pInOy MeD [it] tEcH

Windows 101: Default Programs in Windows 7

2012-01-07T18:36:00.001+08:00

Lots of Windows 7 end users / consumers might not know what the Default Programs do in their system. Default Programs can be found in the Start menu in your Windows 7 but have you actually tried to click or open it? A a default program is the application or program that your Windows will use to open a particular type of file such as music, pictures, videos, documents and the likes. A good example of this is that if you have more than one multimedia player installed in your system like Windows Media Player, Zune, or say Media Player Classic, using the Default Programs feature in Windows 7 you can actually set which of these players will open a music file or a video file.

Here’s how we can modify each installed programs to open a particular type of file. Click on Default Programs in your Start Menu and click on Set default programs on the next window that will appear.

Now here’s the list of programs installed in my system. I got WMP, Zune, VLC, iTunes, Media Player Classic to play my multimedia files. All of these programs can play music and videos but I can modify each one of them to play a particular audio file type say MP3, WMA, etc., and video files like AVI, MKV, MP4, 3gp, etc.

Now I’ll show you how to modify the Zune player to associate and play specific type of files. Click on Zune in the list. You will see in the right pane a total of defaults for Zune and the number of current file types associated in it. In this case my Zune player has 3 out of 10 defaults.

Now you have to options, either click Set this program as default to set Zune to open all the file types it can open or you may just select Choose defaults for this program to set which file types will be associated and be opened in Zune. Since I have several multimedia players installed in my system I will set Zune to play a file which has .mp3 file extension since I kinda like the nice and clean look of Zune when I play my MP3 files. The picture below shows that the .mp3 file extension was selected. The other three file extension (.m4b, .mbr, and .zpl) is default to Zune so we can’t deselect it. After selecting which file type will be associated to your program click save and your Windows 7 will apply it to your system.

Now I’ve shown you how to modify a program to associate to a particular file type. Try to experiment on the other programs, say your web browsers or your picture viewers and editors. Have fun exploring your Windows 7! :)

Windows 101: Looking for your hidden folders?

2012-01-02T10:58:00.001+08:00

In Windows by default, folders with “hidden” attributes can’t be seen in your Windows explorer because as it says, it “HIDDEN.” Usually system folders are hidden, but what if you need to access some of this folders? Here’s how:

In your Windows explorer task pane, click on Organize then Folder and search options.

Next, in the Folder options dialogue box, click on the View tab and tick on the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” then OK to reveal your hidden folders.

Now let’s take a look, this I the same path / location shown above. Notice the two new folders added in the list?

Now, what if even you enable the “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” option you still can’t see your hidden folders? Some of my friends experience this in their flash drives when they got a virus / worm that hides their file folders. My friends usually come to me and ask me to fix a flash drive since he can’t find his files but according to the the drive’s properties it still has files that occupies certain space. In this case process will be a little bit complicated, unless you know or you still remember your DOS commands. If you’re a Windows baby then I suggest your must read on.

Now to reveal those hidden folders use your “attrib” command to disable any attributes in a file or folder ( this usually usually works for me ). To do this open a command prompt and go to the location of the attrib.exe command in “c:\windows\system32” then key in

attrib –r –a –s –h g:*.* /d /s

and hit the Enter key. Wait until all the attributes of your folders will be removed.

Note: g: in the command syntax is the drive assigned to you flash drive so this will depend in the drive assigned to your flash drive.

Now take a look and compare the two screenshots below.

This is before implementing the attrib command.

This is after implementing the attrib command where hidden folders was revealed.

So if you think DOS is obsolete, think again! Don’t under estimate the power of DOS. haha..

Talking on starting the year right…

2012-01-02T08:44:00.001+08:00

Last year on this date, January 2, 2010, I received my first Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award. I started as a Windows7ako online community member,became active in it’s Facebook page, named president of the community (they usually call me El Pres), next thing I know, I’m involve in hosting events and delivering a talk or a demo on my favorite topic, Windows. I still remember my first demo in the first community meetup was a Windows 7 feature called Problem Steps Recorder and I became active since then, giving talks here and demos there. I never knew there’s this MVP thing then and after a few months I got nominated by Jojo Ayson, one of the MVPs here in the Philippines. Lilian Quek from Singapore informed me that I was nominated and I complied with the requirements. Few months later, I was surprised with an email in my inbox congratulating me being an MVP.

