(AlamTips) Perfect Place for windows Tweaks, Tips & Tricks...

Fresh Windows build? Ninite streamlines app load

2009-10-25T18:06:00.001+05:30

A fresh installation of Windows offers users a chance to get things clean and tidy from the beginning, but it also means a lot of work reinstalling applications you may have had on an older build.

If you've planned ahead, you can go out and download all the installers you think you'll need, then put them on a thumb drive or a disc. Or you can skip all that work and use Ninite (formerly Volery), a very simple tool for Windows that will go out and download all the latest versions of the software you pick from its directory, then combine all of those installers into one self-running .exe file.

The best part is that you don't have to touch a thing, as it installs each application. Every installer is already set with the least intrusive configuration, which means that it's installed to the application's default folder and comes without any superfluous add-ons, such as browser toolbars, companion software, or language packs. And when it's done running, you just delete Ninite's .exe file.

Open (Ninit e)

Remove AntiSpywareMaster

2008-07-09T18:02:00.001+05:30

AntiSpywareMaster, also known as AntiSpyware Master, is the latest counterfeit anti-spyware software that causes headaches for the users around the world today. AntiSpywareMaster usually installed itself onto your PC without your permission, through Vundo Trojan, Zlob Trojan, Virus or fake software. AntiSpywareMaster will display fake system alerts or fake security alerts to trick user to buy the paid version of AntiSpywareMaster, in order to remove the potential and reported problems. Not only does it cause your machine to slow down dramatically, it would also put your privacy and data in risk.

Remove this Rogue program using Anti-Spyware

Remove SpyAxe (Rogue Anti-Spyware)

2008-07-06T17:36:00.001+05:30

Spyaxe is a anti-spyware program that is known to issue fake warnings on your computer in order to manipulate you into buying its full commercial version. If you are infected with this program you may receive warnings in your task bar that appear to be from Microsoft Security Center stating that you are infected with spyware and to run its special anti-spyware tool. This tool turns out to be the commercial version of Spyaxe. These warnings are fake and are a goad to have you buy the commercial version of this software.

To remove this use:
1) SUPER Anti-Spyware
2) CounterSpy
3) Windows Defender

Remove WinSpyware Protect or Win Spyware Protect from your computer

2008-06-28T15:46:00.003+05:30

WinSpywareProtect, or Win Spyware Protect, is another misleading and malicious application created to detriment the world of computers. WinSpywareProtect is also known as WinSpyware Protect or Win Spyware Protect as varients. It is the latest counterfeit anti-spyware software that causes headaches for for Internet users today. WinSpywareProtect usually installed itself onto your PC without your permission, through Vundo Trojan, Zlob Trojan, Virus or fake software. WinSpywareProtect will display fake system alerts or fake security alerts to trick user to buy the paid version of WinSpywareProtect, in order to remove the potential and reported problems. Not only does it cause your machine to slow down dramatically, it would also put your privacy and data in risk.

Scan with the following Anti-Spyware to remove:-

1) SUPERAntispyware: (Download)
2) SpyHunt : (Download)

Registry not working error message " Registry Editing has been disabled by your administrator "

2008-06-22T20:10:00.004+05:30

Registry Editor is disabled by Virus called Ron.tok@mm, it is not disabled by your administrator. So to enabled Registry Editor in your system try the following methods:-

Using the REG.EXE console tool

Click Start, Run and type this command:

REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

and Press Enter and your problem is solved.

Remove IE Antivirus from computer

2008-06-16T20:58:00.004+05:30

IE AntiVirus is a scam

IE AntiVirus (also known as IE AntiVirus 3.2) is a new rogue anti-spyware program - a fake spyware remover, which uses scare tactics to intimidate the user into buying it's fake full version. IE AntiVirus is a clone of MalwareBell, FilesSecure and IEDefender. Having said that, it's no different than any other rogue on or off the list: IE AntiVirus uses trojans, such as Zlob or Vundo, to enter the system, upon which it uses popups and fake system notifications to falsely inform the user that he is infected and therefore needs an anti-spyware program to dispose of the infection.

