Windows 7 Archives - Page 12 of 14

Q&A: Can I install Windows 7 on a second hard drive in my Windows 8 PC without losing any data?

Posted on July 6, 2013

Question from Antonio V.: I recently bought a Dell Inspiron 660s desktop PC from Amazon. It came with Windows 8 and I am very unhappy with it. I love the computer though.

I have installed a second hard drive and I was wondering if can install Windows 7 Pro (full retail version) on the second drive without losing any of my photos and other files that are on the Windows 8 drive?

After I transfer everything over I’ll remove Windows 8 and use Windows 7 exclusively. Thanks for your help in advance.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What exactly does the System File Checker do?

Posted on May 21, 2013

Question from Landra G: Hi Rick. I bought an ebook on using Windows 7 and there was a passing reference to something called a System File Checker.

The ebook didn’t give any details except to say that you can use it to fix problems with your computer. Can you tell me what it is and how to use it. Thanks.

Rick’s answer: Landra, the System File Checker is a very useful Windows utility that will scan your critical Windows files and attempt to repair any damaged files that it finds. It often comes in handy for those times when Windows is acting quirky, something isn’t working as it should or you receive an error message saying that there is a damaged Windows system file.

Using the System File Checker is very easy in Windows 7. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Add the Administrative Tools to the Windows 7 Start menu

Posted on May 17, 2013

windows-7 Windows 7 contains a suite of powerful Administrative Tools that are useful to System Administrators and advanced users. Previous versions of Windows had a direct link to these Administrative tools right on the Start menu, but Windows 7 has them hidden from view by default.

These tools are easily found if you know where to look (most people don’t) or by simply searching for them by name via the Search box, but I prefer having them linked from the Start menu as they had been in the past.

It’s very easy to add the Administrative Tools back to the Windows 7 Start menu. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I exit a frozen program using just the keyboard?

Posted on May 4, 2013

Question from Anthony H: Rick, I have a favorite program that I’ve been using for many years, but they haven’t updated it since 2006 and it sometimes freezes up on me in Windows 7.

When the program freezes my mouse does too, and the only way to proceed is to unplug the power cable. I really don’t like doing that cause I’m afraid it’ll damage my PC. Is there any way to exit that program gracefully when it freezes using just the keyboard?

Rick’s answer: Hi Anthony. My first suggestion would be to ditch that old, no longer supported program and try to find a modern equivalent that won’t crash your computer when you use it. That being said, I understand completely why you’d rather not do that. In fact, I have a couple of programs on my Windows 7 PC that were released long before yours was and I won’t part with them until I absolutely have to!

To answer your question, there is indeed a way to “kill” a frozen program using just the keyboard. Follow these steps: [Read more…]

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

Posted on March 26, 2013

windows-7 There 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…]