Windows Vista Tips & Tricks

prasannavigneshr · #61 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 07:18 AM

Use Vista for 120 Days Free! Longer Trial Period:

Windows Vista can be installed, and run without any license, product key or activation for 30 days, This is solely for the purpose of trial/evaluation. Microsoft stress's that users should purchase a license with a valid product key before the trial period expires, or else Windows Vista will lock into Reduced Functionality Mode.

Although, A method has been discovered which will allow you to extend the evaluation period for a fresh 30 days, 3 seperate times. Microsoft has confirmed that extending the evaluation period is not a violation of the EULA and is aware of this tweak but does not seem to mind one bit, as no fixes or updates have been released to fix it.

All versions of Vista include Windows Vista Ultimate allow a 30-day free period without activation, except the corporate-oriented Vista Enterprise, in which case it supports only a three-day trial.

To reset or restart the initial grace period of Windows Vista to another 30 days, use the following steps:

1. Click on Vista Start button and type in "Cmd" in Start Search box (without quotes).
2. Press on Ctrl-Shift-Enter to open Command Prompt with administrative credentials (equivalent to “Run as Administrator”).
3. In the Command Prompt window which you opened, type the following command and press Enter when done: "slmgr -rearm" or "sysprep /generalize" (without quotes)
4. Reboot the computer.
5. Run the script again when the remaining activation grace period timer counts down to 0 days, you can run the code sooner but it is a waste. As if you have 20 days left and you run the script it will bump you back up to 30 again not 50.

rrrajesh84in · #62 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 07:28 AM

Collaborate with a co-worker.

Want an easy way to share files and applications with a
colleague or customer—even when you may not be part
of the same network? Windows Meeting Space is a new
experience in Windows Vista that enables you to start
an impromptu collaboration session with other Windows
Vista users. Simply open Windows Meeting Space and
start a session. Windows Vista will automatically detect
other Windows Vista users that are on the same sub-net
infrastructure or close enough for you to create an
ad hoc (direct PC-to-PC connection) wireless connection.
Once you have invited them and they have accepted,
you can share documents by simply dragging a document
to the Handouts area on the bottom right which instantly
replicates that file across the other meeting participants’
machines. Dragging the file to the presentation area on
the left side starts application sharing, enabling the other
participants to watch as you present that file. If someone
has a good edit for your file, you can make that edit in
real time, or pass control of the application directly to that
participant for them to make that edit for you.

prasannavigneshr · #63 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:43 AM

Disable Network Printer Search.

When browsing through shared folders and network computers Explorer can slow down when it is searching the local network for printers. This sounds like a great feature and may be useful for some but I would rather disable it to get maximum performance when browsing through folders.How to do it…..

* Hit Alt to bring up the menubar if it is not already on the screen.
* Click on Tools and select Folder Options.
* On the View Tab, uncheck Automatically search for network printers.

prasannavigneshr · #64 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:44 AM

Disable the not required services.

Services are background processes which keeps running waiting for a response, so if you dont use the application it still runs and uses resource.How to do it…

* For this type “msconfig” without double quotes in the run prompt or at the command prompt.
* Go to services up tab un check the unneeded startup items.

There are several services you can disable to help improve performance.

* Desktop Window Manager Session Manager - Provides Desktop Window Manager startup and maintenance services.
* If you don’t plan on using Aero Glass, you can disable this service.
* Diagnostic Policy Service - Enables problem detection, troubleshooting and resolution for Windows components.Set to Disabled
* Diagnostic Service Host - Same as above
* Diagnostic System Host - Same as above
* Offline Files - The Offline Files service performs maintenance activities on the Offline Files cache, responds to user logon and logoff events, implements the internals of the public API, and dispatches interesting events to those interested in Offline Files activities and changes in cache state.
* Terminal Services - Allows users to connect interactively to a remote computer. Remote Desktop and Terminal Server depend on this service. If you don’t use either of these, then you can disable the service.
* Windows Error Reporting Service - Allows errors to be reported when programs stop working or responding and allows existing solutions to be delivered.
* Windows Search - Formerly this was the Indexing Service. Provides content indexing.

prasannavigneshr · #65 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:46 AM

Disable some useless start up items first.

