Windows 7 Set to RTM on July 13th, MSDN and TechNet Availability This Month

Here is excellent news for people who are eagerly waiting for Microsoft's upcoming OS Windows 7 final release. Our friend site "GeekSmack" has confirmed with a source close to Microsoft that Windows 7 is set to RTM on July 13th.

Windows 7 RTM build will be chosen over the next few days and will be officially signed off on July 13th, 2009, the same day as the WPC09 (Worldwide Partner Conference) will take place in New Orleans.
Microsoft is still in the process of testing and choosing from the RTM candidate builds as they need to ensure that all show-stopper bugs present in the OS have been eradicated to ensure as much of a smooth, bug-free release as possible.
TechNet, MSDN, and other partner connections will be getting their hands on the RTM build shortly after, if not on the same day.

Note that the general availability is scheduled to launch on October 22nd.

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Download Windows 7 Build 7279 (Fake) Wallpaper in 5 Colors

Recently a new Windows 7 build came into news. The build number was 7279 and is was claimed that it contains a new blue wallpaper as shown in following screenshot:
But the build was actually fake and the wallpaper was created using Adobe Photoshop by mixing the Windows 7 Box art image with the new official Windows 7 build 7232 wallpaper.
Anyway the wallpaper is really cool and looks like an original Windows 7 wallpaper. If you like it, you can download it using following link:
Download Link

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Show/Hide Hidden Files & Folders on the fly in Windows XP, Vista & 7

Most of you might be aware of our "Hide files & folders without using 3rd party application" guide which shows you how to hide your private data from others without using any 3rd party software. Its easy to follow and absolutely free.
The above guide requires you to disable "Folder Options" menu in Explorer. So if you want to enable "Show Hidden Files" option, you'll need to re-enable Folder Options using Registry Editor or gpedit.msc.
Wouldn't it  be easier if we can get a shortcut to enable/disable "Show Hidden Files" option easily and quickly? Double-click on a shortcut and it'll start showing Hidden files in Explorer and double-click on another shortcut to stop showing hidden files. Sounds interesting?
Here we are sharing 2 registry scripts. One enables "Show Hidden Files"option and the other disables it. You just need to run the script and that's it.
You can download the script using following link:
Download Link

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7Stacks: Get Mac OS X Stacks in Windows XP, Vista and 7

7stacks is a free application for Windows XP, Vista and 7 users that lets you have "stacks" of icons in the Taskbar (in Windows 7) or Quick Launch Toolbar (in Windows Vista and XP). By using stacks, users can reduce icon clutter, and combine a group of related icons into a single icon. For instance, if you use application suites such as Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or Adobe CS4, you can have all the suite's icons combined into one icon! You can also use it to browse and access documents within a folder very quickly. Just create a stack to the desired document's folder, and open that document in a couple of clicks.
7stacks is incredibly easy to use, and has a variety of looks and features, allowing anyone to customize the look of their stack however they'd like. And using Windows 7, its easy to create new stacks by right-clicking on any stack, and selecting "Create New Stack" in the JumpList. 7stacks will place an shortcut icon on your desktop to this new stack, which you can then pin to your Windows 7 taskbar, or Vista or XP QuickLaunch bar.

Features List:

• In 7 and Vista, 7stacks uses Aero, making the stacks look like part of Windows itself.
• Browse sub-folders within a stack, just like in OS X Snow Leopard.
• 3 different styles of stacks: Normal, Grid, and Menu.
• In Windows 7, create a new stack by right-clicking on any stack and selecting "Create New Stack" from the JumpList entry.
• In Menu mode, 7stacks doesn't even need to be in a toolbar. You can use it right from your desktop, or any other folder.
• Pin up to 10 different stacks on the Windows 7 taskbar.

You can download it using following link:
Download Link

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Windows 7 RTM and July 13th Mystery

Recently it was said that Windows 7 RTM build is set to July 13th but now it seems that the schedule has been altered by Microsoft. Our friend site "GeekSmack" got some information from a source close to Microsoft about this new schedule:

It seems like due to several show stopper bugs, one that we think has to do with activation, the RTM build has been delayed from the initial date.
Today was pretty much the deadline that Microsoft internally set to choose and decide on an RTM build, but from what we’re now hearing none of the builds thus far have been deemed good enough, and so they’re continuing to compile RTM candidate builds. Backing this, in the recent Microsoft press release regarding the executive re-shuffle, they stated this: “The transition between Reller and Veghte is timed to take place in late July when Windows 7 reaches the release to manufacturing (RTM) milestone”.
Again, when we initially reported on the matter, internal sources and other forms of evidence led us to believe that the RTM was coming, and I can safely say that at the time it was confirmed and it was going to happen, but with these new show-stopper bugs present Microsoft had to make a change to the roadmap to accommodate the time it will take to iron them out.

