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, however, I never provided a clear set of instructions on how to utilize that helpful little tool…until now.
You can download the Continue reading →
This article helped me immensely today. He doesn’t link the EasyBCD program in his article that is critical to getting everything going, but I’ve linked it here. He also links to another article of his that explains how to dual boot XP and Vista with XP already installed.
Good stuff!
How to dual boot Vista and XP (with Vista installed first) — the step-by-step guide with screenshots.
photo credit: Denube
It seems that spyware, adware and other malware that doesn’t quite fall in the category of a virus grows by the day. Unfortunately, even the best protected computers and computer users can get hit by these sneaky destruction machines by tricking us (social engineering) to thinking we are either using, viewing or downloading something other than it is. In order to fight back, we need to be smarter Internet citizens in addition to properly protecting our computers.
Again, I’m talking mainly to Windows computer users since this scourge on digital society has little to no affect on Continue reading →
Lately too many customers have had to wait for repairs on their computers because I needed to order recovery CD sets from the manufacturer. This time and expense can be avoided if you do two simple things when you buy your new computer:
1. Save all disks and/or documentation that comes in the box
2. Since most manufacturers no longer send along recovery CDs and operating system CDs, it is up to you make them. Look for a System Tools or System Recover CD wizard in your Programs menu to help you with this task. After making them, put them with the computer’s documentation and keep track of where they are.
Hopefully you will never need these items, but you will be happy you have them when you do need them.
You can easily delete and rename files from within almost any computer program.
First, when you save your files, you should always be paying attention to the top of the save window where the computer shows you where the file is being saved.
Watch the short video below to see a demonstration of these techniques.
If you are a Microsoft Windows user, of any flavor, I recommend that you download and use the free CCleaner utility once per month. Our computers create thousands of small files that we never see in order to perform the computing tasks we ask of them. Visiting web sites also creates thousands of files including the oft misunderstood cookies. All these files are called temporary files and are completely expendable. Over the course of time, these small temporary files can build up to such a significant amount that they can drag down the performance of even the fastest system.
CCleaner offers a quick, easy and thorough tool to clean all these files in a single click. After downloading and installing the product (I un-click the option to add the Yahoo toolbar during the install), you will have a CCleaner icon on your desktop like the one pictured (large red C with a blue whisk broom). Double-click it, and click the Run Cleaner button. In just a few minutes, the cleaning will finish and present you with a report detailing what was deleted and how much space was recovered.
IF you don’t want your web history or cookies or recycle bin to be automatically cleaned (deleted), you can uncheck the appropriate box before clicking the Run Cleaner button.
One new feature that Windows Vista brought to the table is an easier way to take pictures of your screen…known as screen shots. In previous versions of Windows you had to learn how to use the Print Screen button (click here for my tip on that technique) or find a third party utility to do the same thing.Windows Vista introduced a new tool called the Snipping Tool that makes taking screen shots easier and more flexible than Print Screen. Vista users can find the Snipping Tool in the Accessories menu. The Snipping Tool will also be included in the upcoming Windows 7. To see how it works, watch my video below.
Some of the nastiest spyware infections can be dealt with easier than previously thought if you try the following steps immediately after becoming infected:
I have had good success with this routine if the infection is caught quick enough (usually within a day or so).
Since Windows 3.1 in the early 90s, we have been able to run multiple programs at the same time with our computers. Probably the easiest way to take advantage of this feature is learning to use the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut. At least four times this week, clients asked me what I was doing to switch between open windows so quickly. When I showed them the Alt+Tab keyboard shortcut, the seemed to be both mesmerized and intrigued.
Click on my tip below to watch the video tip explaining and demonstrating this fundamental skill that all computer users should master:
Use Alt+Tab or Command(Apple)+Tab to quickly change applications – Video Tip
Many moons ago, I shared with you a tip on how to create a desktop icon to shutdown Windows XP instantly. It’s about time that I share with you the same tip applied to Windows Vista. Here’s how it is done:
You can see all these steps in action in the video below AND get a bonus tip of how to change the action of the little power button on the start menu.
HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Even if you are an experienced computer user, use our site as a resource to provide help to the friends, family members and co-workers you provide tech support for every day.
Loading ...
