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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Bugs in Classic Theme of Windows Vista

FIRST BUG
1. Change the Windows theme to "Windows Classic".
2. Open "System Properties" (sysdm.cpl) and goto "Advanced" tab and click on "Settings" button in "Performance" section.
3. Uncheck the option "Show previews and filters in folders" and apply.
4. Now open My Computer and you'll notice that Menubar is automatically shown in My Computer. I can't understand why Menubar is related to Preview & filters option? OK, no problem. BUT.....
Now click on "Organize -> Layout" and the worst thing will happen. Menubar is unchecked even its showing in My Computer. And the most strange thing is that nothing will happen if you'll enable / disable this option. Try to enable "Menubar" or disable "Menubar", nothing will change and Menubar will always be there.
So IMO, if this option can't do anything then it should be disabled. Whats the use of enabling an option if it can't do anything?
SECOND BUG
1. Change the theme of your Windows Vista to "Windows Classic".
2. Open My Computer and look carefully at the "Back" and "Forward" buttons in Toolbar!
3. Now hover your mouse to "Little Down Arrow" just after the "Forward" button.
What you see?
A. First thing is that the Back & Forward button are a little bit far from background image. They should be placed at 1 or 2 pixels less from left.
B. When we hover the mouse at "Little Down Arrow", the background image is misplaced from its actual position and a little curve is displayed just before the addressbar.
These are very small issues and not very noticeable.
PS: Try it yourself and you'll understand what I'm talking about or just save the images at your computer and look at them one by one.
THIRD BUG
Open Windows Explorer in Windows Classic theme and guess what? The "Up" button will not be visible (it should be there just after the "Forward" button). But if you'll move your mouse at that place, you'll see the tool tip "Recent Pages".
So the button is there but is not visible. A BIG goof-up. And if you look carefully, the buttons "Back" and "Forward" are correctly placed in this condition but as soon as you'll open any drive or anything, they will be misplaced.
FOURTH BUG
1. Make sure you are using "Windows Classic" theme in Vista.
2. Open Windows Media Player.
3. Open any video file.
4. Look carefully at the bottom bar of WMP, you'll see the time duration of the video file but it'll be hardly visible.
5. Now maximize WMP and guess what? You can't see the time duration. WHY???
Its really too annoying. If I'm watching a movie and want to know about time duration, then I can't. I'll have to exit from Full screen mode and then I'll be able to know about time duration.
If you are using Basic or Aero theme, the time duration will be visible in Full Screen mode.

Bugs in Classic Theme of Windows Vista

FIRST BUG
1. Change the Windows theme to "Windows Classic".
2. Open "System Properties" (sysdm.cpl) and goto "Advanced" tab and click on "Settings" button in "Performance" section.
3. Uncheck the option "Show previews and filters in folders" and apply.
4. Now open My Computer and you'll notice that Menubar is automatically shown in My Computer. I can't understand why Menubar is related to Preview & filters option? OK, no problem. BUT.....
Now click on "Organize -> Layout" and the worst thing will happen. Menubar is unchecked even its showing in My Computer. And the most strange thing is that nothing will happen if you'll enable / disable this option. Try to enable "Menubar" or disable "Menubar", nothing will change and Menubar will always be there.
So IMO, if this option can't do anything then it should be disabled. Whats the use of enabling an option if it can't do anything?
SECOND BUG
1. Change the theme of your Windows Vista to "Windows Classic".
2. Open My Computer and look carefully at the "Back" and "Forward" buttons in Toolbar!
3. Now hover your mouse to "Little Down Arrow" just after the "Forward" button.
What you see?
A. First thing is that the Back & Forward button are a little bit far from background image. They should be placed at 1 or 2 pixels less from left.
B. When we hover the mouse at "Little Down Arrow", the background image is misplaced from its actual position and a little curve is displayed just before the addressbar.
These are very small issues and not very noticeable.
PS: Try it yourself and you'll understand what I'm talking about or just save the images at your computer and look at them one by one.
THIRD BUG
Open Windows Explorer in Windows Classic theme and guess what? The "Up" button will not be visible (it should be there just after the "Forward" button). But if you'll move your mouse at that place, you'll see the tool tip "Recent Pages".
So the button is there but is not visible. A BIG goof-up. And if you look carefully, the buttons "Back" and "Forward" are correctly placed in this condition but as soon as you'll open any drive or anything, they will be misplaced.
FOURTH BUG
1. Make sure you are using "Windows Classic" theme in Vista.
2. Open Windows Media Player.
3. Open any video file.
4. Look carefully at the bottom bar of WMP, you'll see the time duration of the video file but it'll be hardly visible.
5. Now maximize WMP and guess what? You can't see the time duration. WHY???
Its really too annoying. If I'm watching a movie and want to know about time duration, then I can't. I'll have to exit from Full screen mode and then I'll be able to know about time duration.
If you are using Basic or Aero theme, the time duration will be visible in Full Screen mode.

Bugs in Classic Theme of Windows Vista

FIRST BUG
1. Change the Windows theme to "Windows Classic".
2. Open "System Properties" (sysdm.cpl) and goto "Advanced" tab and click on "Settings" button in "Performance" section.
3. Uncheck the option "Show previews and filters in folders" and apply.
4. Now open My Computer and you'll notice that Menubar is automatically shown in My Computer. I can't understand why Menubar is related to Preview & filters option? OK, no problem. BUT.....
Now click on "Organize -> Layout" and the worst thing will happen. Menubar is unchecked even its showing in My Computer. And the most strange thing is that nothing will happen if you'll enable / disable this option. Try to enable "Menubar" or disable "Menubar", nothing will change and Menubar will always be there.
So IMO, if this option can't do anything then it should be disabled. Whats the use of enabling an option if it can't do anything?
SECOND BUG
1. Change the theme of your Windows Vista to "Windows Classic".
2. Open My Computer and look carefully at the "Back" and "Forward" buttons in Toolbar!
3. Now hover your mouse to "Little Down Arrow" just after the "Forward" button.
What you see?
A. First thing is that the Back & Forward button are a little bit far from background image. They should be placed at 1 or 2 pixels less from left.
B. When we hover the mouse at "Little Down Arrow", the background image is misplaced from its actual position and a little curve is displayed just before the addressbar.
These are very small issues and not very noticeable.
PS: Try it yourself and you'll understand what I'm talking about or just save the images at your computer and look at them one by one.
THIRD BUG
Open Windows Explorer in Windows Classic theme and guess what? The "Up" button will not be visible (it should be there just after the "Forward" button). But if you'll move your mouse at that place, you'll see the tool tip "Recent Pages".
So the button is there but is not visible. A BIG goof-up. And if you look carefully, the buttons "Back" and "Forward" are correctly placed in this condition but as soon as you'll open any drive or anything, they will be misplaced.
FOURTH BUG
1. Make sure you are using "Windows Classic" theme in Vista.
2. Open Windows Media Player.
3. Open any video file.
4. Look carefully at the bottom bar of WMP, you'll see the time duration of the video file but it'll be hardly visible.
5. Now maximize WMP and guess what? You can't see the time duration. WHY???
Its really too annoying. If I'm watching a movie and want to know about time duration, then I can't. I'll have to exit from Full screen mode and then I'll be able to know about time duration.
If you are using Basic or Aero theme, the time duration will be visible in Full Screen mode.