Its good that Microsoft is taking its time to fix all the bugs and make a perfect build. Lets wait and watch.

Btw the latest Windows 7 RTM candidate build is 6.1.7271.0.win7_rtm.090709-1520.

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Windows 7 Build 7600, RTM???

It seems Microsoft has finally managed to fix the recently found show-stopper bugs and compiled the RTM build of Windows 7 successfully. Our friend site "GeekSmack" is again reporting that Windows 7 RTM build has been compiled and the build number is 7600. The full build string is 7600.16384.090710-1945 which means that the RTM build was compiled on July 10, 2009 and the time was 07:45 PM.

The build has been leaked on various torrent sites as well as uploading sites. Currently only 64-bit build has been leaked by a chinese leaker.
Note that Beta and RC keys are not working in this build.
As always we recommend not to download these leaked builds as these builds might contain malicious software.
Since there is a huge gap between last build and this new build number and the Desktop doesn't contain watermark, there are very high chances that its real but we can't say anything atm until Microsoft officially announce it. So let's wait and watch the show as usual...

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[Confirmed] Windows 7 Build 7600 is NOT RTM !!!

Recently a new Windows 7 build 7600 leaked and it was said that its the final RTM build. It didn't have the watermark on Desktop, also Beta and RC keys were not working. But there were no official words from Microsoft so it was a mystery whether its RTM or not? But now its confirmed by Microsoft that Windows 7 has NOT reached RTM status.
This is what "Windows 7 Team Blog" says:

We are close, but have not yet signed off on Windows 7. We expect Windows 7 to RTM in the 2nd half of July.
There is a lot of work that needs to take place for us to finalize all languages of Windows 7.
At RTM our partners begin their final preparations for Windows 7, including testing and building images for new PCs. RTM is essentially the final “stage” of engineering for Windows 7 before it hits the market at General Availability (GA). As Steven notes, engineering continues on Windows 7 from RTM until GA on October 22nd.

Also following FAQ about Windows 7 availability will help you:

1. Once Windows 7 is complete, how do I get it?

The answer depends on who you are:
MSDN & TechNet Subscribers: Subscribers will be able to download the final version of Windows 7 a few weeks after we announce RTM.
Volume License (VL) Customers: As announced today by Bill Veghte during his WPC09 keynote, Windows 7 will be available to Volume License customers on September 1st.
Consumers, Enthusiasts, & Beta Testers (Everyone else): The retail version of Windows 7 will be available in stores October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer). You can pre-order Windows 7 today through many online retailers like the Microsoft Store.
On New PCs: OEMs are expected to start shipping new PCs with Windows 7 pre-installed on them around October 22nd.

2. Can I continue to use the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) until I receive the RTM version?

Yes, you can continue to use the RC until it expires on June 1st, 2010 (expiration starts March 1, 2010 – this is when the reboots start – final expiration on June 1). Please note that “in-place” (or direct) upgrades from the Windows 7 RC to RTM will not be supported. You will be required to do a Custom installation (aka “clean install”).

3. I am a TechNet or MSDN subscriber. Will I get a product key?

MSDN and TechNet subscribers, as well as Volume License customers will have access to product keys (PIDs) when Windows 7 is made available to them. Product keys for Windows 7 RTM will be different than the product keys used for Windows 7 Beta and the release candidate. Windows 7 Beta or RC product keys *will not* work with Windows 7 RTM.

4. I am using one of the so-called “leaked” builds of Windows 7, how will I know if it is the real deal?

As always, beware of what you download. There are many bogus copies of Windows 7 floating around the Internet. More often than not, they contain a rather nice malware payload. And don’t believe everything you read on the Internet. When Windows 7 hits RTM, it will be announced here. Until that happens, any builds you are likely to see on the web are either not the final bits or are laced with malicious code.

5. How do I get a 64-bit copy of Windows 7?

The Upgrade and Full packaged retail product of Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate will come with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs. With Windows Vista, the 64-bit version was only available with Windows Vista Ultimate. Due to the incredible adoption of 64-bit today and customer feedback, we decided to change this for Windows 7. Now all copies of Windows 7 in developed markets will ship with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs.

