HelpMeRick.com - Computer help for beginners - Castellini on Computers » Windows Tips

Changing file-program associations – Video Tip

Rick — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:31:30 +0000

Have you ever wondered how to get your picture files to open directly in your image editing program? Read on to learn how to get your files to open where you want them to when you double-click on them. For example, by default JPEG picture files open with Microsoft Internet Explorer. Maybe you want it to open with Adobe Photo Deluxe. Here's how:

Find a file on your computer that you would like to have open in a different program.
Hold down the Ctrl and Shift keys on your keyboard
RIGHT Click on the target file (while you are still holding the Ctrl + Shift keys) (Windows 98 & Me users only)

How to register for your Avast Free Antivirus License – Notes

Rick — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:19:18 +0000

Adding to my new ongoing series of daily how-tos I write for clients is this one about registering the Free Avast Antivirus I now recommend. Occasionally the registration servers are not working when I install the program for a client, so I created these instructions for her to follow when the servers come back online. [...]

How to print the contents of any folder in Windows – Video Tip

Rick — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:46:32 +0000

Microsoft provides a set of instructions for adding the ability to print the contents of a folder in Windows XP or Vista, but the instructions will be over the head of many computer users. Years ago, I found and added a free folder print utility called FolderPrint to my web site. In all those years, [...]

Easy File Management – Video Tip

Rick — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:59:11 +0000

You can easily delete and rename files from within almost any computer program.

To delete a file or folder:

Click File from the menu of any program
Click Open
In the window that pops up, click ONCE on any document you want to delete
Push Delete on your keyboard. Repeat as many times as you would like.

Windows Key Shortcuts

Rick — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:08:55 +0000

We featured this particular tip about a year ago, but it bears repeating. Also, I discovered a few additions. The Windows Key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard) allows you to push it and another key to gain quick access to some Windows utilities and programs. Here are the combos: * Windows Key + F = Find * Windows Key + E = Windows Explorer (my favorite) * Windows Key + R = Run * Windows Key + M = Minimize all open windows so that you can see your desktop again (Windows Key + D will do the same thing) * Windows Key + C = Control Panel * Windows Key + Pause/Break = System Properties

Avoiding the Mysterious Duplication of Files – Video Tip

Rick — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:06:34 +0000

Today's shotgun is a video tip explaining why files seem to duplicate themselves, and what you can do to avoid and correct the problem.

Click the read more option to start the video.

Print Anything You See on Your Screen – Video Tip

Rick — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:14:56 +0000

Many times a computer user may need the ability to print what they see on the screen, but can't access a Print command. Using the underutilized Print Screen button on the keyboard can rectify this situation.

The Print Screen button is usually located just to the right of your F keys and above the Insert, Home, Delete key section.

Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip

Rick — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:22 +0000

This tip applies to Windows Vista and Windows 7 users only. Since Microsoft opted to not include XP users in the upgrade path to Internet Explorer 9, you XP users can file this tip until you upgrade to your next computer (if you stay with Windows). If you chose or were automatically updated to Internet Explorer 9, [...]

How to disable trackpad when typing on your laptop

Rick — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:29:53 +0000

First look for a button or hot key combination that your laptop might provide to disable the trackpad or adjust its sensitivity…that will be the best method. However, if you cannot find or don’t have that option, these two downloads may help you type in more peace with your laptop: TouchFreeze TouchPadPal No related posts.

Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip

Rick — Fri, 13 May 2011 04:53:51 +0000

Windows Vista and 7 have helped make networking computers a little easier, but there are still some idiosyncrasies that can be irritating. One of those is the default password required for sharing of printers or files. You can shut it off, thankfully. Here’s how: Click Start Type: Advanced Look for and click Manage Advanced Sharing Options Scroll [...]