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Microsoft Windows 7 – Are You Ready to Upgrade? October 12, 2009

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Windows 7, Microsoft’s latest operating system, is due to be released on 22 October 2009. Much of the appearance of Vista has been maintained and the basic functionality in Windows Vista has improved 7. Windows 7 has been designed to be compatible with Windows Vista’s hardware, applications and device drivers.

So what’s new in Windows 7? Microsoft has banished the Quick Launch toolbar to replaced it with a toolbar with large icons and improved the ability to set shortcuts to it. The icons are larger Windows 7 to allow users to take advantage of touch screen monitors.

Three new features enhance the functionality of Windows:

· Aero Peek – click or hover over this button to enable transparent windows in order to show the desktop. This feature replaces the “Show Desktop shortcut in the Quick Launch toolbar.

· Aero Shake – Highlight a window with the mouse, then Shake It – all open windows are minimized. Shake again to reopen the document view.

· Aero Snap – drag a window to the left or the right of the screen next door closure – repeated across two documents side by side tiles. Drag to the top to maximize and restore drag.

Changes have been made to the familiar concepts – all the security flaws and notification system has been consolidated into a single area, the Windows Action Center. The user has more freedom to customize the amount of messages are handled in Windows 7.

You may be surprised to learn that some popular applications are missing from the installation of Windows 7 – Calendar, photo gallery and even Windows Mail All are part of Windows Live applications Essential, available for download from the Microsoft website. This may sound strange at first, why did Microsoft ignore these? The reason is simple – these applications, because they are independent, they are easier to update that if it were integrated into the operating system. Another change is affecting users in Europe – due to legal problems of the EU, Windows 7 in Europe are the standard MS Internet Explorer. Browsers have to be loaded from alternative sources of media such as CDs in order to gain access to the Internet.

First impressions suggest an elegant, faster operating system Windows 7, with more polish than Vista. Microsoft seems to have listened to criticism and delivered what they did with Vista.

Windows Upgrades Made Easier September 24, 2009

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Upgrading a Windows PC is difficult. As noted in a recent column, only a relatively small number of computer owners can upgrade to Windows 7 in a way that leaves all your programs intact. Buying a new computer really rather not make things better, still has to find and reinstall all applications.

Laplink PCmover can greatly ease the pain. It’s not perfect (the plan in some toys everything works fine after using it either to update an “in situ” or the creation of a new PC). But it is a great improvement over Microsoft’s (MSFT) built-in option, Windows Easy Transfer, which moves files and settings, but not programs.

Windows users can only envy Mac owners, as Apple (AAPL), establishes the gold standard for ease of updating. Unlike Easy Transfer Limited, Mac Migration Assistant is a dream. It runs when you get a new Mac and find the old Mac on the network, transfers all its programs to the new machine, and moves to their preferences and data. For a variety of technical reasons Windows programs are much more difficult to transfer, and Microsoft has not offered much help.

Laplink Perhaps success in this task, because the company has been making file transfer programs from the first days of notebook computers. PCmover comes in three versions: a $ 20 edition to help you upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 into an existing team; $ 40 version called PCmover Home that can handle either an upgrade or a transfer to a new team (the right choice for most people), and a $ 60 Professional Edition that provides more control over what moves, especially in equipment used in a corporate environment.

PCmover tried under a variety of scenarios, including upgrading a computer from XP to Windows 7, the transfer of applications and files from one Windows XP to a new PC with Windows 7, and improved 32-bit Vista 64-bit Windows 7. (See my recent column in Win 7 updates for more than 32-bit vs 64-bit.) Each of these configurations encountered technical problems of one kind or another, but in any case PCmover made the process easier.

When you upgrade an existing computer, PCmover stores information to be transferred to the built-in hard drive or an external drive. When configuring a new computer, the easiest method is to link their new and old equipment with a special USB cable ($ 40, but is included with the Pro version).

Some applications, including antivirus programs are designed to work in a specific version of its operating system and cannot be moved. Other applications will take a bit of concern in the new computer. For example, Microsoft Office PCmover transfer, both versions 2003 and 2007 in all scenarios for the mail accounts in Outlook and other programs preferences presented in the new or updated systems. But I had to find and fall back on a 25-character installation key to activate Office. A word to the kinds of creativity: Adobe professional programs such as Photoshop, you must be disabled on the old computer before moving or upgrading, or may have trouble getting to work on the new system.