Remove IE AntiVirus for free (Anti-Malware Software) :
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware is considered to be the next step in the detection and removal of malware. We compiled a number of new technologies that are designed to quickly detect, destroy, and prevent malware. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware can detect and remove malware that even the most well-known Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications on the market today cannot. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware monitors every process and stops malicious processes before they even start. The Realtime Protection Module uses our advanced heuristic scanning technology which monitors your system to keep it safe and secure. In addition, we have implemented a threats center which will allow you to keep up to date with the latest malware threats.

(Download)

Quick Media Converter

2008-06-11T13:12:00.002+05:30

Quick Media Converter

Quick Media Converter is a flexible and comprehensive solution for converting video and audio with an eye on simplicity, usability and speed.

In fact, it is the speed of this particularly converter that impresses above everything else. It's incredibly fast at processing and converting files although it dies seem to be hit and miss in the final result. For example, some files you may find have not converted quite like they should have or are totally unreadable. It seems that sometimes, the speed is down to the fact that it's not quite processing files in the right way. The interface is very easy to read with all the logos of the possible conversion formats across the top - including FLV, Quicktime and RealMedia. This is sufficient for most users although if you need control over the specifics of the output file there are more options in the Expert Mode tab. From here, you can specify everything from resolution ratios to audio compression and codecs. The problems here arise however if you don't have the right codecs installed. If you try to convert to Xvid or vice versa without the right codecs, then the conversion will either refuse to run. Everything is easy enough to configure via drop down menus and tabs.

(Download)

VolumeTouch 1.1

2008-06-07T15:28:00.001+05:30

Volume Touch

VolumeTouch is a freeware replacement utility for the Windows speaker icon usually located in the bottom right of your screen, next to the clock. With VolumeTouch you can adjust the volume instantly from any application without leaving your current work.

Why should anyone use VolumeTouch?

Every day millions of computer users go through a task similar to the following many times:

Move mouse to speaker icon and double click.
Sometimes the volume control opens instantly, sometimes you just have to wait.
Drag volume adjuster to desired position.
Close the volume control.
Say: "What did you just say boss?"
Talk to boss.
Repeat steps 1-4.
Wonder how long it will be until the boss shows up again in your office.

Listening to music while working on the computer should not place you in the middle of an incredibly stupid usability disaster. Use VolumeTouch instead!

(Download)

Replace the Windows Calculator

2008-06-05T20:30:00.001+05:30

The Windows Calculator is a very useful utility but also quite limited beyond simple sums.

Moffsoft Freecalc is a replacement with several extra features that make it very useful.

Installation is simple and it doesn't look that much different from the standard calculator. The most obvious difference is the tape roll (or electronic equivalent at least) on the right-hand side of the window. This shows all of the inputs for the calculations and is useful for checking for mistakes.

The other obvious change is that the contents of the memory is shown in the Status bar. Again more useful for keeping track of what's going on.

Other changes include double and tripe zero buttons.

(Download)

Windows Add/Remove Programs Tool Does Not Open

2008-05-30T19:00:00.001+05:30

To resolve this issue, add the missing registry entries:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type cmd, and then press ENTER.
3. In the Command window, type regsvr32 mshtml.dll, and then press ENTER.
4. Click OK to confirm that the registry entry has been added.
5. In the Command window, type regsvr32 shdocvw.dll -i, and then press ENTER.
6. Click OK to confirm that the registry entry has been added.
7. In the Command window, type regsvr32 shell32.dll -i, and then press ENTER.
8. Click OK to confirm that the registry entry has been added.
9. Close the Command window.

View your CBSE results here

2008-05-23T09:34:00.014+05:30

Senior School Certificate Examination (Class XII) Results 2008

(All Regions)

Enter Roll Number

Class X Exam Results 2008

Enter Roll Number (Chennai Region)

Class X Exam Results 2008

Enter Roll Number (Ajmer, Allahabad, Delhi, Guwahati and Panchkula regions)

Remove shortcut arrow from desktop icons

2008-05-20T19:16:00.001+05:30

Here's how you can remove those shortcut arrows from your desktop icons in Windows XP.

