How to Speed Up a Slow Windows Computer

Windows PCs typically slow down as applications are installed and used. Each application increases the size of the Windows Registry file resulting in increasing the amount of time for the file to be processed and loaded. Whether using word processing, spreadsheets, internet, games or anything else, hard drives fill with temporary files that do not always get removed when no longer needed. Read on to learn of ways to help keep a PC running smoothly with little or no money.

Steps

1. Stop all unused applications. The Taskbar is on the bottom edge of the screen (unless relocated by the user). In the right side of the Taskbar appears a group of small icons, collectively named the system tray. Each of these icons represent a program that has been at least partially started or is running "in the background". Regardless of state, each represents a reduction of available memory and processing power, or resources. Closing, exiting or canceling any unused icon returns those resources to the system, and becomes available for use by the application(s) started specifically by the user.
   
   • There is a utility built in to Windows XP and Vista called the Process Explorer. The program file is procexp.exe. This will list all programs running on your Windows system. It is more comprehensive than the Task Manager, and hovering your mouse pointer over any program name will tell you what it is.
   • A utility is built into Windows that can enable/disable taskbar programs and processes from automatically loading with Windows. To access it, go to Start > Run > type in “MSCONFIG” and click OK. If you do not know what a process does, Google its name. Do not disable processes if you do not know what they do, as some are necessary for your computer to function normally.
   • A useful program called "Game Booster" by the people who wrote the Advanced SystemCare V3 software will temporarily disable unnecessary background processes and boost performance on your computer when you are actively using only one program; such as a game program or video editing software. When you are finished, you can resume "normal mode" and all the background processes will be reloaded.
   
   
2. Do a shut down/reboot also known as a cold reboot. Some programs do not release memory properly when they close. Even doing a warm restart will not release some of the drivers and other core programs in memory. The computer has to be completely shut down and then restarted. The Windows system is designed to hold on to those programs for a period of time. Shutting down the system for 30 seconds will cause the chips to "forget" the settings, an they will start anew when you restart the system. Curing these 'Memory Leaks' is as simple as rebooting the machine when it starts getting sluggish. 
3. Empty the Recycle Bin. Simply deleting files from the disk doesn't really delete them at all, rather they are moved to a temporary holding area on the hard drive for easy restoration. This area is called the Recycle Bin and is usually displayed on the Desktop. Review the contents before emptying. Once emptied, the space on the hard drive that the data occupied is made available for reuse and the restoration of files emptied from the recycle bin becomes extremely difficult. Note that this will only speed up your computer if the hard drive is nearly full. 
4. Uninstall all applications that are no longer needed. When applications and games are installed to a Windows PC, in addition to copying files to the new application directory, some files are written in the Windows directory structure and dozens (or more) changes are made to the Windows Registry file. Most of these changes are not readily apparent to the user, so proper removal requires uninstalling the application through the Control Panel's "Add or Remove Program" or "Programs and Features" icon. If the program is not listed in the Control Panel use the "uninstall" command provided by the application. Simply deleting the entire application directory is not the same as uninstalling, as all the files written to the Windows directory and changes to the Windows Registry file will remain and may be reloaded when the system is rebooted. Make sure that you do not uninstall any programs that are required by others. e.g. iTunes® will not work if Quicktime® is uninstalled, and many programs rely on other Microsoft programs.
5. Run "Error Checking" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Error Checking" to let the utility scan the drive for damaged files that can contribute to slow drive access speeds. This process may take several minutes or more to complete. 
6. Run "Defragment" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Defragment" to let the utility clean up fragmented files and consolidate free space on the drive. This should be done at least once per week, or more often if the PC is used heavily. Some versions of Windows allow for the scheduling of this utility, and in those cases could be set to run automatically without ever having to manually run again. This process may take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more to complete depending on size of the drive(s) and amount of unused capacity or free space. Consider starting the defragment process so that it will run over night or prior to logging off. After completion the speed of hard drive read and write times may improve significantly. There are also stand-alone defragmenting programs available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use. 
7. Run CCleaner. CCleaner is a freeware application^[1] that can perform an entire suite of Windows PC optimizations. Included are options to help protect privacy, system and registry cleaning among others. It has a loyal user base as shown by the number of downloads (over 300 million), is fully supported and is adware and spyware free. Follow the link above to the application's webpage for complete details. There are other system optimizers available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use. 
8. Install anti-virus software and keep it current. Anti-virus (AV) software is an absolute must. There are many from which to choose at the software store, but there are free AV solutions that do a very good job, too. Three popular free AV solutions are Avast!, AVG, and Avira AntiVir. All include regular "virus definition" file updates that allow the AV program to detect and protect from the latest virii being released. Note that while installing antivirus software actually slows down your computer, it does not slow it down as much as malware does. 
9. Relocate the Swapfile or Virtual Memory file. These files (depending on Windows version installed) are hidden and are usually located on the Windows drive (usually "C:") If there is a second physical hard drive in the system, consider moving to the secondary drive. Ideally, these files work best when located on the fastest and largest (in terms of free space) drive in the system. The procedure for changing the location varies by version of Windows, and is not detailed here at this time as it is fairly advanced. 
10. Find and Delete Temporary Files. Temporary Files are used for supporting some applications for a limited period of time and left unused for later. Go to "C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temp" (Windows XP), "C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Temp" (Windows Vista), or "%TEMP%" (any version of Windows) and delete all the files from this folder. If there is a problem deleting one or more files, skip those files and remove the rest. This will free a lot of space on the drive. The Temporary Internet Files directory can also be emptied
11. Add memory. Adding memory will boost system performance if your system does not have enough. Generally having twice the recommended hardware for an operating system will yield good performance. The hardware specifications may be found on the Microsoft website or on Wikipedia. While unfortunately not a free solution, it is one of the most effective ways of boosting performance. The computer's operating system is important to know when selecting memory upgrades. Newer computers run either 32 bit or 64 bit operating systems. A 64 bit (x64 or x86-64) Windows Operating System can support more memory than is currently available, whereas a 32 bit (x86) version of Windows will only recognize up to 3.25 - 3.5 GB regardless of how much more is installed. Increasing the amount of memory installed reduces the need for the computer to keep reading data from the hard drive (which is slower), since it can keep it in the memory. Regardless if the computer is running a 32 bit or 64 bit Operating System, check the motherboard or system documentation to determine size, type, speed and permissible configurations of memory before purchasing and installing additional memory. A 64 bit operating system and a 64 bit motherboard and CPU are required to use more than 4 GB of memory. Systems with lower amounts of memory (256 MB to 1 GB) installed receive the greatest boost when increased to 2 GB or more (as this represents a 100-400% increase in system memory). 32 bit systems that already have 2 GB or more already installed receive a less noticeable boost when upgraded, as most of the extra memory will go unused.
12. Replace your main hard drive and keep it cool: It has been observed, particularly on laptops, that replacing the hard disk without changing anything else (i.e. by a direct sector to sector copy) can drastically speed-up an old PC... which will slow down again after some time. This suggests that, especially on laptop computers, hard drive overheating can produce bad sectors, which are quickly detected and moved/hidden by the hard drive itself. But, in the mean time, this causes some hidden frangmentation which may slow down the whole computer. 
13. Be realistic. The "high end" computer purchased as new 5 years ago may run the latest version of Windows, but that doesn't mean that it will do it very well. Technology marches on and it seems there is a game of "one-up-man-ship" played between software developers and hardware designers. Regardless, eventually new software will require new hardware or vice-versa. It seems that the amount of frustration you can endure best determines how long you will run your current setup. 
14. Original OS. Restore the original operating system it came with. If it's an old windows 3.1 machine, put 3.1 back on and it will probably run like new. Be aware though, web security software and browsers are rarely backward compatable to a machine of this vintage.