Folder List and Favorite Links in Navigation Pane Bug in Windows Vista

1. Open My Computer and make sure that "Favorite Links" are showing in left side pane (Navigation pane). If its not enabled then you can enable it from "Organize -> Layout -> Navigation pane". 2. Close My Computer.
3. Now open "Windows Explorer" from Start menu.
4. It'll show "Folders List" instead of "Favorite Links" in Navigation pane. Thats cool since its Windows Explorer it should display Folders list.
5. Now close Windows Explorer and again open My Computer.
6. Guess what? The Navigation pane will show "Folders List" in left pane instead of previously selected "Favorite Links".
So the conclusion is this:
If you select "Favorite Links" to be shown in My Computer and open Windows Explorer, it'll overwrite your settings for "Navigation pane" and will force My Computer to show "Folders List".
So Windows Explorer overwrites My Computer's "Navigation pane" settings. How can I save my settings for "Navigation pane" in My Computer?
It seems that in Vista "My Computer" and "Windows Explorer" are no longer different as they were in previous versions of Windows. In XP, My Computer doesnt show "Folders List" in left pane but Windows Explorer shows and in Vista both My Computer and Windows Explorer show "Navigation pane". Thats why the above BUG exists!!!
NOTE:
=====

I noticed one more thing! If you set to show both "Favorite Links" and "Folders List" in "Navigation Pane", then no problem occurs. Both My Computer and Windows Explorer show both things. But if you set only "Favorite Links" to show in My Computer and open Windows Explorer, it'll automatically overwrite your settings for Navigation Pane in My Computer and My Computer will start showing both things...

Complete Guide for Windows Customization

Q. 1. What is a Theme/Visual Style? Are both same or is there any difference between them? => Visual Style & Theme are not same. But many people use these words in same manner. Actually Visual Style has extension .msstyles, while a theme has extension .theme.
Visual Style is the main file, which skins all parts of windows, like border, titlebar, buttons, etc. A theme file stores all settings, like icons, wallpaper, etc along with the visual style.
Q. 2. When I opened Display Properties, I got only 3 Visual Styles, Blue, Olive Green and silver. How can I get more?
=> You can download themes for Windows XP and Vista from following sections:
Windows XP Themes
Windows Vista Themes
Windows 7 Themes
Q. 3. I downloaded some Visual Styles, but none of them are working on my computer. Am I missing something?
=> By default, Windows doesn't allow 3rd party themes. So you'll need to patch a file uxtheme.dll to allow 3rd party themes. Take a look at following article:
How to Install & Use Custom 3rd Party Themes in Windows XP, Vista & 7
Q. 4. Can I edit my downloaded .msstyles file?
=> Yes, You can use Resource Hacker to edit themes, but it requires some expertise.

How to Enable Tools -> Folder Options and Registry Editor in Windows

Many times Windows users face a common problem. The "Folder Options" in "Tools" menu is not visible. Even It can't be accessed from Control Panel. Also "Registry Editor" is disabled. If you are also facing this problem, then you have come to right place. Follow the simple steps mentioned in this tutorial and your problem will be solved:
1. If Folder Options is disabled but Registry Editor is still working in your system, then you can enable Folder Options by editing Windows Registry. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. it'll open Registry Editor, now go to following keys:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer
In right-side pane, check whether a DWORD value named NoFolderOptions exists or not? If it exists, delete it.
2. If you are not familiar with editing the registry, then you can simply download following file, extract it and then run the .REG file:
Download Registry Script
3. But sometimes Registry Editor is also disabled. Whenever you try to open regedit, Windows will show following error message:
Registry Editor has been disabled by administrator.
Its a symptom of “RONTOKBRO” Trojan. To remove this trojan, follow the instructions given in following topic:
Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?
4. If its not a trojan problem and someone intentionally has disabled it in your system, then you can enable it again by following any of these methods:
a. Type gpedit.msc in RUN dialog box and goto:
User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System
in right-side pane, set "Prevent access to Registry editing tools" to either Not Configured or Disabled.
b. Just type following in RUN dialog box and press <ENTER>:
REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Now after enabling Registry Editor, you can re-enable Folder Options by following methods mentioned in 1st or 2nd steps.

Help & Support Frequently Asked Problems with Solutions

Please go through following FAQ list before posting your problem:
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 1. In my windows Task Manager / Registry Editor / Tools -> Folder Options has been disabled. I'm getting warning message that "It has been disabled by Administrator". How can I enable it again?
Sol: Please visit following articles:
How to Fix "Task Manager has been Disabled by Your Administrator"?
How to Enable Tools -> Folder Options and Registry Editor in Windows
If any other Windows component like RUN, Desktop Properties, System Properties, etc has been disabled, then you can check following link:
List of All Kinds of Restrictions for Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008 and 7
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 2. Whenever I double-click on any drive/folder in My Computer, a Search window opens.
Sol: Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto following keys one by one:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shell
In right-side pane, delete the "Default" key. If it doesnt work then delete the key "find" under both.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 3. Whenever I double-click on any drive in My Computer, "Open with" dialog box opens OR I get following error message:
Cannot find copy.exe. Make sure you have typed the name correctly and then try again.
Sol: Enable "Show hidden files" option in "Tools -> Folder Options" and then search for "Autorun.inf" file in all drives and if you get them in root of any drive (e.g. in C:\, D:\ and so on), delete them.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 4. Whenever I double-click on any folder in My Computer, it opens in a new window even I have selected the option "Always open folders in same window" in "Tools -> Folder Options".
Sol: Download following zip file, extract it and then run .REG file and confirm the action:
Download Link
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 5. Whenever I open a folder, another folder with the same name is created under it.
Sol: Your system is infected by a variant of Indonesian virus called Brontok/Rontokbro. It creates a sub-folder in a folder with same name. Please follow the instructions given in following topic:
Virus Problem
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 6. Whenever I start my computer, My Documents/My Computer opens automatically at windows startup.
Sol: Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
In right-side pane, change value of "Userinit" to:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\userinit.exe,
NOTE: If you have windows installed in other drives, then change C:\ to that drive label.
Now goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Advanced
In right-side pane, change value of "PersistBrowsers" to 0
Now log off windows and it should solve the problem.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 7. When I start my computer, I get error message:
NTLDR is missing
or
Boot: Couldn't find NTLDR
Sol: Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into "Recovery Console" by pressing "R". Now Log into windows installation and enter admin password. Now give following commands at prompt:
copy x:\i386\ntldr c:\
copy x:\i386\ntdetect.com c:\

Where "x" is your CD drive, change it acc. to your system.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 8. When I start my computer, I get error message:
Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt:
<Windows root>\system32\hal.dll.
Please re-install a copy of the above file.
Sol: Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into "Recovery Console" by pressing "R". Now Log into windows installation and enter admin password. Now give following commands at prompt:
Attrib -H -R -S C:\Boot.ini
Del C:\Boot.ini
BootCfg /Rebuild
Fixboot

