Enable F8 Key to on Safe Mode Windows 8

Windows 8 offered a new begin operating device that reduced the rate that  windows 8 begins. Unfortunately, to be able to do this needed to eliminate the capability to accessibility the Impressive Start Choices display when you press the F8 key when windows begins. This designed that there was no quick way to accessibility Secured Strategy any longer by simply pushing the F8 key while windows begins. Instead to be able to accessibility Secured Strategy, you would need to either begin windows 8 and then tell it to reboot into protected technique or for windows to are failed to begin, where you could then tell windows reboot again into protected technique. Regardless of how you did, it became a 2-3 level procedure to accessibility the windows 8 Secured Strategy rather than a 1-step procedure that we have become familiar with.

In my perspective having accessibility analytic resources quickly is more important than men some a few minutes off of the time it takes windows to begins. With that said, this information will describe how to allow the F8 key in windows 8 so you can quickly accessibility the Secured Strategy begin options and other analytic resources. As a make up, by allowing this choice on a dual-boot program with several operating-system, you will now find it easier to choose the os you wish to use when you begin your computer.


To enable the F8 key in Windows 8 you will first need to open a command prompt as an Administrator. 

When the elevated command prompt is open you will be at the C:\Windows\System32> prompt. To enable F8 in Windows 8 you need to type the following in the command prompt and then press the Enter key.

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy legacy

Once you enter the above text, your command prompt should look like:

Once the command has been enter as shown above, press the Enter key on your keyboard. If you entered the command correctly, Windows will report that the "The operation completed successfully.". You now need to restart your computer for the change to go into effect. With this settings configured, you can now press F8 while Windows 8 starts in order to access Safe Mode and other Advanced Boot options.

If you would like to disable the F8 key and go back to the original Windows 8 setting you can open an elevated(Administrator Mode) command prompt and enter the following command:

bcdedit /set {default} bootmenupolicy standard

Once you enter the above command, press Enter on your keyboard. If you entered the command correctly, Windows will report that the "The operation completed successfully." and you should now restart your computer. The F8 key will now be disabled in Windows 8.

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Show Hidden Files in Windows OS

Windows XP and Windows 2003

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps:

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. Put a checkmark in the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders.
6. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
9. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and shutdown My Computer.
10. Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

Windows Vista

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps:

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Click on the Start button. This is the small round button with the Windows flag in the lower left corner.
3. Click on the Control Panel menu option.
4. When the control panel opens you can either be in Classic View or Control Panel Home view:
   
   If you are in the Classic View do the following:
   1. Double-click on the Folder Options icon.
   2. Click on the View tab.
   3. Go to step 5.
   
   If you are in the Control Panel Home view do the following:
   1. Click on the Appearance and Personalization link .
   2. Click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
   3. Go to step 5.
       
5. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.
6. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button.
9. Now Windows Vista is configured to show all hidden files.

Windows 7

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps. Please note a guide with images that shows the same steps can be found here:

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Click on the Start button. This is the small round button with the Windows flag in the lower left corner.
3. Click on the Control Panel menu option.
4. When the control panel opens click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
5. Under the Folder Options category, click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
6. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, or drives.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.
8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
9. Press the Apply button and then the OK button..
10. Now Windows 7 is configured to show all hidden files.

Windows 8

To enable the viewing of Hidden files follow these steps. Please note a guide with images that shows the same steps can be found here:

1. From the Windows 8 Start Screen, click on the Control Panel app.
2. When the Control Panel opens scroll down to the bottom and click on the More Settings option.
3. The traditional Windows 8 Control Panel will now open. When it is open, click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
4. Under the Folder Options category, click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
5. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, or drives.
6. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button..
9. Now Windows 8 is configured to show all hidden files.

Please note that you will now see icons that were not previously visible. One of the most common concerns is that you will see a file called desktop.ini throughout your computer. These are legitimate hidden files and can be ignored.

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Remove Trojan,Virus,Malware,Worm,Spyware From Computer Easily

If you use a pc, read the paper, or watch the news, you will know about pc viruses or other viruses. These are those harmful applications that once they contaminate your machine will begin causing damage to your pc. What many people do not know is that there are many different kinds of strikes that are classified in the common type of Malware.

Malware - Malware is development or information that are developed for the purpose of doing harm. Thus, viruses contains pc viruses, worms, Trojan viruses horse, malware, hijackers, and certain type of malware.

