Eches - Blogging, technology, internet and earn money online » Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net Tips & Tricks related to web, internet and computer Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:51:05 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/computer/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/computer/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:13:17 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=2217 Windows 7 Beta gets so much attention from Windows enthusiasts and it is proven when the official page of Windows 7 was crippled temporarily by the continuous stream of traffic who looked for download link on January 9th. Windows 7 is way much better than Windows Vista and XP, no doubt about it. However many are not willing to give up their current OS because it is still in beta stage.

Dual boot is one of several options to those who want to keep their current OS for daily works while simultaneously giving themselves chance to play with new Windows 7 Beta features. It is not really that hard to create dual boot for both operating system Windows 7 and Vista; it requires only few steps to make it happen.

Step 1: Burn Windows 7 Beta on DVD

Assuming you have already downloaded a fresh copy of Windows 7 Beta, you need to burn it onto a DVD. There are wide range of DVD Burning tools that can deliver what you want. Here are some of them; InfraRecorder, ImgBurn and Nero 9 just to name a few.

Step 2: Partition Your Hard Disk
Creating partition in Windows Vista is easy because it has a built in function for partitioning. I have covered this in great length in my previous post, so may want to take a look at this post.

Step 3: Windows 7 Installation

Now come the easy part. Insert your Windows 7 disc and start installing Windows 7. After successfully copying files, it will reboot your computer. Make sure booting from your DVD drive is enabled - (most PCs and laptops will have this enabled by default anyway).

A simple installation wizard will come up after DVD boots up. When you are choosing installation type, make sure to select custom (advanced) and the partition you have created.

Windows will take care of the rest of installation process. Grab a drink and sit back. If you insist not to do anything else but staring at your PC screen you will notice it restarts a few times. Eventually you'll be prompted to set up your account and enter the license key.

If everything goes as planned you will be brought into the new realm of Windows 7 :)

Next time when you start your PC, you will see new entry in boot screen. You will be given 30 seconds to decide which operating system you want to use. If you don't choose after 30 seconds it will automatically choose Windows 7 as the default OS.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/computer/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/feed/ 2 How to Create Partition or New Drive in Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:01:59 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=2087 Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista comes with built-in tool to help you creating partition on your hard drive on the fly. This feature comes handy especially to those who like better management of their enormous hard drive or perhaps to those who love to dedicate new partition for additional operating system like Ubuntu or even to test drive Windows 7 Beta.

Step-By-Step on How to Create New Partition in Windows Vista

1. Right click on My Computer > Manage. Double click on "Storage" > "Disk Management (Local)"

2. You should see something like in the screenshot below.

3. Right click on logical drive or any active drive and choose "Shrink Volume...". Specify the size of space (in MB) for your new partition from the chosen drive.

4. For the sake of this how-to tutorial, I allocate 2 GB of space for the new partition(s). Right click on the free space created from the previous step and choose "New Simple Volume...".

5. Click "Next" when a popup shows up. Specify the space size of the new partition.

6. Assign drive letter for your new partition.

7. By default, you will be asked to format the new partition. You don't have to change anything on this page unless you want to rename the new partition to, for example, "Local Disk" instead of "New Volume". Just click "Next" and click "Finish".

8. It will take while to complete formatting the new partition, depending on how big the new partition is.

Ok, now you are done (no need to restart etc). You can even use the new partition to store your movies and songs (virtually everything) right away!

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/feed/ 18 How to Edit/Delete A System File in Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:17:16 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1964 There are few security features in Windows Vista like User Account Control that are meant to be there to better protect computer from any malicious attempts that might want to sneak up into our computer system. They can turn out pretty nasty though especially when you are denied to overwrite files like a system file even though you are the administrator. What annoy you more is when there is no definitive solution on how to disable the overwrite protection.

The following are couple of solutions that I found around the internet that might work on your Windows Vista.

a) CMD Command

First you need to take ownership of the file. Simply write "CMD" on your start menu search box and type in the following command (example):

takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\wmploc.dll

This command will effectively give you ownership of the file. Don't forget to specify your target file to suit your needs.

At this point you still have no rights to delete it. Now you need to run the "cacls" command to give yourself full control rights to the file:

cacls C:\Windows\System32\wmploc.dll /G eches:F

Note: Be sure to replace username eches with your username.

After confirming the changes by typing in "y" for yes and hitting enter button, you should be able to delete the file. If it doesn't work, you may want to try the next method that doesn't require your CMD command.

b) Security Tab

This solution might seem a bit complicated but it helps you much better if you work on multiple files.

