source and destination. It’s now time to set up the automatic backup. Click the “Auto” button.
    Now, in the picture below, I’m showing you the settings I use. I want it to sync on GoodSync Start, when the folders connect, and periodically. For periodically, I made it Mac style: It backs up every hour. But you can make it anything you want. if you don’t know what you’re doing, just use the settings I listed below(if you don’t have the fastest internet speed or the computer resources, I would recommend setting the time to over 2 hours). Click “Ok.”
    Next, to make the backup more automatic and less noticeable, go to the “Tools” menu, and then click “Program Options.” For these settings, you can also use the settings I’m using. Check “Show GoodSync in the system tray,” “Hide to system try when Main Window is closed,” and “Start GoodSync when Windows starts.” There you go.
    You should be ready to automatically backup to Windows Live SkyDrive! Enjoy!

  • How to Rebuild Windows Media Player Corrupted Libraries



    Information
    This tutorial will show you how to rebuild your Windows Media Player (WMP) libraries in order to remove corrupted files (for example, files deleted from the hard disk that linger in the WMP library) in just a few, easy steps. This tutorial can also be applied to other issues.
    Note
    Using this tutorial will not delete any media files physically; instead, it will reset the WMP libraries to their default state, without changing your previously made settings.
    Windows Libraries are not affected by this tutorial.
    Tip
    Please make sure Windows Media Player is closed during this process.
    Here’s how:
    1. Click on the Start Orb and type “services” into the search, then select Services from the list of search results.

     

    Alternatively, you can right-click the Computer icon, select Manage, then choose Services under “Services and Applications” in Computer Management.
    2. In the list of services, locate “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service” and stop it via one of the highlighted options.
    Tip
    Please keep the Services window open, you will need it later.
    3. Click on the Start Orb and use the search again, this time type in C:\Users\(user)\AppData\Local and click the Local folder from the list of search results.
    4. Inside the “Local” folder, navigate to the “Microsoft”, then “Media Player” folder. Delete all the files contained in this folder and close the Explorer window.
    5. Now go back to the Services window and start the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service. Next time you start Windows Media Player, it will automatically rebuild all libraries using the information on folders that are included in the Windows Libraries.

  • How to Create a Windows PE Disk

    This tutorial does not cover every possible scenario, nor is it intended to. It’s pretty basic but, if followed, will create a usable Windows PE disk based upon Windows 7. I’m using Windows 7 professional.
    Here’s How:
    Start by downloading the Windows Automated Installation Toolkit
    Download details: The Windows® Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows® 7
    You’ll find online documentation here:
    Windows Automated Installation Kit (Windows AIK) User’s Guide
    Downloadable documentation here:
    Download details: Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 documentation (May 2010 Update)
    and the readme here:
    Windows Automated Installation Kit for Windows 7 Readme
    Once you have the WAIK downloaded, either burn it to disk, or mount it using your preferred ISO mounting application, and install. 
    I used Virtual Clone Drive for mounting the ISO, available from:
    SlySoft Virtual CloneDrive
    Once installed, open the AIK Command prompt:
    Start – All Programs – Microsoft Windows AIK – Deployment Tools Command Prompt
    Begin with a cleanup:
    Code:
    dism /cleanup-wim
    Run the copype.cmd script:
    Code:
    copype.cmd x86 c:\winpe
    NOTE:
    the syntax for this command is:
    Code:
    copype.cmd
    so you’ll need to change “x86” to “amd64” or “ia64” for those architectures. Also, my chosen destination is “c:\winpe” but you can create your folder elsewhere if you want. Just keep in mind that this tutorial uses “c:\winpe” in the examples, so you’ll need to adapt that to your choice of destination. The command creates the necessary folder structure within the destination folder.
    Now, copy and rename the base image:
    Code:
    copy c:\winpe\winpe.wim c:\winpe\iso\sources\boot.wim
    Mount the wim file:
    Code:
    dism /mount-wim /wimfile:c:\winpe\winpe.wim /index:1 /mountdir:c:\winpe\mount
    Add imagex to the system32 folder so it is pathed:
    Code:
    copy “c:\Program Files\Windows AIK\Tools\x86\imagex.exe” c:\winpe\mount\windows\system32
    NOTE:
    I didn’t add any additional packages or drivers to my Windows PE, however I am including the following two steps for those who might need them.
    You can add additional packages by using the following syntax:
    Code:
    dism / image: /add-package /packagepath:
    Drivers can be added using the following syntax: (The recurse switch causes the command to add all drivers within the path including those in subdirectories.)
    Code:
    dism /image: /add-driver /driver: /recurse
    Unmount the finished wimfile:
    Code:
    dism /unmount-wim /mountdir:c:\winpe\mount\ /commit
    Copy the finished wimfile:
    Code:
    copy c:\winpe\winpe.wim c:\winpe\iso\sources\boot.wim /y
    Create a bootable iso file:
    Code:
    oscdimg -n -bc:\winpe\etfsboot.com c:\winpe\iso c:\winpe\winpe.iso
    Close the Deployment Tools Command Prompt.
    Browse to c:\winpe\ and right-click on winpe.iso and choose Open With – Windows Disk Image Burner to burn the iso to disk.
    You now have a usable Windows PE disk. Mine has proven invaluable since I support a herd of over 200 Windows boxen and frequently need to image machines.