1. Start regedit.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTlnkfile
3. Delete the IsShortcut registry value.

You may need to restart Windows XP.

You can call me free of cost through Jaxtr

2008-05-08T11:50:00.003+05:30

What is Jaxtr?

Jaxtr links your regular phone to the web, so you can hear from any caller worldwide while keeping your existing phone number private. You can even control who calls you so that your regular phone is not always ringing. (If you are that popular.)
You don’t need another handset like Skype as it works with any phone you already use, including ordinary landline phones. Moreover, you don’t need to download anything and install on your computer.
Be happy, as Jaxtr is Free. So you can call friends and family overseas at the same cost and with the same convenience as calling a friend down the street. (Source: Jaxtr)

But how to???

Register for jaxtr.
Link your regular phone(s) where you want to receive/make calls.
Create a widget for your blog or social network or email signature etc if you want.
Invite your friends.
Put this on your blog as you can see in my sidebar.
You are all set.
When you plan to call one of your friends, just create a number for them in your account. (Remember, you have to provide your number when it says, ‘Call me Free’, you don’t have to enter your friends’ phone number.)
Jaxtr will assign a number for your friend so that you can call them anytime you want for free.
Every month you get 100 free jax minutes.

Cool, hmm…. Enjoy another free service to be in touch with your friends.

convert your Documents to PDF format easily :-)

2008-05-02T16:42:00.003+05:30

PrimoPDF is a free application by which you can convert windows application files to PDFs. It works with all the applications which have the print functionality. To make the PDF, go to File tab, click Print, select PrimoPDF from the printers name list and click OK. PrimoPDF window will appear which has the options to choose from Screen, Print, eBook, Prepress. 128-bit encryption security provided.
Why not give this useful freeware a try?

(Download)

Give Power to Mouse-Right Click...

2008-04-25T17:03:00.003+05:30

FileMenu Tools lets customize the context menu of the Windows Explorer. The application add some build-in utilities in order to do operations over files and folders; add customized commands which let run external applications, copy/move to a specific folder or delete specific file types; customize the "Send to..." submenu; and enable/disable the commands which are added by other applications to the context menu.
FileMenu Tools is freeware.

Supported Operating Systems: Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista.

(Download)

Orbit Downloader (Download Youtube, Google video and more....)

2008-04-21T19:54:00.004+05:30

OrbitDownloader descriptionA fully-featured, easy to use and powerful download accelerator and managerOrbit is a download accelerator and manager based on P2P techonology. And it has advanced robust multithread download algorithm implemented with high quality.Orbit integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Internet Explorer to automatically handle your downloads. Using Orbit you can easily download files from any remote server via HTTP, FTP, RTSP, MMS. With Orbit the downloading process will be as easy as nerver before. Orbit is a light-weight, powerful and easy-to-use application. Also it is well-known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface.Orbit is an indispensable tool for download acceleration. It has a smart download logic accelerator that features intelligent dynamic file segmentation and safe P2P downloading techonology to accelerate your downloads. Orbit can resume broken downloads. So you needn't start the downloading process from the very beginning
after casual interruption. You can resume unfinished download from the moment when it was interruped.Orbit can find flash files and streaming media files from webpages automaticlly. With this, you can get flash games, audio/video files easily from a webpage.Orbit can grab FLV files from YouTube or other video websites and download them to your own PC quickly.Orbit supports proxy servers, download categories, queue processor, enhanced virus protection on download completion and many other features.Here are some key features of "OrbitDownloader":· The fastest download, the easiest manager Orbit is an indispensable tool for download acceleration. It has a smart download logic accelerator that features intelligent dynamic file segmentation and safe P2P downloading techonology to accelerate your downloads. It is a light-weight, powerful and easy-to-use application. Also it is well-known for its intuitive and user-friendly interface. · Micro-Sized Yet Feature Filled Most of the features present in other download manager clients are present in oribt, including bandwidth prioritization, proxy servers, download categories,queue processor, enhanced virus protection on download completion. Additionally, Oribt Can get flash games and audio/video from webpages and grab videos from YouTube or other video sites!! · Resource-Friendly Orbit was written with efficiency in mind -- typically using less than 3MB of memory, allowing you to use the computer as if it weren't there at all. Additionally, the program itself is less than 3MB in size.