source : www.wikihow.com

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Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 (Step 5)

Step 5: Reinstall your programs and update drivers

After you’ve run Windows Easy Transfer and your files and settings are back on your computer, you can reinstall your programs and check for new or updated drivers.

Windows Easy Transfer provides a report detailing the programs you used in Windows XP that you might want to reinstall. To reinstall your programs, you'll need to use the installation discs or setup files that you gathered earlier.

A report lists programs that you might want to reinstall.

If your computer came with several programs pre-installed, you might see programs listed in the report that you’ve never used before or rarely used. When you begin reinstalling programs, start with the ones that you know and use regularly, especially new antivirus software for your computer.

Note

Some programs such as Windows Mail and Outlook Express are no longer included in Windows 7. If you used Windows Mail or Outlook Express as your e‑mail program, you’ll need to install a new e‑mail program to read your messages or to send and receive e‑mail.

Update drivers

A driver is software that allows your computer to communicate with hardware or devices. Without drivers, the hardware you connect to your computer—for example, a video card or a printer—won't work properly.

In most cases, drivers come with Windows, or you can find them by using Windows Update and checking for updates. To do so, click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

If Windows Update doesn't have the driver you need, check out the Windows 7 Compatibility Center, which has direct links to driver downloads and manufacturer support pages. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.

Netbooks and drivers

Some netbooks and laptops that were running Windows XP might not have specific Windows 7 drivers for features such as function buttons. If Windows Update doesn’t find a driver, visit your computer manufacturer’s website and search for a download or support page where you can search for drivers for your PC.

You can try to install a driver made for Windows XP onto your PC running Windows 7. If the Windows XP driver won’t install, you can run the Program Compatibility troubleshooter to try and fix the problem.

1. 
   
   Download or copy the driver installation file to your computer.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Right-click the file, and then click Troubleshoot compatibility.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Follow the steps in the Program Compatibility troubleshooter to change the compatibility settings for the driver.
   
   
   

Post-install clean-up (optional)

During Windows 7 installation, if you don’t format the partition, files that were used in Windows XP are stored in the Windows.old folder. The type of files in this folder depends on your computer.

After you’ve used Windows 7 for a while, for example one or two weeks, and you’re confident that your files and settings are back to where you want them to be, you can safely reclaim disk space and use Disk Cleanup to delete the Windows.old folder.