About the MVP Award Program
Since the early 1990s, Microsoft has recognized the inspiring activities of MVPs around the world with the MVP Award. MVPs freely share their deep knowledge, real-world experience, and impartial, objective feedback to help people enhance the way they use technology. Of more than 100 million users who participate in technology communities, around 4,000 are recognized as Microsoft MVPs.
MVPs make exceptional contributions to technical communities, sharing their passion, knowledge, and know-how. Meanwhile, because MVPs hear the opinions and needs of many others in the technical community, they are well-placed to share highly focused feedback with Microsoft.
MVPs are independent experts who are offered a close connection with people at Microsoft. To acknowledge MVPs’ leadership and provide a platform to help support their efforts, Microsoft often gives MVPs early access to Microsoft products, as well as the opportunity to pass on their highly targeted feedback and recommendations about product design, development, and support.
Awarded in over ninety technology areas, MVPs reflect Microsoft's global customer base and the breadth of Microsoft's technologies. A significant proportion of new MVPs represent emerging markets in China, Russia, and Korea, as well as smaller markets including Ghana, Nepal, and Kazakhstan.

Today, January 2, 2011, the same email has landed in my inbox, telling me that my MVP Award has been renewed. Thanks Microsoft and most of all to the Lord Almighty :)

Retro Mode : Missing your Quick Launch Toolbar?

2011-11-10T13:13:00.001+08:00

The Quick Launch toolbar was introduced in Windows 98 and was carried until the the debut of Windows Vista. Quick Launch contains shortcuts of applications as it’s name says to launch the application quickly in just one click. In Windows 7, the Quick Launch toolbar was removed or disabled in favor of the pinning of applications to the taskbar. If you still can’s get over with the Quick Launch you can enable it with few clicks and steps.

Here’s how:

Right-click on your Windows 7 taskbar click on Toolbars and click on New toolbar… (as shown below)

In the folder selection dialogue box enter the following and click Select Folder.

%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch

The quick launch toolbar will be enabled in your taskbar. Remove the title of the toolbar by unlocking the taskbar and right-clicking on the divider, uncheck the “Show tittle” and “Show Text.” Use the dividers to arrange thee toolbars then lock the taskbar again

There you go, enjoy your quick launch toolbar! :)

Building on Windows 8

2011-11-01T23:01:00.001+08:00

With the introduction of the Developer Preview of Windows 8, developers and tech enthusiast can now download it to experience how will it be when the real Windows 8 will come out. And of course the developer preview with developer tools is intended for serious developers who wants to develop apps for the upcoming operating system. Below are the developer and platform tools a developer can use to develop apps on Windows 8 and of course not to mention the Visual Studio 11 and Expression Blend 5 that was included in the Windows Developer Preview.

Start building on Windows 8 now download the Windows Developer Preview now. For more resources, dev tools, samples, forums, docs and other resources visit the Windows Dev Center.

Download the Windows 8 Developer Preview directly here.

Download the Windows 8 Developer Preview guide PDF here and XPS here.

Windows 8 @ AMA University Burn Fest

2011-11-01T17:42:00.001+08:00

Every Ber months partner universities and IT schools here in the Philippines do a Burn fest where Microsoft will give FREE and legit software for IT students. Burn fest is tasked to Microsoft Student Partners, they are the one who administers the copying, burning, and installation of software. I was lucky to be invited to help in their event and do an overview and demo on Windows 8 (using the developer preview of course). The date is October 25, 2011, it was the second day of AMA University’s Burn fest, as usual I did my overview and demo and got a positive reaction from the students. I also teach them how to install Windows Developer Preview via VHD. I hope that showing them the Windows Developer Preview will inspire them to develop apps for the upcoming Windows 8.

MSPs present in the event was Rudolf Antotio (FEU-EAC), KC Arabit (iAcademy), Gigi Adamantopoulos (DLSU), and Gene De Guzman (AdU)

Thanks to Karla Recalde, Paul Laiz and Emil Sereno for inviting me. Below are some photos from the event.