(Download)

Freewaregenius: Some day all software will be free Unhider makes any window visible, even after a crash

2008-04-17T11:37:00.002+05:30

Unhider is a program that can reveal/unhide any window(s) that belong to applications and/or process running in the background that are not visible. It can do this for programs that are running but not visible in the wake of a crash.

This is one of those tools that you must download and keep somewhere on your hard drive. You may not use it that often, but when you do need it you will be very thankful that it’s there. It is able to reveal any hidden window, including programs that seem to disappear completely after explorer crashes and are not amenable to being brought back using Windows’ Task Manager.

Imagine the following scenario: you are working on something for more than an hour using program A when Program B crashes, or Windows explorer itself crashes, or for whatever reason the system crashes. Your first reaction is to go to the task manager, find the program or process that is causing the trouble and end it (or in the case of explorer crashing, you end the explorer.exe process, go to the task manager’s ’file’ menu, and run a new instance of explorer).

All good and well, except now the window for Program A is not showing. A quick check with the task manager shows that the process for Program A is indeed running, but you have no access to it. Or it’s showing as an application in the task manager but you are unable to reveal it even when you right-click "switch to" or "bring to front". At this point you are prepared to bite the bullet; you’ve already started thinking about not wasting any more time and simply re-creating any unsaved work. But here’s the good news: Unhider will most likely bring the application window back for you, enabling you to save your work before you restart your computer.

I’ve had this program on my machine for about two weeks, during which time it successfully enabled me to get my applications back from the brink (and saved my skin) three different times. There are other uses for it; here are a few that are listed on the program’s home page:

Hide any window, for whatever reason (e.g. your boss is coming around)
View all hidden windows.

The verdict: Unhider is a no-install app that you simply unzip on your hard drive. Download it and keep it in mind: I guarantee that the time with come when you will be very grateful for it.

Version Tested: 1.0.0.1

Compatibility: Windows 9x/2000/XP/Vista.

(Download)

Performing error checking by using Chkdsk .exe

2008-04-05T10:54:00.004+05:30

Windows XP Chkdsk - How To Using The Command Line...

When Windows XP encounters a problem and has to shut down, perhaps there is a power cut, a motherboard problem etc..

The operating system will "flag" the volume as "dirty" and attempt to check it on reboot.

run the chkdsk command to check for problems.

To do this:

Step One: Click Start, select Run

Step Two: In the box, type cmd

Step Three: Click Ok

Step Four: Run the chkdsk utility by typing in the following command:

chkdsk c:

..or

chkdsk c: /f /r

NOTE: The /f command automatically fixes any errors encountered, the /r command locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.

NOTE: I am also assuming the drive you wish to check is the C: drive.

Step Five: A reboot is normally required for the chkdsk program to lock the disk and run correctly (this is typical on machines that have only one volume), so simply restart the computer and chkdsk will run automatically. When it's finished, (This process can take quite a while depending on the size of your disk, etc.), it will boot back to normal Windows.

On Rebooting the PC you will see the disk being checked as in the screenshot below:

This process can take up to an hour!

K-Lite Codec Pack 3.85

2008-03-30T17:40:00.003+05:30

K-Lite Codec Pack is a collection of codecs, DirectShow filters and tools. Codecs and DirectShow filters are needed for encoding and decoding (playing) audio and video formats. The K-Lite Codec Pack is designed as a user-friendly solution for playing all your movie files. With the K-Lite Codec Pack you should be able to play all the popular audio and video formats and even some rare formats.

This download is for the Full package and contains all the codecs a normal user would ever need.

The K-Lite Codec Pack has a couple of major advantages compared to other codec packs:

It it always very up-to-date with the newest (and/or best) versions of the components.
It is very user-friendly.
The installation is fully customizable, meaning that you are able install exactly those components that you really want.
Uninstallation removes all files and registry entries created by the pack.
It is extremely easy to make a fully customized unattended installation.
It has been very well tested, so that the package doesn't contain any conflicting or buggy codecs.
It tries to avoid potential problems with existing codecs and even fixes some problems. The pack is able to detect broken codecs and filters on your system, and remove them for you.
It is a very complete package, containing everything you need to play your movies.
There are different packages. From small to extra-large.
Suitable for both novice and expert users.