You can also delete the Windows.old folder if you receive an error during Step 4: Moving your files and settings back to your computer of this tutorial that indicates that you don't have enough free disk space to transfer your files and settings back to your computer.

Warning

Before you use Disk Cleanup, make sure that all of your files and settings moved correctly to Windows 7 where you expected them to be. Deleting the Windows.old folder can’t be undone.

1. 
   
   Click the Start button, and in the search box, type Disk Cleanup. In the list of results, click Disk Cleanup.
   
   If you're prompted to choose a drive, choose the drive you just installed Windows 7 on, and then click OK.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Click Clean up system files. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
   
   If you're prompted again to choose a drive, choose the drive you just installed Windows 7 on, and then click OK.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Select Previous Windows installation(s) and any other categories of files you want to delete.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   Click OK, and then click Delete Files.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   source : www.microsoft.com
   
   
   

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 (step 4)

Step 4: Moving your files and settings back to your computer

After you've installed Windows 7, now you're ready to run Windows Easy Transfer again and move your files and settings back to your computer.

Be sure you run Windows Easy Transfer before you reinstall your programs. That's because Windows Easy Transfer moves your files back to where your old programs will expect them to be when you reinstall them.

User accounts from Windows XP are moved to Windows 7.

Move files and settings back using Windows Easy Transfer

1. 
   
   Make sure your external hard disk or other storage device that contains your Windows Easy Transfer migration file is connected to your computer.
   
   
   
2. 
   
   Click the Start button , click Computer, and under Hard Disk Drives, double-click your storage device.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   Browse to the location where you saved the Easy Transfer file, called Windows Easy Transfer – Items from old computer, and double click the file.
   
   If you gave the file a different name when you originally created it, browse to that file and double-click it.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   If you entered a password when creating the Easy Transfer file, type the password, and then click Next. 
   
   Note
   
   If you receive an error that you don't have enough free disk space to migrate your files back to your computer using Windows Easy Transfer, you can use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files left over from your Windows 7 installation and free up additional disk space. To learn how to do this, read the "Post-install clean up (optional)" section at the end of Step 5: Reinstall your programs and update drivers.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   On the Choose what to transfer to this computer page, you can decide how the user accounts from Windows XP are transferred to Windows 7.
   
   • 
     
     To accept the current account mapping, click Transfer.
     
     
     
   • 
     
     To change how the Windows XP accounts are mapped in Windows 7, click Advanced Options.
     
     
     
   
   
6. 
   
   On the Your transfer is complete page, click See what was transferred to view a list of the user accounts and files that were moved from Windows XP to Windows 7. Click See a list of programs you might want to install on your new computer to view what was previously installed on Windows XP.
   
   
   
7. 
   
   Click Close. If you are prompted to restart your computer, click Restart now.
   
   
   

If you transferred more than one user account, you might be prompted to change the password the next time you log on. If you're prompted to do so, click OK, and in the dialog box that appears, do one of the following:

• 
  
  If you want to give the user account a password (recommended), type a new password, retype it, and then press Enter. There's no need to type the old password from Windows XP.
  
  
  
• 
  
  If you don't want to give the user account a password, leave the boxes empty, and then press Enter.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  source : www.microsoft.com
  
  
  

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 (step 3)

Step 3: Installing Windows 7

When you choose the Custom option during installation, you install a new copy of Windows on your PC.

The options for Windows 7 installation

Note

Formatting your hard disk during Windows 7 installation isn’t necessary. If you want to format your hard disk, and you’re using an upgrade version of Windows 7, don’t use a program from another software manufacturer to reformat your hard disk prior to installing Windows 7. Instead, start your PC using the Windows 7 upgrade DVD, click Custom (advanced), and then click Drive options (advanced).

Before you begin

• 
  
  Connect your PC to the Internet so you can get installation updates during the installation process. (If you don’t have an Internet connection, you can still install Windows 7.)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Update your antivirus program, run it, and then turn it off. After you install Windows 7, remember to turn the antivirus program back on, or install new antivirus software that works with Windows 7.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Select either the 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc, depending on whether you want to install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7. For more information, see 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Find your 25-character Windows product key. You can find it on the installation disc holder inside the Windows package—or in a confirmation e‑mail if you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online.
  
  
  

Perform a Custom installation of Windows 7

1. 
   
   With your computer on and Windows XP running, do one of the following:
   
   • 
     
     If you have a Windows 7 installation disc, insert the disc into your computer. Setup should start automatically. If it doesn't, click Start, click My Computer, open the Windows 7 installation disc on your DVD drive, and then double-click setup.exe.
     
     
     
   • 
     
     If you purchased and downloaded Windows 7 online, open the installation file. Purchasing and downloading Windows 7 online is the easiest way to install Windows 7 on a netbook. For more information, see Installing Windows 7 on a netbook.
     
     
     
   
   
2. 
   
   On the Install Windows page, click Install now.
   
   
   
3. 
   
   On the Get important updates for installation page, we recommend getting the latest updates to help ensure a successful installation, and to help protect your computer against security threats. Your computer will need to be connected to the Internet during Windows 7 installation to get these updates.
   