Windows 8 @ AMACU

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Photos are credited to Karla Recalde

First Windows 8 Overview @ AMA East Rizal

2011-11-01T13:26:00.001+08:00

A beautiful day on October 22, 2011 greeted us as we travel to the province of Rizal. I’m so excited since this is my first time to discuss or to have an overview on Windows 8 and any publicly available information on it. The event was entitled Software Development Technologies held at AMA East Rizal Campus.

I started the morning session with my Windows 8 overview and demo, followed by ASP.Net in depth by MVP John Patrick Oliveros, next was community member Peter Baltazar who discussed Social Media for Software Development. The afternoon session was graced by MVP Mark Gutierez with XNA.

The students were very excited on the developer preview of Windows 8 and after the my overview I think I was able to ignite their minds and ideas to develop apps on the most awaited OS from Microsoft.

Here are some pictures on the event (thanks to Obed Dela Cruz from AMA East Rizal and of course Peter Baltazar)

Windows 8 @ AMA ER

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Installing Windows Developer Preview via VHD (Part 2)

2011-10-07T00:34:00.001+08:00

Now that you have created a VHD, let me guide you as you install Windows Developer Preview in it. To start with you need to have a bootable version of the Windows Developer Preview. Using the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool, transfer the contents of the Windows Developer Preview ISO file in a removable media of your choice (DVD or USB). After creating your bootable DVD or USB, you can now start the deployment / installation process.

First set your PC to boot from your removable media. Some PCs has a hotkey to select where the PC will boot up during boot up, otherwise you have to manually modify the boot sequence in the BIOS (if you’re new in this procedure I suggest you read this entry first http://www.whitecanyon.com/how-to-change-boot-order.php) After modifying your BIOS your PC will restart and will automatically boot from your removable media.

Upon seeing this dialogue box press Shift + F10 to call up your command prompt and to attach your VHD.

In your command prompt, type in diskpart and hit the Enter key.

Next you must select and attach the VHD where you want to install the Windows Developer Preview. (Please refer to the screenshot below.

Upon entering Diskpart type in select vdisk file e:\wdp.vhd (the file and the path may vary depending on the VHD name and its location)

Next, to attach the VHD type in attach vdisk and wait for the message that says “DiskPart successfully attached the virtual disk file.

After attaching / mounting your VHD type in exit to leave DiskPart.

Back to the X:\Sources> type in setup to begin the installation of your Windows Developer Preview.

Read and accept the license terms and click Next.

Select the Custom (advanced) type of installation.

Select the destination of your Windows Developer Preview (in this case the VHD that you have created) and click Next.

Your PC will restart after installation and you will see this new OS selection screen with a GUI (not the traditional one)

Hooray! You have now installed the Windows Developer Preview in your VHD. Enjoy and explore this preview of the next Windows operating system.

Post installation screenshots and personalization.

Finally after completing the configuration settings, here’s the eye catchy Start menu of the Windows Developer Preview.

Installing Windows Developer Preview via VHD (Part 1)

2011-10-06T02:25:00.001+08:00

As we all know the Windows Developer Preview is already available in the cloud for download. Eager developers and tech enthusiast are so excited to test it. Since this is just a preview I strongly recommend that you install it in a virtual environment if you do not to mess up with your current operating system. Some used third party applications live VMWare and Virtual Box which is a bit heavy because it eats a lot of your PC resources. I tried installing the Windows Developer Preview via Virtual Box but it didn’t work out for me, so I decided to deploy it via VHD in Windows 7.

I had the opportunity to show the Philippines’ Windows community members on how to create a VHD during the most recent community event (as mentioned in my previous blog post). I promised that I will write a step by step article on how to create a VHD and deploy Windows Developer Preview in it. So here it is.

Note: For this to work you must be running a PC powered by Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise versions.

Go to your Windows Explorer, right click Computer then click Manage

On the Computer Management dialogue box, locate the Disk Management item under Storage and Click on it to display the disk configuration information. Right Click the Disk Management item and click Create VHD.

On the next dialogue box, Click Browse to specify the name, location, and the file size of your VHD. In this case, I assigned my VHD to my G: drive with the name WDP.vhd and set it to 20GB storage capacity as per minimum requirement of the Windows Developer Preview. You may also choose your VHD type either fixed or dynamically expanding. Then Click OK to create your VHD.