--------------------------------------------------
Q. 9. When I start my computer, I get error message:
"Windows\System32\config\system" file missing or corrupt.
Sol: Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into "Recovery Console" by pressing "R". Now Log into windows installation and enter admin password. Now give following commands at prompt:
copy %windir%\Repair\system %windir%\System32\Config
If it doesnt work, then again boot into "Recovery Console" and give following commands:
fixmbr
bootcfg /scan
bootcfg /rebuild
fixboot

--------------------------------------------------
Q. 10. I have Windows 2000/XP/2003 installed in my system and yesterday I installed Windows 98 over it, after that I'm not able to boot into Windows 2000/XP.2003. I'm not getting option to select the OS.
Sol: Windows 98 has overwritten the boot loader. Boot using Windows Setup CD and enter into "Recovery Console" by pressing "R". Now Log into windows installation and enter admin password. Now give following commands at prompt:
fixmbr
bootcfg /scan
bootcfg /rebuild
fixboot

--------------------------------------------------
Q. 11. When I start my system, I'm getting 2 entries for windows XP in the boot loader. How can I remove the duplicate entry?
OR
How can I change the default OS in windows boot loader?
OR
How can I change the entry labels in windows boot loader?
OR
How can I change the boot loader time? Its set to 30 seconds and I want to change it.
Sol: There are several way. You can follow any of following:
A. Type "sysdm.cpl" in RUN dialog box and press <Enter>. Now goto "Advanced" tab and click on "Settings" button in "Startup & Recovery" section. Now click on "Edit" button and then you can edit the boot loader time, labels, etc.
B. Type "msconfig" in RUN dialog box and goto "Boot.ini" tab and then you can change the desired thing. If you want to remove the corrupt/non-working entries, then click on "Check all boot paths" button.
C. Enable "Show hidden files/folders" and disable "Hide protected system files" options in "Tools -> Folder Options". Now open C:\ drive and remove the READ-ONLY attribute of "BOOT.INI" file from its Properties. Now open this file and then you can make your desired changes.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 12. Whenever I start my computer, Scandisk starts running even I proper shut down the PC last time.
Sol: Do as following:
A. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
In right-side pane, change the value of BootExecute to:
autocheck autochk *
B. If the above trick doesnt help then give following commands in Command Prompt:
chkntfs /x drive_name
for e.g., if ScanDisk runs automatically for C: and D: drives, then give following commands one by one:
chkntfs /x C:
chkntfs /x D:

--------------------------------------------------
Q. 13. When I start my computer, I get following error message:
CMOS checksum error, defaults loaded.
Sol: Open your computer cabinet and look for a small coin-sized battery attached in motherboard. Replace it with a new one.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 14. In Yahoo! Messenger, whenever I send a message or get a message I can't see the contents in chat window. All I can see is a blank window.
Sol: Please download Windows Script using following links:
If you are using Windows Vista or 7, it already comes with Windows Script pre-installed. You just need to provide following command in RUN or Command Prompt:
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 15. I re-installed my windows and now "Stand By" option is greyed out in shutdown dialog box and I can't use it.
Sol: Install VGA drivers from your motherboard CD and the option will be enabled. If you don't have the motherboard CD, then goto the manufacturer website and download the required drivers.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 16. My Windows Login Screen has changed to "Classic Logon Box". I want the new Welcome Screen back.
Sol: Type "control userpasswords" in RUN dialog box or Open "User Accounts" in Control Panel. Then click on "Change the way Users log on and off". Now check the option "Use Welcome Screen". If you get following error:
Uninstall client services for netware.
Then Open "Network Connections" and open Properties of your Internet Connection. Now goto "Networking" tab and select "Client services on Netware" option and click on the"Uninstall" button.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 17. A strange process "ctfmon.exe" always runs in background and if I click on "End Process" button, it restarts automatically.
Sol: Open Control Panel and goto Add/Remove Programs list. Now click on the Microsoft Office entry and then click on "Change" button. Now select "Add/Remove Features" and click on "Next". Now expand "Office Shared Features" and click on "Alternative User Input" and then select "Not Available" and finally click on Update. It'll permanently remove that ctfmon.exe and your problem will be solved.
You can also use 3rd party utility "CTFMON-Remover" to get rid of ctfmon.exe easily and quickly:
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 18. I just noticed that all my Firefox Bookmarks have gone. The bookmarks list is empty. How can I get them back?
Sol: Type "%appdata%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles" in RUN dialog box and then open the "xxxx.default" folder (where xxxx will be random numbers and characters). Now open "bookmarkbackups" folder and you'll get your bookmarks there. Now you can import them in Firefox again.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 19. My Windows is showing some wrong icons of files. How can I reset the corrupted icons?
Sol: You can use any of following methods:
A. Download TweakUI from here and then click on "Repair Icons" in "Repair" section.
B. Open My Computer and goto:
C:\Documents and Settings\User_Name\Local Settings\Application Data
Replace C:\ with your system drive and "user_Name" with your username.
Now there'll be a HIDDEN file "iconcache.db", delete it and restart your system.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 20. I'm using Windows XP and the desktop icons suddenly started showing an ugly background rectangle behind the text. How can I make the text transparent?
Sol: Type "sysdm.cpl" in RUN dialog box and press <Enter>. Now goto "Advanced" tab, click on "Setting" button in "Performance" section and enable the option "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop".
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 21. I'm using Windows XP and suddenly the Common tasks stopped showing in left-side pane.
Sol: Open "Tools -> Folder Options" and enable the option "Show Common Tasks in folders".
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 22. Whenever I right-click on Start button and select "Open", a "Copy To"/"Move To" dialog box opens automatically.
Sol: Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AllFilesystemObjects\shellex\ ContextMenuHandlers\
Now under this key, delete following 2 keys:
Copy To
Move To

--------------------------------------------------
Q. 23. I can't see Hidden files/folders in my computer. Even I enable the option "Show hidden files/folders" in "Tools -> Folder Options", its automatically disabled again.
Sol: Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden
Under this key, you'll see 2 more keys "NOHIDDEN" and "SHOWALL". Make sure that the values of "CheckedValue" and "DefaultValue" in right-side pane are "2" and "2" for "NOHIDDEN" and "1" and "2" for "SHOWALL" respectively. If its not so, then change them and you'll be able to enable/disable these options in "Folder Options".
You can also alter Hide/unhide settings using registry as following:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Explorer\Advanced
In right-side pane, change value of "Hidden" to:
1 - To show hidden files
2 - To not show hidden files
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 24. I accidentally deleted my "mspaint.exe"/"notepad.exe"/etc. file, how can I get it back?
Sol: You can use any of following methods:
A. Goto "%windir%\System32\DLLCache" folder and look for the file, if its there then copy it to "%windir%\System32\" folder.
B. Insert your Windows Setup CD and goto "I386" folder. Now look for the same file, it'll present there but the last letter of extension will be "_". e.g., u'll get "mspaint.ex_"/"notepad.ex_"/etc. Now open Command Prompt and goto "I386" folder and give following command:
expand mspaint.ex_ mspaint.exe
expand notepad.ex_ notepad.exe

etc.
Now you can copy the file to "%windir%\System32" folder.
C. Give following command in Command Prompt:
sfc /SCANNOW
It'll automatically restore the files.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 25. Whenever I set "Thumbnail" view in Windows Explorer, the files are not shown as thumbnails.
Sol: Open RUN dialog box and provide following commands one by one:
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 thumbvw.dll
regsvr32 shimgvw.dll
Restart your computer and your problem will be solved.
--------------------------------------------------
Q. 26. Whenever I open Windows Search in Windows XP, the search companion window opens blank.
Sol 1: Open RUN dialog box and provide following commands one by one:
regsvr32 /i %windir%\srchasst\srchui.dll
regsvr32 %windir%\system32\jscript.dll
Restart your computer and your problem will be solved.
Sol 2: Type %systemroot%\inf command in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It'll open a new window. Look for a file "Srchasst.inf". Right-click on it and select "Install" option.
--------------------------------------------------

