Articles in Category: Windows
Three Reasons Programs Use All Available Memory in Your Computer
Programs typically don’t use all available memory unless they either need it, or they have a problem.
Why Do You Regularly Reinstall Your System?
With older versions of Windows it wasn’t uncommon to want to reinstall from scratch every so often. Things are better in more recent versions. I’ll explain why someone like me might need to, and why the average computer user probably doesn’t any more.
What’s an “Automatic (Delayed start)” Service?
Delayed start services are programs which need to start up “eventually” when you start your machine. It’s one of the ways that Windows tries to optimize startup.
How Do I Schedule a Nightly Reboot in Windows 8.1? (with video)
Scheduling a nightly reboot or shutdown is easily done using Windows Task Scheduler and the built-in shutdown command.
How Do I Get a .mobi Ebook onto My Kindle?
“.mobi” format is the native format for books used on Amazon Kindle reading devices. I’ll show you how to get that “.mobi” book you just downloaded from your PC to your Kindle.
Why Won’t My Computer Return from Standby?
Windows has the option of numerous types of software and hardware being installed. That leads to a complicated situation for standby to deal with. It easily goes wrong.
Why Am I Still Getting Updates for Windows XP?
Windows update can update more things than just Windows operating system. So keeping it up to date is still a good idea.
How do I change the Windows 8 lock screen background? (with Video)
Changing the background image of the Windows 8 lock screen is relatively easy, though it does require a short trip into the registry.
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.
How can I find out what program keeps popping up in my taskbar and disappearing before I can click on it?
It’s not uncommon to see programs quickly come and go. There are a few ways to try and capture what they are; some technical, and some innovative.
Are Offers for Continued XP Support and Security Legitimate or Worthwhile?
Offering security is one thing. If they are actually offering XP bug support, I would be immediately suspicious.
How Do I Get the Required Windows 8.1 Update?
I received a question that pointed me to an article on a reputable mainstream press site discussing the Windows 8.1 Update that Microsoft recently rolled out. The update will become the new baseline for Windows 8 and within a month or so, it’ll be required in order to receive continued updates. Their article’s headline compared getting the … Read more
How do I learn more about computers?
The biggest key to learning is to follow your own curiosity. So don’t be afraid to poke around, read what you can, and ask questions.
Can I Delete Old Updates?
It all really boils down to how updates are applied. Some you can delete, others you should not. I’ll review the different types.
What does NTLDR is missing mean?
You’re missing your boot loader. This may mean serious hardware problems… or perhaps just something forgetful on your part!
What’s the Best Way to Upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7?
A clean install is going to get you a cleaner operating system.
Is Microsoft Security Essentials supported on XP or not?
Microsoft Security Essentials is throwing scary warning messages now that Windows XP support has come to an end. How serious is the problem that MSE is alerting you to?
How do I Repair My System if the Registry Can’t Be Loaded?
We can certainly find a way to repair your system registry. But my concern is, why did this happen in the first place?
Does my Windows upgrade disc require that I have the previous operating system installed?
What I’d do first is just try it. If that doesn’t work then we’ll have to dig a little deeper to find a solution for you.
Will it be safe to exchange emails with XP users after support ends?
XP machines may have a slightly increased risk of spreading malware. But in the end it boils down to safe computing habits – both for you and your friends.
Is there Software that Will Allow Me to Keep All the Software on My Machine Up to Date?
It’s important to keep software up to date, and there are several ways to do it. But when it comes to drivers… be careful!
I’ve Lost the Password to My Windows Administrator Account. How Do I Get it Back?
It turns out that resetting your Windows account password is frighteningly easy as long as you have physical access to the machine.
Can Windows XP even run without a network?
An XP machine can run without a network. But would it still be useful?
Will Preventing XP from Reaching the Internet Keep Me Safe?
Keeping an XP computer off the internet will also prevent it from keeping any anti-malware tools up-to-date. You may end up less safe than you think.
Why Does Windows File Explorer Right-click Take so Long?
The menu that drops down on a right click is called a Context Menu. To fix it we need to first delve into why and how it works.
