Windows Vista Tips & Tricks

prasannavigneshr · #**281** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 12:59 AM

Enable Vista Glass on Compatible Hardware

If you have a video card that is using WDDM drivers and supports DirectX 9c but is not allowing you to use vista glass, there is a cool trick that you can use to force Aero to run. Follow the steps below:

Click on the start button and key in regedit and hit Enter.
Navigate through, HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Microsoft, Windows and DWM.
Set Composition to 1 and CompositionPolicy to 2 .
Restart the DWM by restarting the Desktop Windows Manager Session Manager service. This can be done in services.msc or by typing net stop uxsms and net start uxsms at command prompt.

Once the service restarts you will have glass!

prasannavigneshr · #**282** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 12:59 AM

Enable New Vista Aero Cursors

With the latest post-beta 2 builds, Microsoft has included new Aero cursors that are not turned on by default. Follow the steps below to use the new cool looking cursors:

1. Right click on your desktop and select Personalize.
2. Click on the Mouse Cursors item to select a different mouse cursor scheme.
3. Change the Scheme from None to Windows Aero.
4. Click OK to see the new Aero mouse cursors.

Enjoy the new cursors!

prasannavigneshr · #**283** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:01 AM

Enable Hidden Boot Screen

Tired of the pathetic boot screen in Windows Vista? There is a cool trick that will allow you to see what may have been a new boot screen for Windows Vista.

Enable New Boot Screen:

1. Click on the start orb and type in “MSCONFIG” in the textbox.
2. Once the System Configuration tool loads, click on the Boot tab.
3. Under Boot Options check “No GUI Boot”.
4. Hit OK and reboot to see the new screen.

Enjoy!

prasannavigneshr · #**284** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:06 AM

Display Background Image Across Multiple Monitors

Follow these steps in to display a large image across multiple monitors:

Right click on the background and select Personalization.
Click on Desktop Background
Select a background image that is at least as wide as the combined resolution of both of your monitors. For Example, I have two 19” monitors that have a resolution of 1280×1024. I need an image of 2560×1024 or greater so that it can be displayed across both monitors.
Next, this is the step that most users would never even think about trying: Select the Tile picture positioning option as shown below. This is the only option that will display your background image across multiple monitors.
Hit OK

Your background image is now displayed across both monitors instead of having the same image displayed on both monitors.

prasannavigneshr · #**285** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:09 AM

Disable ClearType Font Smoothing

Here is no other feature that I have heard so much positive and negative feedback about than ClearType screen font smoothing. Some users think this feature is great while other complain that it makes the text blurry and hard to read. If you are one of those that do not like ClearType then this tweak is for you.

1. Open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Control Panel and Desktop.
3. Set FontSmoothingType to 1.
4. Set FontSmoothing to 1.
5. Reboot.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
FontSmoothingType = 1
Set FontSmoothing = 1

prasannavigneshr · #**286** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:09 AM

Customize Start Menu power buttons

There are two new power buttons on the Windows Vista start menu that behave differently than in previous versions of Windows. The main button, that looks like a power button actually puts your computer to sleep, not really turning it completely off. The other button locks your computer. I personally do not like putting my computer to sleep. I would rather turn it off completely to save some power and save some money on my electric bill when I am sleeping.

Follow the steps below to customize these button to work how you want them to work:

1. Click on the Start Menu and type in Power Options and hit Enter.
2. Click on Choose what power buttons do on the side menu.
3. Configure the buttons.
4. Hit Save Changes.

prasannavigneshr · #**287** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:11 AM

Change the Registered Owner of your PC

Would you like to change the registered owner and organization for your Windows Vista installation? Follow these steps below to make the registry changes necessary:

Click on the Start Button and type in regedit and hit Enter.
Navigate through HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, SOFTWARE, Microsoft, Windows NT and CurrentVersion.
Right click on RegisteredOwner and select Properties.
Enter in the new RegisteredOwner value.
Right click on RegisteredOrganization and select Properties.
Enter in the new RegisteredOrganization value.
Close Registry Editor.

prasannavigneshr · #**288** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:12 AM

Change the Logon Screen with LogonStudio

Stardock has released an updated version of LogonStudio that allows you to easily change the logon screen in Windows Vista. Eventually everyone will get bored looking at the same logon image every day. LogonStudio will allow you to change it with just a few clicks.