PS: If you still can't find your problem mentioned here, check out our "Troubleshooting" section which should definitely contain a working solution for your problem.
NOTE: Comments in this topic are deleted on regular basis to reduce database overhead. So don't think too much if your comment gets deleted.

Bug in Windows Notepad Statusbar

1. Open Notepad and enable "Status Bar" from "View -> Status Bar". If this option is disabled, then first uncheck "Format -> Word Wrap" option and now enable Status Bar again. Actually Notepad doesnt allow to have Status Bar along with Word Wrap feature. You can have one of them enabled at a time. But there is a registry hack, using it you can have both of them at the same time. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Notepad
In right-side pane, change value of StatusBar to 1.
2. Now open any existing text file (Yeah, you have to open an already saved file to check this BUG) and put your cursor to any line, you'll see its location in Status Bar.
e.g. we assume that you put the cursor at column 3 of Line 3, then it'll show "Ln 3, Col 3" in Status Bar.
OK, fine then whats the BUG? Now press <Ctrl>+S or Choose "File -> Save" and look at the Status Bar. VOILLA, it'll show "Ln 1, Col 1" irrespective of the actual Line and column Number, that was "Ln 3, Col 3" in our case.
Sometimes you may have to press <Ctrl>+S twice to re-create this BUG.
So the BUG is whenever you save an existing file, Notepad will show "Ln 1, Col 1" in Status Bar and it'll be corrected when you'll move the cursor.

Bug in Windows Notepad Statusbar

1. Open Notepad and enable "Status Bar" from "View -> Status Bar". If this option is disabled, then first uncheck "Format -> Word Wrap" option and now enable Status Bar again. Actually Notepad doesnt allow to have Status Bar along with Word Wrap feature. You can have one of them enabled at a time. But there is a registry hack, using it you can have both of them at the same time. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. Now goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Notepad
In right-side pane, change value of StatusBar to 1.
2. Now open any existing text file (Yeah, you have to open an already saved file to check this BUG) and put your cursor to any line, you'll see its location in Status Bar.
e.g. we assume that you put the cursor at column 3 of Line 3, then it'll show "Ln 3, Col 3" in Status Bar.
OK, fine then whats the BUG? Now press <Ctrl>+S or Choose "File -> Save" and look at the Status Bar. VOILLA, it'll show "Ln 1, Col 1" irrespective of the actual Line and column Number, that was "Ln 3, Col 3" in our case.
Sometimes you may have to press <Ctrl>+S twice to re-create this BUG.
So the BUG is whenever you save an existing file, Notepad will show "Ln 1, Col 1" in Status Bar and it'll be corrected when you'll move the cursor.

How to Remove nVidia, Intel and Other Display Driver Entries from Desktop Context Menu in Windows XP, Vista and 7

Whenever we install Intel, nVidia or other graphics card drivers in Windows, some extra entries like Save Schemes, etc are added in Desktop Context menu (Menu which appears, when we right-click on desktop). It causes the context menu to take a little bit extra time in loading. nVidia_Intel_Desktop_Context_Menu_E.png
Here is a registry trick to remove those extra entries from Desktop context menu:
1. Goto Start -> Run and type regedit and navigate to:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers
2. Delete the key igfxui (for Intel), NvCplDesktopContext (for nVidia) or other similar keys for your graphics card.
3. Now, your desktop context menu will look nice and minimal and will not take any extra time in loading.

Download “AeroVG” Theme for Windows Vista

"AeroVG" theme is a new theme for Windows Vista users. Your system must be capable to run Aero to use this theme. This theme has been created specially for Aero users but Basic users can also use this theme. They'll get new Details pane (shell style), new progressbar and many other small changes.
Featured List:
  • More transparent startmenu and taskbar
  • Startmenu has square corners instead of round corners which looks cool
  • Only active window taskbar button is visible to make the taskbar more clean and stylish
  • Checkbox and radio buttons are Apple leopard styled
  • Cool blue progressbar in dialog boxes
  • Blue Control Panel sidebar
  • Cool dialog box buttons
  • Cool Details pane which have different colors for different folders like Video, Pictures, etc
  • Transparent addressbar and searchbar in Explorer
  • Transparent titlebar and taskbar in maximized windows
  • Dark hovered, clicked, selected area in Explorer as well as in menus. Vista default selection bar is very light in color and doesn't look proper sometimes
  • New Menubar & Statusbar
And many other small changes.
Download Link
Alternate Download Link

Monday, May 2, 2011

How to Change Animated AVI Background Color in Windows Vista Progress Dialog Box?

With the release of Vista, Microsoft has developed a new method of animation in explorer instead of AVIs (Video Clip); here we are sharing a tutorial to change color of Copying, Moving, Deleting, and Applying attributes process.
Requirements:
Instructions:
1. Extract text file from shell32.dll/UIFILE/42.txt using Resource Hacker. (You can find shell32.dll file in C:\Windows\System32)
2. Edit Text file using Notepad and use Search feature (press CTRL+F to find the line) and search for background="Gradient
3. You'll get following line of code:
background="Gradient(argb(255, 9, 74, 116), argb(255, 32, 121, 140), argb (255, 5, 111, 90), 3)"
Here argb(X,R,G,B) represents:
X --> Transparency
R --> Red
G --> Green
B --> Blue
4. Replace the code with desired one like following:
background="Gradient(argb(255, 15, 55,107 ), argb (255, 50, 110, 210), argb(255, 50, 160 ,200 ), 3)"
After making changes, save the text file and exit.
5. Now replace this text file in shell32.dll using Resource Hacker. Save shell32.dll and exit.
6. Restart the PC to take effect.
This tutorial was written by our friend Ramesh Kumar who wanted to share it with us...