This article will focus on those viruses that are regarded viruses, trojans, worms, and viruses, though this details can be used to eliminate the other kinds of viruses as well. We will not go into specific details about any one particular disease, but rather offer a wide summary of how these strikes can be eliminated. For the most aspect these guidelines should allow you to eliminate a great deal of strikes, but there are some that need special steps to be eliminated and these won't be covered under this guide.

Before we continue it is essential understand the common viruses terms that you will be reading about.

Adware - A program that produces pop-ups on your pc or shows ads. It is worth noting that not all malware applications are actually regarded viruses. There are many genuine applications that are given for 100 % free that display ads in their applications to be able to generate income. As long as this details is provided up front then they are generally not regarded viruses.

Backdoor - A program that allows a distant customer to perform orders and projects on your pc without your authorization. These kinds of applications are generally used to release strikes on other computer systems, spread branded software or media, or crack other computer systems.

Dialler - A program that generally calls a top quality rate number that has per minute expenses over and above the common call charge. These calls are with the purpose of accessing adult material.

Hijackers - A program that efforts to hijack certain Online functions like course-plotting your begin web page to the hijacker's own begin web page, course-plotting searches to a unwanted internet look for engine, or substitute google look for from popular google with their own details.

Spyware - A program that watches your action or details on your pc and delivers that details to a distant pc without your knowledge.

Trojan - A program that has been developed to appear simple but has been deliberately developed to cause some harmful action or to offer a admission to your program.

Virus - A program that when run, has the capability to self-replicate by infecting other applications and information on your pc. These applications can have many effects which range from cleaning your hard disk, showing a laugh in a small box, or doing nothing at all except to duplicate itself. These kinds of strikes tend to be nearby to your pc and not have the capability to propagate to another pc on their own. The word malware has wrongly become a common term that involves trojans, worms, and viruses.

Worm - A program that when run, has the capability to propagate to other computer systems on its own using either mass-mailing techniques to contact information discovered on your pc or by using the Online to contaminate a distant pc using known protection gaps.

How these strikes start

Just like any program, to be able for the program to work, it must be began. Malware applications are no different in this respect and must be began in some fashion to be able to do what they were developed to do. For the most aspect these strikes run by creating a settings access in the Microsof company windows Computer registry to help create these applications begin when your pc starts.

Unfortunately, though, in the Microsof company windows based pc there are many different ways to create a program begin which can create it difficult for the average pc customer to find personally. Fortunately for us, though, there are applications that allow us to cut through this misunderstandings and see the various applications that are instantly beginning when windows shoes. The program we recommend for this, because its 100 % free and specific, is Autoruns from Sysinternals.

When you run this program it will record all the various applications that begin when your pc is kicked into Microsof company windows. For the most aspect, the majority of these applications are safe and should be left alone unless you know what you are doing or know you do not need them to run at start-up.

At this factor, you should obtain Autoruns and try it out. Just run the Autoruns.exe and look at all the applications that begin instantly. Don't uncheck or remove anything at this factor. Just analyze the details to see an introduction to the amount of applications that are beginning instantly. When you understand what you are seeing, move on to the next area.

Use an anti-virus and anti-malware program to eliminate the infections

Make sure you are using an anti-virus program and that the anti-virus program is modified to use the latest explanations. If you do not currently have an anti-virus set up, you can select one from the following record and use it to check out and fresh your pc. The record below contains both 100 % free and professional anti-virus applications, but even the professional ones generally have a free test in which you can check out and fresh your pc before you have to pay for it.

Kaspersky Anti-virus
ESET Nod32
AVG
Avast
BitDefender
Microsoft Security Essentials
Trend Micro
Antivir

It is also advised that you set up and check out your pc with MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware. Both of these are excellent applications and have a excellent reputation at finding more recent strikes that the more traditional anti-virus applications skip. Books on how to set up and use these applications can be discovered below.

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OS Restarts Without Warning

Windows restarts without warning.Restart When you you start windows.

Cause

This issue could be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Software issue or error.
2. Hardware issue or error.
3. Heat related issue.
4. Computer virus.
5. Issue with operating system.

Answer

This document is for computers that are restarting or rebooting by themselves and not computer's that turn off and remain off.

Software issue or error

Errors generated by software programs can cause a computer to reboot unexpectedly or without warning. If you are running Windows XP see the below section "For Windows XP users" before continuing.

