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| Windows 7 Tips & Tricks |
BEST WINDOWS 7 USING TIPS
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS
SEE THE
BELOW WINDOWS KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS. AND USE IT.
Windows key & arrow key tips
Windows key+the Up arrow will maximize a window and Windows key+the Down arrow will re-size and then minimize the window.
Press the
Windows key and the + (plus) or - (minus) keys.
Pressing the plus zooms in & the minus will zoom out.
Taskbar Using Tips
Windows key + Any Number
Pressing the
Windows key+a number on the top row of your keyboard will open the Window
corresponding to the open program on your Taskbar. For example, in the below
picture of the Windows 7 Taskbar, 1. Firefox, 2. Control panel 3.Adobe
Photoshop. If the Windows key + 2 was pressed, Control Panel would become the
active window.
Open a second instance
If you want
to open a second instance or window of a program that is already open, hold the
Shift key+click the program icon on the Taskbar.
Get to the Desktop
Click the
Desktop button on the far right edge of the Taskbar to get to the Desktop.
Notification
area tips
Windows
Vista and Windows 7 allow the Windows Notification area (aka Systray) to be modified. By default, many of the icons shown
in the past are now hidden and give Windows a much cleaner look. Customize this
area to make icons show or not show by clicking on the up arrow next to the
icons and selecting Customize, as shown in the picture to the
right. Once in Customize you can choose what programs show, don't show, or only
show notifications.
Tips of text quality
Use the
Windows ClearType Text
Tuner to improve the overall quality of all text you read on your screen. To
start the ClearType Text Tuner click the Start Orb and type cttune.exe and
press Enter.
Windows 7
features tips
Turn on and
off Windows features by clicking Start, typing features and
press enter. In the Programs and Features window on the left-hand column
click Turn Windows features on or off and in the Windows
Features box check or uncheck the features you want enabled or disabled.
Use the
Reliability and Performance Monitor
View the
reliability history of your computer by using the Reliability Monitor. Click the Start orb and type reliability and press enter
for View Reliability History. In the Reliability Monitor, you'll be able to
view the overall reliability of your computer and be able to identify any past
problems your computer has had.
If you want
to view the performance of your computer in real time use the Performance Monitor. Click the Start orb and type performance and press enter for the
Performance Monitor. In the Performance Monitor, you can view your computers
performance in real time or view a log of your systems performance.
underlined keyboard shortcuts-
By default, Windows 7 has the underlines for keyboard shortcuts like
those shown in the picture to the right disabled. To re-enable these underlines
in all Windows programs follow the below steps.
1.
Open the Control Panel
2.
In the Control Panel click Ease of Access
3.
In Ease of Access click Change how your
keyboard works
4.
Finally, check the Underline
keyboard shortcuts and access keys and then click Ok.
SOMETHING MORE ABOUT WINDOWS 7
Whether you have simply bought a second-hand laptop running Windows seven or you have been victimization it for a short while, there area unit guaranteed to be belongings you did not understand you'll do.
Whether it's tweaks to urge the desktop the means you wish it, tips for troubleshooting or ways in which to squeeze additional performance from Windows seven, we have it lined.
We've updated our in style Windows seven tips article with a load of recent ones, as well as the way to recover and reset your system, the way to tweak your screen resolution and also the legibility of text, play music on a network of PCs, and more.
Read on for over ninety tips to assist you get the simplest from Windows seven.
Whether it's tweaks to urge the desktop the means you wish it, tips for troubleshooting or ways in which to squeeze additional performance from Windows seven, we have it lined.
We've updated our in style Windows seven tips article with a load of recent ones, as well as the way to recover and reset your system, the way to tweak your screen resolution and also the legibility of text, play music on a network of PCs, and more.
Read on for over ninety tips to assist you get the simplest from Windows seven.
