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Time Saving Tips Search BusinessSoftwareMadeEasy.com Did you lose your Recycle Bin in Vista? Here's how to get it back. Last week I goofed up and deleted the Recycle bin icon from my customer's Vista Desktop. Fortunately, getting the icon back is easy. Here's what you need to do.
In Vista
- Right Click anywhere on the Desktop
- Select 'Personalize' from the short-cut menu
- Click the 'Change Desktop Icons' link in the upper left hand margin
- Check 'Recycle Bin'
While you re there, you can even add the icons for My Computer, the Control Panel, and more
That's it!
| Why let your digital photos sit there? Turn them into your screen saver. Originally Posted Aug 24 2008
So you have collected and downloaded all those photos into your computer. Why just let them sit there. Here's how to turn your digital photos in your My Photos or Photos folder into a screen saver:
In XP:
1. Start > Control Panel > Display
2. Click the 'Screen Saver' tab
-In the Screen Saver field
3. Select 'My Pictures Slideshow' from the drop-down list
Hint: Click the 'Settings...' button to adjust the transition settings, time, etc
4. Click 'Apply'
5. Click 'OK'
In Vista:
1. Start > Control Panel > Personalization
2. Click 'Screen Saver'
-In the 'Screen Saver' field
3. Select 'Photos' from the drop-down list
Hint: Click the 'Settings...' button to adjust the transition settings, time, etc
4. Click 'Apply'
5. Click 'OK'
That's it! | Can't print? Here are are few things you can try Originally Posted July 13 2008
The simplest is to try to purge all the print jobs (a print job is every document, spreadsheet, e-mail, or any file that you try to print). Many times something went wrong on your first print job and it's backing up all the other print jobs. But, there are a few other things you can also try. Here's what you do:
Option 1:
In Windows XP:
1. Click Start > Control Panel > Printers and Faxes
2. Double Click the printer which you printed to
-A list of your Print Jobs appears
3. Printer > Cancel All Documents
4. Try printing again
In Vista:
1. Click the Start button > Control Panel > Printers
2. Double Click the printer which you printed to
-A list of your Print Jobs appears
3. File > Cancel All Print Jobs
4. Try printing again
Option 2: - Delete Temporary Files
-In Windows XP
1. Shut down all programs
2. Click Start > Run
3 Type 'temp' without the quotes in the Run field
4. Press the ENTER key
-A window with your Temporary files opens
-Select all files
5. Press and hold CTRL on your keyboard
6. Press A
7. Release CTRL and A
-All files are selected
-Now delete all files
7. Press and hold CTRL
8. Press D
Note: not all files will delete and you will likely get an error that a file is in use. In this case, you have to:
9. Press and hold CTRL
10. Press A
11. Relese CTRL and A
11. Press and hold CTRL
12. Click once on the first file in the window
13. Press and hold CTRL
14. Press D
15. Repeat this process until all the files are deleted
17. Repeat the same process except enter '%temp%' in step 3.
18. Try printing again
In Vista:
1. Shut down all programs
2. Click the Start button
-In the Start field
3. Enter 'run'
4. Click on 'Run' at the top of the Start menu
5. Type 'temp' without the quotes in the Run field
6. Press the ENTER key
-A window with your Temporary files opens
-Select all files
7. Press and hold CTRL on your keyboard
8. Press A
9. Release CTRL and A
-All files are selected
-Now delete all files
10. Press and hold CTRL
11. Press D
12. Click 'Skip' when prompted
13. Repeat this process until all the files are deleted from the 'temp' folder
14. Repeat the same process except enter '%temp%' in step 5.
15. Try printing again
Option 3:
In Windows XP and Vista
-Restart your printer
1. Unplug the power cord from your printer
2. Wait about 30 seconds
3. Replug your printer
4. Try printing again
I hope these help! | Resize Pictures, Images, and Logos in Vista Originally Posted May 18, 2008
If you have taken advantage of the free Microsoft Image Resizer software download that I shared in my earlier Tip and want to be able to quickly resize your images, photos, company logos, etc. on your Vista machine here's what you can do.