  • How to Add System Support Information in Windows 7

    Information
    This article will show you how to customize your Windows 7 System properties window by adding a logo, manufacturer, model, hours, phone, and website support information of your choice.

    EXAMPLE:
    System Support Information

    NOTE:
    This is the default  and modified System window when you right click on Computer in the Start Menu and click on Properties, or when you open the Control Panel (All Items view) and click on the System icon.
    Here’s How:
    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. In regedit, go to:  
    Code:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OEMInformation
    4. To Add a Logo Image
    NOTE:
    The logo must be a BMP image file and cannot be bigger than 120×120 pixels in size. The logo must stay in the location specified by you in step 4D below for it to continue to be used, so store it somewhere it will not get deleted.
    A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type Logo and press Enter.   
    NOTE: To undo this, right click on Logo and click on Delete and on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Logo and click on Modify.
    D) Type in the full path of the logo (BMP file) location and click on OK.  
    EXAMPLE:
    C:\Windows\System32\Logo.bmp
    5. To Add a Manufacturer Name
    A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type Manufacturer and press Enter.
    NOTE:
    To undo this, right click on Manufacturer and click on Delete and on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Manufacturer and click on Modify.
    D) Type in a manufacturer name (ex: Windows 7 Support) and click on OK.  
    6. To Add a Model Number
    A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type in Model and press Enter.
    NOTE:
    To undo this, right click on Model and click on Delete and on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Model and click on Modify.
    D) Type in your computer’s model number and click on OK.  
    7. To Add Support Hours
    A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type in Support Hours and press Enter.
    NOTE:
    To undo this, right click on Support Hours and click on Delete. Click on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Support Hours and click on Modify.
    D) Type in your support hours and click on OK.  
    EXAMPLE: 24 Hours – 7 Days a Week
    8. To Add a Support Phone Number
    A) In the right pane, right click on an empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type Support Phone and press Enter.
    NOTE:
    To undo this, right click on Support Phone and click on Delete. Click on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Support Phone and click on Modify.
    D) Type in a phone number and click on OK.  
    9. To Add a Support Website URL Address
    A) In the right pane, right click on a empty area and click on New and String Value.  
    B) Type Support URL and press Enter.
    NOTE:
    To undo this, right click on Support URL and click on Delete. Click on OK to confirm.
    C) Right click on Support URL and click on Modify.
    D) Type in your support URL web address and click on OK.  
    NOTE:
    In System, it will be a URL link that says Online Support, but will go to the address you typed in.
    10. Close Regedit.
    11. Close and reopen the System window to see your changes.

  • Tech Updates: Windows 7 introduces voluntary antipiracy update



             Microsoft will be releasing “Windows Activation Technologies (WAT) Update for Windows 7” which, as its name implies, is an update for WAT, the set of built-in activation and validation components, in Windows 7. The update will detect “more than 70 known and potentially dangerous activation exploits” that attempt to bypass or compromise WAT and will determine whether the copy of Windows 7 that is installed on a PC is genuine. It is also supposed to improve the integrity of key licensing components on the OS and will run periodic validations every 90 days.


    The update will be for all editions of Windows 7, although it will be distributed for Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions first. It will be available online at Microsoft.com/Genuine starting on February 16, and on the Microsoft Download Center the following day. Later this month, the update will also be offered through Windows Update as an “Important” update, but it will not be directly offered through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). The update will be voluntary (meaning that you can choose not to install it) and can also be uninstalled at any time. Enterprise customers use WSUS to manage the distribution of software updates in their IT environment, so it’s surprising that Microsoft is skipping this area, though the company noted a WSUS administrator can import this update from Microsoft Update.

    Microsoft also promised that the update will not jeopardize the user’s privacy since none of the information sent to Microsoft’s servers includes personally identifiable information. If the update spots known activation exploits and the copy of Windows 7 is found to be nongenuine, the antipiracy notifications built into the OS will spring to life. 

    PCs running genuine Windows 7 software with no activation exploits won’t see any prompts since the update runs quietly in the background. Microsoft also says the customer will see no reduced functionality in their copy of Windows: applications work as expected and access to personal information is unchanged. During the quarterly validation, Windows will download the latest “signatures” that are used to identify new activation exploits (think antivirus software). The WAT update will run a check and repair weekly, however, if it discovers tampering, disabling, or missing licensing files.