K-Lite Codec (Download)

How to create a boot disk

2008-03-29T18:59:00.001+05:30

Create MS-DOS bootable diskette

When formatting a floppy diskette, users have the option of creating a MS-DOS startup disk, follow the below steps to do this.

Place diskette in the computer.
Open My Computer, right-click the A: drive and click Format.
In the Format window, check Create an MS-DOS startup disk.
Click Start

How to backup the Windows XP Registry?

2008-03-27T19:03:00.000+05:30

Introduction

Registry Editor is an advanced tool for viewing and changing settings in your system registry, which contains information about how your computer runs. Almost the entire settings are stored in the registry. For example, when you resize an application window, the window position (x,y points) is stored in the registry so that the settings are retained permanently. This is just an example, there are much more data stored in the registry, right from your user account names and passwords (if configured to store in the registry).

Although Registry Editor enables you to inspect and modify the registry, it's advisable to use Registry Editor only if the GUI does not provide the option you're looking for. Making incorrect changes in the registry can break your system. It's highly advisable to backup the registry before editing any portion of it.

Backing up the XP Registry - Three methods

Method 1: Using System Restore

One way to backup the registry is to create a System Restore snapshot. System Restore returns your computer to a previous snapshot without losing recent personal information, such as documents, history lists, favorites, or e-mail. It monitors the computer and many applications for changes and creates restore points. You restore these snapshots when your configuration isn't working. This method is unreliable in case you want to rollback the registry changes made a longtime ago, in which case the System Restore might have purged that particular restore point - due to space constraints or due to a recent system restore point or even a Restore point corruption. Please remember, System Restore points get deleted for many reasons, making it unreliable, especially in the long run.

Method 2: Backing up the selected branch of the registry by exporting (Reliable)

This method is preferred if you're making changes to a specific key/area of the registry. To backup a selected branch/key in the registry, try this:

Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK
Locate and then click the key that contains the value that you want to edit
On the File menu, click Export.
In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg)
In the File name box, type a file name, and then click Save.

(Backing up a selected branch/key of the registry)

Now that you've created a Registry backup for that particular key. Save the REG file in a safer location in case you want to undo the registry changes made. You can restore the settings by just double-clicking the REG file. It automatically merges the contents to the Registry.

Method 2 (a) : Export registry keys using a command-line (Console Registry Tool)

You can use the Console Registry Tool for Windows (Reg.exe) to edit the registry. For help with the Reg.exe tool, type reg /? at the Command Prompt, and then click OK.

Example: To export the key [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\IOLO] and it's sub-keys, try this from Command Prompt:

REG EXPORT HKCU\Software\IOLO C:\IOLO.REG

To view the REG contents type notepad C:\iolo.reg in Start, Run dialog. Console Registry Tool is extremely handy for network admins and also for home users.

Method 3: Backing up the whole registry ("System state")

For backing up the whole registry, use the NTBackup utility to back up the System State. The System State includes the registry, the COM+ Class Registration Database, and your boot files. See section "Back Up the Whole Registry" in the following article:

HOW TO: Back Up, Edit, and Restore the Registry in Windows XP

NOTE: NTBACKUP is not installed by default in Windows XP Home Edition. Install it using the instructions available at: Q302894.

Free Media Player...

2008-03-12T19:27:00.005+05:30

Choosing a multimedia player used to be a real no-brainer. However, during recent times the raft of new features and updates added to classic media players like Winamp, Windows Media Player, and even iTunes have left the apps increasingly bloated. Far from being the slick, well-oiled machines they once were, these programs have been stuffed with so much that they are in danger of ending up like a sluggish, overweight athlete still holding on to past glories.