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Microsoft Launched TechNet Widget for Blogs and Windows Sidebar

Microsoft has launched TechNet widget which can be put in blogs. The widget will provide the latest content from TechNet on your blogs. The Widget has integration built into Social networking sites Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon etc.
This widget pulls the latest RSS feeds from TechNet and has selections from Videos, Webcasts, TechNet Magazine, TechNet Flash and TechNet Podcasts.

Once it is embedded in a site, it will allow the site/blog users to take it and embed it on their sites.
You can also put this widget in your Windows Vista or 7 Desktop Sidebar.
You can watch the widget in action at following link:
TechNet Widget Demo
If you want to put the widget in your blog or Windows Sidebar, simply follow instructions given at following link:
Get Microsoft TechNet Widget

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IconPhile: A Freeware to Change System Icons Easily & Quickly

As you know Windows Vista and 7 contain revamped icons, many of which make the average XP user feel jealous. Rather than paying for a software, you can easily change your system icons with a few clicks of a button with "Icon Phile", a free, portable and easy-to-use program.
To change the icon displayed for a System Drive, Folder, Control Panel, Programs and other hard-to-change things:

• Simply browse through the drop-down menu at the top
• Double click on an icon or right-click on it and select "Change Icons" option
• Select the desired icon from the list
• Click on Apply button and you’re done.

Also at the top there are different buttons for saving and opening IconPhile theme packages and customizing various icon-related system settings.
There’s also a browser which allows you to customize any folder or file type you want.
It works in almost all Windows versions including Windows XP, Vista and 7.
Download Link
This is a guest post by "Tangmeister", one of our very active readers...

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Windows 7 RTM Release Dates Announced, Connect, MSDN & TechNet August 6

Finally Microsoft has announced the release date of much awaited Windows 7 RTM (Release To Manufacturing). "Brandon LeBlanc" @ The Windows Blog made an announcement:

For Partners & OEMs:
ISV (Independent software vendor) and IHV (Independent hardware vendor) Partners will be able to download Windows 7 RTM from Microsoft Connect or MSDN on August 6th.
Microsoft Partner Program Gold/Certified Members will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English through the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) Portal on August 16th. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers will be about to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 23rd. By October 1st, the remaining languages will become available to download.
OEMs will receive Windows 7 RTM software images beginning approximately 2 days after we officially RTM, as a little time is required to release and distribute these images. This will allow them to begin preparing images for new PCs to ship with Windows 7 on them. We know our OEMs are excited for Windows 7 and we can’t wait to hand them the final RTM bits!
For Business Customers:
If you are a Volume License (VL) customer with an existing Software Assurance (SA) license you will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English starting August 7th via the Volume License Service Center (VLSC). The rest of the languages for Windows 7 RTM should be available within a couple of weeks after that.
Volume License customers without a SA license will be able to purchase Windows 7 through Volume Licensing on September 1st as we announced last week at WPC09. Mark these dates on your calendar and start making your deployment plans!
For IT Professionals:
There are a few ways you can get Windows 7 RTM. IT Professionals with TechNet Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.
For Developers:
Developers with MSDN Subscriptions will be able to download Windows 7 RTM in English on August 6th and remaining languages by October 1st.
For Beta Testers & Enthusiasts:
I know there have been some rumors going around about a “family pack” for Windows 7. We have heard a lot of feedback from beta testers and enthusiasts over the last 3 years that we need a better solution for homes with multiple PCs. I’m happy to confirm that we will indeed be offering a family pack of Windows 7 Home Premium (in select markets) which will allow installation on up to 3 PCs.
Beta testers will not automatically receive a free copy of Windows 7. Many beta testers are already subscribers to TechNet; those of you who fit that description will be able to download Windows 7 RTM shortly after RTM happens for free as part of your subscription.
However, if you don’t have TechNet and are waiting for GA (to either purchase Windows 7 or wait for your pre-order to arrive) you can continue to use the RC. In fact, you can continue to use it until it expires on June 1st, 2010 (expiration actually starts March 1, 2010, this is when the reboots start).
We are also going to release an evaluation of Windows 7 Professional for IT Professionals via the Springboard Series shortly after RTM. Over 40% of beta testers are IT Professionals and this will allow them to quickly access the RTM code and plan for deployments.
For Consumers:
Windows 7 will be in retail stores and shipping on new PCs starting October 22nd. If you pre-ordered Windows 7, it should be delivered sometime around the October 22nd timeframe (depends on the retailer).