1) Right click on a folder or a file and click on the properties. Select Security Tab.

2) Click the Advanced button at the bottom half.

3) Click on the Owner tab and click Edit button (you will be asked for permision if UAC is at default)

4) Change ownership to your account by clicking Apply button and then OK. This action will effectively switch file/folder to your account as owner.

5) Now go back to Security tab in step 1, select edit. You need to select your account (the one you just used to take ownership) and set so that you have full rights on modify, read & execute, read and write.

6) You are done! At this point you should be able to edit (rename)/delete file/folder. It may still ask for permission, but you now have the needed permissions.

If it doesn't work too, you may need to reboot into Safe Mode and try it again. As far as I'm concerned, the first method (CMD command) doesn't work, but the second method works like a charm on my computer.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 Vista Transformation Pack 9.0.1 for Download http://blog.eches.net/windows/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/ http://blog.eches.net/windows/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:21:56 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1762 There a lot of people desperately want to use Windows Vista but their machine specifications do not allow them to experience the exciting new features in Vista. But don't worry if your machine does not have the required specs for Windows Vista to be on board because Vista Transformation Pack offers most of the privileges enjoyed by Windows Vista users to XP users.

Vista Transformation Pack is essentially a collection of mods that will transform your Windows XP to Windows Vista. The latest version (9.0.1) contains lot of fixes and it will solve incompatibilities with Windows XP Service Pack 3, stability issues in installation and some fixes in the system and some 3rd-party applications.

Anyway, here is a list of some key features

  • Boot screen
  • New msstyles files (visual styles)
  • Welcome Screen / Logon Screen
  • New desktop and file icons
  • Progress Dialogs
  • New toolbar icons
  • Sounds scheme
  • New Wallpapers
  • System Tray icons
  • Windows Media Player Skins

So what are you waiting for? Transform your Windows XP to Vista!
Download Vista Transformation Pack 9.0.1 or alternatively here.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/feed/ 5 How to Create Password Reset Disks in Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:59:49 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1361 Don't take things for granted when it comes to remembering your passwords. If you have different set of passwords used in different places and activities they can easily mix up with one another or worse your memory might someday betray you. The probability of losing password when you use your PC on regular basis is relatively slim but why should we take the chance? Don't wait until it's too late.

One simple solution to avoid this thing from happening is by creating Password Reset Disks. If you forget your computer password, you can use a password reset disk to create a new one. We recommend that you create a password reset disk when you create your password, so you don't lose access to your files and information.

Creating Password Reset Disk

1. Plugin your pendrive into USB port in your computer.
2. Type in "Control Userpasswords" in Start Menu Search box
3. Click on "Create a Password Reset Disk"

4. Click Next when "Forgotten Password Wizard" welcome screen popups.
5. Select the drive letter for the USB drive you used in Step 1, and click Next.

6. In the next screen, you need to enter your current password and click next.
7. Wait until the progress bar reaches 100% and click next.
8. Complete the process by clicking on the finish button

Note: This process will not affect any data residing inside your pendrive. All data will remain intact. It just creates a file namely userkey.psw which will be used when resetting Windows Vista password.

Resetting Windows Vista Password

1. Plugin your pen drive in in the USB port
2. Click on reset password when you are in the login page (welcome page).
3. Select the drive letter for the pen drive and click Next.
4. Key in your new password, retype it to confirm and set the hint for your password
5. Now you can login with your new password.

Note: I read somewhere and some people claimed this method doesn't work (Why it shouldn't work anyway, it's a built in function in Vista). I personally tried this before posting this post; it works like a charm. For what's worth I'm on Vista Ultimate.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/feed/ 4 How to Recover Lost Files in Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-recover-lost-files-in-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-recover-lost-files-in-windows-vista/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:23:06 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1315 When I deleted or overwrote a file by mistake (Windows XP), I simply Ctrl + Z to undo an action and most of the time it works like a charm at restoring files. Windows Vista however has Shadow Clone (also known as Volume Snapshot Service or VSS) feature that will allow users to restore current files with the ones previously saved.

Methods for Creating Shadow Copies

This feature is purposely built in Vista for Windows Vista's backup utility, System Restore and the Previous Versions. Here's a partial excerpt from Microsoft's site on how shadow copies are created.