If you are not running Windows XP or following the below steps still cause your computer to reboot without warning. Boot your computer into Safe Mode, and let the computer run in Safe Mode.

If the computer is still rebooting in Safe Mode the issue is likely not software related but something else, skip to the next section. If the computer is not rebooting in Safe Mode it is likely you have software related issue. We would recommend you run through the basic troubleshooting section for your operating system.

For Windows XP users

Windows XP is designed to automatically reboot each time an error occurs such as a BSoD. Although this may be nice for errors that do not occur often, users who have a re-occurring error may wish to identify the error to troubleshoot it. Below are the steps on how this feature can be disabled and enabled in Windows XP.

1. From the desktop right-click on My Computer.
2. Click the Properties option.
3. In the System Properties window click the Advanced tab.
4. In Advanced click the Settings button under Startup and Recovery.
5. In the Startup and Recovery window uncheck the automatically restart check box.
6. Click Ok.

Now if the computer generates and error it should not automatically restart and enable you to display any errors your computer may be experiencing.

Hardware issue or error

Some of the below steps require you open your computer. While in the computer, be cautious of ESD.(Electrostatic discharge is a serious issue in solid state electronics, such as integrated circuits. Integrated circuits are made from semiconductor materials such as silicon and insulating materials such as silicon dioxide. Either of these materials can suffer permanent damage )

Any failing hardware component in your computer could cause your computer to unexpectedly generate an error or reboot without warning. If you have recently attempted to add a new hardware device, remove that device to make sure it is not causing your issues.

Make sure you are not encountering any hardware conflicts by viewing Device Manager for errors.

New drivers can also cause this issue, if you have recently performed any hardware driver updates you may wish to try an earlier version of the drivers

If you have updated drivers and removed any hardware that could be causing this issue and continue to experience random reboots, it's possible that the memory is bad in the computer.

Finally, hardware devices that are not installed properly in the computer can also cause random reboots. Make sure all the cables and expansion cards are connected properly to the computer. The best way to determine this is to disconnect and reconnect all cables and expansion cards.

Computer virus

Computer viruses such as the blaster virus are written to reboot your computer without warning. Usually these viruses will make the computer reboot ever 5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes after the computer has booted.

If you believe your computer may be infected with a virus or are uncertain if your computer is infected with a virus make sure your virus scanner definitions are up to date.

Heat related issue

Many computer today are designed to turn off or automatically reboot if the computer, processor, or other device in your computer gets too hot. If you have heard any abnormal noises coming from your computer recently such as a high squealing this could indicate a fan may be failing in your computer.

First, verify the fan on the power supply is working by examining the back of the computer and seeing if the fan is moving and moving smoothly. For all other fans in the computer you will need to either open the computer  and verify all fans are working, e.g. processor fan and case fan.

If your BIOS monitors the RPM of the fans enter CMOS Setup and verify it does not report any errors.

Issue with operating system

If after following each of the above recommendations your computer still continues to reboot it is likely that you are experiencing a Microsoft Windows operating system related issue that cannot be explained. To help make sure this is the case try the below steps.

1. Reboot the computer and enter CMOS setup as the computer is booting.
2. After you have loaded the computer in CMOS setup let the computer sit.

If the computer does not reboot while letting the computer sit in CMOS it is likely that you are in fact experiencing an issue with Microsoft Windows and it is recommend that if you have followed all of the above recommendations that you reinstall Microsoft Windows.

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Solve Hard Disk Problems Troubleshoot

Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology (S.M.A.R.T.) S.M.A.R.T. is a monitoring system for hard disk drives to detect and report possible drive failures. You can enable or disable support for S.M.A.R.T. in the BIOS Setup. You should enable it if you want to use S.M.A.R.T.-aware utilities to monitor the hard disk's condition. Symptoms Drive does not spin up (no drive lights) If the hard drive does not spin up and the drive light doesn't illuminate during power-up, check the following: Make sure the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. Swap the hard drive.  Drive spins but the computer will not boot If the drive spins and drive lights are illuminated, but the computer will not boot from the hard drive, check the following: Make sure that the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. Run the BIOS setup program Make sure the drive and the controller are enabled. Make sure the drive has the correct parameters (it is recommended to use the Auto Detect setting). For IDE drives, check the jumper settings of all of the IDE devices (master, slave). For SCSI drives: Check the jumper settings of all SCSI devices. Make sure the primary hard disk is set to SCSI ID 0. Check during POST to see if the SCSI BIOS is loading and finding any SCSI devices. If not, check the host adapter installation including IRQ, DMA and I/O settings. Make sure all device drivers have been installed correctly. Swap the controller card, cable and hard drive, one at a time.  Drive spins but the system does not recognize the drive A drive that is not recognized by the system may exhibit any number of symptoms, including the following error messages: No Fixed Disk Present Error reading fixed disk Non-System disk or disk error, Replace and strike any key when ready No ROM Basic Disk Boot Error, Replace and Strike Key to Retry DISK BOOT FAILURE, INSERT SYSTEM DISK AND PRESS ENTER BOOT: Couldn't find NTLDR, Please insert another disk Check the following: If you are trying to boot from the hard drive, make sure there is no disk in drive A. If you are trying to boot from the floppy disk drive, try to boot from the hard drive and then access the floppy disk. Then try to make sure that the disk has the necessary boot files and that the necessary boot files are not corrupt. If you are trying to boot from the floppy disk drive, try to boot from another bootable floppy disk. Make sure the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. For hard drives, verify the primary partition is active. In BIOS setup, make sure the correct settings are chosen for the drive and make sure the hard drive and floppy controllers are enabled. (it is recommended to use the Auto Detect setting). In BIOS setup, check the boot order. If you have two drives on the same IDE cable, try swapping the master/slave. For IDE drives, check the jumper settings of all of the IDE devices (master, slave). For SCSI drives: Check the jumper settings of all SCSI devices. Make sure the primary hard disk is set to SCSI ID 0. Check during POST to see if the SCSI BIOS is loading and finding any SCSI devices. If not, check the host adapter installation including IRQ, DMA and I/O settings. If using a removable/mobile IDE rack for the hard drive, verify the drive tray has been locked. Make sure all device drivers have been installed correctly. Swap the controller card, cable and hard drive, one at a time. “Hard disk controller failure” message Any of the following error messages indicate the computer cannot communicate with the hard drive: Hard Disk Failure Hard Disk Controller Failure HDD Controller Failure Check the following: Make sure the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. In BIOS setup, make sure the correct settings are chosen for the drive and make sure the hard drive and floppy controllers are enabled. (it is recommended to use the Auto Detect setting). In BIOS setup, check the boot order. For IDE drives, check the jumper settings of all of the IDE devices (master, slave). For SCSI drives: Check the jumper settings of all SCSI devices. Make sure the primary hard disk is set to SCSI ID 0. Check during POST to see if the SCSI BIOS is loading and finding any SCSI devices. If not, check the host adapter installation including IRQ, DMA and I/O settings. Swap the controller card, cable and hard drive, one at a time. "Error reading drive C:" message Check the following: Make sure the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. In BIOS setup, make sure the correct settings are chosen for the drive and make sure the hard drive and floppy controllers are enabled. (it is recommended to use the Auto Detect setting). Check for viruses. Run ScanDisk or some other similar utility. Swap the controller card, cable and hard drive, one at a time. Try to reformat the drive and make the drive bootable again. Try a low-level format. Then partition, format and add the system files to the hard drive. Drive works as primary drive but not as secondary (or vice-versa) Check the following: Make sure the hard drive power connector and ribbon cable are connected. In BIOS setup, make sure the correct settings are chosen for the drive and make sure the hard drive and floppy controllers are enabled. (it is recommended to use the Auto Detect setting). In BIOS setup, check the boot order. Verify the primary partition is active. For IDE drives, check the jumper settings of all of the IDE devices (master, slave). Swap the controller card, cable and hard drive, one at a time. Hard drive runs slow If the hard drive seems to be running slow, check the following: Check for viruses. Defrag the hard drive. Check to see if you have a slow device on the cable. For IDE drives, in BIOS setup, check to see if it is set to Ultra DMA or PIO mode. Ultra DMA is faster, as long as the drive supports it. For SCSI drives: Check the jumper settings of all SCSI devices. Make sure the primary hard disk is set to SCSI ID 0. Enter the SCSI BIOS and check the settings Check if anyone did a low-level format on the drive. If they don't use the proper low-level format program, essential tracking information could have been erased. Frequent drive failures If you experience frequent drive failures, check the following: Make sure all chassis fans are working properly. The system may be overheating. Make sure you are using the proper screws in mounting the drives in the case. Check for low-level vibrations. Check for power fluctuations. Make sure you have a reliable surge protector. Use a voltmeter to verify that each output from the power supply is correct. If any output is very low (especially the +5 volt output), replace the power supply. Check other environment factors such as smoke, heavy dust, high humidity and anything that may generate a strong electromagnetic field such as heavy machinery and motors. other trouble shooting you can look into Check the BIOS and see if the hard disk drive is being detected. Reset the BIOS (Re-boot and tap the F2 Key, Press F9 (Default Settings), Press F10 (Save and Exit) Check for floppy disk in floppy disk drive and remove and reboot. This would be a message stating "NON-SYSTEM DISK FOUND". Check for error message - SMART FAILURE - HDD Controller Diagnostics Check error messages in Event Viewer. Start / Settings / Control Panel / Administrative Tools / Computer Management (or Event Viewer) Diagnostics - SCANDISK / CHKDSK Defragment your hard drive For Notebooks - reseat the hard drive and also try a hard reset For Desktops - check the IDE or SCSI wiring to the hard drive Check for noises - grinding noise => new hard drive required Data Recovery for Notebooks - use a 44 pin to IDE connector and attach to another computer and employ the other computer's operating system to view the damaged hard drive as another drive letter. Copy data onto good drive. Replace bad drive drive and then restore data onto good hard drive. Data Recovery for Desktops - connect the hard drive to anothercomputer and employ the other computer's operating system to view the damaged hard drive as another drive letter. Copy data onto good drive. Replace bad drive drive and then restore data onto good hard drive.