So get ready to download Windows 7 RTM via Connect, MSDN or TechNet on August 6th.

We are again putting all important dates together:

MSDN & TechNet Subscribers - August 6
Microsoft Connect - August 6
ISV and IHV Partners - August 6
Volume License Customers - August 7
Microsoft Partner Program - August 16
Microsoft Action Pack Subscribers - August 23
Retail Stores - October 22
OEMs - 2 Days after official RTM announcement

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NOW Windows 7 is RTM, Finally!!!

Finally after so many rumors, Microsoft has announced that Windows 7 is RTM now. The build number is 6.1.7600.16385 Today at "The Windows Blog", it has been officially confirmed. "Brandon LeBlanc" made the official announcement:

I am pleased to announce that Windows 7 has RTM’d!
Today after all the validation checks were met, we signed off and declared build 7600 as RTM.
I’d also like to give a shout-out to my friends over on the Windows Server Team. Today they are also announcing that Windows Server 2008 R2 has RTM’d.

Lets celebrate it and wait for August 6th to download Windows 7 RTM.
You can take a look at the official release dates for Windows 7 RTM announced by Microsoft.

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ClearType Text Tuner?

[Guide] How to Use Windows 7 Built-inClearType text is usually used on LCD monitors and Laptop screens. It provides smooth and clear display on your screen.

Windows XP was the first OS from Microsoft which provided ClearType text feature. Windows Vista and 7 also have the feature but most of the time even if you enable the option, you don't get a clear display until you tune the ClearType text settings. Microsoft provides a powertoy to tune ClearType text settings which can be found here.
But did you know Windows 7 has a built-in ClearType Text Tuner which is better than this MS powertoy? Yup, there is a built-in CT Tuner in Windows 7 which helps you in fine tuning ClearType text settings.
You can access it using following 2 ways:
1. Open Control Panel and click on "Display" applet. Now click on "Adjust ClearType text" link given in left side pane:

2. You can also launch "ClearType Text Tuner" directly by providing cttune command in Startmenu search box or RUN dialog box.
Once you launch it, it shows following welcome window:

Click on "Next" button and it'll set your monitor to its native resolution.
Click on "Next" button and now you'll need to follow a series of 4 easy steps which allows you to tweak various aspects of ClearType text. Simply select the sample from the list which looks best on your monitor screen.
That's it. Click on "Next" button and you have finished the tuning process.
Now the text will look more clear and smooth on your monitor screen. So enjoy ClearType text in Windows 7...

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Tweak7: Optimize Performance and Behavior of Windows 7

Here is another tool to tweak Windows 7. "Tweak 7" is designed to allow users the opportunity to optimize the performance and behavior of Microsoft Windows 7. Tweak7's key features include performance optimizing, start-up program management, program identification, benchmarking, security tweaking, Cost of Use reports, Carbon Footprint analysis and user profiles. Features List:
Security (User Access Control) Management - Tweak7 has easy to configure security settings for managing the new security features of Windows 7. Other security settings can also be configured with one-click. If you've found some of the security prompts in Windows 7 getting in your way, Tweak7 offers relief.
Start-Up Manager - See what programs are being launched on start-up (even ones that you may not be aware of) and quickly find out what they are doing and whether you need them. By utilizing the startup monitor built into Windows 7 to analyze problems; processes that take longer to start or shutdown are flagged for review.
Recommendations - Automatically evaluate all aspects of your Windows 7 configuration with detailed, yet easy to understand, suggestions provided to help you get more control over your Windows 7 PC.
Process Identification - Leveraging the community, users can read and create information regarding each process currently running. When a user clicks on a program name Tweak7 returns information about that process to help in deciding what to leave running and what to shut off.
Performance Optimization - Tweak7 knows all the default services on Windows 7 and many of them are not needed for most people. Tweak7 can safely guide users through common user configurations to optimize performance and memory use.
Internet Optimization - Tweak7 can improve your Internet surfing performance by changing the underlying Internet settings on Windows 7 to fit the capabilities of your PC.
Cost of Use and Carbon Footprint Analysis - Tweak7 calculates the cost of running your PC. In addition a Carbon Footprint index is calculated. How "Green" is your PC?
It costs $19.95 but there is also a free version available which can be downloaded using following link:
Download Free Version