   
   
4. 
   
   On the Please read the license terms page, if you accept the license terms, click I accept the license terms, and then click Next.
   
   
   
5. 
   
   On the Which type of installation do you want? page, click Custom.
   
   
   
6. 
   
   Choose the partition containing Windows XP (this is often the computer's C: drive), and then click Next. (Do not select your external USB hard drive.)
   
   
   
7. 
   
   In the Windows.old dialog box, click OK.
   
   
   
8. 
   
   Continue to follow the instructions to finish installing Windows 7, including naming your computer and setting up an initial user account. You can use the same names that you used in Windows XP, or choose new ones.
   
   
   
   
   
   source : www.microsoft.com
   
   
   

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 (Step 1 and 2)

We highly recommend that you print this tutorial. Your PC will restart during the Windows 7 installation process, so having a printed copy will help you follow the steps if you're unable to return to this webpage

Introduction

To upgrade your PC from Windows XP to Windows 7, you'll need to select the Custom option during Windows 7 installation. A custom installation doesn't preserve your programs, files, or settings. It's sometimes called a "clean" installation for that reason.

A custom installation is more complex, and it can sometimes take a couple of hours to complete. We created this five-step tutorial to help guide you through the entire process each step of the way.

What you need

• 
  
  An external hard disk. You'll need to move your files off of your PC before you install Windows 7. To make this easier, we recommend a free download called Windows Easy Transfer, which will require an external hard disk. They’re readily available at electronics and office supply stores, and they provide an easy way to add additional storage space to your computer.
  
  
  
• 
  
  The original installation discs or setup files for the programs that you want to use with Windows 7. You’ll need to reinstall your programs by hand after installing Windows 7. When you run Windows Easy Transfer you will get a report that lists the programs that you are currently using with Windows XP.
  
  
  

32-bit or 64-bit: Which version of Windows 7 to install?

Both 32-bit and 64-bit installation discs are included in the Windows 7 package. 64-bit operating systems can handle large amounts of memory—typically 4 gigabytes (GB) of random access memory (RAM) or more—more efficiently than 32-bit operating systems. However, not all computers are 64-bit capable.

You'll probably need the 32-bit version, but to make sure right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.

• 
  
  If you don’t see "x64 Edition" listed, then you’re running the 32-bit version of Windows XP. Step 1 of this tutorial will show you how to run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which can let you know if your comptuer is capable of running the 64-bit version of Windows 7.
  
  
  
• 
  
  If "x64 Edition" is listed under System, you’re running the 64-bit version of Windows XP and can run the 64-bit version of Windows 7. 
  
  
  
  
  
  Steps
  
  
  
• 
  

  Step 1: Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

  To help find potential compatibility problems with your computer's hardware, devices, or programs that might affect installing Windows 7, download and run the free Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It provides a report listing any issues that it finds and gives recommendations on what to do before you upgrade to improve your PC's compatibility with Windows 7
  

  Download and install Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

  Follow the steps below to download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
  

  1. 
     
     Go to the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor webpage.
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     Click Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     Click Download, and then save the installation file to your PC.
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     Double-click the installation file saved to your PC.
     
     Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor requires .NET Framework 2.0. If your computer doesn't have it installed, follow these steps. If you're not asked to install .NET 2.0, you can skip this and proceed to step 5.
     

     1. 
        
        Click Yes.
        
        
        
     2. 
        
        Click Next.
        
        
        
     3. 
        
        If you agree to the license terms, click Install.
        
        
        
     4. 
        
        Click Finish.
        
        
        
     
     
  5. 
     
     If you agree to the license terms, click Install.
     
     
     
  6. 
     
     Click Close.
     
     If you see a pre-selected check box, clicking Close will run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.
     
     
     

  Run Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

  1. 
     
     If Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor isn't already running, double-click the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor shortcut on your PC's desktop.
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     In the security warning dialog box, click Yes.
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     Click Start check. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will scan your PC's hardware, devices, and installed software. This might take a few minutes. When finished, it will provide you with a compatibility report that you can print or save for your reference.
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     Read the report carefully, and make note of any issues that the Upgrade Advisor finds and what the recommended steps are to fix these issues.
     
     
     
  5. 
     
     If you want to save the report and print or refer to it later, click Save Report, type a name in the File Name box, and then click Save.
     
     
     
  6. 
     
     Click Close.
     
     
     
  You can scan your PC more than once. We recommend running the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor again after taking any of the recommended steps or making any changes to your PC's hardware, devices, or installed software before upgrading to Windows 7. Be sure to save your updated report.
  
  
  
  • 
    

    Step 2: Moving files and settings, and gathering your program discs

    
    
  We recommend using Windows Easy Transfer, a free download, to help you move your files and settings to another location before you install Windows 7. Then, you can use Windows Easy Transfer again to move your files and settings back to your PC after Windows installation is completed.
  
  If you don't use Windows Easy Transfer, you'll need to copy your files manually to an external location, such as CDs, DVDs, an external hard disk, or a USB flash drive before installing Windows 7, and then move them back after Windows installation is completed.
  