1. drawback Steps Recorder
As the native laptop guru you are most likely terribly accustomed friends and family posing for facilitate with their laptop issues, nevertheless having no plan the way to clearly describe what is going on on. It's frustrating, however Microsoft feels your pain, and Windows seven can embody a superb new answer within the drawback Steps Recorder.
When any app starts misbehaving below Windows seven then all of your friends would like do is click begin, kind PSR and press Enter, then click begin Record. If they then run through no matter they are doing then the matter Steps Recorder can record each click and keypress, take screen grabs, and package everything up into one zipped MHTML file once they are finished, prepared for emailing to you. It's quick, simple and effective, and can prevent hours of troubleshooting time.
When any app starts misbehaving below Windows seven then all of your friends would like do is click begin, kind PSR and press Enter, then click begin Record. If they then run through no matter they are doing then the matter Steps Recorder can record each click and keypress, take screen grabs, and package everything up into one zipped MHTML file once they are finished, prepared for emailing to you. It's quick, simple and effective, and can prevent hours of troubleshooting time.
2. Burn pictures
Windows seven finally introduces a feature that alternative operational systems have had for years - the power to burn ISO pictures to CDs or DVDs. And it could not be a lot of easier to use. simply double-click the ISO image, select the drive with the blank disc, click Burn and watch as your disc is made.
3. produce and mount VHD files
Microsoft's Virtual laptop creates its virtual machine laborious drives in VHD files, and Windows seven will currently mount these directly thus you'll be able to access them within the host system. Click begin, kind diskmgmt.msc and press Enter, then click Action > Attach VHD and select the file you want to mount. it'll then seem as a virtual drive in mortal and might be accessed, traced or written a bit like the other drive.
Click Action > produce VHD and you'll be able to currently produce a replacement virtual drive of your own (right-click it, choose Initialise Disk, and when it's created right-click the unallocated house and choose New easy Volume to line this up). Again, you will be left with a virtual drive that behaves a bit like the other, wherever you'll be able to drag and drop files, install programs, take a look at partitioning computer code or do no matter you wish. however it's truly simply this VHD file on your real disk drive that you'll be able to simply keep a copy or share with others. Right-click the disk (that's the left-hand label that says "Disk 2" or whatever) and choose Detach VHD to get rid of it.
The statement DISKPART utility has additionally been upgraded with tools to detach a VHD file, associated an EXPAND command to extend a virtual disk's most size. do not play with this unless you recognize what you are doing, tho' - it's only too simple to trash your system.
4. Troubleshoot issues
If some a part of Windows seven is behaving surprisingly, and you do not understand why, then click control board > realize and fix issues (or 'Troubleshooting') to access the new troubleshooting packs. These area unit easy wizards that may resolve common issues, check your settings, pack up your system and additional.
3. produce and mount VHD files
Microsoft's Virtual laptop creates its virtual machine laborious drives in VHD files, and Windows seven will currently mount these directly thus you'll be able to access them within the host system. Click begin, kind diskmgmt.msc and press Enter, then click Action > Attach VHD and select the file you want to mount. it'll then seem as a virtual drive in mortal and might be accessed, traced or written a bit like the other drive.
Click Action > produce VHD and you'll be able to currently produce a replacement virtual drive of your own (right-click it, choose Initialise Disk, and when it's created right-click the unallocated house and choose New easy Volume to line this up). Again, you will be left with a virtual drive that behaves a bit like the other, wherever you'll be able to drag and drop files, install programs, take a look at partitioning computer code or do no matter you wish. however it's truly simply this VHD file on your real disk drive that you'll be able to simply keep a copy or share with others. Right-click the disk (that's the left-hand label that says "Disk 2" or whatever) and choose Detach VHD to get rid of it.
The statement DISKPART utility has additionally been upgraded with tools to detach a VHD file, associated an EXPAND command to extend a virtual disk's most size. do not play with this unless you recognize what you are doing, tho' - it's only too simple to trash your system.