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[Fix] Windows 7 Automatically Reduces System Volume for Games & PC Calls

One of the most common annoyance in Windows 7 is the automatically adjustment of system volume while you are making PC calls. We have received so many mails asking for solution of this problem, so today we are going to post the solution in this topic. While you are using your PC to place or receive calls or while you are playing games which use PC calls feature, Windows 7 automatically reduces the system volume without even asking you.
Actually its a new feature introduced in Windows 7 which can be disabled using following simple steps:
1. Open "Sound" applet from Control Panel. You can also access it directly using "mmsys.cpl" command in RUN or Startmenu searchbox. Or right-click on Speaker icon present in system tray and select "Playback devices" or "Recording devices" or "Sounds" option.
2. Now go to "Communications" tab and check the option "Do nothing" and Apply it.

3. That's it. Now Windows will no longer reduce the system volume.

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[Fix] ICO Files Not Showing their Icons in Windows Explorer

Recently a reader asked this problem. The .ICO files were not showing their icons in Explorer. Usually Windows Explorer shows separate icons for each .ICO file but sometimes it starts showing the default system icon for all .ICO files. It happens when the .ico file association is missing or damaged in Windows registry. This article will help you in fixing this problem and you'll get the actual icons for all .ICO files:

Simply download following ZIP file:
Download Link
Extract it and run the .REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it and restart your system. It'll fix the problem.

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Windows 7 Beta Testers WILL Get Free Copy of Windows 7 Ultimate

Recently "Brandon Leblanc" @ The Windows Blog posted that Windows 7 Beta testers will not get any free copy of Windows 7 RTM as they got in case of Windows Vista. But today he cleared the confusion and confirmed that all invitation-only Technical Beta testers will get a FREE final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate on August 6th.

Here is what he says:

Last week, I blogged that members of the Windows Technical Beta Program would not be receiving a complimentary copy of Windows 7. Normally I hate to be wrong but in this case, I’m stoked that I am.
To show our appreciation, members of the invitation-only Windows 7 Technical Beta Program will be eligible for a free, final copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. For more information on how to take advantage of this, refer to Paul’s post in the .Beta_Program newsgroup for details.
Tell Paul that Brandon sent you - and be sure to thank him!

So cheers all Windows 7 Beta testers...
NOTE: This offer is only valid for those Technical beta testers who got invitation from MS Connect to test Windows 7.

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Windows 7 Family Pack and Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) Pricing Announced

Today Microsoft announced the pricing details for Windows 7 Family Pack and Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU).

Windows 7 Family Pack:

Family pack for Windows 7 consists of Windows 7 Home Premium for installation on up to 3 PCs.
Windows 7 Family Pack is an easy and affordable way to get all your PCs in your household running Windows 7 through licensing to install Windows 7 Home Premium on up to 3 PCs.
The Windows 7 Family Pack will be available starting on October 22nd until supplies last here in the US and other select markets. In the US, the price for the Windows 7 Family Pack will be $149.99 for 3 Windows 7 Home Premium licenses. That’s a savings of more than $200 for three licenses.

Windows Anytime Upgrade:

With Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU), Microsoft makes it easy and convenient for the small number of customers who’s PC needs evolve to need a higher edition of Windows 7.
Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Home Premium: $79.99
Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional: $89.99
Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate: $139.99*
*Microsoft has reduced the price of moving from Home Premium to Ultimate 12% in the US as compared to Vista pricing
After Windows 7 is released to market on October 22nd, you will be able to buy a retail package that contains an upgrade key at a store near you for any of the 3 paths highlighted above.
If you live in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK or the US (13 countries) – you will be able to purchase the upgrade from Microsoft online directly within Windows 7.
Whether you buy a WAU retail package from a store or online directly within Windows 7, the upgrade takes as few as ten minutes. This is because it only requires an upgrade key (no media). Your current programs, files, and settings will remain intact.
For a rundown of the Windows Anytime Upgrade experience, click here.

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“The Search Bar” Gadget for Windows 7: Search From Your Windows Desktop

"The Search Bar" gadget is an excellent gadget for Windows 7 users which allows you to easily search from various providers right from your desktop. You can search from Amazon, AOL, Ask.com, Bing, Google, Wikipedia or Yahoo. If you want to switch search providers, simply click on the icon and select one from the list.

