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Get the Most Out of Windows Vista These tips are provided as is with no warranty. Many tips require editing the Windows registry. It is recommended you backup the registry before making any changes. General Facts for Windows Vista + What are the System requirements for Vista?
Windows Vista comes in several flavors. Below are the minimum requirements as stated by Microsoft. Home Basic: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor. 512 MB of system memory. 20 GB hard drive containing 15 GB of available space. Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory. DVD-ROM drive. Audio. Internet access. Home Premium, Business or Ultimate: 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor. 1 GB of system memory. 40 GB hard drive with 15 GB of available space. Support for DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM Driver. Minimum of 128 MB of graphics memory. Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware. 32 bits per pixel. DVD-ROM drive. Audio Internet access. Note: While all editions of Windows Vista can support multiple core CPUs, only Windows Vista Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise can support dual processors. Additional Options: Home Premium or Ultimate TV tuner card required for TV functionality. Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. Windows Tablet and Touch Technology requires a Tablet PC or a touch screen. Ultimate Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption requires a USB Flash Drive and a system with a TPM 1.2 chip. Minimum requirements to use the Aero feature of not less than 64 MB of agp or pci-e video memory for standard resolution monitors. 128 MB will be needed for high resolution or multiple monitor setups. A special WDDM video driver. + What happened to Outlook Express in Windows Vista?
Outlook Express has been replaced with Windows Mail. This program functions much like Outlook Express, hopefully making the transition easier. However you cannot import you Outlook Express accounts and settings into Windows Mail. + What is Windows Vista Sidebar and Gadgets?
Windows Sidebar is a pane on the side of the Microsoft Windows Vista desktop where you can keep your gadgets organized and always available. Windows Sidebar makes great use of the space on wide screen monitors and also works smoothly on standard displays. Easily customize Windows Sidebar to suit your preferred location. Always on top or resting below maximized windows. If you don,t want to keep your gadgets docked on the Windows Sidebar, you can simply move them off, hide the sidebar, and place them anywhere on your desktop. Gadgets are mini applications with a variety of possible uses. They can connect to web services to deliver business data, weather information, news updates, traffic maps, Internet radio streams, and even slide shows of online photo albums. Gadgets can also integrate with other programs to provide streamlined interaction. For example, a gadget can give you an at-a-glance view of all your online instant messaging contacts, the day view from your calendar, or an easy way to control your media player. Gadgets can also have any number of dedicated purposes. They can be calculators, games, sticky notes, and more. Windows Vista comes with an essential set of gadgets to get you started, and you can easily download more. Windows Sidebar is about personalizing your desktop. To get more gadgets that meet your needs, visit the Windows Vista Gadget Gallery. + How do I change locations in the Windows Vista Weather Gadget?
Right click the Weather gadget. Select Options. In the Search box, enter your 5 digit zip code and then click Find. It should automatically switch to your location now. If the above failed to work, search for just the town name. you will see a list of options to choose from. highlight the option you wish to use then click ok. + Get Calendar Reminders when Windows Calendar is not running.
If you would like your reminders even when calendar isn,t running follow the instructions below. Start Windows Calendar. Click File --> Options Check reminders should show when windows calendar is not running and click ok. + What is Windows Vista Shadow Copy?
Shadow Copy enables you to go back in time and access your files and folders as they were on previous dates. with the option to fully restore it. This feature automatically creates point-in-time copies of files as you work, so you can quickly and easily retrieve versions of a document you may have accidentally deleted. Only incremental changes are saved, so minimal disk space is used for shadow copies. Right click a file or folder and select restore previous versions. Preview each file in a read-only version to determine which file to restore. Select the file you wish to restore and click Restore (this will restore it to its original location). Note: You may also drag the file or folder you wish to restore to a new location. It works on single files as well as whole folders. When restoring a file, all previous versions that are different from the live copy on the disk are shown. When accessing a previous version of a folder, users can browse the folder hierarchy as it was in a previous point in time. + Can I useInternet Explorer 6 with Windows Vista?
Unfortunately no, Vista ships with Internet Explorer 7. As you may know IE is an integrated part of Windows. IE may not be removed so IE 6 is not compatible.
+ Disable Security Center Alerts in Windows Vista?
Windows can alert you to potential problems concerning out of date antivirus software security updates and more. However this can be quite annoying. Use the instructions below to change the way security center alerts you. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Security Center. In the left pane, select Change the way Security Center Alerts me. Select the option that best suits your needs. + How can I change the menu colors in Windows Vista?
If you prefer the classic windows colors for your Windows text boxes you change change them using the instructions below. Right click the desktop Choose Personalize Select Windows Classic Go to the Windows color appearance settings Select Advanced Select Menu from the dropdown menu Choose your color Apply, and close all windows. + Why are my Windows Vista desktop icons in a tool bar?
You may have accidentally created a user toolbar. To resolve this issue use the instructions below. Look at the left of the toolbar and you will see a vertical dotted line. Right click the dotted line and select Close Toolbar from the resulting menu. Next, you will need to restore your desktop icons: Right click your desktop --> Click View --> Click Show Desktop Icons. + What is Ease of Access in Windows Vista?
Ease of Access is Vista,s new name for accessibility options. Quick access to common tools. Start Magnifier, Narrator, On-Screen Keyboard, and High Contrast and they will remain on until you log off. Also, the Quick access section is read aloud while it is highlighted allowing you to select a tool by pressing your spacebar when the tool name is either read or highlighted. Get recommendations. The questionnaire asks about routine tasks and provides a personalized recommendation of the accessibility settings and programs that are likely to improve your ability to see, hear, and use your computer. Explore all settings. The Ease of Access Center also lets you explore seven categories of accessibility tools and options. When you select these tools and options, they will automatically start each time you log on. To Access ease of access Click Start --> Control Panel --> Ease of Access --> Alternately use: Windows logo key +U. + Customize Windows Vista' Folder Options.
Many of us don,t like the new explorer in Windows Vista. However you make some changes using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Folder Options --> Advanced You may choose a windows classic view for your folders or add-remove options using the check boxes in the advanced section. If you would like to apply your settings to all folder choose apply to all. + Resize Windows Vista Start Menu Icons.
Vista Icons are large by default. To reduce the size to a more classic look use the instructions below. Right click any empty area of the Taskbar --> Properties. On The Task Bar and Start menu properties window Click the Start Menu tab. Click the Customize button. In the Customize Start Menu Window you will see a list of items displayed scroll the list, locate and uncheck Use Large Icons. + What is Windows Vista Readyboost?
Readyboost analyzes the boot process and allocates additional random access memory to optimize the process. ReadyBoost will pull the needed RAM from a USB 2.0 flash drive if the system is low on memory and the flash drive has readyboost abilities. + What is Windows Vista Superfetch?
This process is a new memory management tool designed to allow your frequently used programs additional memory by making better use of your systems random access memory (RAM). Over time, Vista can anticipate your program usage based on past experiences and makes sure that you have enough memory preloaded when needed. By utilizing the RAM more efficiently programs will launch much quicker because the system does not have to load them from the hard drive. They are in fact, preloaded to main memory. SuperFetch works with ReadyBoost. ReadyBoost makes SuperFetch,s memory management expandable by drawing available memory from a USB 2.0 flash drive if available.. Both of these tools work together ensure that enough memory is available for optimum system and program performance.
+ What is Windows Vista UAC?
