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Posts Tagged Windows 7

MSN Messenger does not minimize to TaskBar in Windows 7

Dec 18

Posted by Admin in Uncategorized | No Comments

If you have just installed MSN Messenger and wondering why it won’t minimize to Notification area (The area on the taskbar next to system clock), don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with your computer. This behaviour is by design. Unfortunately, for users, its intrusive and painful.
Luckily there is a workaround for this. Follow the steps below to fix this issue:

1. Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger folder

2. Right click on msnmsgr file and on the pop up menu, click on Properties

3. On the next window, click on Compatibility tab

4. Check the box for “Run this program in Compatibility mode for:”

5. On the drop down box below this checkbox, select “Windows Vista”

6. Click on “Apply” and then click on “Ok”

Now launch MSN Messenger and it should minimize to taskbar. Enjoy connecting to the world with MSN.

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Tags: Messenger, Microsoft, MSN, Windows 7

Windows 7 Hibernation Error: STOP 0×000000A0 Internal_Power_Error

Sep 3

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Troubleshooting, Windows 7 | No Comments


If you are using Windows 7, you may encounter a STOP error when you attempt to put your computer in Hibernate mode. This mode allows users to save battery / power on their laptop/desktop machine. This allows users to store the open programs and files status on the hard drive which is recovered instantly once you resume from the Hibernate mode.

This issue has been confirmed by Microsoft and happens if the current Hibernate file is not large enough to accommodate current memory contents.

If you encounter this issue, follow the simple steps below:

  1. Click on “Start” and click on “All Programs”. Now Click on “Accessories” on the Start Menu
  2. Right Click on “Command Prompt” and on the pop-up menu, click on “Run as Administrator”

If you are prompted to enter an administrator password, please type the password and/or confirmation for the same.

  1. You will now reach a command prompt window with a blinking cursor. On this screen type “powercfg /hibernate/size 100”
  2. It will take you back to a blinking cursor without any message. Now type “exit” to get out of command prompt.

 

These steps will resolve the issue by increasing the size of Hibernate file on your computer.

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Tags: Hibernate, Microsoft, STOP error, Windows 7

Upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista gets stuck at 62%: Solution

Sep 3

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Troubleshooting, Windows 7 | No Comments


If you have attempted or are planning to upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows Vista, you may encounter an issue during the upgrade process. The upgrade may get stuck at 62% with no error messages. It will stay at 62% for a very long time.

If you encounter this situation, follow the steps below:

  1. Restart the computer. This step will roll back the upgrade and you will be able to boot into Windows Vista installation.
  2. Once on the Windows Vista desktop screen, Click on “Start” and Right Click on “Computer”
  3. On the pop-up menu, click on “Properties” and then click on “Advanced System Settings”
  4. On this System Settings screen, click on “Environment Variables” button

Vista System Properties

5. On the next screen, click on “New” button under “System Variables”

6. On the new window, you will see options to enter Variable Name and Variable Value. In these boxes, type the following information:

  1. Variable Name: MIG_UPGRADE_IGNORE_PLUGINS
  2. Variable Value: IphlpsvcMigPlugin.dll

Now click on “OK” and return to the desktop screen.

 

Now restart the upgrade process. This time it should go ahead with the installation process.

If you still face this issue, please leave a comment or submit the details using the “Request Solution” tab on this page.

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Tags: 62%, Microsoft, Setup, Stuck, Upgrade, Vista, Windows 7

Windows 7 Cracked

Aug 21

Posted by Admin in Operating System, Windows 7 | No Comments


Like Windows Vista, Windows 7 has been reportedly cracked by some Chinese blogs, before its retail release due in Mid September. This is a huge setback for Microsoft which has been reporting that their new Operating System scores high on security.

This hack has been created using an RTM (Release to Manufacture) version of Windows 7. Microsoft releases all its Operating Systems to computer manufacturers much before the retail release to ensure that manufacturers test their hardware with the new OS and are ready to provide computers to consumers with latest OS bundled at the time of retail launch. A Lenovo machine was apparently used to create this hack.

The leaked ISO image file was available on some chinese blogs and sites. It retrieves the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) SLP key along with the activation key to provide an activated copy of Windows 7. This happens because OEMs are allowed (in most cases) to sell pre-activated computer systems with specific SLP keys, common to all their systems. It has been said in these blogs that this is a master key and can be used to activate Windows 7 on any computer from any manufacturer.

Microsoft has confirmed the reports and communicated that they will blacklist the leaked key and will safeguard interest of genuine customers. Microsoft also said, again, that if Windows 7 is installed using this crack, it will be prone to virus and spyware infections and will not be able to install Windows updates and fixes.

