How to Enable / Activate Aero Theme in Windows Vista and 7 Home Basic Edition

As we all know the new Aero theme is not provided in "Windows Vista and 7 Home Basic Edition", all other editions provide this new cool interface. But there is a registry trick to enable the Aero interface in Vista and 7 Home Basic edition:1. Open regedit and goto:HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM2. In right-side pane change value of "Composition" to 1 and "CompositionPolicy" to 2.3. Restart your system and you'll be able to select the Aero interface from Desktop Properties.If you want a ready-made code for doing this, then download...

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How to Customize / Tweak Windows Vista ScreenSavers using Registry?

As we all know Microsoft shipped Windows Vista with a few new cool Screen savers which are: AuroraBubblesMystifyRibbonsAlthough these screen savers are cool but the worst thing is we are not allowed to change their settings. There is no Options box to change the settings.Actually the screen savers were initially developed to be customizable but the Options window was disabled while releasing them for no reason?If you open the screen savers MUI files in Resource Hacker or Resource Tuner, then you'll find their Options dialog boxes.But you can...

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Speed Up Windows Vista – Master Tutorial to Make Windows Vista Super Fast

So you are using Windows Vista and feel that its slower than Windows XP? Then you have come to the right place. Following tutorial will help you in tweaking your Windows Vista to the max and you'll feel a significant improvement in your system performance. So without wasting any time lets start:1. Following is a registry file containing a few registry...

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Will Your PC Run Windows Vista? Check Yourself Using Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

If you want to use Windows Vista but not sure whether your PC will run Vista or not, then don't ask anyone about it. Just download "Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor" and check yourself. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is designed to help Windows XP users identify whether their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista, which edition of Windows Vista meets their needs, and which features of Windows Vista will be able to run on their PCs.Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you determine if your current PC is ready for an upgrade to Windows...

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How to Fix Folder Rename Problem in Windows Vista?

A few Vista users have mailed us about a strange problem. Whenever they try to rename a file or folder, Windows shows following error message: If you are also facing this problem, just download following Zip file, extract it and then run the extracted .REG file:Download LinkRestart your system and your problem should be fix...

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Clear Type Tuner: Microsoft Powertoy for Windows

Clear Type Tuner is a Microsoft Powertoy for Windows XP but also works in Windows Vista & 7. You can use this powertoy to change the fonts settings which makes the fonts looking smooth and easy to read on screen. Download L...

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How to Create Customized Desktop Toolbars in Windows Vista?

Lots of Windows Vista users complain that they can't create desktop toolbars in Vista like Windows XP. This functionality has been removed in Vista. But here I'm telling you a very simple way to create your own desktop toolbars in Vista as given in following screenshot: So follow these steps to create your own desktop toolbars in Vista:1. If you...

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VistaThumbnailSizer: Easy and Quick Way to Change Windows Vista Taskbar Thumbnails Size

In Windows Vista, if you are using Aero theme then you cam notice new thumbnails which appear when you hover the mouse cursor over the opened program buttons in taskbar. Its a new and cool feature in Windows Vista. It shows the live previews of the running programs without activating their windows. Thanks to "Andreas Verhoeven" who has made a...

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How to Add / Remove Items from New Menu in Windows?

In Windows, whenever we right-click on Desktop or Explorer, we get "New" menu which contains shortcuts for various known file types. We can easily create new files using this handy "New" menu. Sometimes we may want to remove a few unwanted items from "New" menu or we may want to add a few necessary items to "New" menu which are not present. So in...

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Extra Desktops: An Utility To have Multiple Desktops in Windows XP and Vista

Extra Desktops is an application that allows to use extra desktops, besides the normal desktop. Use a desktop for storing your downloads, use one filled with your regularly played MP3, use another one for the files of that project you are currently working on. With ExtraDesktops, there is no need anymore to browse to all these folders you regularly...