  
  Windows Easy Transfer creates a single file containing your files and settings. The file could be quite large depending on the amount of data you have, which is why we recommend using an external hard disk.
  
  As you prepare to move your files off of your computer to an external storage device, remember the following:
  

  • 
    
    Windows Easy Transfer doesn't move your programs, only your files and settings. You'll need to reinstall your programs by hand after Windows 7 installation is complete. Windows Easy Transfer will provide you with a list of programs that you are currently using with Windows XP.
    
    
    
  • 
    
    Don't use the File and Settings Transfer Wizard in Windows XP to move your files. It isn't compatible with Windows 7, and if you use it, you won't be able to restore your files in Windows 7. Use Windows Easy Transfer instead.
    
    
    
  • 
    
    Windows Easy Transfer can't transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows XP, but you plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, you'll need to copy your files manually to an external location before installing Windows 7, and then move them back after Windows installation is completed.
    
    
    
  • 
    
    Windows Easy Transfer moves your music and video files, but doesn't migrate the licenses for content protected by digital rights management (DRM). This means that you'll need to re-obtain rights to DRM‑protected files from the online store that provided them after you finish installing Windows 7 and restoring these files to your computer. For more information, see Step 4: Moving your files and settings back to your computer.
    
    
    

  
  

  Warning
  

  
  

  Some stores don't restore rights to their DRM‑protected files. For details about store policies, refer to your store's customer support or Help information. If your music or video was obtained from a store that's no longer in business, you won't be able to restore your rights to that content.
  

  You’ll also need Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher. If you're not sure of what you have, click Start, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties. Under System, if you see "Service Pack 2" or "Service Pack 3," you can use Windows Easy Transfer. If you're not running Service Pack 2 or 3, go to the Windows XP service pack page on the Microsoft website to update your PC.
  

  Download and install Windows Easy Transfer

  1. 
     
     Download Windows Easy Transfer from the Windows website. If you're running a 32-bit version of Windows XP, under For Windows XP, click Download 32-bit. If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows XP, click Download 64-bit.
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     On the Microsoft Download Center webpage, click Download, and then click Run.
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     In the Security Warning dialog box, click Run.
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     In the Software Update Installation Wizard, click Next.
     
     
     
  5. 
     
     If you agree to the license terms, select I Agree, and then click Next.
     
     
     
  6. 
     
     After installation is complete, click Finish.
     
     
     

  Open and run Windows Easy Transfer to save your files and settings

  1. 
     
     Make sure your external hard disk or other storage device is connected to your computer.
     
     
     
  2. 
     
     Click Start, click All Programs, and then click Windows Easy Transfer for Windows 7.
     
     
     
  3. 
     
     Click Next.
     
     
     
  4. 
     
     Select An external hard disk or USB flash drive.
     
     
     
  5. 
     
     Click This is my old computer, and then wait while Windows Easy Transfer scans the computer.
     
     
     
  6. 
     
     Clear the check boxes next to any user accounts that you don't want to transfer data from, and then click Next.
     
     
     
  7. 
     
     Enter and retype a password, and then write it down and keep it in a safe place; or leave the boxes blank, and then click Save.
     
     
     
  8. 
     
     Browse to the external hard disk or other storage device where you want to save your Easy Transfer file, and then click Save.
     
     
     

     Warning
     

     You must save the Easy Transfer file to your external hard disk or other storage device, and not to the default location My Computer. If you don't save the Easy Transfer file to your external hard disk, the file you just created will be deleted during the custom installation of Windows 7.
     
     
     
  9. 
     
     Windows Easy Transfer will begin saving your files and settings. Do not use your computer during this time.
     
     
     
  10. 
      
      When you see the message These files and settings have been saved for your transfer, click Next.
      
      Windows Easy Transfer displays the file name and location of the Easy Transfer file you just created. Write down the file name and location so you can easily find it when you’re ready to transfer files to Windows 7.
      
      
      
  11. 
      
      Click Next, and then click Close.
      
      
      
  12. 
      
      Ensure that the file is saved to your external hard disk or storage device, and then disconnect the device from your computer.
      
      
      

  Gather your program discs and setup files

  It’s important to remember that the Custom installation option doesn’t preserve any of your programs, so you’ll need to reinstall the programs that you want to use in Windows 7.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Make sure you have the installation discs for the programs you want to keep using in Windows 7.
  
  
  
• 
  
  You might have downloaded some programs from the Internet. If you still have the installation files on your computer (often called setup.exe, install.exe, or similar), copy those setup files to your external hard disk as well. If you don’t have the installation files, you’ll need to download them again after Windows 7 installation is complete.
  
  
  
• 
  
  If you're running a 64-bit version of Windows and plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, programs that were designed to run only on a 64-bit operating system might not work. Check the software manufacturer's website for more information, or go to the Windows 7 Compatibility Center. You can search the Compatibility Center for product names or browse many different categories of hardware and software tested to be compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7.
  