Download LogonStudio

prasannavigneshr · #**289** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:21 AM

Change Boot Screen (32-bit only for now)

There is finally an easy way (easier than before) to change your Windows Vista boot screen and use any high resolution photo as your boot screen. Using a great tool written by Dan Smith it is now possible to automatically generate the replacement language MUI file that contains your boot image files. All you need is two photos at 800×600 and 1024×768 saved as 24-bit windows bitmaps. Then follow these steps:

Download Dan Smith’s Vista Boot Logo Generator .
Install and then run from the link in the Start Menu.
Hit Browse for image and select both the 800×600 and 1024×768 resolution bitmap files for your boot screen.
Click on File and select Save Boot Screen File as and save your file.
Next, you will need to replace the winload.exe.mui file in c:\Windows\System32\en-us with the one you just created. Before you copy in your new file, make a backup of the original. You will need to take ownership of all files in en-us as well as give your account file permissions to replace the file as well in order to copy the new winload.exe.mui file in.
The last step is to enable the alternative boot screen setting.

The next time you reboot you should see your new boot screen. If you have problems with Windows not booting properly, boot up with the Windows Vista install CD and replace the winload.exe.mui file with your backup.

prasannavigneshr · #**290** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:27 AM

Animate your Network Icon

In your system tray you will find the Network and Sharing Center icon that allows you to easily connect and disconnect network connections and view your connection status. With the help of a simple tweak, you can animate the icon so that it shows when your connections are actively transferring data.

It is very easy to turn on icon animation, just right click on the network icon next to the clock and select Turn on activity animation.

prasannavigneshr · #**291** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:28 AM

Add “Open with Notepad” to Right-Click Context Menu

Do you use notepad very frequently to open all types of text files? This quick tweak will add “Open with Notepad” to all of your file context menus. Whenever you right click on a file, you will have the option to open it in Notepad.

Copy and paste the code below into Notepad. Then save it as a .reg file and import it by clicking on it.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open with Notepad]
@=”"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\Open with Notepad\command]
@=”notepad.exe %1″

prasannavigneshr · #**292** (**permalink**) 10-13-2007, 01:29 AM

How To Change Windows Vista Product Key

Do you need to change your Windows Vista product key so that you can activate Windows Vista properly?

You can actually use an inbuilt command line tool to help you achieve this very easily. Simply go through the steps listed below:

Click on the Start button and key in Command Prompt so that it shows up on your Start Menu search list. Right click on the Command Prompt shortcut and select Run As Administrator.
In the Administrator Command Prompt, type in: slmgr.vbs -ipk (and hit Enter).
After changing the product key, type in: slmgr.vbs -ato (and hit Enter).

prasannavigneshr · #**293** (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 11:22 PM

RSS Support in New Microsoft Windows Vista

Microsoft Corp. says that the next version of its Windows operating system will have built-in support for RSS, an increasingly popular way to get news and other information channeled straight to a computer.

RSS, short for Really Simple Syndication, hasn’t broken into widespread use yet, but the world’s largest software maker believes it will become a mainstay.

“We really believe that RSS is key to how people will be using the Internet in the future,” said Megan Kidd, a Windows product manager.

In the long-delayed Windows upgrade, code-named Vista and expected to be released late next year, an RSS icon will appear in the Internet Explorer Web browser to make it easy for people to find, much like Apple Computer Inc. has done with its Safari browser.

Vista will store all data downloaded to a computer via RSS in a single place. It will maintain a central list of all of a computer user’s RSS subscriptions, from Web log entries to photos pulled from an online family picture gallery.

It will include a feature called simple list extensions that will let Web sites use RSS to publish lists of content that users can subscribe to, like a weekly run-down of chart-topping songs or an online gift registry.

Microsoft will make the list extensions technology available for free through a “creative commons” license, which lets the company retain some intellectual property rights while encouraging broader use of the technology.

Joe Wilcox, an analyst with Jupiter Research, said Microsoft’s foray into RSS is reminiscent of its rush to capture its share of the burgeoning Web browser market in the mid-1990s.

“With the World Wide Web, we had this vast informational system that came along where Windows was not required,” Wilcox said. “That posed a potentially serious threat to Microsoft’s Windows franchise. They responded by making Internet Explorer part of the operating system.”

Microsoft may argue that its RSS push is about improving technology for developers, content providers and consumers, Wilcox said, but “it’s also, I believe, responding to a potential competitive threat.”

Having RSS built into Vista could pose a serious threat to companies that sell RSS readers that siphon data from the Internet. But Kidd contends that Microsoft isn’t out to put anyone out of business.