Download “AeroVG” Theme for Windows Vista

"AeroVG" theme is a new theme for Windows Vista users. Your system must be capable to run Aero to use this theme. This theme has been created specially for Aero users but Basic users can also use this theme. They'll get new Details pane (shell style), new progressbar and many other small changes.
Featured List:
  • More transparent startmenu and taskbar
  • Startmenu has square corners instead of round corners which looks cool
  • Only active window taskbar button is visible to make the taskbar more clean and stylish
  • Checkbox and radio buttons are Apple leopard styled
  • Cool blue progressbar in dialog boxes
  • Blue Control Panel sidebar
  • Cool dialog box buttons
  • Cool Details pane which have different colors for different folders like Video, Pictures, etc
  • Transparent addressbar and searchbar in Explorer
  • Transparent titlebar and taskbar in maximized windows
  • Dark hovered, clicked, selected area in Explorer as well as in menus. Vista default selection bar is very light in color and doesn't look proper sometimes
  • New Menubar & Statusbar
And many other small changes.
Download Link
Alternate Download Link

A Complete Guide for Tweaking User Account Control (UAC) in Windows Vista

Microsoft has added a new feature "User Account Control (UAC)" in Windows Vista which is a good addition. It prevents malicious programs to install in your system as well as it also prevents basic users to accidentally change system critical settings which can be harmful to the system. Although its a good feature but sometimes it becomes annoying to experienced users who know what they are doing with their system. You can disable UAC completely from Control Panel -> User Accounts. But I'll not advise you to disable it but you can tweak it to decrease the no. of prompts.
You can tweak UAC using "Local Security Policy". Following is a step by step guide with all customizable settings:
1. Type "secpol.msc" in RUN dialog box and press Enter. It'll open Local Security Policy.
2. Now goto "Local Policies -> Security Options". In right-side pane, scroll down to last and you'll see following options related to UAC:
User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Allow UIAccess applications to prompt for elevation without using the secure desktop.
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode
Elevate without prompting
Prompt for credentials
Prompt for consent

User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users
Automatically deny elevation requests
Prompt for credentials

User Account Control: Detect application installations and prompt for elevation
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Only elevate executables that are signed and validated
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Only elevate UIAccess applications that are installed in secure locations
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation
Enabled
Disabled

User Account Control: Virtualize file and registry write failures to per-user locations
Enabled
Disabled
You can change them according to your requirements. Like you can enable "Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode" to remove those annoying prompts if you are using administrator account. You can disable "User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation" to disable the screen fluctuation when the UAC prompts appear.
3. If you are a Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium user and want to tweak UAC (User Account Control) settings using secpol.msc, then you'll be out of luck cause secpol.msc is a part of Group Policy Editor and its not included in Vista Home editions.
But don't worry, the same settings can be applied using Windows Registry Editor, so you can also enjoy the UAC tweaks in Vista Home editions using registry editor:
How to Tweak User Account Control (UAC) Options in Windows Vista Home Basic & Home Premium?
4. You can also use a software "TweakUAC" to change the settings easily.
TweakUAC is a free software tool that you can use to quickly turn UAC (User Account Control of Windows Vista) on or off, or to make UAC operate in the quiet mode.
Download TweakUAC

How to Add Aero ON / OFF Shortcuts in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu Under Windows Vista and 7

Whenever you want to turn Aero ON or OFF, you have to do it either from Desktop Properties or from System properties. But did you know there is a very easy shortcut to do it within seconds? Here are 2 commands to turn Aero ON / OFF which are used by Windows Vista and 7:
Command to Turn Aero ON: Rundll32 dwmApi #102
Command to Turn Aero OFF: Rundll32 dwmApi #104
You can give the commands in RUN dialog box or Startmenu Searchbox. You can also create their shortcuts on Desktop or Quick Launch or wherever you want. It can become quite handy in lots of situations like a software has disabled Aero because it was not compatible with Aero or if you are running out of battery in your laptop, etc.
You can also add these commands in Desktop context menu or My Computer context menu. e.g. when you'll right-click on Desktop or My Computer icon, you'll find the shortcuts of "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" there.
Following is a step-by-step tutorial to Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in Desktop and My Computer Context Menu:
Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in Desktop Context Menu:

1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell
2. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
3. Give it name Aero ON.
4. Now create another key under "Aero ON" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #102
5. Now repeat steps 2-4 to add "Aero OFF" option, i.e. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
6. Give it name Aero OFF.
7. Now create another key under "Aero OFF" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #104
8. That's it. Now you'll get both "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in Desktop Context Menu.
Add "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" in My Computer Context Menu:

1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D} \shell
2. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
3. Give it name Aero ON.
4. Now create another key under "Aero ON" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #102
5. Now repeat steps 2-4 to add "Aero OFF" option, i.e. Right-click on the "Shell" key and select "New -> Key".
6. Give it name Aero OFF.
7. Now create another key under "Aero OFF" with the name “command” and in right-side pane set value of “Default” to:
Rundll32 dwmApi #104
8. That's it. Now you'll get both "Aero ON" and "Aero OFF" options in My Computer Context Menu.

WinBubble: Customize and Tweak Your Windows Vista Easily

WinBubble is a nice and small in size utility to tweak lots of hidden settings in Windows Vista. The best thing is, you don't need to install it. Just download it and run the EXE file. Thats it. You'll get lots of cool tweaks there, which might come handy most of the time. A must have software for Vista users.
Download Link
Homepage

How to Remove the Annoying Focus Rectangle in Windows?

In Windows, whenever we select any item, an annoying focus rectangle is shown around it. The rectangle is also shown on buttons, etc in dialog boxes which doesnt look good and many people want to get rid of it. Thanks to our friend "localhost" who made a small program to remove the annoying focus rectangle which works in every version of Windows.

Just download following ZIP file, extract it and run the setup file:
Download Link

Taskbar Shuffle: Move Taskbar and System Tray Buttons in Windows

Now-a-days every browser comes with tab feature and we can easily drag-n-drop tabs to anywhere on the tab bar using our mouse. Its quite handy feature. Did you ever wish the same facility in Windows taskbar? Did you want to have the facility in taskbar to move application buttons anywhere on the taskbar using your mouse? Imagine how interesting would it be to move the buttons on taskbar. Just move them anywhere you want. "Taskbar Shuffle" is a utility which you need. Following are a few interesting features which you get in Taskbar Shuffle:
  • Move running application buttons anywhere on the taskbar.
  • Group similar application buttons at single place.
  • Move System tray buttons.
  • Close applications from the taskbar simply by middle-click on it.
Above are only a few selected features of Taskbar Shuffle. Just give it a try.
Download Link

How to Fix User Folders Showing Simple Folder Icon in Windows Vista?

Lots of Vista users are facing a strange problem and I'm getting lots of mails asking for the solution. The problem is, the folder icons in User folder change from special glass icons to simple folder icons. Look at the following screenshot:

This is how the icons look in User folder which can be accessed using "%userprofile%" command or just select your username in Startmenu (just below the user pic).
But sometimes these icons (all or some) become simple default folder icons. It happens when "Desktop.ini" file becomes corrupted. Actually all these special glass icons are displayed using "desktop.ini" file which is present in each folder (hidden). Sometimes a few software make this file corrupt and these folders start showing simple folder icon.
The solution is very simple. Just replace "desktop.ini" file present in the corrupt folder with default one. The default "desktop.ini" file for each folder is given below. Just download following ZIP file, extract it and copy the default desktop.ini file and paste it in the folder which is showing corrupt icon.Windows will ask to overwrite the existing file, select "Copy & Replace".
Download Link

How to Change Power Button in Windows Vista to Shut Down the System instead of Sleep?

