All articles about Computer Operating Systems
By default Windows 7 and Vista protect files and folders that it believes are important to the operating system. These files are even protected from users operating under administrative permissions. The reasoning behind this is two fold; first so the user doesn’t delete an important […]
How to take ownership of a file in Windows 7 and Vista Read More »
Hey, you’ve bought a new computer with Windows 7 installed! Isn’t that great? Yes and no. PC Manufacturers have been installing many trial programs and helper applications, often called "bloatware". The manufacturers say they install this software to provide a better user experience and they
How to do a clean install of Windows 7 without activation on your OEM computer Read More »
I’m sure many of you are familiar with Microsoft’s System Restore. Hopefully fewer of you have had to use it. For those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about I’ll explain. Microsoft added a feature in Windows ME (Millennium Edition) which would
How to change the Windows Vista system restore size Read More »
What is a Network Map? Having multiple computers in the same home, or small office, is common. It’s becoming a rule, rather than an exception. Moms, Dads, and children all want to be online simultaneously as they work and play. As the number of computers
How to include Windows XP computers in your Vista or Windows 7 network map Read More »
You can install the upgrade version of Windows 7 without having any previous Windows version at all. Windows 7 will accept an unactivated Windows 7 installation as a previous version. This can save you between $75 and $160 by buying an upgrade version instead of
How to do a clean install of Windows 7 using only an upgrade version Read More »
Microsoft has included a system restore function in Windows since Windows ME as a way of providing protection to the important system files of the operating system. How successful this has been in the past is open to discussion, and many will say it has
Microsoft introduced an interesting feature in Windows 7 named Device Stage, or Devices and Printers. Their goal was to create a central interface to manage and interact with all devices attached to the computer. Back in 2009 Microsoft described Device Stage as: Think of Device
Windows 7 Versions and Upgrades Unless you have been living under a rock for the past eighteen months you are probably aware that Microsoft has a hit with their newest Operating System, Windows 7. Windows 7 has been the topic of network news reports, slightly
The complete guide to Windows 7 upgrades and versions Read More »
In our Create a Windows 7 system image article we created a system image, using the built in Backup and Restore function of Windows 7, to create a backup of your computer that will allow you to completely recover your files, pictures, email, and settings
How to completely restore a Windows 7 computer using a system image Read More »
In past articles we’ve covered how to create a Windows 7 system using features built into the OS and how to restore your computer using a system image. We’ve also learned that a system image can be used to restore your computer to the exact
Windows 7 is based on an improved Windows Vista kernel, or core. Basically improved memory management and I/O processing. It isn’t a major change such as between Windows XP and Vista. Think Apple. Well don’t think too much about apple, but it is a good
Click the Start Orb to open the Start Menu. Once the Start Menu is open right click on Computer in the right hand pane. This will open a menu. Click on Properties to open the System applet. The System applet will open. Take a look
How to manage system restore size and restore points in Windows 7 Read More »
Right click an empty place on your desktop and select Personalize from the menu that opens. In the Personalization window that opens click Change desktop icons to open the Desktop Icon Settings Window. In the Desktop Icon Settings window uncheck the box adjacent to the
How to add and remove system icons from the Windows 7 desktop Read More »
You can never have enough backups and I’ve always encouraged Daves Computer Tips readers to use Acronis True Image to backup their computer, and I still do. An image is the ultimate backup with the ability to restore your computer to the exact state it