Be sure you have Microsoft Office installed to use this process:
-In Vista
1. Click the Start button
2. Click Pictures to open your Picture files
3. Find the picture you want to resize
4. Right Click on the picture
5. Select 'Open With'
6. Select 'Microsoft Office Picture Manager'
-Microsoft Office Picture Manager starts
7. Picture > Resize
8. Select the desired size in the 'Predefined width X height' field in the upper right-hand margin
9. Click OK
10. Close Microsoft Office Picture Manager
-You will be prompted to Save the changes
11. Click 'Save'
Note: This will alter the original picture size. If you want to keep the original in-tact, be sure to File > Save As... before resizing.
| File Folders' Menu missing - Vista Originally Posted April 28 2008
If you are a new Vista user, you are probably finding several differences vs. Windows XP. One of many is the missing Menu (File Edit View etc) in the File Folders. All you need to do to reveal the Menu is press the ALT key on the keyboard, but if you want to have them displayed permanently, here's what you have to do.
1. Start button > Control Panel
2. Double click 'Folder Options'
-The Folder Options window appears
3. Check 'Always show menus'
4. Click Apply
5. Click OK
That's it!
| Control when your Vista computer goes to sleep Originally Posted April 19 2008
Are you tired of waiting forever for your Vista computer to wake-up after it goes to sleep? Do you wish there was a way that it would just turn-on instantly when the monitor is black? All you need to do is change the Power Plan.
-In Vista
1. Start (button) > Control Panel
2. Click 'Classic View' for easy reference in the upper left-hand margin
3. Double Click Power Options
4. Click 'Create a power plan'
5. Enter a name for the power plan in the 'Plan name:" field
6. Click Next
-In the Put the computer to sleep:
7. Select Never for On Battery and Plugged in options
Note:
-You want to have your monitor turn-off after some period of time because LCD monitors will burn-in an image over time
-Leaving your hard drive on all the time is not recommended with a laptop computer because it will greatly reduce its battery life
8. Click Create
9. Verify your custom Power Plan is selected
10. Close the window
-Your power plan is now saved and applied to your Vista computer
That's it!
| How to improve your computer's performance Originally posted March 31 2008
Is your computer running slow? Are you wondering how to get more performance from your computer? Here are a few tips you can do:
-Run the Disk Cleanup
Many files are created in the normal operation of your computer. Once they are unneeded, they sometimes are not deleted. Disk Cleanup will eliminate these unneeded files.
In Vista and Windows XP
1. Click the Start button
2. All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
3. Select all the check boxes
4. Click OK
-Delete Temporary Files manually:
Like the temporary files cleaned-up by Disk Cleanup, there are additional temporary files that are created in the normal operation of your computer, but do not get deleted when your computer is done with them. This process deletes temporary files saved in different locations identified by Disk Cleanup.
Note: This is also a great troubleshooting technique when you are having difficulty installing software.
In Vista and Windows XP
1. Start > Run
2. Enter '%temp%' (without the ')
3. Edit > Select All
4. Edit > Delete
5. Close the window
1. Start > Run
2. Enter 'temp' (without the ')
3. Edit > Select All
4. Edit > Delete
5. Close the window
If you get a message that a file cannot be deleted after completing either step 4 or 7, just restart your computer then repeat the process as soon as you restart.
-Defragment your Hard Drive
Your hard drive is similar to a record (remember records?) Well, unlike a record your files are not saved in sequence rather they are scattered over the entire disk (technically called a platter). The more scattered the files, the more effort your computer has to make to find your files - this increases the time it takes to find your files.
In Windows XP (In Vista, Disk Defragmerter happens automatically)
1. Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
2. Click 'Defragment Now' or 'Run'
-Add RAM memory to your computer. Additional RAM memory will noticeably enhance your computer's performance. May people believe that increasing the side of their disk drive will enhance their computer's performance, but this may not be true (unless you see messages stating 'Low disk space' or similar messages).
-Add more RAM memory to your computer
RAM memory is the intermediary location your computer saves data while its running. Things like the programs that are currently running, the files you opened, etc. The less amount of RAM you have the slower your computer since each open program and file competes for it's share of the RAM memory. Adding more RAM is probably the most noticeable way to increase your computer's performance.
To add more RAM memory you must first determine how much memory you have by:
1. Start > My Computer
2. Right Click on My Computer
3. Click 'Properties'
-The amount of memory is displayed
For windows XP computers, you should have at least 1GB or .99MB of RAM memory. For Vista computers, you should have at least 2GB of RAM. If you don't then you should add more memory to enhance your computer's performance.
