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Q&A: How can I retrieve my Windows Vista Product Key?

Posted on April 7, 2013

windows-vista-logoQuestion from Michael C.:  I have a 4 year old HP Desktop PC running Windows Vista and it has gotten slower and slower in recent months. It’s so slow now that I think I really need to start fresh and re-install Vista.

I have the Windows installation discs, but since I can’t find the case they came in I don’t have a clue what the Product Key is. I know I can find the Windows Product Key somewhere in the Registry, but I can’t seem to find it. Where do I look? Thanks in advance for your help.

Rick‘s answer:  Michael, beginning with Windows Vista Microsoft started encrypting the Windows Product key in the Registry which means you won’t be able to find it that way. But don’t worry, there is a very easy way to get it. Simply download and run a free utility called Enchanted Keyfinder. Follow these steps:  [Read more…]

Why you should remove Adobe Reader from your computer

Posted on April 2, 2013

adobe-logoIf it seems like you’re prompted to update Adobe Reader more often than you visit the grocery store, there’s a reason: It’s an inherently insecure program that requires more patches than a NASCAR driver’s racing uniform in order to keep hackers from breaking into your system.

Yep, hackers love Adobe Reader – which means you shouldn’t.

The good news is you don’t really need Adobe Reader on your computer at all, even if you tend to read lots of PDF files. If you use Google Chrome or Firefox instead of Internet Explorer, those browsers now display PDF files by default without having to load Adobe Reader at all. [Read more…]

Grammarly Lite – Add this ‘smart spellchecker’ to Google Chrome

Posted on April 1, 2013

grammarly-logoI recently downloaded and began testing a Chrome browser extension I read about called Grammarly Lite, and let me tell you, it’s awesome! Once you install the extension you’ll see a little green “G” in the lower right-hand corner of every text box letting you know that Grammarly Lite is loaded and on the job.

Grammarly Lite works in real time, highlighting misspelled words and punctuation errors on the fly. Simply hover your mouse over the underlined word or text snippet and Grammarly Lite will suggest a short list of possible fixes. Click on the appropriate one and the error is fixed right then and there. If the highlighted word is correct but unrecognized by Grammarly Lite, adding it to the dictionary is as easy as clicking “Remember this word”.  [Read more…]

Cracked laptop screen? Order a replacement screen yourself and save $$$

Posted on April 1, 2013

cracked-laptop-screenIf you ever find yourself needing to have a cracked laptop screen replaced, you can save quite a few bucks by ordering the replacement screen yourself and then taking the new screen along with the laptop to a repair shop for installation.

If you allow the shop to order the replacement screen on your behalf, they’ll most likely order it from a company called ScreenTek. They’ll tack on a hefty profit and then charge you a labor charge for installing it.

The labor charge is a no-brainer (unless you have the skills required to replace the screen yourself), but why pay the repair shop a premium for the replacement laptop screen just to have them order it for you? You can order the screen yourself and save a bundle!  [Read more…]

Add the Control Panel to the Desktop Right-Click menu in Windows 7

Posted on March 26, 2013

windows-7There are several ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 7, but if you use it a lot like I do you can add it to the menu that pops up whenever you right-click on the Desktop.

Important: This tip requires editing the Windows Registry, a procedure that if done incorrectly can render your system unstable, or even unbootable.

By following this tip you understand and agree that it isn’t my fault if lightning strikes your favorite tree, your flowers all shrivel up and die or your computer refuses to start up properly after editing the Registry.

If you agree with everything I just said, then feel free to create a Restore Point and then proceed as follows:  [Read more…]

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