Some of the software like Windows Sidebar ,Windows media player ,Nero check and other applications being loaded at the start up but of no use but eating away the resources like memory and cpu.How to do it…

* For this type “msconfig” without double quotes in the run prompt or at the command prompt
* Go to “startup” tab un check the unneeded startup items.

prasannavigneshr · #66 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:47 AM

Disable Welcome Center

As soon as you install Windows Vista you are bombarded by the Welcome Center that is designed to help beginner Windows users easily configure their new computer. This new welcome screen is a nice feature the first time you start using Windows vista but quickly becomes annoying. Disabling the Welcome Center is very easy to do and can speed up your boot as well.How to do it…..

* Go to program menu, click on run. Typer “Regedit” and enter. This will open the registry windows.
* Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software >Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion >Run.
* Right click on the WindowsWelcomeCenter key and select Delete.

Thats all , the next time you restart the Welcome Center will be gone.

prasannavigneshr · #67 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:48 AM

Speed up Start Menu Search

When a users enters text in the search box on the start panel Windows automatically searches the file index as well. The file index includes all of the searchable files on your hard drive and can be quite large. One way to speed up searching through your start menu applications is to narrow the scope of the search so that it does not include hard drive files. Prevent Start Menu Searches from searching the File indexHow to do it….

* Open Registry Editor (regedit) as above.
* Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > Current Version > Explorer > Advanced.
* Find and right click on Start_SearchFiles and select Modify.
* Set the Value to 0.

Restart the Explorer.exe process or just reboot your computer.

prasannavigneshr · #68 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:49 AM

Uninstall / Turn off unneeded features

There are many new features in Windows Vista that are installed by default that you may not need. These extra and unneeded features can slow down your computer and take up more storage space.If you would like to uninstall, or turn off, these extra features, this tip is for you.Windows Features can be uninstalled using the Windows Features utility. Follow these steps to uninstall applications such as the Windows Fax and Scan and many more:How to do it…

* Click on the Start Button and select Control Panel.
* Under Programs click Uninstall a program .
* On the side menu, click on Turn Windows features on or off .
* Scroll through the list as shown below and remove the check from any feature you do not want installed.
* Click OK when you are finished making your changes. The features will now be uninstalled.

prasannavigneshr · #69 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:54 AM

Disable Vista Graphics.

Don’t be surprised but this is required if you are running a software which might take huge cpu resources or memory. You can disable it for sometime so your work is completed fast.This setting however will change the look of windows vista drastically but according to me this setting is the most efficient setting for increasing the operational speed of windows vista.How to do it….

* Right click on desktop go to personalize.
* Now go to color and appearance settings
* Then go to classic windows appearance settings and select windows classic or windows standard display settings.

prasannavigneshr · #70 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 11:58 AM

Tag Your files with Windows Vista.

Now its easy to search files on Windows Vista with a new property called as “tag”. With all previous edition of windows it was very difficult to search a file if you have forgotten the exact name. Even if you remember partial name, search was difficult.But with this new feature of of “tagging” a file in Vista, searching will be much easier.

But before I tell you how it works get to know what is tagging.Tagging is adding a nick name to something which you can easily remember.Like you call your friends with nicknames rather than original name. So next time you make document on a project tag it with some cute name which is easier to remember. Lets see how do to it now!!

Steps on “How to tag files with windows vista?”

1. Select the file which you want to tag.
2. Right click and go to properties.
3. It will open up the property window for the related file.
4. Then on the property window go to Details Tab.
5. There you will see a label as “Tag”, You can add your tags there
6. Then click on Ok or Apply
7. Job Done.

prasannavigneshr · #71 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:09 PM

Game Explorer in Windows Vista:

Gaming has taken a big leap with Windows Vista and Directx10. Now even the in house games of windows comes with 3D support, not the least Games on Vista have their on explorer now.Yes you heard it right!!. Games when installed on windows either leave a shortcut on desktop or a link on program menu but now whenever you can just find them real quick with Game Explorer which is right off the start menu.

Games have been give a better preferences in Vista. The Game explorer can manage all the games. And not only this it can tell you more.

Features of Windows Vista Game Explorer:-

1. Start Menu in Windows Vista, provides a central launching pad for all games.
2. Icons for each game provide easy access to the games.
3. Display detailed information about the game, such as the game publisher and developer
4. When you last played; which version of the game you own
5. Box cover art and the release date, genre, and rating for each game.
6. Right-click on a game’s icon for easy access to a menu of play tasks (which can be customized by the game developer for each game) and any online options, such as linking to the game’s website.
7. You also have support section there, which can tell you what kind of configuration is required and get help, support, and important publisher updates; or easily add or remove games.