UAC is short for User Account Control. Windows Vista tries to improves the safety and security of your computer by preventing potentially dangerous software from making changes to your computer without your explicit consent. This feature works with Windows Defender and Internet Explorer 7 to help reduce the impact of viruses, spyware, and other threats. This feature is enabled by default. While it had good intentions its more of an annoyance then a real tool. Many users get tired of seeing the dimmed desktop and are you sure messages and simply hit continue. + What is the Windows Vista Snipping Tool?
The new Snipping Tool in Vista allows the user to select exactly what they want to include in the screenshot with a simple and easy to use tool eliminating the need to use Alt+PrintScreen. It allows the user several options to capture. The Snipping Tool gives the user 4 types of snips to choose from. Freeform snip Rectangular snip Window snip Fullscreen snip. To Access the Snip Tool Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> Snipping Tool. Note: The first time you use the Snipping Tool, you will be provided an option to add it to your quick launch bar. There are a number of great features which are built into the Snipping Tool program. There is a configurable pen tool which you can use to draw on the captured image in various colors and line styles. A yellow high lighter is also available to highlight text and other areas of your captured image. An eraser is included which will erase either pen or highlighting marks you have made on the image. These tools are especially helpful when taking screenshots for bug reports as they allow you to highlight and emphasize items related to the bug. The snipping tool will allow you to save the captured in images in a variety of formats, a single file HTML document (MHT), as well as PNG, GIF, or JPG formats. You can also send to an email recipient either embedded in the email, or as an attachment. + Show more Screen Resolutions in Windows Vista
In Windows Vista not all resolutions are displayed by default. Vista simply displays the resolution it thinks will be suitable for your monitor. This is based upon on the assumption that monitor size decided screen resolution as follows: 15 Inch Monitor Resolution 1024x768 17-19 Inch monitor Resolution 1280x1024 20+ Inch Monitor Resolution 1600x1200 Often these defaults are just fine, and while you can slightly change these resolutions to a lower setting, the following settings are needed in order to increase the resolutions above. To decrease the screen resolution below the default. Right click the Desktop --> Personalize --> Display Settings To reduce the screen resolution adjust the slider until the desired resolution shows. To increase the screen resolution above the default. Be sure that your monitor supports the resolution. If it does continue... Click the Advanced Settings --> Monitor Tab. Uncheck hide modes that this monitor cannot display click Apply and ok. All you need do now is slide the resolution slider up to your desired resolution and then click ok. + Manually Create System Restore Points in Windows Vista
Many users are lax in backups. It is recommended you create a restore point prior to any major changes to your computer. Installed applications or driver problems could cause a boot failure. Creating a Restore Point first could save you many hours of troubleshooting. Click Start --> Control Panel --> System Select System Protection from the left Menu. Click Create. When the new dialog box appears, type a name for the restore point. (names such as: Changed display settings can allow you to find the restore point you need easily.) Click Create again. The Creating A System Restore Point progress bar will now appear. Once the restore point has been created you will see The restore point was successfully created. click ok to complete. + Add or Remove Gadgets On The Windows Vista Sidebar.
The Gadgets currently include: Calendar, Clock, Contacts, CPU Meter, Current News Feed Headlines, Picture Puzzle, Slideshow, Stock and Weather. However, by default only the Clock, Sideshow and News feed gadgets are displayed. Use the instructions below to add other gadgets. Add Gadgets On the Sidebar Click the plus sign at the top of the Sidebar. The Gadget Window will now be displayed. Select the Gadget you wish to add by double clicking on its image. Additional Gadgets can be obtained online by clicking the Get More Gadgets online link at the bottom right of the gadget window. Remove Gadgets Right Click the Windows Sidebar. From the Menu Select Properties. Click View list of running gadgets. Highlight the gadget you wish to remove and then click the remove button. + Clear Show or Hide Notification Icons left behind after a program uninstall.
If you right click the task bar , select properties, and then, in the taskbar and startup menu properties window, click the customize button under the notification area section, you will see, not only the current icons displayed, but also every single past icon that has ever been in the notification area. To get rid of these past items requires editing the registry. Note: It is recommended that you make a backup copy of your registry before using the solution below. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit Click the plus sign next to each key key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\TrayNotify Select and Delete the following registry key values IconStreams and PastIconStream Now open the Task Manager by Right clicking on the taskbar and selecting task manager from the menu. In the Task Manager window click the Processes tab. Click Explorer.exe and then click End Process. Next click File on the Task Manager main toolbar, from the drop down menu select New Task. In the Create New Task dialog box type: explorer Click ok. + Enable Internet Connection Activity Animation in Windows Vista.
By default, the Internet Connection activity icon, located in the notification area, displays two tiny computers with blue screens when connected. This informs the user that a connection has been established. To get the icon to blink as it did in earlier versions of Windows you need to enable the Activity Animation option. Enable Activity Animation. Right Click on the Internet Connection icon in the notification tray. From the Drop Down Menu, select the turn on activity animation option. Disable Activity Animation. If you want to return the Internet Connection Icon to its original none blinking state: Right Click the Internet Connection icon. From the Drop Down menu, Select the turn off activity animation option. + Silence you Dial up Modem in Windows Vista
Many users are still using dialup for internet access. Modem connections are noisy. You can silence your dial up modem while connecting using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Phone and Modem Click the Modem tab --> Properties --> Advanced In the Advanced tab window a dialog box called Extra Initialization Commands should be visible. In the dialog box type: M0 (the 0 being zero). Click ok to exit. + Backup the Windows Vista Registry
This is possibly the only option Microsoft hasn,t changed across the Windows Platforms. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit. Click File. From the drop down menu choose export. Name the file. Save the File. To later restore a backup you,ve made again open regedit. Under the File option on the main registry editor select Import and choose the exported registry file you,ve created and wish to restore. + Resize Desktop Icons in Windows Vista.
By default Vista Desktop Icons are overly large. Below are two methods to resize the desktop icons. Default Method Right Click an empty area of the desktop. From the Drop Down menu, select View. Select one of the following options: Large Icons. Medium Icons Classic Icons (this option will reduce the size the most) Custom Method Place your mouse on an empty area of the desktop and then Hold down the CTRL (control) key. Keeping the CTRL key pressed, use your mouse scroll button. Scroll the mouse scroll wheel up or down to increase or decrease the size of the icons. When you reach the icons desired size, release the CTRL button. + Show hidden files and folders in Windows Vista
System files and folders are hidden by default in every version of Windows. Though it is not recommended these files be shown, there are instances when you,ll need to access them or customize your Explorer View. Open Windows Explorer. Click Organize. Use the drop down menu and select Folder and Search Options. Click View, scroll the list and check or uncheck the options you wish to use. Click ok. Note: There are many settings in this section. You may want to familiarize yourself with them to customize your files and folder views. + Where is Recovery Console in Windows Vista?
Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista does not have the repair install option available to reinstall the operating system over the current version without damaging or altering software applications you have installed after the installation of the Windows operating system. There are repair options, however, they work differently. Recovery Console has been replaced with a Complete Backup utility that requires the user to create a full backup within Windows. This backup can be saved to a DVD or second partition. (this does not apply to OEM restore media.) It is recommended that you use this utility After Windows Activation. You may also want to create the backup after you,ve installed all updated drivers and programs you require. Note: It is further recommended you create additional backups before any major hardware or software changes. See the next faq for instructions to use the Backup Utility. + Create a complete Backup And Restore Image in Windows Vista
It is recommended you prepare your computer prior to using the backup utility. Choose you backup media. Vista is quite large and unfortunately the backup utility doesn,t support compression. Use a DVD, USB Drive, or another partition on your computer. Clean up Use Disk Cleanup to remove old logs, old compressed files, et. Remove Temporary Internet Files in Internet Explorer. You may want to remove old System Restore Points. They are also quite large. Warning!! If you choose to remove old restore points they will no longer be available in your current Windows Restore Options. It is recommended you KEEP, at the very least the most recent available. When the backup is complete, open System Restore and manually create a NEW Restore point. Create Backup Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools On the System Tools menu, click Backup Status and Configuration In the backup Window, click Complete PC Backup In the Complete PC Backup window, click Create Backup Now option. User Account Control (UAC) will ask for permission to continue. If you are the administrator, Click the Continue button. If you are not the administrator you will be required to supply the relevant information to continue. Vista will now search for operating systems on your PC and after locating the operating system details the Where do you want to save the backup? will appear. Select your media choice. Please ensure you have enough free disk space and or the required number of DVD,s before proceeding. Click Next The next screen will ask Which disk do you want to include? You should note that, if you are using a dual boot system - for instance, Windows XP and Vista, both the XP and Vista drives will be marked up for backup, and that these options cannot be changed by the user. If XP is on the first partition, Windows Vista will store its bootloader files there, hence the need to backup both. The Vista drive will already be selected. If you have other partitions and or drives you wish to include in the backup select them now. Once you have completed your selection(s) Click Next In the Confirm your backup settings window, Check that everything you want to backup is listed in The following disk will be backed up dialogue box, and then Click Start Backup. Windows will now prepare to Create a Backup. If you are using DVD,s, you will now be asked to Insert a blank disk larger than 1GB into your DVD drive. Insert the DVD. The DVD will be formatted. After formatting Windows will start to backup your PC,s data. If you are backing up to a separate hard drive or partition the backup process will start as soon as you click the Start Backup Button. + Add or remove Hibernation on Windows Vista Shut Down Menu
On most newer systems with Windows Vista installed, the hibernation option is already enabled on the shutdown menu. Use the instructions below to enable or disable this option. Note:Be aware that this method will disable the hybrid sleep option. Click Start --> Control panel --> Power Options. In the Power Options window look in the Preferred Plan section. Below your preferred plan, usually, balanced, click change plan settings. In the Change Settings For Plan window, Click Change advanced power settings link. In the Advanced power settings window look over the list that appears and Click the plus sign next to the Sleep option. Click the plus sign next to allow hybrid sleep option. The setting should currently be On. Click the allow hybrid sleep setting and a dialogue box will appear with an arrow to the right. Click the Arrow and from the drop down menu select off. Click ok. + Windows Vista Activation
Once installed, Windows Vista requires you to Activate your copy. You have 30 days in which to do this. Failure to Activate your copy of Windows within the 30 day period results in either reduced functionality or no access at all to Vista. Activation is straightforward and takes very little time. You can activate either over the Internet or by Telephone. If you choose to activate by telephone the number you have to call will be displayed as you go through the activation process. The default option for Windows Vista is to activate as soon as you connect to the Internet after installation. You can prevent this from happening by removing the check mark from the automatically activate windows when I,m online option on the screen where you input your Windows Vista product key during installation. It may be wise to disable the activation option for a week or so before activation to ensure that your system is running as it should be. Windows Vista will automatically remind you of the need to activate by displaying an activation icon in the notification area. Once you are satisfied that everything is working Okay then you can activate your copy as follows: Click Start --> Control Panel --> System Click on the Activation button to start the activation process. + Change the Registered Owner in Windows Vista
New Computers often come from the Manufacturer i.e. Dell or HP, with their name as Owner. To change the registered owner and or organization to yourself use the instructions below. Before making any changes to the Registry it is recommended you make a backup. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version. In the right pane you should see Registered Owner and just above it Registered Organization. Right click the Registered Owner and or Organization key to and choose Modify to edit it. Confirm and exit the registry editor. + Customize Windows Vista Sounds
Click Start --> Control Panel --> Sounds Select the Sounds tab. You may choose any available sound by highlighting it in the list. Beneath the box containing the list of sounds you will see an option marked Play Windows Startup sound. Using the drop down menu you can change the current sound or disable a sound. Restart your computer. + Remove Personal Information From Image Files
All image files contain a lot of information such as Author, date taken and more. This can all be seen by the person you are sending the file to. Remove this information using the instructions below. Open Windows Explorer and locate the file or groups of files you want to remove the information from. Select one or all files you want to change Right click and choose Properties. Select the details tab. Look at the bottom of the window and uncheck remove properties and personal information. In the Remove Properties window that appears select the option which best suits you. Your choices will be to Remove the Properties from the file or Make a copy of the file that has no personal information, then click ok. Click ok again then close Windows explorer. + Enable or Disable Clear Type in Windows Vista.
Clear Type is enabled by default on Windows Vista. Originally the type face was used to visually improve text on a laptop LCD screen. Clear type adds sharpness to Windows text. While some people like it others don,t. Use the instructions below to enable or disable clear type. Right click Desktop --> Personalize --> Windows Color and Appearance. Click the Open Classic Appearance Properties for more color options. Select Effects. Select Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts. Use the drop down box and select either standard or cleartype. Click ok when prompted. + What is DreamScene and how do I use it?
DreamScene is a Vista Desktop enhancement available only in Windows Vista Ultimate. It allows the user to use video on the desktop background. Not only is it possible to run DreamScene,s own videos on the desktop, you can also use video,s of your own, though your videos may not be as smooth as the DreamScene. Requirements: Windows Vista Ultimate. A graphics card that supports the Aero feature. DreamScene installed which is available via Ultimate Extras. Video file(s) must be in either WMV or MPEG format. Right Click the Desktop --> Personalize --> Click the Desktop background option. From the Location drop down menu box, Select Windows DreamScene. Click the Browse button to add a video you want to use. Select the video you want to use from the DreamScene or your computer and click ok. + Can I have Sound In DreamScene?