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How to Set Your Desired Wallpaper as Folder Background in Windows Vista and 7

We have posted a tutorial about settings your desired wallpaper as background image in any folder: How to Set Your Desired Wallpaper as Folder Background Image in Windows XPBut this method no longer works in Windows Vista and 7. So today we are going to share a small utility which allows you to set any wallpaper as background image in folders in...

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How to Remove Nokia PC Suite Folder, Web Folders, My Sharing Folders or Other Unwanted Items from My Computer?

Whenever you open My Computer in Windows, you see a few extra items like Web Folders, My Sharing Folders, Nokia PC Suite folder, etc. Actually they are installed by some software like Nokia PC Suite, Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft Forntpage, etc. Sometimes we want to remove them to make the My Computer window clean but we can't find any way...

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How to Remove Nokia PC Suite Folder, Web Folders, My Sharing Folders or Other Unwanted Items from My Computer?

Whenever you open My Computer in Windows, you see a few extra items like Web Folders, My Sharing Folders, Nokia PC Suite folder, etc. Actually they are installed by some software like Nokia PC Suite, Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft Forntpage, etc. Sometimes we want to remove them to make the My Computer window clean but we can't find any way...

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AveDesktopSites: An Alternative for Missing Active Desktop Feature in Windows Vista

AveDesktopSites is a small replacement for the Active Desktop utility that is no longer present in Windows Vista. Basically, the application shows websites on the desktop, but, unlike Active Desktop, they can not be interacted with. This is useful for showing website data, such as news or weather images on your desktop.Download LinkHomep...

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Solution: Windows Desktop Does Not Save User Customized Settings

Sometimes people face a problem in Windows when Windows doesnt remember their customization settings on Desktop and taskbar, like icons positions, toolbars positions, taskbar position, etc. Recently I got a similar mail from a visitor "Onie Ward":I downloaded something called Vista Customization Pack.I've tried to uninstall this program (I'm on Windows XP) and it seems to have worked, EXCEPT that every time I login, my icons all line up on the left hand side of the page. I move them back to where I want them, but every login...moved. It all...

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How to Fix / Troubleshoot Various Taskbar Problems in Windows?

Here you can find solutions for a few frequently asked problems which are related to Windows Taskbar like: Taskbar context menu is disabled. No menu appears when you right-click on taskbar."Lock the Taskbar" option is disabled.Can't add toolbars using "Toolbars" option in Taskbar context menu.Can't open Taskbar Properties. An error message appears.Can't...

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Download New “Certified for Windows Vista” Wallpaper Released by Windows Vista Blog

Recently "Brandon LeBlanc" blogged about this awesome wallpaper at "WindowsVistaBlog". Here is what he says: Last week I posted an update on Certified from Windows Vista products in which at the end of the post I mentioned I had something else planned in regards to Certified for Windows Vista.Here at Microsoft in Redmond, the Windows Vista Logo Team made a poster that was put up around campus showcasing the Certified for Windows Vista logo.I thought the poster was really neat so I asked Deryl if he wouldn't mind if we released it as desktop...

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How to Restore Missing “Desktop (create shortcut)” Item in Send To Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7

A few people asked solution of this frequently occurring problem, so today I decided to post a simple and detailed solution of this problem. As we all know about "Send To" menu which appears when we right-click on a file or folder in Windows Explorer. It contains some useful items like "Desktop (create shortcut)" which can create a shortcut of the selected file/folder on Desktop within a few seconds. Its really a useful option.But sometimes this item gets deleted from "Send To" menu accidentally or intentionally. Following tutorial will...

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How to Restore Missing “Desktop (create shortcut)” Item in Send To Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7

A few people asked solution of this frequently occurring problem, so today I decided to post a simple and detailed solution of this problem. As we all know about "Send To" menu which appears when we right-click on a file or folder in Windows Explorer. It contains some useful items like "Desktop (create shortcut)" which can create a shortcut of the selected file/folder on Desktop within a few seconds. Its really a useful option.But sometimes this item gets deleted from "Send To" menu accidentally or intentionally. Following tutorial will...