There are two methods for creating shadow copies: making either a complete copy (a full copy or clone) or copying only the changes to the volume (a differential copy or copy-on-write). Each method results in two data images — the original volume and the shadow copy volume. The functional difference between the two is that the original volume maintains full read/write capabilities, whereas the shadow copy volume is read-only. This read-only status ensures that the shadow copy volume remains a point-in-time copy until its status is changed by the administrator for a specific purpose.

How to user this feature?

To restore a shadow copy that’s stored on your computer, simply right-click the file and click Restore previous versions. When you select the option, the Previous Versions tab is selected in the properties window (see picture below). There is none in the list since I turn off the restore system. Anyway, if the restore system is turned on and there are changes recently on a file, the list of previous version of the file or folder that you want to restore should come up. Simply click Restore, and the file or folder is restored.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/tips/how-to-recover-lost-files-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 How to run Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) in Windows Vista http://blog.eches.net/windows/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/ http://blog.eches.net/windows/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:08:05 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1306 As soon as you install Windows Vista on you computer, you just say goodbye for good to Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) because it is replaced by Internet Explorer 7. Why bother? Yup, that's the correct question to normal users but for web developers the absence of IE6 is troublesome especially when it comes to cross browser compatibility check. If you are on Windows XP you don't have problem to install multiple IEs as they can run side by side but not in Vista.

There's a solution to get around the problem but it's not really the easy one. I break down the steps into 2 parts so that it would be easier to follow.

Part 1: Software installations

1. First you need to download and install Virtual PC 2007 (roughly 31 MB)
2. Download IE6 VPC Image. There are several packages so make sure you choose the right installer (IE6-XPSP3_VPC.EXE) which is roughly 421 MB.
3. Once you are done with step 2, unpack the installer to a folder of your choice.
4. Run Virtual PC 2007 and click new to setup new virtual machine.
5. There's a wizard that will walk you through the process and here are the details you need to fill in.

  • Select "create a virtual machine" when you are asked for an option
  • Name and location: Rename it if you plan to have several virtualization (i.e. running Linux at the same time)
  • Select Windows XP as an operating system
  • Simply go with 128 MB, you may upgrade it later on
  • Select Windows XP as an operating system
  • Virtual Hard Disk Options: choose "an existing virtual hard disk"
  • Find IE6 image by browsing the directory where you unpack IE6 VPC Image in step 3

At this stage you should be able to boot into Windows XP with Internet Explorer 6 installed. As far as I'm concerned, I had already completed my wordpress theme and had uploaded it to my hosting server and now I need to see it online via IE6. The following part will show how to set our IE6 so that it can be connected to the internet.

Part 2: Getting IE6 Online

1. Go to Virtual PC console and click on settings > Networking and select "Adapter 1" dropdown menu on the right. As I'm on a wireless network, I just select network card that's associated to wireless connection. Otherwise, select "Shared Networking (NAT)" and click OK.
2. Go to Tools > Internet Options > Connections and click on "setup" in Internet Explorer 6. Make sure to do the following

  • Network Connection Type: Connect to the Internet
  • Choose Set up my connection manually
  • Internet Connection: choose Connect using a broadband connection that is always on
  • Click on "Finish".

2. Without exiting the "Internet Option", select "Local Are Network (LAN) Settings" and tick "Automatically Detect Settings" and click OK.
3. Restart Internet Explorer 6 and you should be able to online by now.

Now you are good to go online with IE6 on Windows Vista!

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/feed/ 9 Vista Start Menu for greater start menu accessibility http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/ http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:25:48 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1261 My first impression when I saw Windows Vista start menu was that the Vista improved start menu interface is way better than in Windows XP. A click or a brief hover over the "All Programs" after clicking on the start menu button, will trigger the menu to open where we can scroll up and down the menu in order to to access a program. This feature really cool if you have few programs installed but when the number grow in size, I prefer to use old Windows XP start menu interface.

Couple of days ago a marketing assistant of VistaStartMenu.com ask me if I can take a peek on the the software and write up a short review. I visited the demo link given. It looks very enticing that I replied without a second thought, confirming that I was going to write the review.

Basically Vista Start Menu is a convenient alternative to the traditional Windows Start menu. Vista Start Menu which use our cognitive abilities to recognize images & memorize locations, is an effective solution for Windows users. It enables you to access any necessary program folder or a file in one-two clicks, giving you an opportunity to work several times faster.

With a couple of keystrokes you can start a program or open a document in no time, without the need to take your hands off the keyboard. Magnifying (zoom in & zoom out) feature allows people with poor eyesight to work with comfort and helps those with large monitors. Don't worry if you have many programs, they will all fit onto the screen because you will be able to stretch the Start menu and resize it any way you like.