After getting lots of mails asking for "How to Change Power Button in Windows Vista to Shutdown instead of Sleep?", I decided to post a small step-by-step tutorial so that everyone can use it. In Windows Vista, when you click on power button in startmenu, it doesnt shut down your system, instead it puts your system in sleep mode. Which is irritating for some people like those who have dual boot system and want to start other OS next time they switch on their system.
So following is a step-by-step method to change power button function in Vista:

1. Type "powercfg.cpl" in RUN dialog box or Startmenu Search box and press "Enter" key. It'll open "Power Options" window. You can also open it from "Control Panel".
2. Click on "Change plan settings" under your current plan as shown in following screenshot:

3. In next screen click on "Change advanced power settings". It'll open a new window as shown in following screenshot:

4. Now expand "Power buttons and lid" and click on "Start menu power button". Now change "Sleep" to "Shut Down" from the drop down box and Apply it.

How to Re-enable Missing Hibernate Option in Windows Vista?

One of the most common problem in Windows Vista is "Missing Hibernate option in startmenu". I get many mails asking for "how to enable the hibernate option in Vista?". Actually its a known issue in Vista. The hibernate option disappears whenever you run "Disk Cleanup" because Disk Cleanup wizard also removes Hibernate files. So if you use Hibernate then make sure you deselect "Hibernattion File Cleaner" option from the list in future.
Anyway its very easy to re-enable missing Hibernate option by following these simple steps:
1. Click on "Start button -> All Programs -> Accessories". Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run As Administrator". If you are prompted to enter password, enter the password and continue. You can also open Command Prompt in Administrator mode by typing "cmd" in Startmenu Search box and press "Ctrl+Shift+Enter".
2. Now provide any of following commands:
powercfg /hibernate on
powercfg -h on
3. Exit command prompt and Hibernate option should appear in Startmenu.

Windows Vista Services Configuration: Turn Off / Disable Unnecessary Services to Optimize Performance

We have posted service guide for Windows XP in past and now its turn of Windows Vista. In this tutorial we'll learn about the services which are not essential and can be safely set to MANUAL to speed up your system: 1. Right-click on My Computer icon on desktop and select Manage, it'll open a window, in which goto: Services & Application -> Services. To disable or Set a service to MANUAL, double-click on the service and select the desired option in Startup list box.

2.
You can also open the same by going to Administrative Tools and open Computer Management.
NOTE: Always set the service to MANUAL, never disable it. So that whenever windows needs to start a service it can easily start and use it. If you set any service to DISABLED, then windows will not be able to start it and will give ERROR.
So here is the list of services that can be safely set to MANUAL (Many of them may be disabled automatically on some systems):
  • Application Experience
  • Computer Browser (If your computer is not connected to any network)
  • Desktop Window Manager Session Manager (If you don't use Aero theme)
  • Diagnostic Policy Service
  • Distributed Link Tracking Client
  • Indexing service (If you don't use Windows Search feature frequently)
  • Offline Files
  • Portable Device Enumerator Service
  • Print Spooler (If you don't have Printer)
  • ReadyBoost (If you don't use ReadyBoost feature)
  • Remote Registry (Always disable it for Security purposes)
  • Secondary Logon
  • Security Center
  • Server (If your computer is not connected to any network)
  • System Restore (If you don't use System Restore)
  • Tablet PC Input Service
  • TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper Service
  • Themes ( If you use Windows Classic theme)
  • Windows Error Reporting Service
  • Windows Media Center Service Launcher
  • Windows Search (If you don't use Windows Search feature frequently)
  • Windows Time (If you don't want to update system tray clock time automatically)
PS: You can see the details of each service so that you can determine whether it should be disabled or not.

How to Enable / Activate Hidden Administrator Account in Windows Vista and 7

Many people ask me why there is no built-in Administrator account available in Windows Vista and 7 like previous Windows versions? Why can't we use the default Administrator account? The answer is "Yes! The default Administrator account is created in Vista and 7 but its disabled by default for security purposes." You might want to enable it for troubleshooting or to get rid of the annoying UAC prompts while tweaking your system. So here I'll describe a few methods to enable / activate the hidden Administrator account in Windows Vista and 7:
Method A:
1. Right-click on My Computer icon on Desktop and select "Manage", it'll open "Computer Management" window. ( You can also open it by giving "compmgmt.msc" command in RUN dialog box or Startmenu Search box).
2. Goto "Local Users and Groups -> Users". In right-side pane double-click on "Administrator" account. It'll open its Properties. Deselect "Account is disabled" option and Apply it.
Method B:
1. Type "secpol.msc" in RUN dialog box or Startmenu search box, it'll open "Local Security Policy" window.
2. Goto "Local Policies -> Security Options".
3. Double-click on first option "Accounts: Administrator account status" and select "Enabled" and apply it.
Method C:
1. Click on “Start button -> All Programs -> Accessories“. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run As Administrator“. If you are prompted to enter password, enter the password and continue. You can also open Command Prompt in Administrator mode by typing “cmd” in Startmenu Search box and press “Ctrl+Shift+Enter“.
2. Now provide following command:
net user administrator /active:yes
3. Thats it. The Administrator account will be enabled. If you want to disable it again, simply replace "yes" with "no" in above command.
NOTE: Never activate the hidden Administrator account until required. Its better to use other general accounts for better security. Also the Administrator account has no password, so if you enable it then don't forget to set a strong password for it.

Extend Windows Vista and 7 Trial Period from 30 Days to 120 Days

s we all know Windows Vista and 7 can be used for 30 days trial period without activating or entering Product key. But do you know that there is a trick to extend this 30 days trial period to 120 days?.
To extend Windows Vista and 7 trial period follow these simple steps:
1. Click on “Start button -> All Programs -> Accessories“. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run As Administrator“. If you are prompted to enter password, enter the password and continue. You can also open Command Prompt in Administrator mode by typing “cmd” in Startmenu Search box and press “Ctrl+Shift+Enter“.
2. Now provide following command:
slmgr -rearm
3. You'll be prompted to restart Windows, restart it and the trial period will be reset to 30 days again.
NOTE: So if you want to enjoy exact 120 days, then give above mentioned command on the 30th day when your trial period is going to end. The command works only 3 times, that's why its limited to only 120 days. You can check the Trial period by going to System Properties.