About The Author

Ken Savage is a Webmaster employee who writes about what is going on in the Tech industry usually days before it breaks to the rest of the world. He can be found at Ken Savage Making IT in Massachusetts.

prasannavigneshr · #**294** (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 11:24 PM

Windows Vista - What To Look Foward To

Perhaps you have heard about the next new version of Microsoft Windows, called Vista? The Vista operating system has many promises to one great, stable and dynamic operating system. Not only will this operating system have the .Net framework built into the core of the operating system it will also feature some other key communications, user interface and security breakthroughs.

For instance Vista will utilize the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) which will greatly increase the aesthetic value of each application. Perhaps you may be familiar with a website developed with Flash animation software. Now picture the same type of functionality and aesthetics however instead of being restricted to a website format having the freedom to develop the interface so it is a true Windows application. Further, this WPF will allow for much easier and faster deployments of these applications through the use of “one click deployment” technology. If you are familiar with the updater application block and the BITS service then you are already familiar with innovation. However, instead of being some cumbersome application block you will be able to easily deploy these applications with just a few clicks from your development environment.

Secondly the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) will provide a secure and reliable messaging platform which will allow for a new era in the creativity of application developers. This WCF will bring in a new time when true service oriented applications will become commonplace. This will make it much easier to connect businesses to each other and their customers.

The in built security mechanisms will make for a much more secure platform as well. Since this operating system is built around the .Net framework Code Access Security will be much easier to enforce and maintain. Code access security is when the author of the program can specify exactly what the program is allowed to do based upon the role of the user who is accessing the software. This will allow for a much finer grained security mechanism which will make software much more trustworthy by the end user.

Another feature of Vista is called SuperFetch. SuperFetch seems to be a caching mechanism for frequently used files so that the end user experiences fast response times and is not hindered by the background tasks that the operating system is performing. This will greatly speed up and perhaps cause less system crashes thereby making the OS much more stable.

One other great feature of Vista is its use of the sidebar and gadgets. Gadgets are small programs that either you or someone else has created that performs some frequently used task such as viewing the latest weather or traffic information from your desktop. Now this might seem to be a small feature but I am sure the general public will eat this feature up and it is one place where some new innovative software inventions might take place. It might even make managing your life that much easier.

Perhaps the best feature of Vista is its new ability to easily search through and organize your files for later retrieval. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to search my own hard drive for a file that I knew I created but could not remember where I stored it.

Let’s face it Windows XP and Windows 2000 are by now old fashioned. The public needs a new operating system simply because the other’s are beginning to show their age. It is time for an upgrade.

About The Author
Richard Callaby is a Independent Computer Consultant, Writer, Author, Speaker and Instructor.

Thanks Richard....

prasannavigneshr · #**295** (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 11:25 PM

What is Windows Vista?

What is Windows Vista? I have been getting this a lot lately with all of the buzz and hype on the Internet. Windows Vista is the newest PC Operating System to be launched in November 2006. The system has already been sent out to over 2 million users for beta testing and has got huge reviews!

Windows Vista improves application quality, enables developers to create richer, easier-to-use applications, and adds comprehensive APIs for accessing connectivity infrastructure.

1. Find and Use Information - Increasing user productivity by making it easier to find and use information.
2. Enable Mobile Workforce - Enabling a better connected more collaborative and more secure mobile workforce.
3. Improve Security and Compliance - Helping protect your data, secure your environment, and make it easier to achieve compliance with regulations and policies.
4. Optimize Desktop Infrastructure - Reducing cost and complexity of deploying, managing, and supporting your company PCs.

With the advances in Windows Vista™, Microsoft enables the Windows platform to deliver on three key essentials:

* Helping people to be more confident by making the operating system safer, more reliable, and more responsive
* Helping people gain clarity by removing clutter and improving organization
* Helping people connect with others easily and securely by improving network security and integration collaboration

Windows Vista empowers developers to create software that embodies these three essentials.

Windows Vista makes it easy to connect to information, connect to systems, and connect to customers. Using the Windows Communication Foundation Web services infrastructure, developers can create applications that communicate seamlessly across a wide range of hardware and software. Additionally, Windows Vista provides RSS support to enable developers to create experiences that aggregate information from multiple sources.