Vista Start Menu also supports tabs and each menu item can contain any number of them. Those who use the PRO version will also be able to use the features of one-click launch and quick uninstall. Give it a try and yup, it really delivers!

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/feed/ 0 Windows Live Suite: Download Windows Live Wave 3 Beta http://blog.eches.net/microsoft/windows-live-suite-download-windows-live-wave-3-beta/ http://blog.eches.net/microsoft/windows-live-suite-download-windows-live-wave-3-beta/#comments Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:01:37 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=1181 On September 16th, Microsoft rolled out Windows Live Wave 3 Beta, the newly Windows Live suite of applications and for the record, this is another late buzz from the renowned procrastinator :) If you look at the installer (screenshot below), you may choose the applications of your choice or you may choose all of them together (197 MB) for the sake of testing out new products. While I was writing this post, the download progress was almost half of the way and it seemed to move barely, heck it's really a bad idea to download large files during peak hours.

This package include

- Windows Live Messenger v9 Beta
- Windows Live Movie Maker Beta
- Windows Live Mail Beta with Calendar synchronisation
- Windows Live Writer Beta
- Windows Live Photo Gallery Beta
- Windows Live Family Safety Beta
- Microsoft Outlook & Connector Beta
- Windows Live Toolbar Beta

These new applications bring some new features like the capability of uploading videos to Youtube from Live Writer and the user interface of the respective applications is given uplift, making them more vibrant and appealing.

To fully enjoy the applications, your system generally needs to have a processor of at least 1 GHz or higher, 256 RAM or higher (Windows XP), 512 RAM or higher (Windows Vista) and for certain applications such as Movie Maker, ATI Radeon 9500 (or higher) or nVidia GeForce FX 5900 (or higher) are required to run the programs smoothly. You may see the full system requirements here.

Download Windows Live Wave 3 Beta

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/microsoft/windows-live-suite-download-windows-live-wave-3-beta/feed/ 2 2 Ways to Turn Off Annoying Vista UAC http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/ http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:18:48 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=996 Windows Vista UAC (User Account Control) is a special feature specifically built to enhance better security for Vista system. When we are about to install a program or usually when we initiate an installer (exe etc), screen will goes dark as the UAC popup appears. It's a very useful feature especially for newbies who can't differentiate between safe installer or malicious one that might pose threats to the computer system. Apparently, advanced users find this feature is not really a neccessity for them.

There are 2 ways to turn off the annoying Vista UAC.

First Method

1. First you need to type in "security" in the start menu search box and hit enter.
2. Local Security Policy window will appear. Browse into "Local Policies/Security Options" by using left pane.
3. Locate the "User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation" entry on the right pane.
4. Double click the entry and set it to "Disabled".
5. That's it and no more screen "blackout".

Second Method
Second method doesn't require you to go into the hassle like the first method. All you need to do is to download TweakUAC for Vista. No installation required and you just need to run it regardless of whenever it resides in your computer. Hate it, then simply hit the delete button, no need to unistall it.

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]]> http://blog.eches.net/windows-vista/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/feed/ 2 Vista Shutdown Timer: Schedule your Vista shutdown http://blog.eches.net/tips/vista-shutdown-timer-schedule-your-vista-shutdown/ http://blog.eches.net/tips/vista-shutdown-timer-schedule-your-vista-shutdown/#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:46:51 +0000 eches http://blog.eches.net/?p=821 I've been using Windows Vista for almost a month but I never write any post related to Windows Vista tips yet. There a lot of cool things in Windows Vista and new things that I learn along the way, so you can expect more Windows Vista tips in the near future. Let just start with Vista Shutdown Timer. This is a software I've been looking since I switched to Vista. You may, however, use CMD tips even though it's slightly different command line from Windows XP.

For those who are not really into CMD, you may use Vista Shutdown Timer. Bear in mind though, this little software (184KB in size) also has manual for you to use the CMD command line (click on the top right corner twice to get the manual, so you can learn the command line parameters).

Vista Shutdown Timer is an easy to use sleep-timer for Windows and is a single EXE file (no registry, installation etc needed). The interface is very intuitive and everything is self-explanatory. Don't be confused with the name of this tool which suggests it is only meant for Windows Vista. In fact it can also be used in Windows 2000 and XP. Download this free software and see more info over at Vista Shutdown Timer.

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