Sound is available in Windows Vista DreamScene. Use the instructions below to enable it. With DreamScene video running on your desktop. Right Click on the Speaker icon in the notification are (next to the clock at the bottom of your screen). Click Open Volume Mixer. In the Volume Mixer window you should see three options. Speakers Windows Sound Windows DreamScene (if you don,t see the DreamScene option then DreamScene isn,t running on your PC) At the Bottom of the DreamScene Volume slider you will see a Speaker icon with a small red circle with a bar across it. Click to enable. Adjust the Volume Slider to your desired level of sound then Close. + Add more locations to Windows Vista Indexing for faster searches
Windows Vista includes an indexing service with set default search locations. You can add or remove locations you,d like indexed using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control panel --> Click the Indexing option Note: If your are using the Control Panel Home display then you need to click System and Maintenance --> indexing options.) In the Indexing Window, Click Modify. In the Locations window, click Show all Locations. If Enabled the User Account Control (UAC) will prompt you for Authorization. The Change Selected Locations window now appears. To expand the location selection, Click the arrow next to the checkbox(s). Click the checkbox of the folder(s) you wish to add to the index. if you want to remove a folder, uncheck it. Click and close. + Add Additional File types to Windows Vista Indexing Service
By default Windows Vista doesn,t include encrypted files, and may not include all the files types you,ll search for in the search index. Use the instructions below to enable indexing of encrypted files or additional file types. Enable Encrypted File Indexing: Click Start --> Control panel --> Click the Indexing option (Note: if your are using the Control Panel Home display then you need to click System and Maintenance --> indexing options.) In the Indexing Window, Click Modify. In the Locations window, click Show all Locations. If Enabled the User Account Control (UAC) will prompt you for Authorization. Find the section marked File Settings. Locate and select Index Encrypted Files. Click ok. Add Additional File Types to Indexing. Click Start --> Control panel --> Click the Indexing option (Note: if your are using the Control Panel Home display then you need to click System and Maintenance --> indexing options.) In the Indexing Window, Select Advanced Type your desired file type(s) and click Add. Select how you want the file(s) indexed. Properties Only or Properties and Contents. + Make the blinking Windows Vista cursor easier to see
The blinking cursor that indicates where you are typing text is very thin making it hard to see. Use the instructions below to increase the thickness of the cursor for easier viewing. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Ease of Access. Select Make the Computer Easier to See. Under Make things on the Screen easier to see, change the default size of the cursor to your desired size. Apply and Save. + Enable Spell Check in Windows Mail
The Windows Mail spell checker is not enabled by default, Use the instructions below to enable this option. Open Windows Mail. On the Main toolbar, select Tools --> Options Click the Spelling tab. Under the Settings section at the top of the window, Check the always check spelling before sending option. Set any additional spell check settings you require. Select your preferred language. Click ok. + Run programs as administrator in Windows Vista
At times you may find it necessary to access programs as Administrator. Use the instructions below to accomplish this. Locate the program(s) icon or short cut and Right click on it. Use the Drop Down Menu to select Run As Administrator. Now start your program. When the User Account Control (UAC) message appears enter the appropriate credentials if you are logged on as a standard user, and click Submit. Note: If you are the Administrator and UAC is not configured to always require credentials, just Click the Continue button and the application should start. + Change Windows Mail Preview Pane View to Look More like Outlook Express
Use the instructions below to customize your preview pane viewin Windows Vista to look more like Outlook Express. Open Windows Mail. Select View from the Main Toolbar. From the drop down menu select Layout. In the Layout Properties window look for the Preview pane section and set your desired option. Below Messages - default Beside Messages Click ok. + Show or Hide Your Desktop Icons in Windows Vista.
Much like Windows XP, Windows Vista has a clean desktop. You can restore the Desktop Icons to Windows Vista using the instructions below. Right click on an empty area of the Desktop --> Choose Personalize. Select Change Desktop Icons from the left pane Menu. Select by checking, the icons you wish to view on your desktop. Click ok and exit. + Control Start Up Programs in Windows Vista.
Many programs add a startup hook in your Windows installation. While this may make the program quickly available when called, it often uses system resources you need elsewhere. Very few, if any programs need to start with Windows. In Windows 98se and Windows XP we used msconfig and or the registry editor to prevent these programs from loading. Windows Vista still contains the msconfig command though it is recommended you use the new method to remove unwanted startup programs below. Using Windows Defender to Control System Startup Programs. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Windows Defender. Select Tools from the Main Menu. Select Software Explorer. Select Show for All Users. In the left pane choose the software you wish to disable at startup. The right pane describes the program. You can choose to remove or disable. Note: You can quickly access the Software Explorer in Windows Defender by clicking start --> control panel --> type startup in the search box, then use the link it provides. + Remove Favorite Links in Windows Vista Explorer.
If you would prefer a more classic look to Windows Explorer in Vista, you can customize your views easily. Open Windows Vista Explorer. Select Organize from the Main Menu of Explorer. Select Layout. Deselect Navigation Pane. + Disable Windows Vista Explorer Navigation Click Sound.
As always Windows is loaded with annoying sounds. Things are no different in Windows Vista. Disable the click sound in Windows Explorer using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Sounds and Audio Devices. Click on the Sounds Tab. Locate the Start Navigation entry. Use the drop down menu to select none. Click Apply and ok to exit. + Copy the Path of a file in Windows Vista to the clipboard.
Locate the file, hold the shift key and right click. You will see more options then the normal right click menu. Select Copy As Path. + Using the Windows Vista Firewall.
Use the instructions below to use the firewall built into Windows Vista. If properly setup this firewall will help keep your computer safe. The best addition to the Windows Vista Firewall is the Rules system, enabling custom rules for users, other computers, different protocols and more. Enable the Windows Vista firewall: Click Start --> Control Panel --> Security --> Windows Firewall If the Windows Firewall is disabled Enable it. Customizing the Windows Vista Firewall Using Program exceptions: Click Start --> Control Panel --> Security --> Windows Firewall --> Allow a program through Windows Firewall. Click the Exceptions Tab. Click Add and select the program(s) you wish to exempt from the firewall. Note: Sometimes Windows Vista will block a program. Selecting Notify Me When a Program is Blocked will warn you when a program you may want has been blocked by the Windows firewall. If this option is disabled, you,ll need to right click on the suspected blocked program and choose unblock. Open Custom Ports for Selected Programs in Windows Vista Firewall. Select Add port. In the Name box, type a name for the port, usually the program name will do. In the Port number box, type the port number. Select TCP or UDP, depending on the protocol you need. Click Change Scope, and then click the option that you want to use for all computer that can use this port. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Windows Vista Home Premium and Above contain an Advanced Firewall Security System. Rules can be created for inbound as well as outbound traffic and connection security. Access this feature using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> System and Maintenance --> Administrative Tools and double-click Windows Firewall with Advanced Security Right click Windows Firewall with Advanced Security in the tree, and then click Properties. Warning!! The Advanced Security Section of the Windows Firewall is for Experienced Users. Use at you own RISK. For more complete information on detailed use of the Advanced Windows Firewall in Vista see this article. Windows Vista Firewall With Advanced Security + Change the default program for opening file extensions in Windows Vista.
Windows has a default list of programs that open certain file types. An example being HTML is always opened with Internet Explorer. Many programs you install will often change the default. Using the instructions below you can change file types to open with the programs you prefer. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Programs --> Default Programs Select Make a File Type Always Open in a Specific Program. Click the file extension you want to assign your program to. Select Change Program. Browse and locate the program you want to assign to the extension. Click ok and exit. + Enable Bass Boost and Virtual Surround in Windows Vista.
Windows Vista includes Bass Boost which increases the volume of low level sounds. Virtual Surround, which varies the timing of the left and right channels to make it sound like you have more speakers. Use the instructions below to enable these features. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Hardware and Sound Select Sound Select your speakers and click Properties. Select the Enhancements. Select either or both Bass Boost and Low Frequency Protection, Virtual Surround. Configure any other options you prefer. Loudness Equalization. Room Correction Click Apply and test your settings using your favorite media player. When satisfied with the sound quality click ok twice. + Adjust Volume Control for Specific Programs in Windows Vista.
Its most annoying when you set the volume for your favorite media player and a simple windows sound is so loud it makes you jump. Windows Vista allows the user to set Volume Control Levels for specific programs. Click the Volume Icon on the Windows Vista taskbar and select Mixer. On the left you will notice the normal system volume slider. To the right are the application volume sliders. Adjust the volume for each of your programs as desired. + Use Windows Vista Parental Controls
This is a handy feature for parents to limit their children,s access to harmful content. It offers many setup options to monitor activity, block unwanted content, prevent access to certain program and more. Use the instructions below to enable parental controls.