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How to Modify or Disable ScanDisk Timeout Value on Windows Startup?

When Windows is not shutdown properly, an automatic scandisk is performed on next system startup. Actually Windows runs "Autochk.exe" file to perform scandisk operation. Windows shows 10 seconds timeout so that we can bypass the automatic scandisk. This tutorial will help you in modifying this timeout value.1. Open regedit and goto:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session...

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How to Modify or Disable ScanDisk Timeout Value on Windows Startup?

When Windows is not shutdown properly, an automatic scandisk is performed on next system startup. Actually Windows runs "Autochk.exe" file to perform scandisk operation. Windows shows 10 seconds timeout so that we can bypass the automatic scandisk. This tutorial will help you in modifying this timeout value.1. Open regedit and goto:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session...

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Create a Virtual Drive for Your Desired Folder in My Computer Using Subst Command

Today we are going to tell you about a secret DOS command "subst" which can be used to create a virtual drive in Windows Explorer for any of your desired folder. For example, if you frequently use a folder "E:\Wallpapers", then you can create a virtual drive in Explorer which will directly go to this folder whenever you double click on it or access...

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How to Enable / Disable New -> Shortcut Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7

Many system administrators or home users want to restrict a few things from other users for security purposes. Creation of "New Shortcut" is one of them. Many times we restrict drive access but sometimes it might be accessible using "New -> Shortcut" menu.So here I'll tell you a simple method to disable "New -> Shortcut" menu, so that no...

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Windows SteadyState 2.5: Easily Manage Your Shared Computers

Windows® SteadyState™ 2.5 is now available on Windows XP and Windows Vista. Whether you manage computers in a school computer lab or an Internet cafe, a library, or even in your home, Windows SteadyState helps make it easy for you to keep your computers running the way you want them to, no matter who uses them. SteadyState Helps Make it Easier to Manage Your Shared Computers:Shared computers are commonly found in schools, Internet and gaming cafes, libraries, and community centers. It is increasingly common for owners, teachers, or non-technical...

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How to Disable / Restrict Use of USB Storage Devices in Windows?

Many times we want to restrict users from using USB drives in our systems. Suppose you have some important data and a friend comes and takes the data in his USB drive. This tutorial will help you in completely disable the use of USB drives in system. After applying this tutorial, users will not be able to use USB drives. Windows will not detect...

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How to Fix Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) Stuck at Annoying First Run Welcome Page http://runonce.msn.com/runonce2.aspx

When you run Internet Explorer 7 for first time, it shows a first run welcome page "http://runonce.msn.com/runonce2.aspx" and you need to select your customization settings and then click on "Save your settings" button. This page will be displayed each time you open IE7 until you complete the customization wizard and save your settings.Sometimes...

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TeraCopy: Copy Your Files Faster and Easier

TeraCopy is a compact program designed to copy and move files at the maximum possible speed, providing the user a lot of features: Copy files faster: TeraCopy uses dynamically adjusted buffers to reduce seek times. Asynchronous copy speeds up file transfer between two physical hard drives.Pause and resume file transfers: Pause copy process at...

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How to Access Linux Partitions (ext2, ext3) From Windows in Dual-Boot System?

If you have a dual-boot system with Windows and Linux, you probably know that Windows and Linux both use different file systems. Windows uses FAT32 and NTFS file systems where as Linux uses ext2 and ext3 file systems. You can access Windows partitions from Linux but on the other hand Windows doesnt allow access to Linux partitions.Many times we might need to access files stored in Linux partitions and we realize that we can't access them from Windows. In this situation we have to reboot our system in Linux to access those files.Would not...

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How to Remove Linux Boot Loader From Startup After Deleting Linux Partition on a Dual-Boot System?