How to Change Menu Position from Left to Right in Windows Vista and 7

I have received many mails from people regarding Menu position in Windows Vista and 7. In previous Windows versions, menus used to appear at right-side of the mouse cursor but in Windows Vista and 7, menus appear at left side of the cursor. It doesnt happen for everyone but majority of people is facing this issue even I have faced it in my Windows.
So here I'm posting a small tutorial on how to change menus position in Windows Vista and 7. Actually its not a bug, you can set the menu position according to your requirements.
1. Open Control Panel and double-click on "Tablet PC Settings":
2. It'll open a new window where you can select any of following 2 options:
  • Right-handed
  • Left-handed

3. That's it. Apply it and you have done.

How to Remove Location History from Desktop Background List in Windows Vista and 7

If you are using Windows Vista or 7 and want to remove the "Location" history from "Desktop Background" list, then this trick is for you. In Windows Vista and 7, you can change the Desktop Wallpaper by right-clicking on Desktop and select "Personalize" and then click on "Desktop Background" and Apply your desired wallpaper by browsing to the folder.
But whenever you browse a folder for the wallpaper, its location is stored in drop-down box and everyone can use that path:

So if you want to remove the entire history or any particular path from it, then please follow these steps:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Explorer\Wallpapers\Images
2. In right-side pane, you'll see all the directory paths. Simply delete the desired key associated with the path which you want to remove.
3. Thats it. Now you can check the Desktop Background list and your deleted path will not be present there.

How to Remove Windows has Blocked Some Startup Programs Notification in Windows Vista?

Are you using Windows Vista and getting the annoying "Windows has Blocked Some Startup Programs" notification in system tray? If you want to get rid of this notification, then this tutorial is for you. Actually it happens when a program or service that has User Account Control (UAC) restrictions tries to start in the Windows Vista and Windows Defender's Software Explorer blocks the program or service from running.

So you can enable / disable the program or service to get rid of that notification.
1. Click on the "Blocked startup programs" icon in system tray.
2. To allow the program to run, click on "Run blocked program" option and click on the program or service in the list.
3. To disallow the program, click on "Show or remove blocked startup programs" option, it'll open "Software Explorer" in "Windows Defender".
4. Now locate and select the startup program or service which you disabled recently in Software Explorer.
5. Click on "Disable" and then "Yes" in the confirmation dialog box.

How to Restrict Users from Changing Internet Explorer Homepage Settings?

In many organizations, administrator wants to set a permanent Homepage in Internet Explorer like their Intranet address and they also want to restrict users from changing it. Some spyware also change IE Homepage to some other URLs. So I'll tell here the tricks for both "Setting your desired page as homepage" as well as "Restricting users to change the homepage":
A. To Set the Homepage:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
2. In right-side pane, change value of Start Page to your desired URL, like http://www.AskVG.com/
B. To restrict users from changing homepage:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
2. Under this key create new key "Control Panel". Now in right-side pane, create a new DWORD value HomePage and set its value to 1. It'll disable all 3 buttons "Use current", "Use default" and "Use blank" in Internet Options.
TIP: If these buttons have been disabled in your system by spyware and you want to enable them, then simply change value to 0.
If you want a ready made .REG file to automate the task, then download following ZIP file, extract it and then run the extracted .REG file:
askvg_ie_homepage_restrict.zip
NOTE: in the above .REG file, I have set "Start Page" to "http://www.AskVG.com/", change this URL with your desired URL and then save the file.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

How to Enable / Activate Aero Theme in Windows Vista and 7 Home Basic Edition

As we all know the new Aero theme is not provided in "Windows Vista and 7 Home Basic Edition", all other editions provide this new cool interface. But there is a registry trick to enable the Aero interface in Vista and 7 Home Basic edition:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\DWM
2. In right-side pane change value of "Composition" to 1 and "CompositionPolicy" to 2.
3. Restart your system and you'll be able to select the Aero interface from Desktop Properties.
If you want a ready-made code for doing this, then download following ZIP file, extract it, run the extracted .REG file and accept the confirmation:
Download Link
NOTE: Your system must meet the minimum requirements to use Aero interface in Vista and 7.

How to Customize / Tweak Windows Vista ScreenSavers using Registry?

As we all know Microsoft shipped Windows Vista with a few new cool Screen savers which are:
Aurora
Bubbles
Mystify
Ribbons
Although these screen savers are cool but the worst thing is we are not allowed to change their settings. There is no Options box to change the settings.
Actually the screen savers were initially developed to be customizable but the Options window was disabled while releasing them for no reason?
If you open the screen savers MUI files in Resource Hacker or Resource Tuner, then you'll find their Options dialog boxes.
But you can use registry to make changes in these screen saver settings. Here I'll tell you about the registry locations and all customizable options for these screen savers:
Aurora:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Screensavers\Aurora
2. In right-side pane, create following DWORD values given in BOLD and set their values as mentioned below them:
Amplitude
Min Value - 500000000
Max Value - 2000000000
Brightness
Min Value - 1000000000
Max Value - 1050000000
NumLayers
Min Value - 1
Max Value - 15
Speed
Min Value - 1000000000
Max Value - 2100000000
AllScreensSame
This DOWRD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then all monitors will use the same configuration file and will show same screen saver otherwise not.
SpanMultiMon
This DWORD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then screen saver will move between both monitors otherwise it'll show on both screens separately.
Bubbles:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Screensavers\Bubbles
2. In right-side pane, create following DWORD values given in BOLD and set their values as mentioned below them:
ShowShadows
To enable - 1
To disable - 0
MaterialGlass
To show Transparent Bubbles - 1
To show Solid bubbles - 0
ShowBubbles
For Transparent Background - 1
For Black Background - 0
TurbulenceNumOctaves
Min Value - 1
Max Value - 255
TurbulenceSpeed
Min Value - 0
Max Value - 10
TurbulenceForce
To enable - 1
To disable - 0
Radius
For Small Bubbles - 1090000000
For Large Bubbles - 1130000000
SphereDensity
For less Bubbles on Screen - 1000000000
For More Bubbles on Screen - 2100000000
AllScreensSame
This DOWRD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then all monitors will use the same configuration file and will show same screen saver otherwise not.
SpanMultiMon
This DWORD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then screen saver will move between both monitors otherwise it'll show on both screens separately.
Mystify:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Screensavers\Mystify
2. In right-side pane, create following DWORD values given in BOLD and set their values as mentioned below them:
LineWidth
Min Value - 1000000000
Max Value - 1080000000
NumLines
Min Value - 1
Max Value - 100
Blur
To enable - 1
To disable - 0
AllScreensSame
This DOWRD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then all monitors will use the same configuration file and will show same screen saver otherwise not.
SpanMultiMon
This DWORD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then screen saver will move between both monitors otherwise it'll show on both screens separately.
Ribbons:
1. Open regedit and goto:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Screensavers\Ribbons
2. In right-side pane, create following DWORD values given in BOLD and set their values as mentioned below them:
RibbonWidth
Min Value - 1000000000
Max Value - 1080000000
Numribbons
Min Value - 1
Max Value - 100
Blur
To enable - 1
To disable - 0
AllScreensSame
This DOWRD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then all monitors will use the same configuration file and will show same screen saver otherwise not.
SpanMultiMon
This DWORD value is used for multiple monitors. If you set it to 1, then screen saver will move between both monitors otherwise it'll show on both screens separately.
NOTE: You can play with the above mentioned options by settings their values to anything falling under their limits. There are a few other unknown options available but I have not mentioned them cause we don't know their use.
If you want to revert back to default settings, then simply delete the newly created DWORD values.