Click Start --> Control Panel --> User Accounts and Family Safety --> Parental Controls Select the user account you want to apply parental control for. If you,ve not yet set up the child,s account do so. Parental Controls Select On to enable parental control. You,ll notice Activity Reporting Next. Select ON if you wish a report of your child,s computer activity, such as time spent online, programs they,ve run and web sites they,ve visited. You may use the parental control Activity Viewer later to view this data. Restrictions Settings Time Limits Set limits as to when their child can use the computer. Web Restrictions Using an online service, a parent can restrict what types of web sites their child can visit. Use of this service comes free with Windows Vista. Sites can be blocked by category or specific URL. These restrictions will work automatically with any web browser. Game Restrictions Using the Game rating system, parents can restrict the types of computer games that their child can play. Application Restrictions Parents can restrict the use of applications the child may run. Choose each option and edit as you wish.
Performance Tips for Windows Vista
+ Control disk space used for system restore files in Windows Vista.
By default Vista uses a vast amount of disk space for system restore points. you can choose to disable system restore or use the instructions below to adjust the amount of disk space system restore uses. Vista will not allow you to selectively delete restore points as each one relies on the other for proper functionality. Click Start. In the search field, type: cmd Right click the cmd item and select Run as administrator. Click OK for additional User Account Control prompts. At the prompt type the following exactly as shown, then press enter. vssadmin list shadowstorage The above command will list the current amount of Used, Allocated and Maximum allowed storage size for the Volume Shadow Storage on your computer. To resize the amount of disk space that Vista allocates to shadow storage, type the following exactly as shown, press enter when done: vssadmin Resize ShadowStorage /For=C: /On=C: /MaxSize=400MB The above examples assume that the root drive for your system is C: To change the maximum allocation, replace 400MB with the amount of disk space you want to allow. + Turn off Windows Vista Indexing Service for better performance.
Indexing service indexes the files on your computer for supposedly faster searches. On a new install this service may cause excess disk usage for the first several days. Disabling this service is a personal option and can result in slower searches, but better overall system performance. Click Start type services in the search box. Right click the Search service and select Properties from the resulting menu. Select Disabled from the drop down menu next to Startup type. Right click the Indexing Service and select Stop. + Disable Recently Opened Files List in Windows Vista.
By default Vista keeps a list of recently opened file and or programs by the current user. This list is available for quick access. If you don,t require or prefer to hide your recently used files, use the instructions below to disable the list. Right click the taskbar --> Properties. Click the Start Menu tab. Uncheck the checkboxes under Privacy: Store and display a list of recently opened files Store and display a list of recently opened programs Click ok. + Force users to login with a user name and password in Windows Vista.
Changing the options using the instructions below. This procedure will remove the user list and require all users to type their user name and password to gain access to the system. Click Start. In the Search box, type: local security policy Double click the local security policy entry. Open Local Policies --> Security Options. Double click the entry: Interactive Login: Do not display last user name Select Enabled. Click ok. + Increase Windows Explorer's Performance in Windows Vista.
The settings listed below will improve system performance in Windows Explorer. Click Start --> Run type: control folders --> press ok Select the view tab Modify the following settings: Check the following: Always show icons, never thumbnails. Display the contents of system folders. Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the following: Automatically search for network folders and printers. Hide extensions for known file types. Use Domain Folder Sharing Wizard. Go back to Start --> right click Computer --> Properties --> Advanced --> Performance Click Setting. Uncheck any of the following options: Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing. Fade or slide menus into view. Fade or slide tooltips into view. Fade out menu items after clicking. Show shadows under menus. Slide open combo boxes. Slide taskbar buttons. Use a background image for each folder type. Close the Performance Options and System Properties dialogs. + Start Windows Explorer from the folder of your choice.
By default Windows Explorer opens to the Documents Folder. If you work in a specific folder or drive other then the documents folder you can have Windows explorer open to it by default. Copy the Windows Explorer shortcut and place it on your desktop. You will find the short cut in --> Start --> All Programs --> Accessories. Right click the shortcut and select Properties. Click the Shortcut tab and change the Target text box to your location of choice. Example: C:\my new folder. or any path or drive you prefer. Click ok when finished. + Disable Windows Vista Welcome Center and Sidebar.
Welcome Center and Sidebar are enabled by default in Windows Vista. Though they are cute to some users, others will find them a resource hog and annoyance. Disable them using the instructions below. Disable Welcome Center. When the Welcome Center loads, uncheck the checkbox Run at startup, located at the bottom of the Welcome Center window. Disable the Windows Sidebar. Right click the Vista Sidebar icon in the system tray. Select Properties. Uncheck Start sidebar when Windows starts. Click ok. + Add Quick Launch to your Windows Vista desktop
Vista allows the creation of a Quick Launch box on your desktop. Click Start --> Search --> type: Quick Launch Drag the Quick Launch folder out to the edge of your desktop. Vista will now create a Quick Launch toolbar on the selected screen edge. Note: The toolbar initially created uses large icons. Right click the toolbar and select View --> Small Icons. + Add the Run Command to the Windows Vista Start Menu
By default the Run command is hidden in Vista. Use the instructions below to add it to your Start Menu. Right click a clear area of the Taskbar. Select Properties --> Start Menu Select the Start menu entry and click --> Customize Scroll the list and locate the Run command entry. Put a check in the Run command checkbox and click ok. + Adjust Windows Vista Power Settings
The Vista default power settings are fine for most desktop and laptops using ac power. Tweaking these settings can increase system performance and improve laptop performance when running on battery. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Power Option icon You can select a different Power Plan (the default is balanced) or you can change the settings of the selected power plan manually. Click Change Plan Settings under the Balanced entry. Adjust the settings to fit your systems needs. You can tweak further by clicking the Change advanced power settings. Click Save changes and exit. + Reclaim Disk Space in Windows Vista
Microsoft has added a backup utility as well as system restore to Windows Vista. Although these tools may aid a user, it will also use a good amount of hard disk space. Regular cleaning of backup and restore points is essential. Click Start --> In the Instant Search text box, type: disk cleanup Open the disk cleanup tool and select the option: Files from all users on this computer. Select the drive that you would like to cleanup usually C:\ Select More Options. Click Clean Up under System Restore and Shadow Copies. On the confirmation screen, click Delete. + Resize Partitions in Windows Vista
Windows Vista brings a number of welcome enhancements to the built-in set of system tools, including the ability to dynamically resize partitions. Though not as full featured as most 3rd party programs,the Disk Management console will allow users to shrink, extend, create, and format partitions. With new resizing features, allowing users to shrink a single partition with unused space, and then create a new partition in the resulting free space, as well as extending a current partition if there is available free space after it. Access Disk Management. Right click on My Computer --> select Manage. Alternatively, Disk Management may be accessed from: Control Panel --> Administrative Tools --> Computer Management From the Computer Management console, click on Disk Management which is located under the Storage section in the left hand pane. To shrink a current volume, locate the partition to be resized from the Disk Manager, right click, and select Shrink Volume. A Shrink dialog box will open from which you can enter the amount of space in MB to shrink the partition. This dialog box will also show the current size of the partition, the size of available shrink space available, and the total size after shrinking. Once you have selected the amount of space to shrink the partition by, click on the Shrink button. Note: The size of the available shrink space can be restricted due to page files, restore files, and hibernation files. Using Disk Cleanup and Disabling Hibernation before performing these steps will ensure you have all available space and resources. Once the Shrink operation completes you will have the selected amount of unallocated free space available immediately following the shrunken partition. To extend a current volume, locate the partition to be resized from the Disk Manager, right click, and select Extend Volume. The Extend Volume Wizard will then open, click Next. You will then be given a dialog box to select the disks to extend. Select the amount of space in MB to extend the volume, and click next. The selected partition will then be extended by the amount of MB selected. Note: If the partition you want to extend is a boot or system, or cannot be converted to dynamic, you will only be able to extend the volume to the immediately adjacent free space. Once volume(s) have been resized, a new partition can be created and formatted in any unallocated free space by right clicking on the unallocated space in the Disk Manager, selecting the type of volume to create, and completing the New Volume Wizard. Warning!! Using ANY partition software can cause fatal results. It is recommended you thoroughly read all help and instruction files contained in the partition software you use. ALWAYS BACKUP User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users - No prompt User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode - Disabled Restart your computer. + Add Additional Effects to Windows Vista Aero feature
