Windows Vista comes with the following set of system recovery options: Startup Repair, System Restore, Windows Complete PC Restore, Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool and Command Prompt. Excluding Windows Complete PC Restore--a utility not included with Windows Vista Starter, Windows Vista Home Basic or Windows Vista Home Premium--all versions of Windows Vista include these diagnostic and repair tools.
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How to Repair Windows Vista Without a CD
Although you can repair a computer that uses the Windows Vista operating system with a repair disc, the disc is not necessary to perform the repair as long as Startup Repair is pre-installed on your computer. Many computers that run on Windows Vista do have Startup Repair pre-installed. Repairing the Vista computer using Startup Repair is a fairly simple process, although it can take several minutes to complete.
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How to check and repair corrupt system files in Windows Vista Home
During the average lifespan of a computer, it's normal for you to have to troubleshoot your operating system. Some very lucky computer users will never know what this is like, but most people will encounter a virus or other less-serious error that affects the structure of Windows Vista. In these circumstances, you may need to check the system files for Vista, and Windows itself has you covered: Microsoft included a helpful utility called the System File Checker to do just this.Read more...
How to Convert MP3 to Audio CD Format
MP3 files are perfect for music format because their relatively small size allows for as many as a 120 songs, and often more, to be burned onto a single CD-R disc. This is a good way to have a huge selection of music you can play at one time without having to change the disc in your CD player. A disc in audio CD format (CDA), however, can fit approximately 17 or 18 songs per disc. If you plan to listen to your songs on your computer or an iPod, MP3 format is your best choice. But since many stereo systems don't read MP3 files, you may need to convert your MP3 music to audio CD format.
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How Can I Remove the 'About: Blank' Virus From My Computer?
About: Blank is a browser hijacker virus. A browser hijacker virus, sometimes called a browser redirect virus, is a computer virus that changes your Internet settings. Generally, a browser hijacker will change your homepage and redirect your Internet searches to random sites. The About: Blank virus redirects your Internet searches to pornographic sites. In addition, the About: Blank virus may slow your computer, add icons to your desktop, and decrease
How to Fix a Computer With a Blank Screen Virus
A blank screen virus is caused by a file on your hard drive that blocks your graphical adapter from displaying images properly on the screen. The only way to fix a blank screen virus is to perform a complete reinstallation of the computer's operating system. This will delete the old corrupted file from your hard drive and leave the computer functioning again. While you will lose the data on your hard drive, your computer will once again be useful.
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How to Fix an Invalid Partition Table
All computer data is stored on drives, most commonly hard disk drives. These drives are divided into sections called "partitions." Most computers have one partition per hard drive. Each partition is treated by the operating system as though it were a separate drive. The properties of each drive's partitions are stored in a special file called a "partition table." If the partition table is damaged or missing, the drive will not function properly, and if the drive has the computer's operating system installed on it, the computer may not boot. Follow these instructions to access Windows 7's built-in partition repair tools.
How to Fix the Windows 7 Black Wallpaper
Microsoft Windows 7 includes the Desktop wallpaper background feature. If you're experiencing problems with the Desktop background, such as it is plain black / blank, you can fix this by changing the Desktop background image in the Windows Control Panel. Once the settings have been applied, the Desktop wallpaper will be reverted back to normal.
Instructions
- Click on the Microsoft Windows "Start" button then click on "Control Panel." This will open the Microsoft Windows Control Panel in a new window.
- Type "desktop background" in the Control Panel window search box, then click on the "Change desktop background" option that appears.
- Click on the wallpaper picture that you would like to have as your Windows Desktop background. Click on "Save Changes."
How to Stop the Windows Vista Startup Black Screen (TMM)
Have you ever wondered why there was an empty black screen after Windows Vista finished loading? Then, after 10 to 15 seconds, your mouse cursor appeared and Vista starts up? This function is called the Transient Multimon Manager (TMM), which affects multimonitor capabilities in Vista. By following a few steps, you can turn off TMM and speed up your PC's system startup.