Will Your PC Run Windows Vista? Check Yourself Using Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor

If you want to use Windows Vista but not sure whether your PC will run Vista or not, then don't ask anyone about it. Just download "Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor" and check yourself. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is designed to help Windows XP users identify whether their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista, which edition of Windows Vista meets their needs, and which features of Windows Vista will be able to run on their PCs.
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you determine if your current PC is ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista. It will also help you to choose the edition of Windows Vista that's right for you. Download the Upgrade Advisor to run an analysis of your current PC and use the detailed feedback to ensure that your PC is ready for the edition of Windows Vista that you want.
Download Windows Vista Advisor

Speed Up Windows Vista – Master Tutorial to Make Windows Vista Super Fast

So you are using Windows Vista and feel that its slower than Windows XP? Then you have come to the right place. Following tutorial will help you in tweaking your Windows Vista to the max and you'll feel a significant improvement in your system performance. So without wasting any time lets start:
1. Following is a registry file containing a few registry modifications, which are completely safe and can increase the performance of Windows Vista. Just download the attached ZIP file, extract it and then run the file:
Tweak Windows Vista
Restore Default Settings (Use this file if you want to restore default Windows settings)
2. Right-click on My Computer icon on Desktop and select Properties (or press <WIN> key + <Pause/Break> key), click on Advanced system settings link in left side pane (You can also open it by typing sysdm.cpl in RUN or start menu search box and press Enter). Now click on Settings button in Performance section:

Now disable all unnecessary options in Visual Effects tab, you can remain following options enabled according to your requirements:
  • Enable desktop composition (If you want to use Windows Aero theme)
  • Enable transparent glass (If you want to use transparency in Windows)
  • Show preview and filters in folder (If you use Details Pane in Explorer)
  • Show thumbnails instead of icons (If you want to show thumbnails in Explorer)
  • Show window contents while dragging (If you want windows to show content while moving them)
  • Smooth edges of screen fonts (If you want to show smooth fonts)
  • Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop (If you want to show shadows under desktop icon labels)
  • Use visual styles on windows and buttons (If you want to use Windows Aero or Basic theme.)

3. Open Folder Options and click on View tab:

Now disable following options:
  • Display file size information in folder tips.
  • Display simple folder view in Navigation pane.
  • Hide extensions for known file types.
  • Show encrypted or compressed NTFS files in color.
  • Show pop-up description for folder and desktop items.
Other options don't affect the system performance. You can enable/disable them according to your requirements.
4. Right-click on My Computer icon on Desktop and select Manage (You can also open it by typing services.msc in RUN or start menu search box and press Enter).
Now goto Services & Applications -> Services. Here you can set a few unnecessary services to Manual, which will not start with windows and will decrease the boot time and will increase system performance.
Please follow the following tutorial to know about which services can be safely set to MANUAL:
Windows Vista Services Configuration: Turn Off / Disable Unnecessary Services to Optimize Performance
5. Type msconfig in RUN or Startmenu search box and press Enter. Now goto Startup tab and deselect the unnecessary entries, which you don't want to start automatically with Windows, e.g. you can disable VGA driver utility, Sound Card utility, etc to speed up the startup time and to increase system performance.
You can also disable these items using Windows Defender. Open Windows Defender and click on Tools and then click on "Software Explorer".
6. Open Sound in Control Panel (or type mmsys.cpl in RUN or Startmenu search box and press Enter), goto Sounds tab and select No Sounds in Sound Scheme section. Or you can remain some of your favorite sounds but set Exit Windows, Windows Logoff, Windows Logon and Start Navigation to (None).
7. Also don't forget to:
  • Defrag the hard disk regularly
  • Install only necessary software
  • Use the latest device drivers
  • Keep your Windows up-to-date
After following all the above mentioned points, you'll definitely notice major improvements in your Windows Vista performance.

How to Fix Folder Rename Problem in Windows Vista?

A few Vista users have mailed us about a strange problem. Whenever they try to rename a file or folder, Windows shows following error message:
If you are also facing this problem, just download following Zip file, extract it and then run the extracted .REG file:
Download Link
Restart your system and your problem should be fixed.

Clear Type Tuner: Microsoft Powertoy for Windows

Clear Type Tuner is a Microsoft Powertoy for Windows XP but also works in Windows Vista & 7. You can use this powertoy to change the fonts settings which makes the fonts looking smooth and easy to read on screen. Download Link

How to Create Customized Desktop Toolbars in Windows Vista?

Lots of Windows Vista users complain that they can't create desktop toolbars in Vista like Windows XP. This functionality has been removed in Vista. But here I'm telling you a very simple way to create your own desktop toolbars in Vista as given in following screenshot:
So follow these steps to create your own desktop toolbars in Vista:
1. If you have My Computer icon on Desktop, then drag it and drop it at top, it'll convert in a toolbar. You can also drag-n-drop it at left or right side of screen. Remember it'll not work at the taskbar side.
2. You can also create a new folder on desktop and then drag-n-drop it. It'll also create a toolbar.
3. Now you can add other toolbars too in this new toolbar by right-clicking on empty area on the toolbar and select "Toolbars" option.
4. You can drag-n-drop icons in the toolbars.
5. You can also change other settings like:
Show Text
Show Title
View -> Large Icons
View -> Small Icons
Always on Top
Auto-Hide
6. To close the toolbar, right-click on it and select "Close Toolbar". Or you can drag-n-drop it at desktop and then click on Close button.

VistaThumbnailSizer: Easy and Quick Way to Change Windows Vista Taskbar Thumbnails Size

In Windows Vista, if you are using Aero theme then you cam notice new thumbnails which appear when you hover the mouse cursor over the opened program buttons in taskbar. Its a new and cool feature in Windows Vista. It shows the live previews of the running programs without activating their windows. Thanks to "Andreas Verhoeven" who has made a little utility to easily and quickly increase / decrease these thumbnails size.

You just need to download the Zip file, extract it and run the EXE file. You can change the height / width of thumbnails, add / remove "Fade-in" animation and if you like it and want to run this utility automatically whenever you start Windows, then you can add its entry in startup by clicking on "Start AveVistaThumbnailSizer with Windows" button.
You can download this utility here:
Download Link
Homepage

How to Add / Remove Items from New Menu in Windows?

In Windows, whenever we right-click on Desktop or Explorer, we get "New" menu which contains shortcuts for various known file types. We can easily create new files using this handy "New" menu.
Sometimes we may want to remove a few unwanted items from "New" menu or we may want to add a few necessary items to "New" menu which are not present. So in this tutorial, I'll tell you how can you add / remove items to / from "New" menu:
A. To Add an Item in "New" menu:
1. Open regedit and expand "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT" key.
2. Now look for the file type which you want to add in "New" menu, e.g. for adding MP3 file type look for .MP3 key.
3. Right-click on it and select "New -> Key" and give it name "ShellNew".
4. In right-side pane, right-click and select "New -> String Value". Give it name "NullFile" and press Enter.
5. Thats it. You'll immediately get the file type entry in "New" menu.
B. To Remove an Item from "New" menu:
1. Open regedit and expand "HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT" key.
2. Now look for the file type which you want to remove from "New" menu, e.g. for removing MP3 file type look for .MP3 key.
3. Expand it and delete the "ShellNew" key.
4. Thats it. The file type will be removed from "New" menu.

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