It’s a bit more of a mystery why Microsoft has not made it easier to migrate to a new version of Windows. After all, Windows only makes money when buying a new computer or upgrade from an earlier version. It is equally surprising that computer manufacturers have not stepped on the plate, as it facilitates the transfer of your stuff to a new system can only make more people willing to buy computers. When you’re spending $ 120 for an upgrade from Windows or several hundred dollars or more for a new team should not have to pay extra for a tool to configure it. But complaining aside, I’m happy PCmover is about to make the task easier.

For more information click given below link..

Operating System Upgrade

How to use system restore If windows XP does not start September 23, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Windows XP.
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If you want to restore windows xp to fix windows xp operating system hardware and software problems. The System Restore feature resembles the Last Known Good Configuration feature, except that the System Restore feature enables you to select a date before the last successful shutdown. You can use it to select a “restore point.” A restore point is like a snapshot of your computer that Windows XP records periodically. System Restore uses the information in that snapshot to restore your computer to the earlier date.

This post provides windows xp support to use system restore if Windows XP does not Start follow the steps

Windows XP does not start
If Windows XP does not start, follow these steps to use the System Restore feature:
1. Restart the computer.
2. As the computer is restarting, repeatedly press the F8 key until you see the Windows Advanced Options screen.
3. Use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Command Prompt, and then press ENTER. For more information about safe mode, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
315222  (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315222/ ) A description of the safe mode boot options in Windows XP
4. Log on to the computer as an administrator.
5. Click Start, and then click Run.
6. Type the following command in the Open box, and then press ENTER:
%systemroot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe
7. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen to restore the computer settings to a previous configuration.

If Windows XP starts for you, follow these steps to use the System Restore feature:
1. Log on to the computer as an administrator.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore. System Restore starts.
3. On the Welcome to System Restore page, click Restore my computer to an earlier time if this option is not already selected. Then, click Next.
4. On the Select a Restore Point page, click the most recent system checkpoint in the On this list, click a restore point list, and then click Next. You may receive a message that lists configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.

Note You may receive a message that lists the configuration changes that System Restore will make. Click OK.
5. On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, click Next. System Restore restores the previous Windows XP configuration, and then System Restore restarts the computer.
6. Log on to the computer as an administrator.
7. The System Restore Restoration Complete page appears, click OK.

Microsoft Windows Users and iYogi Predict a Surge in Tech Support for Windows 7 Upgrades September 17, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Windows 7.
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New York, NY (PRWEB) September 16, 2009 — iYogi, the on-demand tech services company with a unique global delivery model, announced today the results of a consumer poll regarding support concerns and predictions for the upcoming launch of the new Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Based on responses from more than 1,000 Windows XP and Windows Vista users, 52 percent think that moving to a new operating system and moving their data is a hassle, suggesting some real frustrations on the near horizon. Nearly half (47 percent) think upgrading to Microsoft Windows 7 may require a call to technical support – potentially causing a huge backlog of support needs, as up to 40 million copies of Windows 7 are expected to be sold in 2009, according to IDC.

“We predict that more than 40 percent of XP users will generate support calls and inquiries globally this year and even more in 2010 as mass adoption kicks in and people face the prospect of dealing with an entirely new interface,” said Vishal Dhar, President Marketing & Co-founder of iYogi. “We estimate twice as many support calls for current Windows XP users than Windows Vista users, since Microsoft Windows XP users will require a ‘clean’ install including migrating applications, settings and drivers–a potentially arduous, time-intensive task.”

We predict that more than 40 percent of XP users will generate support calls and inquiries globally this year and even more in 2010 as mass adoption kicks in and people face the prospect of dealing with an entirely new interface

Additional survey findings reveal:

* 58 percent of users think they will or may upgrade to Windows 7, an encouraging number considering some of the backlash surrounding Vista

* Only 39 percent of users are aware that Windows 7 is launching soon, suggesting an increased flurry of help questions in the coming months as more people become aware of the upgrade options

iYogi has more has more than 90,000 annual subscribers and provides thousands of single incident sessions every day on a 24/7 basis. Its Global Delivery Platform delivers on the highest customer satisfaction benchmarks in the industry and gets smarter with every customer interaction, building a powerful knowledge base that provides unique customer insights on predictive needs to tech support.