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Best Anti-Virus Free

Microsoft Security Essentials

Released by Microsoft in late 2009, Microsoft Security Essentials sports more than a typically verbose Microsoft name: it’s also a really good antivirus. Lightweight enough to run on older machines without crippling their performance, yet competent enough to handle most viruses and malware out there.
Perhaps the best part of MSE is its simplicity. As you can see, the user interface is really clear, with large buttons for the most basic functions. This is important if you’re setting it up on a computer for someone who is not computer-savvy.
Finally, MSE is completely free – there’s no professional version you can upgrade to. In fact, it’s even permissible to use in business situations, meaning you can use it at work without breaking the law. This alone sets it above most of the other selections for the 10 best antivirus programs.
 download MSE

AVG Free

AVG has become synonymous with free anti-virus, and there’s a reason for this: AVG offers complete malware protection, with considerably less bloat than the top pay-to-use antivirus clients. And while AVG Free does constantly remind you that you could pay for the professional version of the program, it does this without ever getting in the way of the program’s core purpose: protecting you from viruses.

Though when it comes to upgrading one version of AVG to another, you need to make sure you’re good at reading what’s on screen, because the free download is only available via a tiny link at the bottom of the screen—the site really wants you to get the paid version. When upgrading to version 9 recently, for example, check out how hidden the free download was:

Not exactly a big link, is it? Figure this minor inconvenience out, however, and AVG is a a really good free anti-virus. Download AVG.

Avira Free

In terms of simplicity, Avira’s right up there with MSE. It’s fairly lightweight, too, so the comparison is quite apt. While Avira does have a paid professional version to peddle, much like AVG, it’s not quite as aggressive as AVG in peddling it. I’d say Avira is solid and worth looking into for sure. Download Avira Free here.

Avast! Free

If this competition were for the coolest name, the piratey Avast! would win hands down. Even though that’s not what we’re discussing, Avast! stands up pretty well. This is one of the top free anti-viruses on the market, and for good reason: it’s remarkably complete. Expect great all-around protection, including against trojans and spyware. You can also expect constant reminders that there’s a free version you can upgrade to, on your desktop and in your inbox. Still, the protection is solid.
Download Avast! here.

Malwarebytes

Whatever your default anti-virus is, you need Malwarebytes too. This program doesn’t run in your system background and constantly protect you, but when you run into a problem running Malwarebytes will usually take care of what other programs can’t. I’ve saved more than a few unbootable systems by running Malwarebytes from safe mode. This program takes care of any form of malware you throw at it, so keep it around. In fact, I’d keep this one on your flash drive in case you ever need to fix a computer for a friend (and if you’re reading this blog, you probably will).
Download Malwarebytes.