Issues and Problems with Game Explorer in Windows Vista:

* Vista doesn’t always automatically put installed games into the “Games” section of the OS. For instance, War Front, Titan Quest, and Half-Life 2; all relatively popular games - do NOT get put into that section.
* Some titles install to “games’ by default, while others simply create a new directory under the developer and /or manufacturer folders. I’ve noticed that if you change the default directory to “games’ then at least the launch icon appears in the games section of Vista, but it still doesn’t provide detailed information on all titles
* When you drag the icon into that section Vista doesn’t create a consistent icon as it would Company of Heroes, Never Winter Nights 2, or even older games like X3 and Guild Wars.

Possible Solution for Game Explorer:

* The games explorer do a Google image search for the game title, and allow the user to pick what image they want. 9 of 10 times a Google image search will throw the box art up on screen. Then, after the user is satisfied with their selection Vista saves the image to the HDD in a specified default folder for game, movie, and CD art.
* Allow the user to go in a modify the image if they wanted to because the OS would have to reference the image in a database to pull it up every time the icon was displayed.

prasannavigneshr · #72 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:12 PM

How to set effective parental control on Vista:

Children Safety, In this term, there are 2 different perspectives to see. First is on their mental problem when exposed to the adult sites and videos. Second is the Logical stress facing the malicious scripts (Viruses, Spyware, and so on).

Vista has a great Parental Control for your children. Parental Control is design for your Children Safety and avoids them from any harmful contents and sites.
Vista has done a great move in this section.

By integrated the system with an advance but easy navigated parental Control, Vista make every parent feel “safe” using them as their children’s PC OS.

What you can do with Vista’s Parental Control ?

With Vista’s Parental Control do the following task easily:

* Parent can define which site their children are restricted (Normal Parenting Control)
* Parent can limit the download processes (this one sound’s interesting because you can prevent your children to download adult movies that have a big sizes)
* Parent use the “Time limit” for each of the computer user (this sounds promising because if your children interact to much with computer, there will be a health problems occur)
* One more interesting feature that Vista has is that it can block application from running without permission. This is practically important because if you manage to lock all media player for playing movies, you can decrease the “opportunities” of your children to open adult movies.

Below is the mini guide to set your parental control in Vista:

1. From the ‘Control Panel’ Window, Choose the ‘User Account’ and click the ‘Manage Another Account’
2. Choose and click on the desired account (example: ‘Jennifer’)
3. Click ‘Set up Parental Controls’
4. Choose one account that you want to control (example: ‘Jennifer’) and Vista will pop-up the Parental Controls setup window
5. Click ‘On’ in the Parental Controls. And all components will light up (including an option labeled ‘Up to ADULT ONLY’)
6. Choose ‘On’ in the ‘Activity Reporting’ option
7. Click other option, like ‘Web restrictions’. After the process, the next window will come up
8. Choose ‘On’ again at the option ‘Do you want to block some web content?’
9. Next, decide which content that you want to block in the ‘Web Contents’ list (You may choose: ‘Pornography’ and ‘Sex Education’)
10. Click OK to close the window and at the same time, ‘Jennifer’ has been protected!

Thanks

prasannavigneshr · #73 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:21 PM

Download 3D Virtual Desktop for windows XP and Vista:

3D Virtual Desktop is cool small program which doesn’t require even a installation and lets you manage 4 desktop in 3d Environment. You can rotate it left or right and can have 4 desktop with as many programs opened. You just have to download and unzip it. Then run the “YouDm 3d” to start the service. You might not get any effect when you just click it. You need to set some of the settings and then use the hot keys to move your windows in and out and rotate to chose another desktop.!!!

You will have to use the hot keys like ctrl and shift so that you can rotate around the desktops. Here is the configuration screen. Don’t forget to choose your language when you start the screen. This can also be configured to start with windows.

You can also choose to use anti aliasing feature and your graphics hardware to be used or not. It will depend on you hardware. Right now , my screen becomes little blurred when i rotate it but thats it. Thats not a problem.

prasannavigneshr · #74 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:24 PM

Secret of Graphics in Windows Vista - Directx 10:

Windows Vista had been loved due its excellent real time graphics.But have you ever thought what makes those graphics real ? Thanks to DirectX 10 which is making thses ultra high real time graphics real.Before I dig into Directx 10.Lets get to know little about it.What is Directx ?