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How to Fix a Windows XP Black Screen
When you turn on your computer, all you see is a black screen. Windows XP fails to load and there are no error messages to indicate the reason. A black screen often indicates a problem with damaged or missing system files. If your Windows XP installation is missing or is experiencing corrupt files, it fails to load the operating system. Use a Windows XP installation CD to fix a Windows XP black screen.
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How to Fix Windows Vista Blank Blue Screen
When upgrading an operating system, there are many things that can occur to give you some kind of system error. Microsoft Windows Vista has been maligned by some computer technicians for having a large amount of bugs; one of the most famous is a blank blue screen nicknamed "The Blue Screen of Death." This is usually a problem that is repairable, but there can be many different causes for your blue screen.
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How to Embed Audio Player in Flash
How to Remove Windows Security Center Detected Spyware Alert
If your computer is alerting you to potential spyware threats, it is probably for a good reason. Before disabling the alerts, run your system through the necessary scans to remove any potential threats. After removing the spyware, the alerts may cease. If you want to completely disable any future alerts from Microsoft's built-in security system and pass off the duties to other antivirus applications, install those first or risk leaving your computer vulnerable.
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Parts of the Computer & Their Functions
Computers are assembled from several key components that make the computer functional. While most computer users are primarily familiar with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories, these components are not critical to computer functionality. The most important parts of a computer exist inside the case.
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How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 7
With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft has made several changes to the company's operating system. Startup program settings are similar to those of previous operating systems. Startup programs are saved in a specific folder on the hard drive. When the operating system boots, links listed in this folder start their respective applications. Changing settings for current startup applications is accomplished through the system configuration tool.
How to Guide for Remote Viewing
You can view remote computers using the Remote Desktop feature in Windows.
If you use multiple PCs in different locations, like home and work, you have probably come across a situation where you want to be able to access a file or program on a remote computer. The Windows 7 operating system supports the Remote Desktop protocol, which allows PC users to connect to remote computers and view their desktop as if they were sitting in front of it. Before you can start remote viewing, Remote Desktop must be enabled on the computer you want to access.
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Windows 7, so named because it is the seventh operating system in the Microsoft Windows product line, offers a number of features to make the OS easy to use. These features are are designed to improve the overall customer experience. However, some users may not be ready to commit themselves to abandoning their current operating system in favor of Windows 7. Instead, they may wish to install a virtualized version of Windows 7 using Microsoft's Virtual PC software. Fortunately, the process of installing Windows 7 on Microsoft Virtual PC is fairly straightforward and takes about the same amount of time as a standard operating system installation.
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The Master List of New Windows 7 Shortcuts
Computers are assembled from several key components that make the computer functional. While most computer users are primarily familiar with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories, these components are not critical to computer functionality. The most important parts of a computer exist inside the case.
Read more...
How to Change Startup Programs in Windows 7
With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft has made several changes to the company's operating system. Startup program settings are similar to those of previous operating systems. Startup programs are saved in a specific folder on the hard drive. When the operating system boots, links listed in this folder start their respective applications. Changing settings for current startup applications is accomplished through the system configuration tool.
How to Guide for Remote Viewing
You can view remote computers using the Remote Desktop feature in Windows.
If you use multiple PCs in different locations, like home and work, you have probably come across a situation where you want to be able to access a file or program on a remote computer. The Windows 7 operating system supports the Remote Desktop protocol, which allows PC users to connect to remote computers and view their desktop as if they were sitting in front of it. Before you can start remote viewing, Remote Desktop must be enabled on the computer you want to access.
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How to Install Windows 7 on Virtual PC
Windows 7, so named because it is the seventh operating system in the Microsoft Windows product line, offers a number of features to make the OS easy to use. These features are are designed to improve the overall customer experience. However, some users may not be ready to commit themselves to abandoning their current operating system in favor of Windows 7. Instead, they may wish to install a virtualized version of Windows 7 using Microsoft's Virtual PC software. Fortunately, the process of installing Windows 7 on Microsoft Virtual PC is fairly straightforward and takes about the same amount of time as a standard operating system installation.