ComboFix

Consider this the nuclear option. If you know you’ve got a virus, but your usual anti-virus program can’t handle it, and Malwarebytes can’t handle it, it’s time for ComboFix. This program isn’t friendly: it runs from a command window and is proud of it. And this is not a program you should use if you don’t know what you’re doing, because it can have devastating effects in the hands of the uneducated. But when all else fails, ComboFix delivers. Every geek should have this one on their keychain.
Download Combofix.

Clamwin

Clamwin is the Windows version of ClamAV, the main Linux anti-virus on the market. ClamWin is flawed in many ways: it simply scans instead of offering real-time protection, it doesn’t really do non-virus malware and it’s not exactly easy to use. Still, having ClamWin around doesn’t cost anything, and you can never have enough scanning tools in your arsenal.
Download ClamWin and see if you like it.

Panda Cloud AntiVirus

At first I thought the idea of a cloud-based antivirus was stupid, because it would only work while I’m online. Then it occurred to me: why the heck do I need an anti-virus when I’m offline?
As the name suggests, Panda Cloud Antivirus stores its virus definitions online. There’s an upside to this: your definitions are always up to date. There’s a downside, too, however: your anti-virus is constantly making use of your network connection.
I’d say this is a really good idea for underpowered PCs with constant access to the net. Like, say, a netbook. But if you’ve got a netbook you shouldn’t be using Windows anyway; switch to Jolicloud and you’ll have a functional netbook operating system immune to practically every virus.
 download Panda Cloud Antivirus if you’re interested.

Comodo Firewall + Antivirus

Comodo is best known for its free firewall, but it also offers a bundled firewall and antivirus program. While the Comodo firewall isn’t the easiest to use, and the antivirus doesn’t include protection for non-virus forms of malware, this one’s worth mentioning if you’re looking for a free security suite which includes both a firewall and anti-virus protection.

Download Comodo Free here.

Common Sense 2011

This one’s unusual in that it’s free and considered by far the best protection out there, yet can’t be downloaded anywhere. Without it, however, even the best security software is rendered useless.
If you haven’t already figured this out, Common Sense 2011 isn’t a product you can download so much as it is a state of mind. If you’re going to be free of viruses and malware you need to use your head while browsing the web. The most important thing to remember is this: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is—and your computer will probably be compromised.

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Repair your Windows OS

NOTE: Be sure to backup anything that you do not want to lose first to be extra safe.

1. Start Windows 7, and log on to an administrator account.

2. Disable any 3rd party firewall, antivirus, or other security program to avoid it from possibly preventing the repair in-place upgrade installation of Windows 7.

3. Do either step 4 or 5 below depending on what type of retail Windows 7 installation media you have, and what Windows 7 you currently have installed.

4. Repair Windows 7 SP1 installation using "retail" Windows 7 with SP1 installation media
A) While in Windows 7, insert your retail Windows 7 with SP1 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 with SP1 installation USB thumb drive, and click on the Run setup.exe option in the AutoPlay window from within the currently installed Windows 7.
NOTE: If the AutoPlay window does not open, then open the drive folder in Computer and run the setup.exe file. 

B) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

C) Click on the Install Now button to start the installation.
 

D) Go to step 6.

5. Repair Windows 7 SP1 installation using "retail" Windows 7 without SP1 installation media
NOTE: If you have not used the SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool, then you could also just uninstall SP1 and do step 4 above instead with your "retail" Windows 7 without SP1 installation disc instead.
A) While in Windows 7, insert your retail Windows 7 without SP1 installation DVD into the DVD drive, or connect your Windows 7 with SP1 installation USB thumb drive, right click on the DVD drive or USB drive in the Computer window, and click on Open.

B) Right click on the setup.exe file, and click on Properties.

C) Click on the Compatibility tab, check the Run this program in compatibility mode for: box, select Windows Vista (Service Pack 2) from the drop down menu, and click on OK.

D) Run the setup.exe file.

E) If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

F) Click on the Install Now button to start the installation.

G) Continue on to step 6.

6. If prompted, uncheck the I want to help make Windows installation better box (unless you would like to  ), and click on the Go online to get the latest updates for installation option.
 

A) Windows 7 will now check online for and install any available installation updates.
 

7. Check the I accept the license terms box and click on Next.
 

8. Click on the Upgrade option.
 

9. Windows will now check for any compatibility issues. If any are found like in the example below, take care of them first then restart the repair install process over again.