Source: Neowin.net

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Tags: crack, hack, Lenovo, Windows 7

Windows Easy Transfer – Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Windows Easy Transfer is a tool provided by Microsoft (Now interated with their OS) which can be used to transfer files and settings from one computer to another. If you want to transfer whole of your data or just few selected files from one computer to another, this is the tool for you. What’s more, this tool can be used over different Windows based Operating Systems. I would be explaining this tool and its features in detail in this article.

 

Operating Systems which support Windows Easy Transfer:

  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Windows 2000

 

What all can I transfer using Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7?

 You can transfer almost everything, except Installed Programs/Applications.

You can transfer following:

  • Data stored in all the files and folders on your Computer.
  • User Account Specific Data
  • Music files, Videos and Pictures
  • User Settings, Windows Settings and Internet Explorer Settings
  • Emails, Email Client Settings and Contacts
  • Data and Settings related to Programs/Applications installed on your computer

 

What all modes can I use to Transfer Data using Windows Easy Transfer?

This is where it gets very easy…. Windows Easy Transfer provides you with lots of flexibility in how you want to move data from one computer to another.

You can use any of the following:

  • Easy Transfer Cable: This is easiest of the method. Transfer Cable is a USB cable which you can plug to both the computers and can transfer data peer to peer. You will first have to install a small software on both the computers, after that once you plug in this cable, Windows Easy Transfer wizard will start automatically.
  • Computers on a Network: You can also choose a Network location on your home network to transfer data to.
  • Removable HDD: You can transfer data to a exernal drive and then copy it on another computer.
  • CD/DVD: You can burn data on a CD or a DVD using Windows Easy Transfer and then move data to the other computer.

 

How to use Windows Easy Transfer in Windows 7 to move files and settings?

I have mentioned step by step process to use Windows Easy Transfer below.

  • Open Windows Easy Transfer. In order to do this, simply click on start and search for easy transfer as shown below.

                WET1          

  •  Alternatively, you can goto Control Panel —–> Getting Started —–> Transfer files and settings from another computer.

            WET2

 

  • You will get the Welcome Screen, Click next.

             wet3

 

  • Wizard will now give you option to choose Medium of Transfer. Choose the appropriate medium and click next.

             wet4

 

  • Next, wizard will prompt you to identify wether this computer is a new one or old. Definitions are below:

              New Computer: This is the computer to which you are transfering the files and settings.

              Old Computer: This is the computer from which you are transfering files and settings. (Choose This)

             wet5

 

  • Now Wizard will scan through you computer and display a list of use accounts that can be transfered. Put a tick next to items you want to transfer.

             wet7

            

  •  Wizard will now prompt you for a Password, put the password if you want to secure your transfer data. Ensure that you remember this password. You will not be able to complete transfer on your destination computer if you do not provide this password. (This password is optional, leave it blank if you want to)

             wet8

 

  • Now the last step, Wizard will prompt you to save the transfer file that it has created on to a location. You can burn this on HDD, CD/DVD.

              wet9

You are done with the first step of File Transfer. Move to your destination computer now and following following steps:

 

  • Run the Windows Easy Transfer for Windows 7 again.
  • Continue till step 5 as mentioned above.
  • Once you have chosen this as your New Computer, wizard will prompt you for location of Transfer files. Choose appropriate option from the screen (Snapshot below)

             wet10

 

              Now browse through the location where you have saved the transfer files. You can browse to a location on your HDD, CD/DVD also.

             wet12

  

  • Now choose what all items you want to transfer.

             wet13

 

  • Wizard will now transfer all the selected items. Once done, it will give you options to check what items were transfered.

              wet15

 

 

Cheers!!!    smileyface5

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Tags: backup, data, data backup, data move, data transfer windows 7, easy, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

How to Backup/Transfer data on Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Windows Vista provides you with some good utilities to accomplish following tasks:

  • Transfer data and user settings to another computer
  •  Backup data on your computer as a contingency plan

Below is how you can easily transfer data or back it up on Windows 7:

1. Transfer data and user settings to another computer:

Windows 7 provides you with Windows Easy Transfer. This utility gives you the capability of backing up your settings and user data on a medium(Exernal HDD, Flash Drive or DVD). After that you can restore these settings and user data on the new computer using the medium.

Search for Windows Easy Transfer in the Start Search box to access it.

2. Backup data on your computer:

For this you can use Backup and Restore Center in Windows 7. This utility is a step by step guide which will enable you to take one time backup or schedule a regular backup for your computer. Please ensure that you have saved any unsaved data and close all open documents before running this utility. Also, please keep in mind that data backed up on Windows 7 can be restore only on a computer running Windows 7.