You can purchase additional memory through your computer manufacturer's website or other vendors like your computer manufacturer's website, Kingston.com, PNY.com, or a local electronics retailer.
We can assist with increasing your computer's performance by completing all these tasks and more. Just give us a call!
| What is the difference between Standby and Hibernate? Well, I have been recently asked another fundamental question about Windows - What is the difference between Standby and Hibernate? You probably already know that both are designed as an energy conservation activity in your computer, but what is the difference between the two? Here's a simple explanation:
Standby (Think 'Nap'):
When your computer goes into Standby, it will turn-off the power to all devices directly connected to your computer (your hard drive, modem, monitor, etc), but keeps power to your computer's memory. This allows it to conserve power but to quickly come back when you press the power button.
Hibernate (Think 'Deep Sleep'):
When your computer goes into Hibernate, it will 'take a picture' of all the programs and files you currently have open, save it to a special part of your hard drive, then shut down the power to all parts of the computer. When you press the power button to wake it up, it will restore power to all parts of the computer then restore your screen according to the programs and files you had open.
You can adjust how and how long it takes for either of these energy saving activities to start in the Power Management section of the Control Panel.
In Windows XP:
1. Start (button) > Control Panel > Power Options
To Customize Standby:
-In the Power Schemes tab
-In the Power schemes field:
2. Select a power scheme profile from the drop-down list
Alternatively, you can:
2. Setup your own power scheme by adjusting the times in the Plugged in and Running on Batteries (if you are using a laptop) profiles. This might be helpful if you want your laptop to stay on longer before going into Standby
To Customize Hibernate
3. Click on the Advanced tab
4. Select how you want Hibernate to turn-on from the drop-down lists
5. Click Apply
6. Click OK
In Vista - Standby and Hibernate have been combined
1. Start (button) > Control Panel > Power Options
2. Choose one of the three Power Plans (Balanced, Power Saver, or High Performance)
3. Exit the window
-Your power plan is saved
That's it!
| Where did the 'up one level' button go in Vista? If you have made the transition or maybe just have a computer with Vista, you are probably getting accustomed to the changes. One of these changes is the missing 'up one level' that was available in Windows XP when navigating through your folders.
'up one level' button in Windows XP
Missing 'up one Level' button in Vista
If you are like me and still long for this simple feature there is hope. There is a key combination that you can use in its place.
All you need to do to go up one level in Vista is press the ALT + Up Arrow keys at the same time.
That's it!
Happy Thanksgiving! | So You Think You Are Still Ready for Vista? 9/23/2007 9:23:32 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment2007 Sept, ACT!, HotFix, HotSync, iPod, Palm, Palm Desktop, PDA, QuickBooks, Software Installation, Treo, Vista
Sept 24 2007
I wanted to follow-up to a previous Tip from Feb 25 'So You Think You Are Ready for Vista?' of this year regarding the software compatibility problems with Microsoft's Vista. Here are the updates since that time:
iTunes:
iTunes is now Compatible with Vista. You can download the latest version 7.4.2 at: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Palm:
Palm Desktop software and HotSync is compatible with Vista with a few limitations. You can download the Vista compatible version at: http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/. Download the Palm Desktop and HotSync after selecting your Phone model and Carrier.
QuickBooks:
QuickBooks 2008 compatible with Vista
QuickBooks 2007 compatible with Vista
QuickBooks 2006 NOT compatible with Vista
Here's the compatibility chart of supported QuickBooks versions from Intuit.
ACT!:
ACT 2008 compatible with Vista
ACT 2007 limited compatiblility with Vista after download and installation of the Windows Vista HotFix
ACT 2006 NOT compatible with Vista
ACT Premium for Real Estate NOT compatible with Vista
Here's the compatibility chart including links for addtional support and download information from Sage Software.
If you are still considering Vista, be sure that ALL YOUR PROGRAMS will run on Vista especially your PRINTERS, SCANNERS, CAMERAS, and anything else you plug into your computer.
| Display the underline letters for keyboard shortcuts June 25 2007
For those of you who remember DOS, you probably became accustomed to using keyboard shortcuts - Just press the ALT key, then the underlined letter on the Menu bar, then your the underlined letter in the drop-down menu and your done!