4. Troubleshoot issues
If some a part of Windows seven is behaving surprisingly, and you do not understand why, then click control board > realize and fix issues (or 'Troubleshooting') to access the new troubleshooting packs. These area unit easy wizards that may resolve common issues, check your settings, pack up your system and additional.
5. Startup repair
If you have downloaded Windows seven (and although you haven't) it is a smart plan to make a system repair disc without delay just in case you run into issues booting the OS shortly. Click begin > Maintenance > produce a System Repair Disc, and let Windows seven build a bootable emergency disc. If the worst will happen then it can be the sole thanks to get your laptop running once more.
6. head
Tired of the children putting in dubious computer code or running applications you'd rather they left alone? AppLocker could be a new Windows seven feature that ensures users will solely run the programs you specify. don't be concerned, that is easier to line up than it sounds: you'll be able to produce a rule to permit everything signed by a specific publisher, thus select Microsoft, say, which one rule can allow you to run all signed Microsoft applications. Launch GPEDIT.MSC and move to laptop Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application management Policies > AppLocker to urge a condole with however this works.
6. head
Tired of the children putting in dubious computer code or running applications you'd rather they left alone? AppLocker could be a new Windows seven feature that ensures users will solely run the programs you specify. don't be concerned, that is easier to line up than it sounds: you'll be able to produce a rule to permit everything signed by a specific publisher, thus select Microsoft, say, which one rule can allow you to run all signed Microsoft applications. Launch GPEDIT.MSC and move to laptop Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application management Policies > AppLocker to urge a condole with however this works.
7. Calculate additional
At first look the Windows seven calculator appearance a bit like Vista's version, however explore the Mode menu and you will see powerful new Statistics and computer user views. And if you are uninformed regarding bitwise manipulation, then attempt the choices menu instead. This offers many alternative unit conversions (length, weight, volume and more), date calculations (how several days between 2 dates?), and spreadsheet-type templates to assist you calculate vehicle mileage, mortgage rates and additional.
Don't take any Windows seven application at face price, then - there area unit some terribly powerful new options hidden within the background. make sure to explore each choice altogether Windows applets to make sure you do not miss something vital.
The new Calculator is packed with helpful options and practicality
Don't take any Windows seven application at face price, then - there area unit some terribly powerful new options hidden within the background. make sure to explore each choice altogether Windows applets to make sure you do not miss something vital.
The new Calculator is packed with helpful options and practicality
8. Switch to a projector
Windows seven currently provides a regular thanks to switch your show from one monitor to a different, or a projector - simply press Win+P or run DisplaySwitch.exe and select your most popular show. (This can haven't any impact if you have only 1 show connected.)
9. Get an influence potency report
If you have got a laptop computer, you'll be able to use the potency calculator to urge Windows seven to come up with many helpful data regarding its power consumption. employed in the correct means, this may assist you create large gains in terms of battery life and performance. {to do|to try to to|to try associated do} this you want to open a prompt as an administrator by writing 'cmd' in begin Search, and once the cmd icon seems, right-click it and select Run as administrator.
Then at the statement, simply kind in 'powercfg -energy' (without quotes) and hit come, and Windows seven can scan your system craving for ways in which to boost power potency. it'll then publish the ends up in associate hypertext mark-up language file, typically within the System32 folder. simply follow the trail it offers you to seek out your report.
9. Get an influence potency report
If you have got a laptop computer, you'll be able to use the potency calculator to urge Windows seven to come up with many helpful data regarding its power consumption. employed in the correct means, this may assist you create large gains in terms of battery life and performance. {to do|to try to to|to try associated do} this you want to open a prompt as an administrator by writing 'cmd' in begin Search, and once the cmd icon seems, right-click it and select Run as administrator.
Then at the statement, simply kind in 'powercfg -energy' (without quotes) and hit come, and Windows seven can scan your system craving for ways in which to boost power potency. it'll then publish the ends up in associate hypertext mark-up language file, typically within the System32 folder. simply follow the trail it offers you to seek out your report.