10. The installation of Windows 7 will now begin.
NOTE: During the installation process, your screen may flash and computer will restart a few times.
 

11. After the final restart, you will see this screen for a moment.
 

12. Type in your Windows 7 product key number.

13. Uncheck the Automatically activate Windows when I'm online box unchecked, then click on the Next button.
NOTE: You can activate Windows 7 later after you make sure it is running properly.
If you chose to automatically activate Windows online when you set up your computer, automatic activation begins trying to activate your copy of Windows three days after you log on for the first time.
 

14. Click on Use recommended settings.
 

15. Select your time zone and set your time and date settings, then click on the Next button.
 

16. Click on the option for your computer's location to select the correct network location type settings to be applied for that location.
NOTE: It is best to select Public location for the best security. 

17. Windows 7 will now prepare your desktop to startup.
 

18. Check to see if you are missing any user files. If you are, then you can copy them from the C:\Windows.old or the hidden protected operating systemC:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q backup folders.  

19. If everything checks out in step 18, then you can run Disk Cleanup (step 6 at this link). You will need to click on the Clean up system files button first, and then could check the Files discarded by Windows upgrade, Previous Windows installations, and Windows upgrade log files boxes.

NOTE: This will delete the C:\Windows.old, C:\$INPLACE.~TR and C:\WINDOWS.~Q folders from step 17 above.
 

20. Refresh your Windows Experience Index (WEI) score.

21. When done, all you will need to do is to activate Windows 7, and make sure that your security programs are enabled again.

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Ready Boost Vista windows 7 windows 8

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR WINDOWS VISTA ?

All Vista versions, from Basic to Ultimate, come with tools that help you track any error that may occur with your software and hardware, but not many users are aware of this. The System Health Report is one of the many tools available for diagnose and troubleshooting purposes. As the name implies, the Health Report will generate a report that will indicate what is preventing Windows Vista from running smoothly or safely and will also give you suggestions on how to fix any errors

Click Start and type Performance and select Performance Information and Tools
Click Advanced tools in the left hand panel and then click Generate a system health report.
You will be prompted by Vista for access and then Vista will run the report. The report will take approximately one minute
The Reliability and Performance Monitor will give you detailed information about your software, hardware, and diagnostics

Speed up your computer using Ready Boost

Windows Vista has introduced a clever new caching system that can take advantage of your existing high-speed storage devices (such as USB Drives and Windows Vista has introduced a clever new caching system that can take advantage of your existing high-speed storage devices (such as USB Drives and Memory Cards). This should boost performance when performing disk intensive tasks. Some flash memory devices are up to 100x faster than a standard hard disk, so it makes sense to use these to cache common files.
Ready Boost works with Super Fetch to store information that can be accessed quickly from the cache on start-up, rather than relying on slower reading from the hard disk.
There are several requirements that your flash memory device must meet to be used as a Ready Boost device:

 You can then set the amount of space on the device that you wish to allocate to Ready Boost (you may as well use the maximum possible, up to the 3x RAM recommendation). If your device is not compatible or is too slow, you will be informed of the reasons at this point

Users with low amounts of system RAM (512MB - 1GB) will notice the biggest performance increase, and those with 2GB or more may only notice marginal gains.

Note: Works on Vista and all Upper Versions(windows 7,Windows 8)

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Excellent Command Prompt Commands/Tips

Commands                                                                 Works

C:\Windows\System32\rstrui.exe       C:\Windows\System32\msra.exe       C:\Windows\System32\regedt32.exe       C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe       C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe       C:\Windows\System32\resmon.exe       C:\Windows\System32\perfmon.exe      C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k %windir%\system32\ipconfig.exe       C:\Windows\System32\inetcpl.cpl       C:\Windows\System32\control.exe       C:\Windows\System32\appwiz.cpl       C:\Windows\System32\eventvwr.exe      C:\Windows\System32\msinfo32.exe      C:\Windows\System32\compmgmt.msc      C:\Windows\System32\control.exe /name Microsoft.Troubleshooting        C:\Windows\System32\wscui.cpl     C:\Windows\System32\ UserAccountControlSettings.exe  C:\Windows\system32\winver.exe

system restores remote assistance Reg edit Command prompt task manager resources monitor performance monitor internet protocol config internet properties system properties launch programs event viewer system info computer management windows trouble shoot action centre ACU account control setting about windows

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