Eches - Technology | OS | Mobile | Software | Gadgets » Windows Vista http://eches.net Tips & Tricks related to web, internet and computer Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:31:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 How to speed up your computer on Windows 7 and Vista by using USB drive http://eches.net/how-to-speed-up-your-computer-on-windows-7-and-vista-by-using-usb-drive/ http://eches.net/how-to-speed-up-your-computer-on-windows-7-and-vista-by-using-usb-drive/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:45:40 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=5588 Windows 7 OS offers a lot of interesting features including an option to improve its system processing memory (speed up the system) by just using any USB drive. In fact this feature is also available in the previous OS, Vista. How does a USB drive can speed up the system I hear your ask. Basically the free space available on your pen drive, can be used as an additional virtual cache memory which in turn increase the system cache memory of your PC. Please note, this method does not increase the capacity of physical RAM but it helps in speeding up your PC.

How to speed up your computer by using USB drive?

1. Plug in your USB drive to your PC and you should see an autoplay popup as picture below. You can then choose the "Speed up my system using Windows Readyboost".

2. If the autoplay doesn't work, don't panic. You can still access the feature manually. Browse in your "Computer" and locate your USB drive. Right click on the USB drive and select "properties" and click the "ReadyBoost" tab.

3. Just select "Use this device" and set the amount of space you want to dedicate for the virtual cache. Windows will then create what is called a paging file on the disk which allows faster access. Please note, this only works with SD cards and USB 2.0 devices. Now your USB drive has been successfully configured such that your system can work faster.

That's it.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-speed-up-your-computer-on-windows-7-and-vista-by-using-usb-drive/feed/ 0 How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista http://eches.net/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/ http://eches.net/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:13:17 +0000 eches http://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.

How to Dual Boot Windows 7 and Windows Vista

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.

What now?

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.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-dual-boot-windows-7-and-windows-vista/feed/ 0 How to Create Partition or New Drive in Windows Vista http://eches.net/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/ http://eches.net/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 07:01:59 +0000 eches http://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 to have 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 (see tutorial how to create a partition on Windows 7).

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!

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-create-partition-or-new-drive-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 How to Edit/Delete A System File in Windows Vista http://eches.net/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/ http://eches.net/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:17:16 +0000 eches http://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.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-editdelete-a-system-file-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 Vista Transformation Pack 9.0.1 for Download http://eches.net/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/ http://eches.net/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/#comments Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:21:56 +0000 eches http://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.

]]> http://eches.net/vista-transformation-pack-901-for-download/feed/ 0 How to Create Password Reset Disks in Windows Vista http://eches.net/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/ http://eches.net/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/#comments Sat, 04 Oct 2008 21:59:49 +0000 eches http://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. Plug in 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.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-create-password-reset-disks-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 How to run Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) in Windows Vista http://eches.net/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/ http://eches.net/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:08:05 +0000 eches http://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)

Virtual PC 2007

Virtual PC 2007

2. Download IE6 VPC Image. There are several packages so make sure you choose the right installer (IE6-XPSP3_VPC.EXE) which is 377 MB.

Windows_XP_IE6.exe file

Windows_XP_IE6.exe file

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".

3. Without exiting the "Internet Option", select "Local Are Network (LAN) Settings" and tick "Automatically Detect Settings" and click OK.

4. 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!

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-run-internet-explorer-6-ie6-in-windows-vista/feed/ 0 Vista Start Menu for greater start menu accessibility on Windows Vista & Windows 7 http://eches.net/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/ http://eches.net/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:25:48 +0000 eches http://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.

Compatible Windows

  • Windows 2000
  • Windows 2003
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows 7

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!

]]> http://eches.net/vista-start-menu-for-greater-start-menu-accessibility/feed/ 0 2 Ways to Disable User Account Control (UAC) Windows Vista & Windows 7 http://eches.net/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/ http://eches.net/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:18:48 +0000 eches http://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 necessary for them.

This article is updated on January 2012 to let you know that the same methods can also be used to turn off User Account Control (UAC) in Windows 7. The screenshots used in [method 1] are taken from Windows 7 platform.

As for Windows 7, Microsoft has already employed UAC control panel which works exactly the same as the small application in [method 2]. So you don't actually need application in method 2. In fact, Windows 7 users don't really need to delve into [method 1] to disable it. That said, it brings no harm for you to use either methods on Windows 7 UAC.

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" by using left pane and double click on "Security Options".

Local Security Policy

Local Security Policy

3. Locate the "User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation" entry on the right pane.

Local Security Policy - User Account Control

Local Security Policy - User Account Control

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.

]]> http://eches.net/2-ways-to-turn-off-annoying-vista-uac/feed/ 0 Are you ready for Vista? http://eches.net/are-you-ready-for-vista/ http://eches.net/are-you-ready-for-vista/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2007 01:50:07 +0000 eches http://eches.net/2007/01/09/are-you-ready-for-vista/ windows vista logoWindows Vista is the unprecendented Windows OS release that requires a dedicated graphic card to exploit its full potential. For home users, there will be three versions: Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium and Vista Home Ultimate. With such high specifications, Microsoft really wants users to consider to upgrade their computers.

If you really interested in using Windows Vista, you must first check your computer capability to handle the enourmous needs of Vista. You can check your computer's compatibility by visiting the following url.

1. Visit Are you Vista ready?
2. Read through the license agreement and press agree at the bottom of that page. Shortly after that, a popup will appear and select the can you run it?
windows vista
3. If the active-x is off, you need to turn that on. Supposed you don't have Java runtime environment installed in your computer, you need to install it and it will take a few minutes to complete.
4. After that, you are required to install a small software (adware,spyware free and it does not collect any info from your computer), to check your computer's compatiblity.

windows vista test result
Here's the test result of my computer. I need to upgrade the processor and the graphic card (thinking of having new computer). So, how's your computer perform in the test? Are they Vista ready?

My take on this

If you take a closer look on the requirement for using Windows Vista, it seems that the latest product of Microsoft will fail terribly. Not everybody is going to have massive upgrade which will definitely cost some money on top of purchasing Windows Vista.

If the your PC basic requirement itself seems only sufficient to run Windows Vista alone, not including any other software that requires more power from your PC, it will surely bring your PC to a crawl. So before you jumping onto the bandwagon investing on upgrading your PC, I suggest you wait at least for a while and see how this new Windows platform works on other people.

Bear in mind there a lot of new features introduced and even though it may seem very tempting for us to try, I believe there will hiccups and bugs that could be found inside Windows Vista (I know it's a premium software but hey, nobody is perfect right?).

That's my 2 cents anyway :)

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