Now that you have created your VHD, you need to, initialize, format, assign a drive volume, and finally attach it before you can use it. To do this, notice that aside from your local drive a new unallocated partition or volume was added to the list of disk drives. Right Click the unallocated volume and click Initialize Disk.

In the Initialize Disk dialogue box, the MBR option is selected by default, just Click on OK to initialize your VHD.

Notice that after initialization will change from not initialized to Online, which means that we are now ready to create a volume. Right Click on the unallocated disk space and select New Simple Volume.

Click Next on the New Simple Volume Wizard.

Choose the amount of space that you want to allocate for this volume. In this case since we need a 20GB space for the Windows Developer Preview we will set it to maximum, then click Next.

Assign your desired drive letter. In this case I assigned letter W. Then click Next. Note: You should assign a drive letter that is not currently being used.

Now let’s format the new volume. you may choose from NTFS or FAT32 file system. In this case we’ll choose NTFS. You may also want to assign the volume label and select if you want a quick format and file compression. After that click Next then click Finish.

After creating the new volume and reformatting it, it will be automatically attached and is now ready for you to use. By default, if the AutoPlay is enabled your newly created VHD will pop up for you to open it.

Your new VHD will also be listed along with the other disks in the Disk Management box. Notice the color of its icon (Light Blue) which indicates that it is a Virtual Hard Disk.

You may also see it listed under My Computer.

Now that we have created a Virtual Hard Disk, we’re now ready to deploy the Windows Developer Preview, but that’s another story. On my next post I will teach you step by step process on how to deploy your Windows Developer Preview in your newly created VHD. For the meantime, you can download a copy of the ISO file of the Windows Developer Preview at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/home/

Windows7Ako Joins the Global Windows Community

2011-10-06T00:45:00.001+08:00

It’s been more than 2 years since the Philippine’s Windows community (Windows7Ako) was created. Few weeks after the Build conference, Microsoft decided to merge in all the existing Windows community into the global community of Windows (www.facebook.com/windows). A lot of community members expressed their sentiments when they can’t find their beloved community page in Facebook. There was no announcement that the page will be merge with the global Windows community page. After the merging the word travelled fast and reached every member of the Windows7Ako community. Now here we are celebrating as we move to our new home!

Attendees of he event was the old and new community members, some Microsoft MVPs (Chay Saputil, John Erwin Magno and Eufer Pasion), MSPs, and Microsoft employees. Hosted by Miss Chay Saputil, the event was full with excitement, fun, freebies, foods. Gracing the event was Miss Mae Moreno, Microsoft Philippines’ Product Manager for Windows. Developoer Evangelist Zandra Nicholas did an update and presentation of the newest Windows Phone Mango. I also had the opportunity to show how to create a VHD in preparation for the installation of the Windows Developer Preview.

Windows7ako goes Global :)

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Microsoft S2B @ STI College Makati

2011-10-02T13:41:00.001+08:00

Another invite from STI College-Makati for the fourth week of September to talk on their topic, “To Seek or to Create Employment.” Originally I tapped Ms. Mellie Valimento, the Academic Program Specialist from Microsoft to be the speaker of the said event but due to conflict of schedule the task was passed to me since I’m also a Microsoft Student Partner of the said school.

September 29, 2011, the day of event, I was just expecting around 40 attendees as mentioned by the student organizer during our last communication. I was surprised when they moved the venue to the school’s amphitheater since we have around 200 participants.

I gave my best to discuss the topic, on what the graduating students will expect after their graduation and what they can do to have good credentials in applying for their first job. After the talk I’m expecting questions that are related to the topic but the students asked me more on Microsoft technologies, like which is better OS, best antivirus and the likes.

Apparently, the most of the IT students doesn’t know yet what career path to pursue after graduation. The topic gave them lots of ideas on how they shall proceed after graduation.

*** Pictures will be uploaded later :)

Netiquette : Think, Type, Post, Share

2011-10-02T12:57:00.001+08:00

I received an invite from Baliuag University to talk on Netiquette. Apparently Sarah Garcia (now a Microsoft Student Partner) was present during my talk on Windows 7 at PSCITE convention in Olangapo City last January 2011. So without hesitation I said yes. The topic is not my forte but I guess as tech enthusiast and MVP I need to be versatile enough.