If you have a dual-boot system with Linux and Windows, then you probably know that when you start your system first Linux boot loader appears showing Linux as well as Windows boot entries and if you select Windows from the list, it starts Windows. Suppose a situation when you want to remove Linux from your system and want to use only Windows, then how will you do it?Many times people delete the partitions having Linux installed from "Disk Manager" but it doesnt remove Linux completely. The Linux boot loader still appears at startup but since...

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Download Windows Server 2008 Workstation Converter Created by sawo

Lots of people think and find "Windows Server 2008" faster and more reliable than Windows Vista. They install Server 2008 and add/remove components to make it look-like exactly Vista. Adding components and removing unnecessary components from Server 2008 was a cumbersome process and requires lots of time and efforts but not any longer."sawo" has...

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SP1 Failed to Fix Several Windows Vista Bugs, Do We Need SP2?

As we all know Microsoft released first service pack for Windows Vista this March and tried to fix all broken things in Vista including bugs, performance issues, security issues, etc. When Windows Vista was under testing, I found several bugs and reported them to Microsoft but to my disappointment, almost all of them are still present in SP1....

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New File Renaming Bug Found in Windows Vista and Server 2008

Now that's an interesting bug which exists in Windows Vista and Server 2008. I found it today while renaming some files in Vista. Without wasting any time, I'll tell you the exact steps to re-create this bug:1. Disable "Hide extensions for known file types" option in "Folder Options".2. Now open My Computer and navigate to a folder which contains...

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How to Create a Single DVD for Windows Vista x86 and x64 Editions?

It’s simple and straight way to merge Vista x86 and Vista x64 editions (DVDs) in a single DVD. Requirements:WAIK (Windows Automation Installation Kit)Windows Vista x86 and Windows Vista x64 DVDs.Dual Layer DVD and compatible DVD Burner and software (like Nero, ImgBurn)Lets come to the point and start now.We will merge Vista x64 editions into Vista...

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Hidden Trick to Exit Windows Explorer Using Start Menu in Windows Vista and 7

Many times we install a software, shell extension which requires a restart. Sometimes logging off or end task of Explorer does the job and we don't need to restart the whole system. We usually End task of Explorer using Task Manager but Windows Vista and 7 provide a lot easier way to Exit Explorer which is better than using Task Manager to forcefully...

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A Guide to Windows Vista Performance and Tuning Released by Microsoft

Microsoft has released an excellent guide for Windows Vista which focuses on performance improvements on a single computer, but also takes a look at some of the tools used in enterprise environments to help make performance tuning manageable on a much larger scale. This guide looks at the following areas of performance improvement:Making configuration changes that help a computer feel more responsive when you use it.Using hardware to boost the actual physical speed of a computer.Making configuration changes that help a computer to start faster.Making...

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UAC Tweak: A Small Cute Utility to Tweak UAC (User Account Control) in Windows Vista and 7

Microsoft has added a new feature “User Account Control (UAC)” in Windows Vista and Windows 7 which is a good addition. It prevents malicious programs to install in your system as well as it also prevents basic users to accidentally change system critical settings which can be harmful to the system. Although its a good feature but sometimes it...

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[BUG] New Windows Vista Bug Found in Creating New Shortcut

Here is another irritating Vista bug which I found yesterday while compiling the "Shortcuts to various Desktop Properties tabs" tutorial. Following are the steps with screenshots to re-create the bug:1. Right-click on the Desktop or in the Explorer and select "New -> Shortcut".2. It'll open "Create Shortcut Wizard".3. Now either click on "Cancel"...

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Create Shortcuts to Themes, Desktop Background, Screen Saver, Display Settings and More

In our daily computer tasks, we use Desktop Properties quite often. Sometimes to change Desktop wallpaper, sometimes to change Windows theme and sometimes to change Display settings like screen resolution, monitor settings, etc. For each change, we need to go through various steps: right-click on Desktop and select "Properties / Personalize" and...

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