For those looking for a fresh alternative to these ballooning apps, The KM Player could be your ticket. The application has a small desktop footprint and its minimalist interface, somewhat akin to the original Winamp 5, means that access and playback are quick and hassle-free. Like Winamp, the interface is fully skinable, and there are some nice aesthetic touches, such as the changing of colour on the player with every new track. There are all sorts of options to help you pimp your player, such as visualizations, plug-ins and playback options, but the beauty of KM Player is that these are turned on at your request rather than being forced upon you at the outset.

The application handles both audio and video, and supports a wide range of different formats, meaning that once installed, you should never need to touch another player. Video playback is particularly impressive thanks to the range of processing tools available that allow you to sharpen, change picture properties, apply filters and even make video captures from within the program.

The KM Player (Download)

Best free Utilities

2008-03-10T17:26:00.006+05:30

1 Best Free Web Browser:-
Mozilla Firefox
(Download)
Opera
(Download)

2 Best Free Anti-Virus Software:-
AntiVir
(Download)
AVG Anti Virus
(Download)

3 Best Free Adware/Spyware/Scumware Remove:-
Google Pack
(Download)
Spyware Doctor
(Download)

4 Best Free File Cleaner:-
CCleaner .
(Download)
Advanced Windows Care
(Download)
PCDecrapifier
(Download)

5 Best Free System Information Utility:-
AIDA32
(Download)
Everest Home
(Download)
6 Other Utilities:-
WinDirStat is a disk usage statistics viewer and cleanup tool for Microsoft Windows (all current variants).
(Download)
Notepad ++
(Download)

Virus detection and removal

2008-03-10T11:57:00.002+05:30

There may be several signs that a computer has a virus infection . It is often difficult to distinguish whether there is an hardware error or a software problem since viruses are written to avoid detection, and to damage your computer.

Some of the common problems caused by computer viruses are:
1. Sudden system crashes and computer reboots automatically.
2. Application software crashes and random messages are displayed on the monitor.

3. Computer becomes very slow

4. Hard disk data gets corrupted and hard disk will not boot

How to fix it:

If there is a problem which could be caused either by a hardware malfunction or a virus , it is advisable to first run an antivirus program. It is cheaper and easier to solve a problem using free antivirus software.

Get a free antivirus program. Some of the free antivirus programs available are:

1. Norton Anti Virus Special Edition 2005 from Symantec in Google Pack. Get essential software with Google Pack. Free updates for a period of six months

2. AVG Anti-virus free edition - change the default email scanning option as it slows the system down

Run the antivirus software, preferably in safe mode. If any virus is detected, the antivirus software will first try to clean the infected file. If this is not possible, the software will quarantine the file.

To prevent computer virus problems in future

1. Install a firewall to protect your computer when you connect to the internet

2. Do not allow anyone to install software or copy any files to your computer without scanning the software /data with the latest updated anti virus software

3. Never open files with suspicious attachments, especially if they are from strangers. Always request files to be sent as a text attachment.

4. Avoid joining paid to read , adult , file sharing and other illegal websites, the computers of visitors to these websites usually get infected with viruses and spyware.

5 best websites...

2008-03-08T14:43:00.003+05:30

1. Blogger
www.blogger.com
Web | Mobile Blogger was one of the first blog-publishing tools. Years after Google bought it, it remains one of the best, especially for newbies. Create a brain-dead simple weblog and let Blogger host it (with a blogspot.com name) using the slew of provided templates, or use it to publish a blog on your own domain.

2. Meebo.com
www.meebo.com
Web This polished Web app aggregates your AOL, Gmail, ICQ, Jabber, Windows, and Yahoo! buddy lists into a single, Web-based instant-messaging and chat-room experience. Meebo is building in extras, such as games you can play with IM buddies, as well as video and audio chat you'd find with your regular IM client software.

3. YouConvertIt.com
youconvertit.com
Web This site turns just about any file into a different kind of file, even online videos from YouTube. It also converts units of energy, force, length, and more.

4. BitLet.org
www.bitlet.org
Web Who needs a BitTorrent client? Just find the torrent metafile link on a tracker site, plug it in at BitLet.org, and let it retrieve the file as if you were downloading it from a regular Web site.

5. Vista Drive Icon
drvicon.sourceforge.net
Windows Add one of Vista's best features to XP: smart drive icons showing the current capacity of each hard drive.