Last September 26, 2011, I went to Baliuag University for their event. It is a university wide event so each department has a representative in the said seminar. The expected number of participants was just around 100 due to the limited space of the conference hall but we were overwhelmed with around 140-150 students so we have to make more space to accommodate them.

The talk went well and I think all of the students learned that browsing in the internet is not just an ordinary activity or task but also it requires some rules, etiquette and responsibility.

To the BUSSC officers led by their president, Aries John Pineda, congratulations for the well organized event! Keep it up guys! :)

Here are some pictures taken from the event.

Netiquette

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My first Windows 8 journey @_@ epic failed :P

2011-09-17T00:58:00.001+08:00

Hi, Windows 8 is just around and everybody is waiting for its debut. After the Build conference where Steven Sinofsky showed the future OS, Microsoft is generous enough to give us the Developers Preview of Windows 8. I just downloaded the developers preview of Windows 8 and planned to deploy it via virtual machine. Since I don’t want to mess up with my Windows 7, I will be installing it via Virtual PC. To my excitement I created a new virtual machine, set it to 20GB capacity with a 1GB of RAM. I proceeded with the setup and surprise! after few seconds here’s what I got:

It appears Virtual PC doesn’t support the Developer’s Preview of Windows 8. After searching the cloud and some forums, VMWare and Virtual Box is recommended to run Windows 8 via virtual machine.

This is my first blog in Windows 8, join me as we explore the possibilities and rich features of this OS. As I’m writing this blog, I’m currently downloading Virtual Box for my second attempt to run Windows 8 via virtual machine. :)

Windows 7 101: Internet and File Sharing via Wireless Ad Hoc Network (Part 3)

2011-08-27T13:49:00.001+08:00

Sharing the Internet Connection via Ad Hoc

So we’re done creating and ad hoc network, we’re done connecting devices to the network to initiate file sharing, next I’ll show you how to share the internet connection. To share the internet connection, right click on the host computer’s wireless adapter then click properties.

Go to the Sharing tab and select or check the Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.

You can also specify the network services the client devices can access by clicking on the settings button.

So we’re done with creating an ad hoc, sharing files and internet connection between devices with the network. You can also connect PCs that has Windows XP installed in it. So who says you can only share your internet connection via router?

Note : The devices that are connecting to the host computer must be within 30ft radius for optimum connection. Since the internet connection is shared, the speed will be significantly affected (a bit slower) depending on the number of devices connected to the host.

Windows 7 101: Internet and File Sharing via Wireless Ad Hoc Network (Part 2)

2011-08-27T12:37:00.001+08:00

Connecting and File Sharing to an Ad Hoc Network

Now that we’re all set and created our ad hoc network let’s do file sharing between two devices, in this case my desktop PC and my notebook. First let’s verify the network by clicking on the network icon in the taskbar. Here we can any available wireless networks and of course the ad hoc network that we’ve created with a status that says “Waiting for users” which means that our network is now ready.

Now on the client computer (in this case my notebook) turn on its wireless adapter to connect to the host computer (my desktop pc). Click the wireless icon to view any available networks and click connect. On the host computer we cab now see that the client pc or device is connected to the network. You may now start to share your files with the devices that is connected to the ad hoc network.

How about sharing the internet connection with the client PCs or devices? I’ll discuss that on the next part of this article.

Windows 7 101: Internet and File Sharing via Wireless Ad Hoc Network (Part 1)

2011-08-27T01:27:00.001+08:00

Creating a Wireless Ad Hoc Network

For this to work, let us create an ad hoc network first. An ad hoc network (computer-to-computer network) is a temporary network used for sharing files, presentations, or an Internet connection among multiple computers or devices. As a requirement your computer must have a wireless adapter for you to create an ad hoc network. To create an ad hoc network :

In the start menu search bar type in “wireless” (without the quotes) and select Manage wireless networks and click the Add button to create a new wireless network.

On the next dialogue box select or click Create an ad hoc network. On the next dialogue box it will give you a brief explanation on what an ad hoc network is. Click Next.