If your system supports the new Aero Feature in Windows Vista, you can add otherwise hidden features in Avalon using the instructions below. As this requires using the registry editor, it is recommended you backup before starting. Click Start --> Run --> type regedit Click the plus sign next to each key HKEY_Local_Machine, Software, Microsoft, Windows, Current Version, and Explorer. Create a new DWORD value and name it MILDesktop. Set the value of MILDesktop to 1. Create a second DWORD value and name it MILExplorer. Set the value of MILExplorer to 1. Restart your computer. + Check System Memory With Windows Vista Memory Diagnostics Tool
Vista is the first operating system to include a memory diagnostic test tool. Use the instructions below to use this handy tool. With Windows Running: Click Start --> Control panel --> Administrative Tools Scroll down this menu and select the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool. When the new window opens you will see the following options: Restart Now and check for problems (recommended). Check for problems the next time I start my computer. It is recommended that you choose the restart now and check problems option. The Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool will now start scanning your memory for problems. After the diagnostic tool has finished checking the memory your PC will restart and details of the memory check will be displayed via an icon in the notification area. By default the memory check is set for standard. To perform a more thorough check you can change the scan options by pressing F1. This will bring up the options window. From here you can change the scan from Standard to Basic or Enhanced. Note: The Enhanced scan takes time to complete. Start Scan at Boot-up This option is useful if you have a dual boot system. Restart your computer. When the Vista Boot manager screen appears press the TAB button to highlight the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool option. The Memory Diagnostics Tool Window will now open and start. When scanning has completed your computer will restart and details of the scan will be displayed in an icon in the notification area on your desktop. + Preview Windows Vista Documents without opening them
You can preview any document in Windows Vista, without having to open it. One of the New handy features of Vista. Open Windows Explorer Click Organize Using the drop down menu select layout. Select the Preview Pane option. Highlight the document you want to view and, after a few seconds, a preview of that document will appear in the preview pane. + Enable or Disable DEP in Windows Vista
DEP monitors program applications to ensure they use protected memory in a safe manner. Any incorrect usage by an application of protected memory causes Data Execution Prevention to step in and automatically close the application. By default it monitors Windows programs and services, though it is possible to increase protection by having DEP monitor all applications on your PC. While its not recommended to disable it, at times it can act on a program you wish to use. Note: Before completely disabling DEP use the Advanced tab and try to exclude your problem application. Disable DEP Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories Right Click on the Command Prompt, from the drop down menu select Run as administrator. If the User Account Control feature pops up you will need to either press the Continue button or else provide UAC with the details it requires. When the Command Prompt window opens type: bcdedit.exe/set {current} nx AlwaysOff and press Enter. If all has gone well you should see a message saying that The operation completed Successfully. Close the Command prompt and Restart your computer. Enable DEP To restore DEP at a later time. Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories Right Click on the Command Prompt, from the drop down menu select Run as administrator. If the User Account Control feature pops up you will need to either press the Continue button or else provide UAC with the details it requires. When the Command Prompt window opens type: bcdedit.exe/set {current} nx AlwaysOn and press Enter. If all has gone well you should see a message saying that The operation completed Successfully. Close the Command prompt window and Restart your computer. + Disable Windows Auto-Restart to View Error Messages (BSOD).
By default Windows XP and Vista simply restarts your computer in the event of a unrecoverable error. Though this ends the offending problem your left with no information as to what caused the issue. You can disable the auto-restart option to view the error message and possibly solve the problem. Click Start --> Control panel --> System In the System Window on the Left side of the window you will see a list of options. Click on the Advanced System Settings option. Because Computer management requires administrative privileges you may find the the User Account Control will pop up. If it does then enter the required information (if you are not the administrator) or, if you are the administrator, click the Continue button. Select Startup and Recovery --> Settings Uncheck the Automatically Restart option and press ok. Click the ok button on the System properties Window and then close the system window. If your computer is already in a boot loop, press F8 when restarting and select Disable restart on system error. + Disable Automatic Defrag in Windows Vista
Windows Vista automatically defragments your hard drive according to a set schedule. While this option is fine for those that regularly forget to do the basic housekeeping many of us prefer to control when things happen. Disable Automatic Defragmentation Click Start --> Control Panel --> System And Maintenance. In the System And Maintenance window select the Performance Information and Tools option. In the Performance Information and Tools window, select the Advanced Tools In the Advanced Tools Window, select the Open Disk Defragmenter Option. The User Account Control will now appear asking for permission to complete this task. In the Disk Defragmeter window uncheck the Run On A Schedule (Recommended) option and then click ok. + Change the Size of the Windows Vista Recycle Bin
If you have a large drive(s), the Windows Vista recycle bin takes a large percentage for you deleted files. While this may be helpful to new users you may want to adjust this size. Right Click the Recycle Bin --> Properties Change the amount of Disk Space as you wish. Click Ok. Confirm and Exit. Note: The recycle bin can also be disabled. this is not recommended. If you would like to delete any file and by-pass the recycle bin simply highlight the file while holding Shift + Delete. Confirm. + Move Your My Documents Folder to a New Location in Windows Vista
By default Windows stores the MY Documents folder in C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents. Using the instructions below you can move your documents folder to anywhere you choose. Right Click the Document folder --> from the drop down menu, select Properties Select the Location tab. In the default setting dialog box you will see the current path of the documents folder. i.e., c:\users\UserName\Documents Just below the location dialog box you will see three options. Restore Default Move Find Target Select Move Select the destination you want for the Document folder and then click Select Folder. You will return to the documents properties window. Click Apply. A confirm message will appear: Do you want to move all the files from the old location to the new location. Click Yes. + Add your Logo and Support Information to Windows Vista
While Windows XP had a much easier approach to this, you can use the instructions below to customize your logo and support information in Windows Vista as well. Create a backup of your Registry. Create your logo using your favorite photo or paint program. The logo size should not exceed 120 x 120 pixels. Save you logo as OEMLOGO.bmp. Click Start --> Run --> type: regedit Click the plus sign next to each key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion locate the entry marked OEMInformation. Note: If this key does not exist then you will need to create it as follows: Right Click the CurrentVersion key and, from the drop down menu, Click New followed by Key. In the Key dialogue box type: OEMInformation and then Press Enter. If the OEMInformation key already exists, Right Click on it and, from the drop down menu, Select New followed by String Value. In the String Value box type: Logo and then Press Enter. Then Right Click on the Logo key you just created and, from the drop down menu, select Modify. In the Modify box type the path (where you saved the file) to your logo file, Example: c:\user\documents\OEMLOGO.bmp Click ok. Next Right Click on the OEMInformation key again and Select New followed by String Value. In the String Value box type: Manufacturer and Press Enter. Now Right Click the Manufacturer key you just created and Select Modify. In the Modify box type the name you want for Manufacturer or your own name and click ok. Again Right Click on the OEMInformation key again and Select New followed by String Value. In the String Value box type: SupportHours and Press Enter. Now Right Click the SupportHours key you just created and Select Modify. In the Modify box type Your support hours, i.e., Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm and click ok. Again Right Click on the OEMInformation key again and Select New followed by String Value. In the String Value box type: SupportPhone and Press Enter. Now Right Click the SupportPhone key you just created and Select Modify. In the Modify box type Your support phone number, and then Click the OK button. Again Right Click on the OEMInformation key again and Select New followed by String Value. In the String Value box type: SupportURL and Press Enter. Now Right Click the SupportURL key you just created and Select Modify. In the Modify box type Your support website URL, and click the ok. Finally Close the Windows registry. Right Click My Computer --> Select Properties. In the Properties window under the System Section you will see your Logo and other information displayed. Using the instructions above you may add or remove any information you choose. + Disable Windows Vista UAC (user account control) for Administrator Account
While UAC is a nice tool for users it can be a major annoyance to Administrators. You can disable UAC in Windows Vista for your Administrator Account using the instructions below. Click Start --> Run --> type: secpol.msc and then press enter. User Account Control will prompt you for verification. Click Continue. The Local Security Policies window now opens. This window is divided into a left and right pane view. In the Left pane look for the Local policies option and Click the --> button to expand the list. Select Security options. In the Right pane you should see a list of available options. Scroll the list until you find, User account control: behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in admin approval mode Right Click it and Select Properties. Click the drop down menu arrow scroll the available list and select Elevate without prompting. Click ok. Note: A warning message will appear in the notification area warning you that UAC has been turned off. This message will appear ever time you boot your computer. You turn disable this alert in change how security center alerts me in the Security Center of Control panel. + Create an Administrative Command Prompt in Windows Vista.