Directx is the core which makes the games work.All the graphics designs which you even cant imagine in real time, is possible due to it.When Microsoft launched its operating system in 95 it was quite unfriendly do ue to internal restriction on hardware like audio device video cards and other peripherals.Thus directx made a set of api or functions that can be used in windows.The main advantge was taken by games which had much more freedom

How DX10 makes it so real ?

1. In real world every point is uinque.Even 2 points on your face is not similar.When Dx stared initially due to restriction on hardware and development part it was restricted on number of unique objects that can show in Scene.But with DX10 you can show hundreds of unique objects.This means if you have to show 100 flowers in a field you need not to create one and copy it to 100 but create 100 different one.That makes it more real.
2. Displacement Mappings one more technique that makes Humans showing in most of the hi-fi video games so real.More details texture you have much real the image will look.DX10 has something called as geometry shaders.By adding more “triangles” in a particular point it makes them real.

Now think of those graphics u see on your vista’s desktop.Thats what DX10 making it happen

Comparison of DX 9.0 and DX 10

Lets take a look at the images below and You will need no words to say how much they differ:

Above: Image Generated By DX9

Above: Image Generated By DX10

Can it make my CPU slow and system crash.?

It can if you don’t have a separate Graphics card.The gae has gone when the cpu had to all the work.If you have a separate graphics card DX10 will transfer the load on to it while your cpu can still do other things like downloading email checking and browsing.

You can read these topics for DirectX 9L which is going to be DirectX10 for windows XP.I found it through google search DirectX 9.L will be a DirectX 10 for Windows XP

So what does all that mean ?

Over all as the end user you might be more concerned about your system performance.Thus u want to play hi-fi games without ur system crashing down or getting ur screen blank.Keepin this in mind the benefits of DX10 with Windows Vista you might be compelled to upgrade seeing these advantages, specially as a gamer u will.

prasannavigneshr · #75 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:34 PM

Add to Favorites Menu:

Add to Favorites is a classic case of learning a technique in one area (IE7 or Mozilla) and applying the knowledge to another area - Regedit.

Regedit's 'Add to Favorites' is ideal for that moment when you have taken ages to find a value, yet you know that you will have to return on another day to fine-tune the data. Tag the value by clicking on Regedit's Favorites menu, and choose 'Add to Favorites'. Fittingly, this is my favorite Vista Registry tip.

prasannavigneshr · #76 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:35 PM

Best Practice for Editing the Vista Registry:

* Before you make any changes to the registry settings, get into the habit of exporting at least that branch of the registry.
* Backup the system state before you try anything radical in the registry.
* Check out the .sav files in the \system32\config folder.
* Research Volume Shadow Copy, and test how it restores a previous version of your registry files.
* If your computer has a serious problem, which requires pressing F8 at boot-up, remember to try Last Known Good as your first recovery option.
* Seek alternative methods; think laterally. Instead of risking making changes with your registry editor, what else could you do? I urge you to consider configuring a Group Policy rather than tweaking the registry. Occasionally Vista may provide a new GUI to configure a setting, for example, instead of launching regedit and changing the value for AutoAdminLogon, you could launch the Control Panel --> Users and un-tick the setting called, 'Users must enter a user name and password.'
* Learn how to perform a remote registry edit with: Connect Network Registry.
* As you work through my registry examples, make a point of studying each page's 'Key Learning Points'.

prasannavigneshr · #77 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:40 PM

Back up on a schedule:

The final step of the Backup program encourages you to create a schedule for automated backups. The first one you create is a full data backup; subsequent runs are incremental, backing up only files that are new or changed since the last backup.

prasannavigneshr · #78 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:42 PM

Data file backups:

Windows Vista gives its new Backup utility star billing. For Home Basic and Home Premium editions, you can choose file-based backups based on file types and save your selection for reuse.

prasannavigneshr · #79 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 12:43 PM

Monitor auto-starting programs:

Windows Defender gets pigeonholed as an anti-spyware program, but it's actually a useful diagnostic tool. After you've installed all your apps, check out which ones are starting automatically with the help of the Software Explorer. The Startup Programs list, shown here, allows you to see all programs that are currently set to start with Windows, with full details in the pane on the right. You can remove or disable anything in the list. Other options show you running programs, programs that have active network connections, and Winsock service providers.