Input the of your network, select the security type, and input your desired security key. You may check the Save this network checkbox if you choose to use the ad hoc network on a regular basis so you don’ t need to make another one every time you need one. Then click Next.

Your computer will setup your network and will notify you if your ad hoc network is ready to use. Once done, click Close.

Now that we have already created an ad hoc network we’re now ready to connect computers and other devices to the host pc. On the next part I will show you how to connect another device into the ad hoc network that we’ve created and start sharing files.

A Successful IT Thesis Seminar

2011-08-01T14:28:00.001+08:00

As promised I’ll give update on what happened in the IT Thesis Seminar. Well we have an overwhelming attendance and I think we need to give it a second shot for those students who knew the event but can’t attend because registration is already closed. Picture this, we have a room with sitting capacity of 50 heads but we have around 70 attendees. We have to request additional chairs to accommodate them all because late comers just took comfort in sitting in the floor (good thing it’s carpeted), some just stand in a corner while listening to the speakers. The event went well with so many questions from the students regarding on how to start their thesis. The speakers were able to deliver their topics well with so much tips and ideas for the students to start with!

Here are the some pictures taken from the event!

IT Thesis Seminar

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Here’s the sample certificate given to the attendees.

MS Pinoy Event: IT-Thesis (Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?)

2011-07-25T19:47:00.001+08:00

A very timely event was conceptualized by the core group of Microsoft Philippines Users Group (MS Pinoy). On the 30th of July 2011, three experts will enlighten students on what a thesis should be and what kind of topics and tittle is widely accepted in today’s academe. Most students who are gearing up for their upcoming IT-thesis subject don’t have any clue how to start or how to come up with a good topic or a good title alone. This event will give them lots ideas and how-tos in starting a good IT related thesis. Speakers are:

John Patrick Oliveros - Microsoft MVP for ASP.Net/IIS, JP is one of the industry’s leading names in the ASP.Net world. He is also connected with the academe and is a goldmine in experience when it comes to IT and the academe. JP also serves as a trainer at the UP-ITTC at UP Diliman.

Edu Lorenzo - Microsoft MVP for ASP.Net. Manong Edu will discuss the parts of a thesis documentation and what should go inside each chapter

Marc Phoenee San Diego - His current focus is Mobile Applications development and Augmented Reality. Marc is a game developer by heart. As proof, his undergraduate thesis was an MMORPG game based on the local legend of Lam-Ang. His thesis won the national best thesis prize for his graduating batch, besting all other thesis submissions from all over the Philippines.

Since this will be a good event for students, I immediately send invites to some schools where I conducted lectures and seminars and I got positive results! An instructor from from both PUP and STI Laguna has 25 students confirmed their attendance. She was really happy because this event is very timely in their school thesis program.

I will be attending the said event to help and assist the participants. Pictures will be posted here after the event :)

Windows 7 101: Speedup Your Startup Time!

2011-07-24T15:13:00.001+08:00

There are some applications, programs, and utilities that when installed on your PC will start automatically when you log on to your system. This programs and apps will significantly delay you from starting your own tasks. You can speedup your startup time by disabling this non-essential apps. Here’s how:

In the search bar of your start menu type in msconfig and hit Enter to open the System configuration dialogue box.

Click on the Startup tab to see a bunch of programs and apps that starts automatically when you log on. You can just uncheck some programs or apps that is non-essential for your system startup.

Note: Be careful in selecting those startup items, be sure to identify them as a non essential startup program before disabling them. You do not want to compromise your system by disabling let’s say your antivirus program

Windows 7 101 : Where’s my Run command in Start Menu?

2011-06-28T22:48:00.001+08:00

Missing your Run command in the Start Menu? Well let’s put it back! To some newbies on Windows 7, those who are accustomed seeing the Run command in Windows XP, you might notice that the Run command was removed in the Start Menu. Here’s how can you restore the Run command.

Right click your Start Menu and click Properties

In the Start Menu tab of your Taskbar and Start Menu Properties click Customize.

Scroll down until you see the Run command check box. Tick it and click OK. Then another OK to apply your settings.