  
  
  
  
  source : www.microsoft.com
  
  
  

How to Take a Screenshot with the Snipping Tool in Vista

"Capture a portion of your screen so you can save, annotate, or share the image" is the tag line of the Snipping Tool, a new feature for some versions of Windows Vista to capture a screenshot of any object on your screen and save, annotate or share the image. The Snipping Tool is a huge improvement from built-in screenshot functions used by older Windows operating systems by offering a clean, simple and user-friendly functionality

. 
Steps

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1. Open the Snipping Tool. Click Start>All Programs>Accessories. The Snipping Tool window will open and a white overlay appears over the screen.
   
   
2. 
   
   
   
   
   
   Select the type of snip. Click on the arrow next to the New button and and choose from the options.
   
   
   
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     Free-form snip. To draw irregular shapes and lines, such as triangles and circles.
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     Rectangular snip. Draw a custom and precise line by dragging the cursor around an object to form a rectangle.
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     Window Snip. Capture the browser window or dialog box in a snip.
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     
     
     Full-screen snip. Capture the entire screen, such as desktop background.
     
     
     
   
   
   
   
3. Capture the snip. Use the mouse or tablet stylus to drag around or select an area or program for snipping.
   
   
4. Save, annotate and share the image. The snip will be automatically copied to the mark-up window. The toolbar hosts options for saving, creating, copying, e-mailing and editing the snip.
   
   
   
   • To save a snip, press the Save Snip button. In the dialog box enter a name for the file and choose a format if need be.
   • Annotations in the Snipping Tool include the ability to draw/write with a customizable pen, use a highlighter and clear selections with the eraser. These are simple to use tools for minor edits.
   • To share a snip, click the arrow on the Send Snip button and select an option from the menu.
     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     Tips
     

     • To turn off the white overlay projected onto the screen by the Snipping Tool, click Options. Clear the check box Show screen overlay when Snipping Tool is active.
     • To assign a shortcut key to the Snipping Tool, right-click the Snipping Tool icon, click Properties and select the Shortcut tab. Enter your preference in Shortcut key.
     • Snips can be saved in a range of formats including HTML, PNG, GIF and JPEG. These can be chosen upon saving the snip.
     • Windows Vista's Snipping Tool is highly customizable. In addition to the annotation options, you can also change the color of the ink (border) used to capture snips. Go into Options and choose a color from the drop-down menu under Selection by clicking on the arrow. The standard ink color is black. Ink colors can be removed as a standard feature by clearing the box Show ink selection after snips are captured.

     
     
     
     
     

     source : www.wikihow.com
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   
   
   
   

Free Download Autoruns 9.56

Autoruns shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

Autoruns' Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps you to zoom in on third-party auto-starting images that have been added to your system and it has support for looking at the auto-starting images configured for other accounts configured on a system. Also included in the download package is a command-line equivalent that can output in CSV format, Autorunsc.

Click Here for Download

Windows Mobility Center

Windows Mobility Center is a component of Microsoft Windows, introduced in Windows Vista, that centralizes the most relevant information to mobile computing.

With Windows Mobility Center, you can quickly access your mobile PC settings in one convenient location. For example, you can adjust the speaker volume of your mobile PC, check the status of your wireless network connection, and adjust the display brightness—all from one location.

To open Windows Mobility Center

• 
  
  Open Windows Mobility Center by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Mobile PC, and then clicking Windows Mobility Center.
  
  
  

Quickly adjust your mobile PC settings

It's no longer necessary to remember where settings are located in Control Panel, which is especially helpful when you're quickly adjusting settings to use your mobile PC in different places—such as traveling from your desk to a meeting, or going from your home to the airport. Adjusting these settings from one location saves you time—whether you're using your mobile PC for business or personal use.

Mobility Center consists of several of the most commonly used mobile PC settings. Depending on your system, some, but perhaps not all, of the following tiles appear in the Mobility Center window:

• 
  
  Brightness.  Move the slider to temporarily adjust the brightness of your display. To adjust the display brightness settings for your power plan, click the icon on the tile to open Power Options in Control Panel.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Volume.  Move the slider to adjust the speaker volume of your mobile PC or select the Mute check box.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Battery Status.  View how much charge remains on your battery or select a power plan from the list.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Wireless Network.  View the status of your wireless network connection or turn your wireless adapter on or off.
  
  
  

  Note

  If the Turn Wireless On button on the Wireless Network tile is unavailable, you may need to use the hardware switch on your computer to turn on the wireless adapter. For more information about turning the wireless adapter on and off, see your computer manufacturer's documentation.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Screen Rotation.  Change the orientation of your Tablet PC screen, from portrait to landscape, or vice versa.
  
  
  
• 
  
  External Display.  Connect an additional monitor to your mobile PC or customize the display settings.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Sync Center.  View the status of an in-progress file sync, start a new sync or set up a sync partnership, and adjust your settings in Sync Center.
  
  
  
• 
  
  Presentation Settings.  Adjust settings, such as the speaker volume and the desktop background image, for giving a presentation.
  
  
  

If you need to make additional adjustments to your mobile PC settings that require you to access Control Panel, click the icon on a tile to open Control Panel for that setting. For example, you can select an existing power plan from the Battery Status tile, or you can click the icon on the tile to open Power Options in Control Panel to create a power plan.