ABOUT IYOGI
iYogi is a global on-demand services company that provides personalized computer support for consumers and small businesses in United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. iYogi’s unique model, including proprietary technology iMantra and highly qualified technicians, is designed to eliminate computer-related stress and keep millions of digitally dependent consumers and small businesses always protected and productive. Only iYogi — with its proven global expertise delivery model, intelligent customer insight systems, easy-to-use self-help tools and automated PC optimization and computer support services – offers users a simple yet comprehensive path to digital serenity. iYogi has perfected the remote technical support model to overcome the current limitations of in-store, on-site, or call center services to become the fastest growing provider of support in the industry. Major resellers and technology companies are increasingly turning to iYogi to improve customer satisfaction, reduce return rates, and deliver a compelling new-value added offering to customers. For more information on iYogi and a detailed list of technologies supported, visit: www.iyogi.net.

Update Computer Device Drivers Automatically September 3, 2009

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Traditionally, locating the right driver for a PC, server, or peripheral has required that you know the specifics of your device’s manufacturer, model number, your OS version, the date of your current or placeholder driver.  This guide outlines provide computer help for how to use an automated driver ‘locate and install tool’ called Driver Detective to source the correct drivers for your device or PC without scouring hardware vendor’s websites.

Step 1: Download and Install the Driver Updater Utility

To start the automated update process, grab the Driver Detective installer download available directly here.

Driver Detective is built on the Microsoft .NET 2.0 platform, so if you’re running Windows XP SP1 or SP2, the app will download the .NET framework for you automatically.  If you’re running XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, the framework is baked into Windows by default. The average install time is about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Start the Driver Scan and Search

In some instances, Driver Detective’s “Universal Match Intelligence” technology may be able to identify your PC’s brand and model number automatically reducing scan and compatibility check times.

In our test case, we were using a custom built machine, so scan presets weren’t available.  This wasn’t an issue however.

Click the Scan Now button on the top right:

The driver scan will search your PC for internal hardware components and even currently unplugged peripheral devices.  The average scan time is about two minutes or so.

Step 3: Review Hardware with Out-of-Date Drivers and Update

The scan results screen shows the number of outdated drivers currently installed (in red), the devices with no driver installed at all (in yellow) and updated devices in green and blue.  Each driver has a “?” icon beside it, providing a direct pipeline to Driver Detective’s support department where you can ask a question prior to updating if you’re unsure.  (very handy feature)

Select Next to continue to the downloads section

Step 4: Download and Install the Recommended Driver Updates

After clicking Next, You can select which drivers you’d like to download direct from Driver Detective’s servers.  The driver files are pre-screened for integrity to ensure the contents are complete and virus-free, and also verified for device compatibility.  Here’s a screenshot of the download manager:

It should be noted that the driver packages that are downloaded from the Driver Detective servers are originally from the device manufacturer.  Driver Detective downloads the drivers to a specific folder on your hard drive and auto runs the installer from the manufacturer.  In the case of our test machine, Driver Detective launched the Intel chipset upgrade installer:

After the manufacturer’s install process has completed, Driver Detective prompts for a re-scan to ensure the drivers were installed correctly.  You should also check your PC’s Windows Device Manager (Start>Control Panel> System) to review your devices.

How to Renew Your IP Address on Windows August 27, 2009

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Have you ever tried to log in to a site and it took you right back to the log in page? Or have you tried to log in to a website but the server would not let you because it did not recognize your IP address? The solution is simple. Renewing your IP address should do the trick and this post provide windows xp support for how configure IP and renew your IP address so you wont have anymore log in problems.

How to Renew Your IP Address.

If you have windows or windows XP, move your mouse arrow down to the start button and click on it.

Next, scroll over to the second column and click on the “run” option.

Next, the “run” command menu box will appear. Type in “CMD”, without the quotation marks into the open search box and click “O.K.

Next, your command prompt window will appear. You will see a cursor blinking inside the command prompt menu. start at where the cursor is blinking and type in “ipconfig/release” without the quotation marks and then hit the enter button on your keyboard. This step allows your computer to release the IP address so it can be renewed.

Next, once you hit the enter button, the command prompt will start to release the IP address. When it is finished you will see a bunch of sentences. Start at the last sentence where the cursor is blinking again and type in “ipconfig/renew” beside the blinking cursor and hit the enter button on your keyboard.

Lastly, when you hit the enter button on the ipconfig/renew command, you are renewing your ip address. Your ip address will now free up so that you can log in without any errors. Your IP address should stay at the same sequence and the same IP address number but renewing the IP address will allow the problem websites to recognize your IP address now.

How to Solve Wireless Networking Problems by Obtaining the DNS and IP Addresses August 24, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Windows XP.
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Trouble connecting to the Internet at different locations? Your computer may be configured with a static IP address.In this section I am going to discuss windows XP support for solve network problems with XP.