After doing that, your Run command is now reinstated in your Start Menu. A simple tip is that you may just hit your Windows Key + R to open your Run command. :)

Got problems in your Windows PC? Let Microsoft and community experts help you. Visit Microsoft Answers (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us) where you can get real answers from real people. :)

Windows 7 101 : How to remove installed updates

2011-06-28T12:35:00.001+08:00

By default, Windows 7 will automatically download critical and important updates into your system. Sometimes, some of this updates may conflict with your drivers and some other files. If you experienced problem after an update installation, removing a certain update may correct the issue. But how will you do it in Windows 7? During the reign of Windows XP, installed updates can be found in the Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel and can be easily uninstalled there. In Windows 7, it’s a little bit tricky. Here’s how:

Open your Windows Update window located in the All Programs folder in your Start Menu. Or you may just type in “Windows Update” in your Start Menu search bar and hit the Enter key.

In the left lower corner of your Windows Update click Installed Updates then you may select a certain update (which you think maybe the cause of your system problem) and click Uninstall.

These simples steps might spare you some time in figuring out what went wrong in your system.

Got more problems in your Windows PC? Let Microsoft and community experts help you. Visit Microsoft Answers (http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us) where you can get real answers from real people. :)

Some Minor Problems I Encountered in Upgrading to a 64-bit Windows 7

2011-06-21T13:21:00.001+08:00

I decided to reformat my PC and perform a clean install of a 64-bit Windows 7 after I added a 2GB RAM on my PC that makes a total of 4GB RAM. The installation was successful, I also downloaded some 64-bit apps and installed them. After installing all the applications and programs I need, I thought all is well, but I got some problems. The problems I encountered are minor but a bit annoying. The solution is you have to search the cloud for a workaround. Now why I am blogging this if I can just search the cloud for a solution? Simple, I just want to share my experience.

Problem 1: Windows Live Essentials Setup

I downloaded the setup file for Windows Live 2011, as usual you have to double click the setup file or click it once and hit the Enter key to initialize setup. During the initialization an error occurred it says that the setup was unable to download Windows Live Essentials since I don’t have an internet connection. It gives me an error code of 0x80070005. I verified my connection and restarted my router and modem but of no luck my setup cannot proceed and keeps on giving me the same error. I search the web for a solution and landed on windowslivehelp.com. In one of the threads it says that a solution for this error is simple, you have to be an administrator to to setup Live Essentials. But I am running an administrator account so why I can’t setup Live Essentials. Here’s the solution from windowslivehelp.com:

You can install Windows Live programs on your computer only if you have Administrator access. You will receive the Error 0x80070005 if you are signed in to a Windows profile that does not have administrative privileges on the computer.

1. Verify that you are logged on as a user who has administrator credentials.

a. Go to computer or my computer option based on your operating system version:

Read More…

To be sure I did follow the instructions, just in case I overlooked something, but still setup can’t proceed. An idea came to my mind, maybe I got issues on my desktop ownership since this is a fresh install. I checked the ownership and sure enough my username was there with full control status. My last resort was right clicking the setup file and clicking Run as Administrator and tada! my setup proceeded flawlessly.

Problem 2: Windows Mobile 6.5 can’t Sync with with Outlook 2010

Since I have a 64-bit OS its customary to install a 64-bit applications as well. So I installed a 64-bit MS Office Professional Plus 2010. I plugged in my my Samsung Omnia running on Windows Mobile 6.5, Windows 7 detected it, downloaded necessary drivers and installed a 64-bit Windows Mobile Device Center. I thought I’m all set to sync my phone with Outlook 2010 but when I started the Windows Mobile Device Center it gave me a notification that says, “Either there is no default mail client or the current mail client cannot fulfill the messaging request. Please run Microsoft Outlook and set it as the default mail client.” I checked my Outlook settings and yes Outlook is my default mail client.

I searched the web for a possible solution and I found one! Every forums I checked gave only one answer, “You need to use 32bit to have any chance of syncing.” So I uninstalled my 64-bit MS Office and replaced it with a 32-bit one. I tried to start the 32-bit Outlook and it gave me another error that says “Cannot start Microsoft Office Outlook. Unable to open the Outlook window. The set of folders could not be opened…” I remembered the 64-bit Outlook connector was not removed when I uninstalled the 64-bit MS Office. So what I did was to replace the 64-bit Outlook connector with a 32-bit one which corrected the error. I started Outlook 2010 and Windows Mobile Device Center to sync my phone and yes true enough, a 32-bit Outlook is needed to sync my phone.