Well, those keyboard short-cuts still exist but Windows XP or Vista may be hiding the underline telling you which are the shortcut keys you need to to know.
You can reveal these keyboard shortcuts by pressing the ALT key on your keyboard when you are working in any software program (The underlines appear both in the Menu Toolbar and in the drop-down menus). If you want to have them displayed permanently, here's what you need to do:
In Windows XP:
1. Start > Control Panel
2. Double click on the 'Display' icon
-The Display Properties window opens
3. Click the 'Appearance' tab
4. Click the 'Effects' window
5. Uncheck 'Hide underlined letters for keyboard navitation until I press the Alt key
6. Click 'OK'
7. Click 'Apply'
8. Click 'OK'
In Windows Vista:
1. Start > Control Panel
2. Double Click the 'Ease of Access Center' icon
3. Double Click 'Make the keyboard easier to use'
4. Check 'Underline keyboard shorcuts and access keys'
5. Click 'Apply'
6. Click 'Save'
That's it! | Screen captures are easier using Vista June 10 2007
Like all new versions of Windows, Vista includes helpful software programs that you had to previously purchase separately. One of these software programs is the Snipping Tool.
The Snipping Tool helps us capture screen images of our computer which are especially helpful when we want to show someone exactly what we see on our computer - like technical support.
To use it all you need to do is:
1. All Programs > Accessories > Snipping Tool
-The mini Snipping Tool window appears
2. Use your mouse to outline the portion of the screen you want to capture
-The regular Snipping Tool window appears
3. File > Save As
4. Enter a name for the file that is your captured image
5. Click Save
OR
4. File > Send to > Email Recipient (as attachment)
-A blank email opens, with the captured image as an attachment ready to be addressed
That's it! | Previously saved versions of your files are automatically saved in Vista May 14 2007
Have you ever been working on a Word document then realized that you needed to revert back to a previous version? Perhaps one that you saved three versions ago? Well, if you are using Vista you can.
Vista keeps track of all the saved versions of all your Word documents. When you want to retrieve a previous version all you need to do is:
1. Right Click on the Word Document
2. Select 'Restore previous verions' from the short-cut menu
3. Click the 'Previous Versions' tab
-The previous versions are listed according to date saved
4. Select the version that you want to retrieve
5. Click 'Open'
That's it!
Vista saves the versions of all popular software programs like Word Perfect, Adobe Acrobat, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. | Fix the Sonic DLA driver error on your Dell with Vista April 3 2007
Q: I just got a new Dell with Vista and I keep getting an annoying message saying a the Sonic DLA driver was blocked. How can I fix this?
A: This is one of the quirks of a new operating system. Not everything suns smoothly from the get go. Unfortunately, right out of the box, many new Dell owners have to contend with this error message. Fortunately, Sonic has corrected it and is offering an update.
- Click on the link: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=2872567F1A1D49A3E040A68F5B28196E
- Click 'Save'
- Save it to your Desktop for easy reference
-After its done downloading
- Double click on the file d2d3290.exe
-Follow the installation instructions
That's it! | Turn-off the annoying 'Are you sure you want to ...' in Windows Vista March 26 2007
Q: I just purchased a computer with Windows Vista. It has a super annoying feature that asks something like, 'Are you sure you want to ___?' every time I install or run certain programs. Is there a way to turn this off?
A: This 'Are you sure you want to...?' messages are a security feature built-in to Vista that is designed to help alert you of programs that try to install themselves or do something malicious that you would otherwise not know about. The only problem is that you are bombarded with this message each time you do something legitimate. If you would like to turn it off, here's what you do:
In Vista:
1. Windows button > Control Panel
2. Click 'User Accounts' and Family Safety'
3. Click 'User Accounts'
4. Click 'Turn User Account Control on or off'
5. Uncheck 'Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer
6. Click 'OK'
7. Select to 'Restart Now' to restart your computer
Now you will only be annoyed by a reminder asking you to turn the UAC back on. | So you think you are ready for Vista? 2/25/2007 6:41:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment2007 February, ACT!, HotFix, HotSync, iPod, Palm, Palm Desktop, PDA, QuickBooks, Software Installation, Treo, Vista February 5 2007
Q: I recently bought a laptop that came with Windows XP, but I was wanting to upgrade to Vista. Do you think this would be wise thing to do?