Windows Mobility Center

Notes

• 
  
  Some tiles in Mobility Center are added by your mobile PC manufacturer. To learn more, check the information that came with your mobile PC or go to the manufacturer’s website.
  
  
  
• 
  
  If a tile doesn't appear, it may be because the required hardware (such as a wireless network adapter) or drivers are missing.
  
  
  
  

 source : www.microsoft.com

How to Pimp Your Windows XP Desktop to Look Like a Cool Mac Desktop

If you use the default Windows desktop, chances are that you could use a “look and feel” overhaul. Apple's OSX desktop is widely considered to be cleaner and more intuitive. The following instructions will show you how to get that Mac look for your PC by installing some cool, free applications. Some of the instructions may be a tad advanced for some users, but give it a try.

Steps

1. Remove all unused shortcuts and icons. Right click the desktop and go to "Arrange desktop icons by" and uncheck “Show desktop icons”. You should now have a completely clean desktop. Don’t be afraid. You can still access the My Computer, My Documents, and Recycle Bin standbys from Windows Explorer.
2. Install RKLauncher (Even though Star Dock is better because you can get a mac OS X Leopard (10.5) theme). RKLauncher (also called RKDock) is a free Windows version of the animated Mac taskbar, or “dock.” You can download it here. RKLauncher comes with a pretty cool theme. If you want to make your dock look exactly like a Mac though, try RealDock for RKLaucher, a great clone of the Mac Dock appearance. RKLauncher's official build hasn’t been updated lately, so if you would like something more up-to-date, grab a nightly build from Aqua-Soft. The farther down you go, the newer the build. Another good dock program is ObjectDock by Stardock, you can skin it to be anything you want and it does the animations and everything.
3. Hide the taskbar. It doesn't make sense to have both ObjectDock/RKDock and the Windows taskbar. Right click a blank space in ObjectDock, go to the settings tab, select behavior then on the box with check marks select “Hide the Windows Taskbar,” and hit OK. RKLauncher should work similarly. This makes the taskbar disappear. You can also just move the taskbar to the front of the screen.
4. Add Widgets. Widgets are desktop toys to entertain and to inform. Think of them like things you’d put on a real desk: a picture frame, a newspaper to a dancing hula girl! But they’re on your PC desktop, not your real desk. You’ll get it once you see it. They could be a fun addition to your boring computer. Download free widgets from the Yahoo Widgets page. You'll download a widget machine called Yahoo! Widget Engine, which comes with widgets like a picture frame, analog clock, calendar, and weather display. You can get more widgets like RSS news feeds and a dancing hula girl from the widgets gallery. Yahoo! has also released an engine that can help you make your own widgets and is available here.Kludget Engine is also an option for running widgets. It allows you to run Apple's Dashboard widgets on Windows and Linux. It is free and open sourced. Available here
5. Get Safari for Windows Just Get the new Safari 4, for Windows here, or get Firefox here. You can skin Firefox to look like Safari.
6. Change your wallpaper to look like Mac OS X Leopard or Snow Leopard. Or you can get a high resolution wallpaper here which won't make your computer mimic a mac desktop but will add a sense of style and a unique touch.
7. Install Expose from docs.kr. With this program (screen shot shows the 'Windows Vista Flip' move) you can set your Windows to spread out at the stroke of a key! A free download!
8. Move your buttons. ShellWM is a “titlebar-only” shell replacer. It lets you have the maximize, minimize and close buttons on the left for free. You’ll want to download this theme.
9. Change your mouse pointers. For the full effect, download a new set of mouse pointers. Save these to your computer (preferably in C:\WINDOWS\Cursors). It may be a good idea to make a folder within this for easier setup.) To setup these cursors, choose Mouse from the Control Panel, click the Pointers tab, and set your new pointers appropriately. For a the best OS pointer, use FLyakiteOS. If you don't feel like changing cursors manually, you can install them all with a simple Mac OS X Mouse Cursors Installer
10. Keep tweaking and playing. Try customizing all of the applications you downloaded. Whatever suits you!

Tips

• If RKLauncher doesn’t work well, an alternative to try are RocketDock. Rocketdock is updated more often, and has more themes to choose from.
• You can also use the Mac OS X Install DVD
  
  
  
  
  • If you have a recent Mac OS X Install DVD (2005 and newer) that uses an x86 architecture, you can install OS X directly on your computer using InsanelyMac, which will circumvent the hardware detection used by the OS X install disc.
  • If you have an older Mac OS X Install DVD (2004 and older) that uses a PowerPC architecture, you can emulate PowerPC's architecture using PearPC. PearPC is a tool which will allow you to run Mac OS X in an x86 environment, without putting in any effort. The emulation method is much slower than the method using InsanelyMac above.
  • Do not resort to using OS X unless you are aware of the legal action Apple can take if they know you are using that software.
  
  
  
• Since installing Mac OS X on a PC is illegal, you could also try installing Linux (Ubuntu Linux is the most popular linux out there) on your PC. Since Linux is fully constumizable you can use this guide to make it look like OS X.
• For the simplest way, install this patch. It lets you access Windows XPs built in skinner. Then go to customize.org and download all the Window’s themes you want. This is a great Mac OS X style theme.
• If you have enough money, an easier way would always be just to buy your own Mac, of course.
• If you want to bootscreen, sound scheme and whatever, you should try flyakite OS X.