10. Understanding System Restore
Using System Restore in previous versions of Windows has been one thing of a bet. there isn't any means of telling that applications or drivers it'd have an effect on - you simply have to be compelled to attempt it and see.
Windows seven is totally different. Right-click laptop, choose Properties > System Protection > System Restore > Next, and select the restore purpose you want to use. Click the new button to 'Scan for affected programs' and Windows can tell you which of them (if any) programs and drivers are going to be deleted or recovered by choosing this restore purpose. (Read our full Windows seven System Restore tutorial.)
Windows seven is totally different. Right-click laptop, choose Properties > System Protection > System Restore > Next, and select the restore purpose you want to use. Click the new button to 'Scan for affected programs' and Windows can tell you which of them (if any) programs and drivers are going to be deleted or recovered by choosing this restore purpose. (Read our full Windows seven System Restore tutorial.)
11. Set the geographical zone
System directors can appreciate the new statement tzutil.exe utility, that helps you to set a PC's geographical zone from scripts. If you needed to line a laptop to Greenwich mean solar time, as an example, you'd use the command
tzutil /s "gmt commonplace time"
The command "tzutil /g" displays the present geographical zone, "tzutil /l" lists all doable time zones, and "tzutil /?" displays details on however the command works.
tzutil /s "gmt commonplace time"
The command "tzutil /g" displays the present geographical zone, "tzutil /l" lists all doable time zones, and "tzutil /?" displays details on however the command works.
12. simply set screen resolution
Choosing a replacement screen resolution accustomed involve locating and browsing through the show Properties application. Windows seven created this so much less complicated, tho' - simply right-click associate empty a part of the desktop, choose Screen Resolution and you will right away see the acceptable choices.
13. Calibrate your screen
The colours you see on your screen can vary betting on your monitor, graphics cards settings, lighting and additional, nevertheless the general public use an equivalent default Windows color profile. which means that a digital image you think that appearance good may seem terribly poor to everyone else. luckily Windows seven currently provides a show color activity Wizard that helps you properly created your brightness, distinction and color settings, and a ClearType tuner to make sure text is crisp and sharp. Click begin, kind DCCW and press Enter to convey it a attempt.
14. pack up Live necessities
Installing Windows Live necessities can get you the new versions of Mail, producer, image Gallery et al. - nice. sadly it additionally includes alternative parts that will be unessential, however if you wish to stay a clean system then these may be quickly removed.
If you left the default Set Your Search supplier choice elect throughout installation, as an example, Windows Live can install selection Guard, a tool to line your browser home page and program, and stop alternative programs from dynamical them. If this causes issues later, otherwise you simply decide you do not would like it, then selection Guard could also be removed by clicking begin, writing msiexec /x and pressing [Enter].
Windows Live necessities additionally adds associate ActiveX management to assist transfer your files to Windows Live SkyDrive, likewise because the Windows Live Sign-in Assistant, that makes it easier to manage and switch between multiple Windows Live accounts. If you are positive you will ne'er would like either then take away them with the control board Uninstall a Program application.
If you left the default Set Your Search supplier choice elect throughout installation, as an example, Windows Live can install selection Guard, a tool to line your browser home page and program, and stop alternative programs from dynamical them. If this causes issues later, otherwise you simply decide you do not would like it, then selection Guard could also be removed by clicking begin, writing msiexec /x and pressing [Enter].
Windows Live necessities additionally adds associate ActiveX management to assist transfer your files to Windows Live SkyDrive, likewise because the Windows Live Sign-in Assistant, that makes it easier to manage and switch between multiple Windows Live accounts. If you are positive you will ne'er would like either then take away them with the control board Uninstall a Program application.
15. Add network support
By default Windows Live MovieMaker will not allow you to import files over a network, however a fast register tweak can amendment this. Run REGEDIT, browse to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Movie Maker, add a DWORD price known as AllowNetworkFiles and set it to one to feature network support.