At the moment, this gadget is intended for Windows 7 and does not include a smaller "docked" mode for use with the Vista Sidebar. It is designed to float on your desktop.
You can download the gadget using following link:
Download "The Search Bar" Gadget for Windows 7

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“Windows XP Mode” RC Released, Download NOW

Today Microsoft has released RC version of "Windows XP Mode" for Windows 7.

Windows XP Mode is specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses to help ease the migration process to Windows 7 by providing additional compatibility for their older productivity applications. Users can run and launch Windows XP applications in Windows XP Mode directly from a Windows 7 desktop.

New Features in RC version:

• You can now attach USB devices to Windows XP Mode applications directly from the Windows 7 task-bar. This means your USB devices, such as printers and flash drives, are available to applications running in Windows XP Mode, without the need to go into full screen mode.
• You can now access Windows XP Mode applications with a “jump-list”. Right click on the Windows XP Mode applications from the Windows 7 task bar to select and open most recently used files.
• You now have the flexibility of customizing where Windows XP Mode differencing disk files are stored.
• You can now disable drive sharing between Windows XP Mode and Windows 7 if you do not need that feature.
• The initial setup now includes a new user tutorial about how to use Windows XP Mode.

You can download Windows XP Mode RC and Windows Virtual PC RC using following link:
Download Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode
NOTE: Windows XP Mode RC requires RC or RTM version of Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise. It also requires additional 1 GB of RAM, 15 GB of available disk space, and processor capable of hardware virtualization with AMD-V or Intel VT turned on in the BIOS.

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How to Disable “Switch User” Option in Windows Vista and 7?

"Switch User" feature was introduced in Windows XP which allows one user to switch to other user without ending the current session. Its a very useful feature and also available in Windows Vista and 7. Many system administrators might want to disable this feature to restrict end-users. If the users are using Windows XP, its very easy task. You can disable "Switch User" option using "User Accounts" applet in Control Panel.
But its not that easy under Windows Vista and 7 as there is no such option available anywhere in Control Panel. So how to disable "Switch User" option in Vista and 7?
Although its hard but not impossible. It can be done using Group Policy Editor as well as Registry Editor. So here we are sharing both methods which can be used to disable "Switch User" option in Windows Vista and 7:

A. Disable "Switch User" Option Using Group Policy Editor:

1. Type gpedit.msc in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Group Policy Editor.
2. Now go to:
Local Computer Policy -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Logon
3. In right-side pane, double-click on "Hide entry points for Fast User Switching" option and set it to Enabled.

4. That's it. Now "Switch User" option will be disabled from Welcome screen as well as from Shutdown menu.

B. Disable "Switch User" Option Using Registry Editor:

Since Group Policy Editor doesn't come with some specific Windows Vista and 7 editions, here is another method to disable "Switch User" option using Registry Editor:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
3. In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value HideFastUserSwitching and set its value to 1

4. That's it. Now "Switch User" option will be disabled from Welcome screen as well as from Shutdown menu.
PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted .REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Download Script

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Get Maximum Glass in Mozilla Firefox 3.5 Under Windows Vista and 7

We all know Mozilla Firefox 3.7 and above versions will support Aero Glass under Windows Vista and 7 as announced earlier by Mozilla Wiki. Of course, you can get the glass in existing Firefox versions using "Glasser" or "All-Glass Firefox" add-ons. Today we are going to share another interesting stuff for Firefox users. Its a very simple "Stylish" code which can bring Aero Glass to Firefox.
Note that, it works only in Windows Vista and 7 and you'll need Mozilla Firefox 3.5 to enjoy it.
Following is a preview of what you are going to get after following this tutorial:

If you like it, follow these simple steps:
1. Install "Stylish" add-on in Mozilla Firefox.
Install Stylish
2. Now open following link and click on "Install with Stylish" button present at top-right corner of the page:
Glass every single part of Mozilla Firefox 3.5
You can also install following Stylish code to get glass in Google homepage as well as shown in above screenshot:
Google Glass
3. That's it. Now you'll have maximum glass in your favorite browser.
Thanks to "fediaFedia" for sharing it...

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How to Prevent Themes to Change Desktop Icons & Mouse Pointers in Windows 7?