Warnings

• Widgets could make your computer run slowly.
• Be warned this method may cause you to never have your windows desktop taskbar again. If you lose it you can't blame anyone but yourself.
• Beware of legal issues with installing Mac OS X onto a computer for which is not licensed.
• The Shock 4Way 3D program makes your mouse disappear in the other 3 screens.

source : www.wikihow.com

How to take a Screenshot in Microsoft Windows

Learn how to take screenshots of your internal computer problems, so that the people at Microsoft and other troubleshooting services can help you solve your problems much faster and more efficiently. It is also just fun to take screenshots and butcher your screen or set up "ghost desktops" to mess with your parents or friends.

Steps

In Windows XP

          Press the "Prnt Scrn" button.

          Open Microsoft Paint. To do this, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Paint. Click inside the white part of the screen.

1. Go to the Edit menu and click Paste or you can press and hold "Ctrl" and tap V. Then you may crop if you like.
   
   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   
2. Click File > Save As. In the box that pops up, change the "Save As Type" to PNG or JPG. Type in a filename for your image. Choose a place to save, like the Desktop, and click save.
   
   
   
   

   
   
   
   
   
3. You have now successfully taken a screenshot! If you want to send your image to somebody, simply attach the .png file that you just saved to an email and send it along. Alternatively, you can upload it onto the internet by visiting a site like TinyPic.com and uploading it.

In Windows Vista

1. In Windows Vista (except in Home Basic), there is a tool called the Snipping Tool.
   
   
   • To open it, click on the start menu, type snip, then hit enter (the latest version of Windows Vista updates the search results as you type each letter).
   
   
   
2. Click on Snipping Tool.
3. The Snipping Tool opens, and a white mask is applied on the screen. In the drop-down menu for the 'New' button, choose from a free-form snip, rectangular snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
4. In free-form snip mode, draw around the area you want to be captured. Drag a rectangle in rectangular snip mode. For window snip mode, select the window you want to capture. In full-screen mode, just selecting it from the drop-down menu makes the capture.
5. The snipped image is then opened within the Snipping Tool, but is also copied to the Windows clipboard for use in other applications.

Tips

• If you want to take screenshot of just the active window (the one that's most on top and activated), press "Alt - Print Screen". This means, you should hold down the Alt key and then press the Print Screen key.
• A quicker way of accessing Microsoft Paint can be achieved by pressing the Windows key (Between "Ctrl" and "Alt" on many keyboards") and "R", then typing 'mspaint' in the box that appears.
• Many laptops, to conserve keyboard space, have mapped the "PrtSc" key as a primary or secondary function on a shared key. To take a screenshot with "PrtSc" mapped to a key as a secondary function, you will need to locate your notebook's function key (usu. labeled "Fn" and located along the bottom row) and engage it before touching "PrtSc."
• Depending on your version of Windows, Paint will allow you to save the screenshot in different formats.
  
  
  • BMP is the default option (a lossless uncompressed format)
  • PNG is a lossless compressed format
  • JPEG is a lossy, compressed image format, specifically developed for photographic images. For these images, it allows for the smallest file size. When used for non-photographic images, file size is larger than e.g. PNG and GIF and the image has a lower quality.
  • GIF is good for applications windows with a limited number of colors
  
  
  
• If you plan on putting your screenshot on a website, be sure it does not exceed a suggested size limit
  
  
  
  

  
  

  An unsuccessful attempt.
  
  
  
  
• There are a number of free programs that can make taking a screenshot easier like:
  
  
  • MWSnap is a free program that can be used to capture a screen very nicely. It has many options for saving the results of the screenshot. The program is available at http://www.mirekw.com/winfreeware/mwsnap.html
  • ScreenHunter is another useful (free) utility. ScreenHunter allows you to capture the entire screen, the active window, or a specific area you choose by dragging the pointer. It can run in the background and be called at will with a hot-key. It saves in .bmp, .gif or .jpg formats.
  • Alternatively use Screenshoter. It's able to capture the whole screen or a specified area by pressing the "Prnt Scrn" key. After this the screenshot will be directly saved as a .bmp, .png or .jpg image. Get this freeware here: www.inspire-soft.net (Author's page)
  
  
  
• If you are using a Macbook or any other laptop which doesn't have the "Prnt Scrn" key, you can press apple+shift+4 for a part-screen, and apple+shift+3

• It is also possible to pause an internet video and make a screenshot of it. In this way you can create a still from a video, e.g. from youtube.
  
  
  • As a rule your video player allows to make the video full screen and high quality, and to stop at the frame you want.
  • This capturing method may not work if you play the video from version 11 or newer from Windows Media Player.
  
  

Warnings

• Saving a screenshot in some file types (such as bitmaps) will result in a very large file.
• Some people will be annoyed if you email them a large attachment, remember to crop and convert.

source : www.wikihow.com