A: So you think you are ready for Vista? Do you have a computer that is labeled Vista Compatible? Well before you take the plunge, be sure you and your computer are ready.
First you can download a handy program from Microsoft that will evaluate your computer's status, recommend which flavor of Vista will be best for your computer, and provide an outline of which of Vista’s new features it will be able to run: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&displaylang=en
Second, prepare to purchase more RAM memory. Even if your computer is Vista compatible, be sure you have enough RAM. If you have 512MB that isn't even enough. You will want to get at least 2GB of RAM (just to start) if not just purchase the maximum amount of RAM memory your computer will hold.
Third, make sure that all your software will run on Vista. Unlike other software of the past, some programs won't run specifically on Vista:
-ACT! 2006 or older (ACT! 2007 will, but you need a download). Please see the following from Sage Software:
http://itdomino.act.com/act.nsf/1b3cab81ad2ef30207256bb300662231/
80fc1eeb75b3e71307257272005014ac?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,vista
-QuickBooks 2006 or older with exceptions. Please see the following from Intuit:
http://www.quickbooks.com/Helpcenter/vista/ProductCompatibility.aspx
-Here’s a statement from Apple regarding iPod and Vista:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/ptech/stories/
020307dnbusapplevista.9ae915.html
-Here’s some info regarding Palm & HotSync:
http://promosearch.palmone.com/search/promosearch?sp-q-required-1=
1&sp-a=sp10032ba7&sp-x-1=country&sp-q=vista&sp-q-3=knowledgebase&sp-x-2=
Model&sp-q-2=&sp-t=cat_search&sp-q-1=us&sp-x-3=col&sp-p-2=all&sp-i=1
Check all your software manufacturer's websites to verify Vista compatibility or if any additional downloads may be needed.
This is certainly a lot of areas to cover, but the time you save preparing will save you hours of troubleshooting and perhaps some frustration. | Vista is Coming! July 17 2006
Q: I have seen that Microsoft is developing a new operating system. Can you share a little more detail about it?
A: The new operating system has been in development for quite a while under the code name 'Longhorn’. The initial release date has been pushed back a several times but it should be available in early 2007 as a replacement for Windows XP.
There are several places you can get all the details including the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/default.aspx. I have a chance to get hands-on and there are some very nice features you can take advantage. But like all new technology approach it with a little caution.
If you are thinking about upgrading your current computer to Vista when it is released you may be surprised that I would recommend that you don’t for a few reasons. Here’s why.
Size Matters
Vista is a much larger Operating System than Windows XP in terms of size and requires an even more robust set of Hardware to work (Faster processor, more memory and larger hard drive, not to mention video card). Your 512MB of RAM may work OK with your system, but with Vista it will likely make it crawl. You will want to have at least 2GB of RAM. If your computer can't handle this much, then it's probably best to just buy a new one that can handle this capacity.
Let History Be Your Guide
When Windows XP was first released, several of my clients attempted to upgrade their Windows 95 and 98 computers and ran into several complications with either hardware or software problems after it installed. Some of the installations got stuck mid-stream and they were then left with a computer that didn’t work correctly or not at all
Even when Windows was in the main-stream, Microsoft released several updates to deal with problems after-the-fact (SP1, SP2 were the major ones).
The Waiting Game
If you want the latest and greatest, just buy a computer with Vista already installed but after Vista has been around for about 6 months. This will ensure all the major bugs have been worked-out and minimize any down-time due to errors or conflicts with software or hardware. If you must get a computer right away, get one before the end of the year.
Update:
Dell still offers many of its Small Business line of Laptops and Desktops with Windows XP and XP Pro.
Choices…Choices
Vista will come in six different versions unlike the three we have with Windows XP (Home, Pro, & Media Experience). The flavors of Vista are:
-Vista Starter which will likely have basic features and some enhancements, but available only in countries outside the US
-Vista Home Basic for just the basic Internet, email, word processing needs
-Vista Home Premium best for the above plus media management (Photos, Music, Videos etc)
-Vista Business which offers the same features of the above plus network management and backup functionality that is important in a business environment
-Vista Enterprise which offers the same features as Business, but with additional administrative management features designed for companies with 100s of computers.
I have been using a Beta copy of Vista to prepare my business for its release. Unless you are willing to devote significant time to troubleshooting problems, save your frustration and don’t be the first in line for Vista. | | |
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