Articles tagged: Windows 7

The End is Near!

The World Won’t End!

I reflect on the realization that Windows XP’s end-of-support date came and went and nothing happened, and the implications of that for Windows 10’s end of support.

Merging Partitions

Can I Make C: Bigger by Taking Space From D:?

Changing the layout of the hard disk make the C: partition bigger requires a few steps and occasionally special tools.

Turn off hibernate

Tip of the Day: Turn Off Hibernate and Free Up Some Disk Space

Change what ... does

Tip of the Day: Control Your Laptop Buttons

Make a Backup!

Why Do You Prefer Macrium Reflect Over Windows’s Own Image Backup Program?

Macrium Reflect is clearer and more fully featured than Windows’ built-in backup. It’s easier to understand and ultimately, I trust it more.

Risks Ahead

What Does “Unsupported Software” Really Mean?

“Unsupported software” can refer to different things. I’ll review variations on the theme and revisit the question of whether unsupported software can be used safely.

CHKDSK needing to be run on reboot.

Where Do I Find CHKDSK Results After a Reboot?

CHKDSK must sometimes be run at boot time. I’ll show you where to find those CHKDSK results.

Move, Copy, Make a Shortcut

Tip of the Day: Move, Copy, or Create Shortcut

SFC - The System File Checker

SFC: the System File Checker – How to Run It and Why

The System File Checker is a little-known, simple-to-run command-line program. It validates that Window’s operating files are undamaged.

Save As Location

Tip of the Day: Where Does Save Save?

Windows File Explorer

Tip of the Day: View the Full Path in Windows File Explorer

Jump List

Tip of the Day: Use Jump Lists

Hide the TaskBar

Tip of the Day: Hide the Taskbar

Problem Steps Recorder Recording

Tip of the Day: Problem Steps Recorder

Windows Update on Windows 7

Why Am I Still Getting Updates for Windows 7?

Windows Update can update more than just the Windows operating system. So keeping it up to date is still a good idea.

Hotspot List in CMD

Tip of the Day: View Remembered Wireless Networks in Command Prompt

Where's the Start button???

The Start Button Is Missing and There’s No Taskbar. What Do I Do?

Taskbar and Start button disappeared? We’ll look at solutions for several reasons why this might happen.

Remove the FAX

Tip of the Day: Dump the Fax

How To Keep Using Windows 7 Safely After Support Ends

How To Keep Using Windows 7 Safely After Support Ends

Yes, it’ll be possible to keep using Windows 7 after it’s no longer supported. However, doing so safely will depend on you.

Unsupported hardware notification

Why is Windows Complaining About Unsupported Hardware?

Unsupported hardware because the CPU is too new? It’s a scenario some users of older Windows versions can experience. There are a couple of solutions.

Moving the Windows Taskbar Back to the Bottom

How Do I Move the Taskbar Back to the Bottom?

Occasionally, the Windows taskbar can end up on either side (or even the top of) your screen. I’ll show you how to move the taskbar bar back to the bottom.

Windows 10 Edition in the About page

How Do I Figure Out My Windows Edition?

The “edition” of Windows you’re running — Home, Pro, or others — defines some of the features made available. It’s not difficult to find out which edition you have.

Choose Default Email Program Windows 10

How Do I Change the Default Mail Program in Windows?

The default mail program is used to send email at the request of other programs on your computer or links on web page. If you use a web interface, however, things get tricky.

PSInfo

Tip of the Day: The PSTools Suite of Command Line Tools

Windows File Explorer

Tip of the Day: Restart Explorer

Running Explorer in Command

Tip of the Day: When “Run as administrator” Isn’t Available

Speccy

Tip of the Day: Get Speccy

Go Back to Windows 7

Four Ways to Go Back to Windows 7 or 8 from Windows 10

Windows 10 is here. If, after trying it, you find yourself wanting to go back to Windows 7, there are a few approaches.

Windows 7 with custom login background

How Do I Change the Windows 7 Login Screen Background? (with video)

Changing the background image on the Windows 7 login screen is simple. It’s also very obscure. I’ll show you how.

Audit Policy in Windows 8 gpedit.msc

How can I track what programs come and go on my machine?

Windows is constantly starting and stopping programs as part of its normal operations. You can see exactly what programs are being run using a Windows technique called process auditing.

Changing Windows Explorer Settings

Windows Explorer is a ubiquitous and under-appreciated component of Windows 7. I’ll look at some settings I recommend changing if you’re a frequent user, and include a bonus tip that can sometimes speed up Windows Explorer’s start-up.

How Do I Create a Windows 7 Password Reset Disk, and Why Would I Want To?

Windows includes a little-known and little-used feature that allows you to reset your Windows password if you’ve lost or forgotten it. There’s only one catch: you need to prepare.

Just What Are Windows 7’s “Libraries” and How Do They Work?

Libraries are a feature added to Windows 7 that allow multiple folders to viewed as if they are one. It’s not new, but it can be very confusing.

Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?

Windows Mail has been removed from Windows 7, along with several other applications. We’ll look at where to find their replacements.