While UAC in Windows Vista will help users prevent unauthorized access to their machines, it can be a major annoyance to power users. Using the instructions below you can enable an Administrative Command Prompt. Click Start --> In the Search Box --> type cmd Right-click the cmd shortcut and choose Pin to Start Menu. Right-click the Command Prompt shortcut you just added to the Start menu and choose Properties. Click Advanced and select the Run as Administrator checkbox. Click ok. You now have a command prompt with Full Administrator rights. + Use System File Checker (sfc) in Windows Vista
SFC can be used to replace corrupt, missing or accidently deleted Windows system files. To access the Windows Vista SFC program follow these instrcutions. Click Start --> All Programs --> Accessories Right Click on the Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. If User Account Control (UAC) is enabled you will be asked for authorization prior to the command prompt opening.. In the Command Prompt window, type: sfc /scannow and then press Enter. A message will appear stating that the system scan will begin. If while scanning any files require replacing SFC may prompt you to insert your Vista DVD. If no files needed replacement you will see the following message when the scan is complete. Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations. Close the command prompt window to exit SFC. Restart your computer. You will need to re-apply any new Microsoft service pack or patch files. + Add your Home Directory to the Desktop in Windows Vista
One of the new changes in Windows Vista is that each user has a Home directory that is actually accessible and meant to be used. It contains folders like Download and More. In XP and 2k, the home directory was hidden. For Easy Desktop Access to your Home Directory use the instructions below. Click the Start button, --> Right click on your User name --> Choose the Show on Desktop option. + Change the Windows Vista Power Button Option
By default when you push the power button on your Windows Vista Machine it goes into Sleep Mode. While this is ok for some others may want to change it using the instructions below. Click Start --> Control Panel --> Power Options --> Change Plan Settings --> Change Advanced Power Settings Once you get to this dialog, browse down Power buttons and lid. Select the Option you wish to change from those below. Power button action - Changes the hardware power button action. Start menu power button - Changes the power button on the Start Menu. You can change the power button to Sleep, Hibernate, Shut Down, or do nothing. + Customize Your Windows Vista Send To Menu
The Windows Send to feature is a great easy way to move files where you want them. Many options can be added to the send to menu for the users conveinence. Use the instructions below to add or remove items for the Windows Vista Send To Menu. Open a Windows Explorer window, and paste the string below in the address bar. %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo Drag your desired program shortcuts to this folder. To remove a shortcut from the Send To Menu simply right click and delete. + Select Multiple Files Using Checkboxes in Windows Vista.
This is a New Useful feature in Windows Vista. By using checkboxes you no longer have to hold ctrl or select multiple files by hand in Windows Explorer. Use the instructions below to enable this feature. Open Windows Explorer --> Select Organize --> Folder and Search Options.Select View. Scroll the list and locate then select -->use check boxes to select items. Select Apply and ok. + Always Run Programs As Administrator in Windows Vista.
Some programs we use are required to run with administrator privileges to work properly. While UAC and Windows Defender successfully block your computer from harmful programs they sometimes block others we want to run. You can give Run As Administrator Rights to Programs of your choice by using the instructions below. Locate and Right Click the Program you want to enable Administrative Rights for. Select Properties. Select the Advanced Properties button and select Run As Administrator. + Restore the menu bar in Windows Explorer in Windows Vista.
The Menu Bar is no longer visible by default in Vista,s Windows Explorer. There are 2 ways to view the menu bar using the instructions below. Open Windows Explorer. Press the Alt key to toggle the Menu Bar on and off. To Add it to the default view. Select Organize --> Layout --> and select Menu Bar. + Schedule Complete Backups in Windows Vista with Task Manager.
Windows Vista can schedule partial backups using the backup wizard, however this wizard does not include full system backup,s. Use the instructions below to use Task Scheduler to create your full system backups. Open Task Scheduler with Administrator Rights. In the Action Pane Select Create Basic Task. The Create A Basic Task wizard appears. In the Name box, type a name for you backup. Click Next. On the Task Trigger page, select your backup schedule and click Next. On the opening page of the schedule you,ve chosen, configure the time that you want the backup to run. Click Next. On the Action page, click Next to accept Start a program as the default. On the Start a Program page, in the Program, script box, type Wbadmin. In the Add arguments box, type start backup -backupTarget:YourBackupDriveLetter: -include:C: -quiet Replace YourBackupDriveLetter with the drive letter of your backup drive. For example, my backup drive is my F drive, so I used the arguments shown below. start backup -backupTarget:F: -include:C: -quiet Click Next. Select the Open the Properties dialog for this task when I click Finish. Click Finish. The Properties dialog will open. Select the General tab then select Run with highest privileges. Click ok. Test your backup by clicking the Task Scheduler Library in the left pane of Task Scheduler. Then, right click your your new backup task and select Run. You should see the command prompt appear as the Complete PC backup runs. If it doesn,t run, ensure the account you specified on the General tab has administrative privileges. The first time you run a Full backup it will take quite a bit of time. Note: You backups should be saved to a second partition or external hard drive if possible. Ensure you backup destination drive has ample space available. + Restore A Complete Backup In Windows Vista.
Using the instructions below to Restore your computer using a complete backup you made earlier.