Search for backup or Restore in the Start Search box to access this utility.

 

Hope this helps!!

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Tags: backup, backup data, data, data backup, easy, how, howto, to, transfer, Window 7, windows, Windows 7, windows easy transfer

Are you ready for Windows 7?

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


It would be a simple question to answer if you are considering only Minimum system Requirements.

But you have ensure more comprehensive check of your system to ensure hassle free transition to Windows 7.

Following are few things you need to take care off before attempting upgrade/installation of Windows 7.

There are tools and scan utilities available which if you download and run on your machine will provide you with all the required information related to conflicting software, Drives etc.

Below are few tools which you can try:

1. Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:

This tool generates a report which details out known compatibility issues. It will also give suggestions on how to take care of compatibility issues.

2. PC Pit Stop Utility:

This site will prompt for installation of an ActiveX control. Install this ActiveX and you will get a comprehensive scan result of your PC wrt Windows 7 readiness.

 

Cheers!!!

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Tags: check, compatibility, Compatibility check, compatibility issues, compatible, hardware, minimum, readiness, requirements, system, Upgrade, Window 7, Windows 7

Can I upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7?

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


Yes!!!!! You can.

But here is the catch, Microsoft has not provided option to directly upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP. There are various options of getting Windows 7 on the computer, but almost all of them would result in you losing your data and your programs.

There is but one way by which you can atleast preserve your data.

Even though, Upgrade is not an option in the setup if we are running it on Windows XP, however we can migrate files and settings from old installation to new one. In order to accomplish this you will have to use Windows easy transfer. You will basically have to transfer the data using this utility to a removable media and then transfer it back once the installation is done. You will however lose all the installed programs and will have to install them back!!!!.

 Following is the summary of the activites involved:

  • Move your files/data using Windows Easy Transfer onto an external media (External HDD, Flash Drive).
  • Install Windows 7 (Remember to choose Custom Installation – Upgrade).
  • Move the files/data back on the computer using Windows Easy Transfer.

Now, this seems elementary, but this might not be a smooth sail throughout.

Ensure that your computer meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 7 and also run a compatibility check.

In order to get a step by step details of the upgrade process, visit following link:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd446674%28WS.10%29.aspx

Also, you will find Screen Shots of the installation steps at BlogsDNA:

http://www.blogsdna.com/3217/step-by-step-guide-to-upgrade-windows-xp-to-windows-7.htm

 

Microsoft has also released video of how data migration can be simplified through User State Migration Tool (USMT) version 4.0. Click here to watch the video. (You will have to install Microsoft SilverLight for this)

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Tags: howto, Microsoft, Upgrade, USMT, Window 7, Windows 7, Windows XP, XP

Windows XP Mode (XPM) in Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7, Windows XP | No Comments


The biggest failure cause of Vista was its inablility to provide flexibility to users to run applications that work with Windows XP. To overcome this basic flaw, Microsoft has provided a Windows XP virtualization in Windows 7. This is called the “Windows XP Mode”.

This feature will be available in Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions, but not in Home Edition. This will deprive common users of this feature if they upgrade to the basic version of Windows 7.

This is not all. This feature requires lot more than just a higer version of the Operating System. It requires a processor which supports hardware based virtualization. This would mean that if you intend to use this feature and you have an old system, in all probability, this won’t work unless you upgrade your hardware.

Please ensure that your read through all the details before upgrading to Windows 7.

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Tags: compatibility, Windows 7, Windows XP

Minimum System Requirements – Windows 7

Aug 12

Posted by Admin in Windows 7 | No Comments


Good News!!! If you are running Microsoft Windows Vista on your PC already, you do not have to pay heavily for a hardware upgrade if you intend to install Microsoft Windows 7.

Below is the comparision of Minimum system requirement for Windows Vista & Windows 7:

Windows 7:

  • 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  • 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  • 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
  • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

Windows Vista – Home Premium / Business / Ultimate:

  • 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  • 1 GB of system memory
  • 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:
    • WDDM Driver
    • 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)
    • Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
    • 32 bits per pixel

 

Additional requirements to use certain features:

For some Windows Media Center functionality a TV tuner and additional hardware may be required

Windows Touch and Tablet PCs require specific hardware

DVD/CD authoring requires a compatible optical drive

BitLocker requires Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 1.2

BitLocker To Go requires a USB flash drive

Windows XP Mode requires an additional 1 GB of RAM, an additional 15 GB of available hard disk space, and a processor capable of hardware virtualization with Intel VT or AMD-V turned on.

 

For more information, visit following links:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-7-System-Requirements-110635.shtml

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Tags: hardware, Microsoft, required, system, Upgrade, Windows 7