16. Activate XP mode
If you've previous however vital computer code that now not runs below Windows seven, then you'll attempt victimization XP Mode, a virtual copy of XP that runs in a very window on your Windows seven desktop. This solely works with Windows seven skilled, Enterprise, or final. And your system can ought to have hardware virtualisation (AMD-V or Intel VT) in-built and turned on, too (check your Bios to form sure).
An alternative is to use VirtualBox, a free virtualisation tool that does not enforce hardware support, however you may ought to realize a licenced copy of XP (or no matter alternative Windows version your computer code requires) for its virtual machine.
17. change virtual Wi-Fi
Windows seven includes a little-known new feature known as Virtual Wi-Fi, that effectively turns your laptop or laptop computer into a software-based router. the other Wi-Fi-enabled devices among vary - a desktop, laptop, associate iPod maybe - can see you as a replacement network and, once logged on, right away be ready to share your web association.
This will solely work if your wireless adapter driver supports it, though, and not all do. confer with your adapter manufacturer and make certain you have put in the terribly latest drivers to convey you the simplest likelihood.
Once you have got driver support then the best approach is to urge a network tool which will created virtual Wi-Fi for you. Virtual Router (below) is free, simple to use and will have you ever sharing your web association terribly quickly.
If you do not mind operating with the statement, though, perhaps putting in place some batch files or scripts, then it isn't that tough to line this up manually. See flip your Windows seven laptop computer into a wireless hotspot for additional.
18. Recover locked-up apps
If associate application locks up below a previous version of Windows then there was nothing you'll do regarding it. a replacement Windows seven choice, however, can't solely make a case for the matter, however might get your program operating once more with none loss of information.
When the lockup happens, click begin, kind RESMON and click on the RESMON.EXE link to launch the Resource Monitor.
Find your frozen method within the CPU pane (it ought to be highlighted in red), right-click it and choose Analyze Wait Chain.
If you see a minimum of 2 processes within the list, then rock bottom, at the tip of the tree, is that the one holding up your program. If it isn't an important Windows part, or the rest vital, then save any add alternative open applications, check the box next to the current method, click finish method, and your locked-up program can typically spring back to life.
An alternative is to use VirtualBox, a free virtualisation tool that does not enforce hardware support, however you may ought to realize a licenced copy of XP (or no matter alternative Windows version your computer code requires) for its virtual machine.
17. change virtual Wi-Fi
Windows seven includes a little-known new feature known as Virtual Wi-Fi, that effectively turns your laptop or laptop computer into a software-based router. the other Wi-Fi-enabled devices among vary - a desktop, laptop, associate iPod maybe - can see you as a replacement network and, once logged on, right away be ready to share your web association.
This will solely work if your wireless adapter driver supports it, though, and not all do. confer with your adapter manufacturer and make certain you have put in the terribly latest drivers to convey you the simplest likelihood.
Once you have got driver support then the best approach is to urge a network tool which will created virtual Wi-Fi for you. Virtual Router (below) is free, simple to use and will have you ever sharing your web association terribly quickly.
If you do not mind operating with the statement, though, perhaps putting in place some batch files or scripts, then it isn't that tough to line this up manually. See flip your Windows seven laptop computer into a wireless hotspot for additional.
18. Recover locked-up apps
If associate application locks up below a previous version of Windows then there was nothing you'll do regarding it. a replacement Windows seven choice, however, can't solely make a case for the matter, however might get your program operating once more with none loss of information.
When the lockup happens, click begin, kind RESMON and click on the RESMON.EXE link to launch the Resource Monitor.
Find your frozen method within the CPU pane (it ought to be highlighted in red), right-click it and choose Analyze Wait Chain.