I really need to learn more on 64-bit OS and apps. My only advice is, if you can’t find the solution to your PC problem search the cloud or simply go to

http://support.microsoft.com/

http://fixitcenter.support.microsoft.com/Portal/

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us

You will find a lot threads there which may answer your questions or you may just post your questions and the community experts will be more than willing to answer it. You may also want to participate in discussion threads and help other people to maximize their PC experience.

Windows7ako on Brigada Eskwela

2011-05-30T18:17:00.000+08:00

Every year Microsoft Philippines selects a school for Brigada Eskwela. This year the lucky school is the Cayetano Arellano Elementary School located in Caloocan City. By the way Brigada Eskwela (can be literally translated as School Brigade) is a volunteer activity wherein members of the community will go to the schools to help in the repair, repainting and cleaning of the classrooms in preparation for opening of the school year. This happens every summer where parents, school alumnus and volunteers will help the school faculty and staffs to prepare the entire school before the opening of classes in June.

Last May 26, 2011 a team of volunteers from Microsoft Philippines composed of Microsoft employees, MVPs, Student Partners, and some members of the windows7ako community went to Cayetano Arellano Elementary School ready to do some hard work and to get their hands dirty to prepare the said school. some of us painted the walls, repaired damaged tables and chairs, cleaned the dusty classrooms, and others painted the tables and chairs. The activity lasted for five hours, but that five hours is all we need to accomplish our assigned tasks. We left the school after having our lunch, there are much work to do but I think we’ve done our best in preparing the school.

Though all of us were tired after, we left the school with all smiles. This activity is very fulfilling, a nice way to spend a day and a way to look back and give back to the community.

Brigada Eskwela 2011

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Boost your PC performance with an SD card

2011-04-09T12:58:00.001+08:00

Most standard package entry level PCs (Desktop, netbook or notebooks) comes with just 1GB of RAM. Your only option is to upgrade to much higher memory capacity and it will cost you a lot.

There’s a solution for that. There’s disk cache component native in Windows 7 called ReadyBoost designed to boost your systems performance by using a flash memory device (USB flash drive, SD card, or any kind of flash storage device) as cache. Most notebook now a days have an SD card slot which you can use for ReadyBoost, just insert an SD card and configure it for ReadyBoost or you can just use a USB flash drive if you don’t have an SD card slot.

To use ReadyBoost

Insert your SD card into your notebook’s card slot. In the AutoPlay options, click Speed up my system using Windows ReadyBoost.

In your disk properties, you may select to dedicate your SD card for ReadyBoost. Or you may just reserve/ limit a certain space for ReadyBoost.

Click OK, and your PC will start to configure your SD card for ReadyBoost.

Browsing your SD card after setting up ReadyBoost, you will see a ReadyBoost cache file that corresponds to the size that you have specified for ReadyBoost.

You can eject your SD card anytime when you need to use it or may just leave it there to boost up your system every time you use your PC.

Note: Use a high speed SD card for speedier file caching, class 6 SD card will do. Using your SD card for ReadyBoost will shorten its lifespan since your system will use it for file caching. Some forums says that when using your battery in your notebook, ReadyBoost will give you better battery life since file caching will be redirected to the SD card therefore less use of your hard drive.

Disable Annoying Sign In Notification in Live Messenger

2011-04-01T16:27:00.001+08:00

Annoyed on those Windows Live Messenger notification every time a friend of yours signs in? Why not disable those notification by just tweaking your Live Messenger. Last night a group of community members (particularly MSPs) ask me if I got a template deck on Windows Live, I said yes and I let them copy my deck. On the course of our discussion somebody asked me, aren’t you annoyed on those notifications in Live Messenger when a friend goes online? I answered NO cause I disabled those notifications, they asked How?. Since I promised them I’ll teach them how to do it, here it goes.

In your Windows Live Messenger, hit Alt key. It will show you your menu bar. Click on Tools and click Options.

In the left pane of the Options window click on Notifications. Just uncheck the first two check box or you may select any setting that you want. Click OK when you’re done.

And that’s just it, no more annoying notifications for smooth and happy computing!