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Windows Tips

Windows Tools that Moved

Windows XP has been with us almost eight months now and XP users are starting to request some XP specific tips. Don’t let it be said that I’m not responsive to my listeners requests (I welcome and consider them all).

If you are using the new Windows XP and have been looking for some old favorite tools from your Windows 95/98 days, read onward my friend.

I use Windows Explorer probably more than any other tool in Windows. In previous versions of Windows, it was located in the Programs menu. With Windows XP (and Me, by the way), you have to dig in the Accessories menu to find it. Of course, you can always get to it in any version of Windows, including XP, via the Windows key + E keyboard shortcut.

Using the Resource Meter

Lack of memory can cause many of the most common computer problems. Learn how to keep track of your computer memory and what to do about it using the Resource Meter. 

Windows 98 and Me usually have this feature installed by default. You can find the resource meter by clicking on Start –> Programs –> Accessories –> System Tools –> Resource Meter

Windows 95 users may need to install the feature by going to the Control Panel –> Add/Remove Programs –> Windows Setup –> Accessories.

Once started, you will see a little green indicator in your  system tray by the clock. Float your mouse over it to see a readout of available memory. You need to only concern yourself with the first number (System). If this number falls below 50%, you increase your chances of lockups, illegal operations and other unwanted side effects. So, save your work and restart your computer when this number falls below fifty.

If you want to have the program start up automatically with your computer, then drag the Resource Meter icon to the Startup folder in Programs.

Take Advantage of Window’s Folder Views

Viewing files and their attributes works great in all version of Windows IF you know hot to take advantage of the different folder views. It makes managing and searching through your files much easier.

In all versions of Windows, you can view files in List, Icon, Tile, or Details view. With Windows XP, you can view files in Thumbnail view or Filmstrip view for pictures.

  • Tile view shows an icon representing the program used to create or open the file, type of document and size of document

Tackle the OPEN WITH problem with confidence

The reason we see the "open with" dialog box (see picture) when a file is double-clicked boils down to one of two scenarios: 1) we do not own a program that can read the file or 2) we shouldn’t be viewing or messing with the file anyway.


To approach this box, first determine what type of file it was you were attempting to open by canceling the box above, then RIGHT click on the file and click properties to see what the extension is (the last three letters following the file name). You can check what type of file it was by visiting this web site: List of File Extensions. Then if you determine that it is a graphic file, choose a graphics program, if word processing try a word processing program, etc.

Stopping the Starting

Are you having a tough time figuring out how to get some programs from automatically opening every time Windows starts? Then this tip is for you.

If you are using Windows 98, then the method is easier than with Windows 95:

1. Click on Start
2. Click on Programs
3. Click on Accessories
4. Click on System Tools
5. Click on System Information
6. Click on the Tools menu
7. Click on System Configuration Utility
8. Click on the Startup tab
9. Now simply scroll through the list of programs that are automatically starting, and uncheck the box next to them.
10. Click OK twice and restart your computer, that?s it!

Stop the Windows password screen

Follow either of these techniques to get rid of the Windows logon password (it doesn’t provide any type of security any way).

I’m going to give a couple of ways to go about it, because it can be quirky and not work the same way on every machine (imagine that).

Technique 1:

1. Click on Start–>Settings –> Control Panel
2. Double-click on the Passwords icon.
3. Click the Change Passwords tab and click the Change Windows Password button.
4. Make sure all three fields are completely blank and click the OK button to save changes.

Technique 2:

1. Click on Start –> Find –> Files and Folders

Stop the Messenger Pop Up Windows

Recently, many listeners have asked how to get rid of the annoying messenger pop-up windows they receive when online. This problem affects only Windows XP users. These messenger pop-ups are NOT related to the MSN Messenger service used for instant messaging. These messages are unsolicited advertisements where the advertiser utilizes a function of Windows XP called the Messenger Service.

The purpose of the Messenger Service is to alert users on a local network (like a business) to announcements and company information. However, some advertisers have figured out a way to use this service as a way of popping ads in front of our eyeballs. Follow this weeks tip to stop these unwanted and unnecessary ads.

Run Scan Disk or Defrag in Safe Mode

Performing regular disk maintenance on our computers helps keep them running smoothly. However, some computer users are not able to successfully complete the two standard disk utility programs…Scan Disk and Defrag. Scan Disk may produce an error pop-up stating that it tried to complete the operation up to ten times, but wasn’t able to complete it. Or, with defrag, the error may mention that another program is interrupting it.

The easiest way to avoid both of these situations is to run the utilities in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is the ugly version of Windows that you occasionally reach after a bad shut down. But, this ugly mode of Windows provides a great place to run your disk utilities free of errors. Here’s how:

Remove Password at Startup

Are you annoyed by a ‘password’ screen that starts up every time you start your computer? Did you know that this password affords you NO extra security what-so-ever?

Well, if you are itching to get rid of it, here’s how:

1. Click on Start –> Find –> Files or Folders
2. Type: *.pwl in the named box
3. Click in the Look In box and choose My Computer
4. Make sure the Include subfolders box is checked and then click on Find Now
5. Delete any files that are found and close the Find window
6. Click on Start –> Settings –> Control Panel
7. Double-click on Network

Quick Tweaks to Make Windows Snap

When I make a house or office call during the week to work on a computer, I almost always run through a few quick tweaks to make Windows perform just a little bit better. No matter how new a computer may be, it can’t be too fast. Try these tweaks on your computer to see if you can eek out a little more performance.
Disable Visual Effects

Starting with Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft added visual effects to menus and windows that do nothing but make us wait a little longer to perform our computing tasks. To cut down on these visual effects, do the following:

1. RIGHT Click on a blank part of the desktop