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The Master List of New Windows 7 Shortcuts
Windows 7 adds loads of great shortcuts for switching between apps, moving windows around your screen, moving them to another monitor altogether, and much more. Here's a quick-reference master list of the best new Windows 7 shortcuts.
We're nuts for keyboard shortcuts here at Lifehacker, and Windows 7 brings a handful of great new ones to add to your muscle memory. It's also got a few handy mouse-based shortcuts you'd do well to add to your repertoire. So let's get shortcuttin'.
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How to Format Windows XP From the Command Prompt
Whether you want to reinstall Windows XP cleanly or start off fresh with a new Operating System (OS), it is sometimes necessary or preferable to format your hard drive. (\"Formatting\" means to cleanly erase all of the data on the hard drive.) Although newer operating systems such as Windows XP allow the option to format from within the OS, formatting can also be accomplished from the command prompt.
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How to Delete Folders with the Command Line in Windows
Some network and desktop administrators still use the Windows DOS command line to quickly configure machines. DOS has several command line interfaces, one of which is the "deltree" command that deletes all folder files and the included subfolders. The deltree command is a simple, one-line statement that quickly deletes all folders in a directory tree. Once the command is run, the files are permanently removed.
Instructions
- Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Run". In some versions of Windows, you may have to select "All Programs" and enter the "Accessories" folder to find "Run".
- Enter "cmd" (without quotes) in the command box and press the "OK" button to open the DOS command prompt.
- Enter "deltree <folder>" (without quotes) into the DOS command prompt. Replace "<folder>" with the name of the directory you want to remove.
- Press the "Y" key to confirm that you want to delete the folder and all the subfolders.
You can also delete a Windows folder in Explorer. Right-click the folder and select "Delete".
Deltree deletes all files and folders in the structure. Ensure you've saved all important documents in the directory elsewhere.
How to See All of the IP Addresses on a LAN Network
Wireless networks exist in many homes and are often combined with wired devices connected directly to a router. While physically locating your local area network's wired devices is simple; wireless devices often remain hidden. However, using the Windows' command-line interface to determine all IP addresses provides a virtual view of all wired and wireless devices that are, perhaps unknowingly, accessing your home network. On the other hand, if you have access to your router's administration page, then you can also view all assigned network IP addresses through the router's admin settings.
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How to Clear the Cache in Windows XP
If your Windows XP system is running slowly or you're having problems surfing the Internet, clear out some of Windows' system caches. It's easy to clean out the temporary Internet files cache, delete all Windows temporary files and clear the computer's DNS cache to try to resolve system problems.
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How to Repair the MBR on Windows 7
Sometimes you can corrupt the Windows MBR (Master Boot Record) unintentionally, through the installation of another operating system. You'll need to repair it before Windows can reboot. The error message that you usually receive is "Operating system not found." To repair the error, you'll need a utility such as MbrFix.exe and run it from a floppy, optical or USB drive and follow the instructions from the installation DVD to repair your MBR. While these directions are specific to Windows 7, you may be able to use the knowledge gained to apply to your particular Windows installation.
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How to Use the Run Command in Windows Vista
Windows XP and below included a "Run" command in the first level of the Start menu. This command opened a simple dialog box with a text field. The field accepts programs, commands with parameters and even URLs to open in your default browser. Windows Vista no longer includes the Run command on the first level of the Start menu. The Search box in the Vista Start menu is useful in many of the situations where you might use the Run command, but the Run option is still there if you need it.
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How to Set Shortcut Keys in Windows 7
Computer shortcuts can save you time.
As operating systems are improved over time, they keep adding useful features. One of these features in Windows 7 is the ability to create shortcut keys to programs you frequently use. Doing so allows you to open the program(s) by pressing certain keys on your keyboard instead of using your mouse. Before you can use a keyboard shortcut, however, you'll need to make a shortcut for the program in question.
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How to Set Up Shortcut Keys in Microsoft Word
To save time, you can assign shortcut keys to complex functions or to functions you perform often in Microsoft Word 97 and Word 2000 (for PC) and Word 98 (for Macintosh).
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