If you see a minimum of 2 processes within the list, then rock bottom, at the tip of the tree, is that the one holding up your program. If it isn't an important Windows part, or the rest vital, then save any add alternative open applications, check the box next to the current method, click finish method, and your locked-up program can typically spring back to life.
19. Fault-Tolerant facilitate
Windows seven includes a replacement feature known as the Fault Tolerant facilitate (FTH), an inventive technology that appears out for unstable processes, detects those who could also be unmitigated attributable to memory problems, and applies many time period fixes to do and facilitate. If these work, that is fine - if not, the fixes are going to be undone and that they will not be applied to it method once more.
While this can be superb in theory, it will leave you confused as some applications crash, then begin operating (sometimes) for no apparent reason. thus if you want to see if the FTH is running on your laptop, launch REGEDIT, and move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\FTH - any program presently being protected by the FTH are going to be listed within the State key.
Experienced users may additionally attempt tweaking the FTH settings to catch additional issues, and maybe improve system stability. A post on Microsoft's raise The Performance Team diary (bit.ly/d1JStu) explains what the varied FTH register keys mean.
20. management devices and printers
Device Manager could be a powerful tool for managing hardware, however it is also rather technical and discouraging, that is perhaps why Windows seven has introduced a additional basic various within the Devices and Printers application.
The first improvement is solely visual, with extended and cryptic device names replaced by giant icons for major hardware things solely (monitor, mouse, hard drive, printer so on).
The new application may prevent time, though, by providing a fast and simple thanks to access relevant functions for every device. If you've some printer-related issue, say, right-clicking your printer icon displays a listing of helpful choices - See what is Printing, Printer Preferences, Printer Properties, Delete Printer Queue and additional - and every one you have got to try and do is choose no matter you would like.
While this can be superb in theory, it will leave you confused as some applications crash, then begin operating (sometimes) for no apparent reason. thus if you want to see if the FTH is running on your laptop, launch REGEDIT, and move to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\FTH - any program presently being protected by the FTH are going to be listed within the State key.
Experienced users may additionally attempt tweaking the FTH settings to catch additional issues, and maybe improve system stability. A post on Microsoft's raise The Performance Team diary (bit.ly/d1JStu) explains what the varied FTH register keys mean.
20. management devices and printers
Device Manager could be a powerful tool for managing hardware, however it is also rather technical and discouraging, that is perhaps why Windows seven has introduced a additional basic various within the Devices and Printers application.
The first improvement is solely visual, with extended and cryptic device names replaced by giant icons for major hardware things solely (monitor, mouse, hard drive, printer so on).
The new application may prevent time, though, by providing a fast and simple thanks to access relevant functions for every device. If you've some printer-related issue, say, right-clicking your printer icon displays a listing of helpful choices - See what is Printing, Printer Preferences, Printer Properties, Delete Printer Queue and additional - and every one you have got to try and do is choose no matter you would like.
21. mechanically switch your default printer
Windows 7's location-aware printing permits the OS to mechanically switch your default printer as you progress from one network to a different.
To set this up, 1st click begin, kind Devices, and click on the Devices and Printers link.
Select a printer and click on Manage Default Printers (this is merely visible on a mobile device, sort of a laptop computer - you will not see it on a PC).
Choose the amendment My Default Printer after I amendment Networks choice, choose a network, the default printer you want to use, and click on Add.
Repeat the method for alternative networks accessible, and choose a default printer for every one.
And now, as you hook up with a replacement network, Windows seven can check this list and set the default printer to the one that you have outlined.
To set this up, 1st click begin, kind Devices, and click on the Devices and Printers link.
Select a printer and click on Manage Default Printers (this is merely visible on a mobile device, sort of a laptop computer - you will not see it on a PC).
Choose the amendment My Default Printer after I amendment Networks choice, choose a network, the default printer you want to use, and click on Add.
Repeat the method for alternative networks accessible, and choose a default printer for every one.
And now, as you hook up with a replacement network, Windows seven can check this list and set the default printer to the one that you have outlined.