About The Author

Amanda Bode is Co-Owner and Managing Director of Select Networks, LLC, which specializes in Computer Network Support for the small-medium business located in the metro Kansas City area.

prasannavigneshr · #**296** (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 11:28 PM

Why Microsoft Windows Vista May Struggle

So, as most of you all know Microsoft is releasing its first Operating System since the 2001 release of Microsoft Windows XP. Is it going to be a success on a similar level to the its previous and very popular Operating System?

Opinions are obviously widespread and vary greatly but there are some fundamental issues that may cause sales to struggle.

Firstly, the current Operating System, Microsoft Windows XP is very popular and Vista doesn’t really have anything major that will cause people to be eager to switch. When Windows 98 was replaced by XP it had many aspects which made it easier to persuade people to upgrade such as the ability for plug and play hardware for ease of installation. Such advances in computing are not seen within Vista.

There are changes which many a computer professional will find useful such as easier and more secure networking features and also Windows Superfetch, which is able to get more out of the Random Access Memory (RAM) your machine has. However, these improvements may not be seen as valuable enough to prompt a change in Operating System for the less technical home user.

As for Businesses, many will hold back for at least the initial six months to one year period for a number of reasons. Microsoft Windows XP has had some security problems which Microsoft has been addressing and a new Operating System could potentially have some security faults and loopholes which you can guarantee will be very tempting to hackers mainly to have a laugh at the expense of Microsoft.

Many businesses have, believe it or not, only changed over from Windows 98 to Windows XP in the last year or two and another change over which will be time consuming and costly is unlikely to happen initially.

Whilst Microsoft currently has the lion share of the market other Operating Systems such as Linux and Mac OS are becoming more and more popular as a valid alternative to the Windows Operating System. Microsoft needs to be careful not to alienate or confuse its users to avoid increasing the number of users using other alternatives. Other Operating Systems are also less susceptible to hackers and viruses due to the fact hackers mainly target Windows simply because most people use it.

Another issue would be regarding the cost. Many expect Vista to be cheaper than Windows XP was when it was first released to encourage people to switch. However, will users be willing to pay out when XP is still a very usable Operating System?

The majority of new users is likely to be buyers of new PC’s which will come with Vista as the pre-installed Operating System.

Of course Microsoft Windows Vista will eventually take over Windows XP given time and I fully expect it to be a better Operating System once any teething problems are resolved. I personally will be upgrading without any doubt, but only after I know it has been tried and tested to make it worthwhile for me to make the change and I’m sure many others will follow suit.

About The Author

Andrew Peers is owner and founder of Computer Help and Support without the cost from Free IT Helpdesk which helps users with their IT related problems.

prasannavigneshr · #**297** (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 11:30 PM

Why Did Windows Vista's Music Folder Icon Turn Yellow?

In Windows, all folders can be customized with whatever icon you want. All you need to do is put a hidden file named desktop.ini into the root of that folder, which tells Windows extra information for the folder including what icon to use.

The problem that people are experiencing is due to the contents of that file being modified somehow and pointing to the wrong icon, as you can see here:

You can normally fix this problem by right-clicking on the folder and choosing properties, and then on the Customize tab you'll see this:

If that section does not exist, however, we'll need to open up that desktop.ini file by pasting the following command into the start menu search or run box:

notepad %USERPROFILE%\music\desktop.ini

You'll see a file that should look exactly like this, but probably does not.

You can usually just replace the contents of that file with the following text:

[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell 32.dll,-21790
InfoTip=@%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll,-12689
IconResource=%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll,-108
IconFile=%SystemRoot%\system32\shell32.dll
IconIndex=-237

Save the file and log off from Windows, and then login again. Your Music folder icon should now look like this:

Hopefully this solves the problem for you!

accer · #**298** (**permalink**) 10-16-2007, 09:57 PM

Well I don't know about the other poster, but it DID help me out so thank you very much.

prasannavigneshr · #**299** (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 08:14 AM

Do You Know Vista Bug Can Corrupt Your iPod?

Are your computer is installed Vista OS? And are your iPod connected to it? Then your iPod could be in danger.
Do not simply use "Safely Remove Hardware" feature or disconnect the iPod using Windows Explorer.

Why ? That's because Vista OS has a bug that can corrupt your iPod if you're using that function. Microsoft didn't state what kind of problems will that bug bring to your iPod, they just say that, IF you're affected by the bug, you'll have to use iTunes to restore all the music on your iPod.

How To Fix My Vista ?
Microsoft has released the patch for the problem. You can now download the patch here:-

Vista Patch for iPod