Boot to your Windows Vista DVD. If prompted, press a key to start from the CD/DVD. Windows Vista setup starts. Select your regional settings and Select Repair Your Computer. Follow the prompts. Startup Repair will most likely try to repair your startup problems. If you don’t want to attempt the repair first, select cancel. You will then see The System Recovery Options. Select Windows Complete PC Restore On the Restore Your Entire Computer From A Backup page of the Windows Vista Complete PC Restore wizard, Select Next to use the most recent backup. On the final page of the wizard you can select the Format and repartition disks checkbox if you don’t want to save any of your data. This is recommended for a clean install. It will delete all the files on your disk before restoring the backup. Note: If you choose not to format before Restoration, your files will be left on the disk and overwritten by any files found in the backup. Therefore, any files you created after the backup was made will still be there. While this may seem like a good idea if your computer contains a virus or trojan it will still be there. Click Finish to begin the restore process. WARNING!! Although it is recommenced above to use the format and repartition options above, If you have created multiple partitions on your boot drive after you,ve created your backup they may be lost. BACKUP any additional partitions created on the boot drive to a safe place.
Troubleshoot Windows Vista Errors
+ Restore the Windows Vista recycle bin to the desktop
If you accidently deleted the recycle bin on the Windows Vista desktop and you would like to restore it use the instructions below. Right click an empty area of your desktop. Select personalize. Under the task category, click change desktop icons. Place a checkmark in the recycle bin checkbox and click ok. + I'm unable to use task manager user messaging in Windows Vista.
Messaging through task manager requires full administrative rights. Although Windows Vista allows administrative rights to the logged in user it is still limited. Use the instructions below to authorize access through task manger. Right click task manager --> properties --> Advanced Select Run as Administrator. + Windows Vista Error Access Denied when saving files.
This is due to the new security features in Windows Vista. File settings are opened with normal user permissions, despite the fact that you may be the system administrator. Use the instructions below to resolve this issue. Click start --> search type: explorer Right click Windows Explorer Select Run As Administrator All setting changes within Windows Explorer at this point will be given full Administrator permissions. Locate the folder that contains the file or files that you want to edit. Right click the folder --> select properties --> Security. Select Edit --> Add If you are the sole administrator and do not wish to let others modify these files: Type your user name and press Enter. All users: Type: Users and then press Enter. Check Allow Full Control. Click ok, twice. + Windows Vista error product key already in use message
After successfully installing and registering Windows Vista you hard drive crashed. The re-installation went fine as did the activation. However, the next day, you receive a notification that the product key is already in use and you that need to activate. It will not allow you to activate online. Welcome to Windows. You will need to activate your installation over the phone. Just simply explain to them what happened and they will give you a product activation code. It,s pretty quick and painless, usually. The phone system is automated to start with. If for some reason the automated system cannot activate your installation, you will be connected with a real person that can guide you through the process. + Remote Desktop fails to work in Vista Premium.
Remote desktop is only available in the Windows Vista Ultimate and Business Editions.
+ Hibernate option is missing in Windows Vista
Listed below are the methods that you can use to restore the Hibernation feature. Accidental deletion when you performed a disk cleanup: Click Start. In the Search box, type in: cmd Right click the Command Prompt entry. Select Run as administrator from the resulting menu. Type the following command in to the command prompt and then press Enter on your keyboard: powercfg -h on This will restore your deleted hibernation files and allow your computer to hibernate correctly again. You have disabled Hibernation: Click Start. In the Search box, type in: cmd Right click the Command Prompt entry. Select Run as administrator from the resulting menu. Type the following command in to the command prompt and then press Enter on your keyboard: powercfg /hibernate on Your computer doesn,t support Hibernation: Click Start. In the Search box, type in: cmd Right click the Command Prompt entry. Select Run as administrator from the resulting menu. Type the following command in to the command prompt and then press Enter on your keyboard: powercfg /a This command will show you of what sleep options are available for your systems hardware. + Windows Defender Keeps Shutting Down
This issue occurs when WLOC (windows live one care) is installed on Vista Ultimate Edition. Windows Defender is not needed with WLOC installed. If you choose to use it anyway you,ll need to periodically restart it. You may also disable it using the instructions below. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. In the Run Command, type in: services.msc [Enter] Scroll the list and locate Windows Defender. Right click Windows Defender --> Select Properties. Open the drop down list next to Startup Type, select Disable. + Windows Vista Flip 3D Aero Feature Won't Load.
If you machine meets all the system requirements to use the Aero feature and still fails to work, its possible a program or plug-in is causing your problem. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. At the command prompt type in: msconfig [Enter] or click ok. Click the Startup tab at the top right. Uncheck the Quicktime program. Exit MSCONFIG and restart your computer. Test your Aero feature. If it still fails to run, go through the above steps and uncheck suspected entries in Startup, then exit MSCONFIG and restart. Note: it is recommended you research any msconfig entries before disabling them. some 3rd party hardware and software applications may need to load on start for optimal system performance or operation. + Why is my Windows Vista Machine Never Idle.
You may notice a lot of disk activity when your not using the computer. This is by design. Vista implements a new type of memory management called SuperFetch. Windows SuperFetch enables programs and files to load much faster than they would on Windows XP based PCs. When you‘re not actively using your computer, background tasks including automatic backup programs and antivirus scans run when they will least disturb you. SuperFetch monitors which applications you use the most and preloads these into your system memory so they will be ready when you need them. Windows Vista also enables you give priority to important programs that you use infrequently. If you leave your computer and a memory intensive background task causes the code and data from your active applications to be evicted from memory while you‘re gone, SuperFetch can often bring all or most of it back into memory before you return. + Run your startup programs blocked by Windows Vista
Windows Vista has some much needed security features however, some of them can cause a lot of problems. Blocking your startup programs is one of them. With UCA, administrator privileges are needed to run many types of programs. Vista will let you know that the program has been blocked, with a message appearing in the notification tray. If you encounter a problem with Vista blocking a program you need or want use the instructions below to solve this issue.
Right Click on the blocked startup program icon in the notification tray. Click on the Run Blocked Program option and from the list, click on the program you wish to run. User Account Control (UAC) may prompt you for permission. If required type in your administrator password or click the continue button. Note: You will need to follow these steps each time you restart your computer, or use the work around below. Work Around Solution provided by felixthecat123. Remove the startup application that causing the alert. Click Start --> Run --> type: msconfig.exe Click the STARTUP Tab and uncheck the application that is blocked by Vista. Make notes on a sheet of paper where the program is run from. If the program application is run from the startup menu: Click Start --> All Program Files --> Startup Folder and remove the application from there. After removing the application, create a application Task using the Task Scheduler with full VISTA blessed permission by following the instructions below: 1. Launch the Task Scheduler Example: Start Menu --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools 2. From the Actions panel on the right, select Create Task. Give the application a name of your choice in the Name Section. 3. Go to the Security Options on the General tab. a. Select an user account with administrative privileges. b. Select the radio button Run only when user is logged on. c. Check the box Run with highest privileges. 4.Go to the Triggers tab and click New. a. In Begin the task, select At log on b. In the Settings options, select All users. c. In the Advanced Settings options, check the box Enabled. d. Click OK to close the dialog. 5. Go to the Actions tab and click New... a. For Action, select Start a program. b. In the Settings options, browse for the Program or Script you want to execute on startup. c. Click OK to close the dialog. 6. Go to the Settings tab. a. Check the box Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed. b. Uncheck the box Stop the task if it runs longer than. 7. Make any other desired settings. 8. Click OK to save and close the task properties. Using the above method will enable all non-VISTA applications to run at windows startup with full permission. Note: If you have an application that reappears in the STARTUP in MSCONFIG, you will need to disable it in the applications options to stop running at startup. | ||
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