Should I Defrag TrueCrypt?
TrueCrypt creates a virtual disk drive within a file. As a result, defragging it makes some sense.
Where Did these Oddly-named Folders Come From, and How Do I Get Rid of Them?
Windows programs often make these oddly named files as part of their setup process. You’ll have to make sure they are not being used to delete them.
Can I ignore Windows 8.1 and stick with Windows 8?
My belief is that you probably want 8.1. Not for any features per se – but I think you’re going to want 8.1 or 8.2 or whatever comes later… someday.
Is Running Windows XP in a Virtual Machine as Risky as Running XP Natively?
In and of itself, running XP as a virtual machine doesn’t make it any less vulnerable. You can add security by restricting what you do inside a virtual machine to the bare minimum required.
How do I log into Windows automatically?
This is a very common question. The answer’s a bit buried, but it’s actually quite simple. And for the most part, it applies not only to Windows 8, but Windows 10, Windows 7 and Windows Vista as well.
How do I get Office if I’m on dial-up?
Software packages, more and more, are coming as large download files – I wouldn’t even attempt to do it on dial-up! There may be a few options for you that will work.
Can I Isolate Windows XP in a Virtual Machine to Stay Safe?
Unfortunately, as Microsoft ends support for XP any strategy to make it 100% safe will also render it virtually useless. A virtual machine does add some protection, just know the pitfalls.
Why can’t I get software on CDs or DVDs?
Software vendors seem to think these days that everyone has high speed internet for downloading large files. What happens if you don’t?
What to Do About Windows XP
I recently posted a video summarizing my opinion of the options available to those who are currently using Windows XP, and those who plan to continue using it past its end-of-support date.
What about all those cash machines running Windows XP?
The end of support for Windows XP could create security concerns way beyond personal machines. What about banks, and small business systems?
Could I just keep using XP for storing pictures and playing games?
Limiting the use of an old XP machine could make it less vulnerable. Heck, you could just turn the computer off to keep it safe… but how useful is that going to be?
How do I migrate to a new machine?
Moving to a new operating system is rarely “seamless”. But if you go about it step by step you’ll end up with a stable system that will last for years.
I Don’t Have Installation Media for Windows. What If I Need It?
At some point, you’re going to need your Windows installation CD/DVD. If you don’t have it, you could be severely out of luck. I’ll review alternatives.
I have an important MS DOS program that won’t run in Win 7 – what do I do?
Sometimes you need an old program that won’t run on your current operating system. No Problem! Virtual machines to the rescue.
How do I protect my Windows XP after they stop sending updates?
When Microsoft stops support for XP your computer will keep working. The big problem is unsupported vulnerabilities.
Will Macrium Reflect Free keep working in XP?
Current versions will continue to work. The real problem is what happens with future versions.
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.
How Do I Go Back to a Regular Account after Updating to Windows 8.1?
After updating Windows 8 to Windows 8.1, many users find that they must now login to their machines using their Microsoft account. I’ll show you how to switch back to logging in with a local account as you did before.
Why Am I Getting the “USB Inserted” Sound When I Haven’t Inserted Anything?
This is a system sound that could even be indicating an internal event. We’ll try to track down its source.
Can I Combine Two Drives into One?
You can put whatever you want on your new computer; it’s just a matter of transferring the data and organizing it!
How Do I Keep a Program from Loading at Startup?
Be careful what you disable from starting up with your computer. You might end up with unexpected results.
Why Does Microsoft Security Essentials seem to Interfere with System Restore?
System restore just doesn’t seem to work reliably. There is actually a much better way to protect your system from corruption and mistakes.
I reinstalled Windows and lost a file on my desktop, what can I do?
When you reinstall an operating system it overwrites everything on your computer. If you didn’t backup a file, you are going to have a hard time finding it.
Why Doesn’t Microsoft Dump the Registry?
The registry is just a database, and needed for the complex issues it solves. It’s true that things can go wrong.
Why Did I Get this Additional Driver Utility?
More frequently, unwanted software is included in the download package of things you actually want. Preventing these programs from being installed is easy; getting rid of them may not be.