Are you able to connect your Windows XP computer to the Internet at one location but no other, such as a home network or your local coffee shop or deli via wi-fi hotspots? One culprit may be that your computer is configured with a static IP address (an identification number for your computer on the Internet).

Many locations including hotspots assign this number dynamically, so the following change will let your computer obtain this information from the network:

Following this information incorrectly may prevent you from accessing your main network or any network! Record all current configuration settings to help revert changes if problems occur. Also, depending on your network card and whether or not Windows XP manages your networks, these steps may need to be modified to fit your configuration software.

1. Right-click the network connection icon in the Windows XP Taskbar and choose “Open Network Connections”. If this icon is not available, re-enable this icon.

2. Repeat the following steps for each Internet connection type that you use to connect to foreign networks:

1. Right-click the network connection’s icon and choose “Properties” from the popup menu that appears.

2. Underneath “This connection uses the following items”, click on “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)” and then the “Properties” button.

Accessing TCP/IP properties

3. The “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties” dialog box appears. Record the listed information as you may need it to reconnect to your primary network. Then, click the following radio buttons:

* “Obtain an IP address automatically”
* “Obtain DNS server address automatically”

4. Click “OK” on the dialog boxes to close them.

If after making this change you cannot access your primary network, repeat the above steps but click the following radio buttons:

* “Use the following IP address”
* “Use the following DNS server addresses”

Enter the information recorded earlier and then click “OK” on the dialog boxes to close them.

How to Clear Information on Inserted CDs and DVDs August 18, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Software Issue, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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This post provide windows media player support to Prevent possible privacy violations by regularly clearing the Windows Media Player 10 cache information.

Windows Media Player 10 automatically stores information about CDs and DVDs that you insert into your machine, as well as some information about devices that you connect to your machine, such as digital audio players.

This information is kept in a cache for a variety of reasons. For example, when playing a CD on your computer with Windows Media Player, information about the CD, including album art, is displayed. If you happen to be offline when you replay the CD, since the information is in a cache, Windows Media Player can go ahead and show the album information.

While this cache information can be convenient, it can also be a privacy violation. If other people access your PC, it is possible for them to get information about the CDs and DVDs you view, plus information about the multimedia devices you have hooked up to your computer. Thus, if you want to delete this cache: Below given some technical support tips to delete Chache of Media player 10

1. Right-click on the Windows Media Player 10 title bar, choosing “Tools” – “Options”.
2. When the “Options” multi-tabbed dialog box appears, select the “Privacy” tab.
3. Underneath “History”, click “Clear Caches”.
4. Click “OK” to close the dialog box.

Note that depending on your needs, you may wish to clear this cache on a regular basis.

How to Change the Registered Owner and Organization Name August 12, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Windows XP.
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Change the owner and organization name in Windows XP that appears in the System Properties.

When you access the System properties from the Windows XP Control Panel, the “General” tab displays the name and organization name to which Windows XP is registered. This information is usually requested when you install Windows, or during the initial setup process if you purchase a computer pre-installed with Windows.

If you want to update this information later, do the following:
System Prorperty

System Properties, displaying Windows XP registration information

The following mentions a Registry edit and should be performed by advanced users only.
1. Run “regedit.exe” from the “Start” menu.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows NT \ CurrentVersion.
3. In the right pane you should see the string RegisteredOwner. Double-click this to change the registered owner name.
4. Do the same for RegisteredOrganization – double-click this to change the registered organization name.
5. When done, close the Registry Editor. You will need to close and re-open the System Properties to see your changes.

How to remove and replace an internal hard disk July 30, 2009

Posted by computerhelpandsupport in Computer Help, Operating System, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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This post provide technical support to remove or repalce an internal hard disk from your computer, to add or remove hard disk follow the given below three steps:

1.Turn off your computer, disconnect the power, and remove your computer’s cover. If you have a laptop, check the information from the manufacturer to find out if there is a panel you can remove to access the hard disk.
2.Unplug all cables connected to the hard disk, and then remove the hard disk. Pay attention to which cables you unplug, since you will plug the same cables into the new hard disk. If there are any screws holding in the hard disk, you’ll need a small screwdriver to unscrew them. Many hard disks slide in and out of the case on rails. If you have questions, check the information that came with your computer.
3.Insert the new hard disk and connect it to the same cables that are in the same places as the hard disk you removed. One cable connects the disk to the computer’s power supply, and the other cable connects the disk to the computer’s motherboard.