Windows 7 comes with lots of new themes which can be applied using Desktop Personalize menu. You can also download various themes from Microsoft official Windows 7 Theme gallery using this link. Almost all these themes come with their own Desktop icons set and mouse cursors which are changed automatically once you apply the theme. But sometimes it becomes a little annoying when a new theme changes your custom icons and cursors automatically without even asking you. So what to do if you want to use your favorite icons and cursors instead of the bundled stuff with the theme. How to prevent themes to change Desktop icons and mouse cursors automatically?
Actually that's very easy. You can customize whether a theme should change icons and cursors or not. You can follow these simple steps:
1. Right-click on Desktop and select "Personalize". It'll open Desktop Personalization window. Now you'll need to click on "Change desktop icons" and "Change mouse pointers" links given in left-side pane.

2. First let's talk about "Change desktop icons" link. Click on it and it'll open "Desktop Icon Settings" window. You'll see a checkbox "Allow themes to change desktop icons" present at the bottom of the window.
Simply uncheck this option and Apply your changes.

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How to Adjust Taskbar Thumbnail Delay Time in Windows 7

In Windows 7, whenever you hover your mouse cursor over a running application's button in Taskbar, Windows shows a small thumbnail of running application with a close button.

But the thumbnail appears after 400 milliseconds which is way too long and sometimes it becomes quite annoying to keep hovering the mouse cursor to show the thumbnail.
Today we are sharing a small registry trick which can be used to adjust this hover delay time. You can set the delay time to 100 milliseconds (which is perfect IMO) to get the thumbnail faster.
So here we start the tutorial:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:

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How to Adjust Taskbar Thumbnail Live Preview Delay Time in Windows 7

Recently we posted about adjusting Taskbar thumbnail delay time. In Windows 7, whenever you hover your mouse cursor over a running application's button in Taskbar, Windows shows a small thumbnail of running application with a close button.

And if you hover your mouse cursor over the small thumbnail, Windows shows a live preview of the running application and makes all other running applications windows transparent.

Today we are sharing a small registry trick which can be used to adjust the live preview delay time. You can set the delay time to 1000 milliseconds (or 1 second) to get the live previews faster.
So here we start the tutorial:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value ThumbnailLivePreviewHoverTime

4. Now you'll need to set its value to your desired delay time. Double-click on it and select "Base" as Decimal and enter the desired value. Remember the value should be given in milliseconds. Set the value to 1000 for best experience.

You can use any value but it should be greater than 0.
5. That's it. Log off or restart your system to take effect.
NOTE: If you want to restore default settings, simply delete "ThumbnailLivePreviewHoverTime" DWORD value created in Step 3.
BONUS TIP: If you want to completely turn off Live previews, visit this link.
PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Download Registry Script

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How to Turn Off Taskbar Thumbnail Live Previews in Windows 7

Recently we posted about adjusting Taskbar thumbnail live preview delay time. In Windows 7, whenever you hover your mouse cursor over a running application's button in Taskbar, Windows shows a small thumbnail of running application with a close button and if you hover your mouse cursor over the small thumbnail, Windows shows a live preview of the running application and makes all other running applications windows transparent.
If you don't like the live preview feature and want to turn it off, this tutorial will help you. Today we are sharing a small registry trick to disable these live previews.
So here we start the tutorial:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

3. In right-side pane, create a new DWORD value DisablePreviewWindow and set its value to 1 to disable live previews.
PS: If the above trick doesn't work for you, create new DWORD DisablePreviewDesktop instead of the above mentioned DWORD and set its value to 1. (Thanks to our reader "TheAslan" for this info)

4. That's it. Log off or restart your system to take effect.
NOTE: If you want to restore default settings, simply delete "DisablePreviewWindow" DWORD value or change its value to 0.
PS: If you want a ready-made script to do the task automatically, download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it:
Download Registry Script

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How to Adjust “Aero Peek” Desktop Preview Delay Time in Windows 7

"Aero Peek" is a new feature in Windows 7 which has replaced the old "Show Desktop" shortcut. It can be found as a small rectangle present at the end of Taskbar. When you hover the mouse cursor over it, it allows you to peek behind all open windows by hiding all windows and showing only outlines of all windows.
The default delay time to preview Desktop is set to 1 second by default but sometimes it gets annoying when you accidentally hover your mouse over it.
Today we are sharing a small registry trick which can be used to adjust this delay time. You can set the delay time to 2,3 or more seconds according to your requirements.
So here we start the tutorial:
1. Type regedit in RUN or Startmenu Searchbox and press Enter. It'll open Registry Editor.
2. Now go to following key:

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