Software, Computer Help
Posted by kglee | Filed under Software Fixes
How cool is this? You can now open a Command Prompt for any directory in Vista without having to download a Powertoy (like the one available for Windows XP). However, they do keep it hidden to protect users from, well, themselves. All you have to do though is hold down the Shift key and right-click on a folder (if you just right-click without the Shift key you will not see the option):
If you are trying to open a Command Prompt for a networked address it will automatically map the network drive so that there is a valid path for it to open. It’s great to see Microsoft implementing some of the Powertoys right into Vista but why are there no virtual desktops yet?
Posted by kglee | Filed under Cool Videos
Weird Al
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFyXdrpuZrE
Posted by kglee | Filed under Software Fixes
ghacks.net has found a workaround to bypass the WGA, wonder how long MS will take to fix this.
When you want to download a file from Microsoft a WGA (windows genuine advantage) check is performed. Microsoft installs a small piece of software on your computer that contacts the Microsoft server and checks for validity. If the test fails you will not be able to download the file(s). The following method gives you the ability to download every file from Microsoft without a WGA check.
All you need is the tool mgadiag.exe and the download url of the file that you want to download. Mgadiag.exe is the Microsoft Genuine Advantage Diagnostic Tool. Start this tool and check the value of the “Download Center Code”, this should be seven chars consisting of upper case letters and numbers. Remember that code and open the website of the file that you want to download.
Posted by kglee | Filed under Software Fixes
According to Microsoft, the minimum requirements for a successful Vista installation are:
Processor of at least 1GHz 32bit(x86) or 64bit (x64)
1Gb of system memory.
A graphics card which is DirectX 9 capable and with 128Mbs memory.
40Gb hard disk space ( I have only 30Gbs, no problems )
DVD Drive. You may have to look at double layers for the final release!
Audio and Internet capability, of course.
1. Installing Vista RC1 without a key
You can install Vista without a CD key. Just leave the product key field blank ,hit next, and answer no to the dialog box. You can then select any edition of Vista to install (Ultimate, Home Premium, Home Basic, Business, or Starter). Check the box at the bottom and there you go. Vista with no key. Note: You cannot activate if you don’t do this unless you have a CD key for the version you installed.
2. Logging on as Local Administrator if you have already logged in as a user.
a. If you are having trouble logging on as the built-in Administrator account, you will have to modify some registry entries to display the Administrator account.
Log in using the user account you created during the Windows Vista setup process.
From the Start menu, click All Programs and then expand Accessories.
Right click on “Command Prompt” and click “Run as Administrator”.
Click on “Allow” from the Windows Security dialog.
In the Command Prompt window, type “regedit” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
In the Registry Editor, browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Add a new key called “SpecialAccounts” (without the quotes).
In the “SpecialAccounts” key you just made, create a sub-key called “UserList” (without the quotes)
Make sure you are navigated to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList
In the “UserList” key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) item and name it Administrator.
Double click on the new DWORD item and set its value to 1.
Close Registry Editor and the Command Prompt.
NOW:
Go to Start/All Programs and right click the command prompt.
Type Control UserPasswords2.
Click Advanced.
Click Advanced again.
Select Users.
Select Administrator and untick the the box “Administrator is disabled”
3. Exclude some unused services
It’s a good idea to try disabling these services a little at a time. If you do not have a complete knowledge of you computer, you may need some of these. Alternatively, you may leave them all in, they will not impair too much on the resident memory. (more…)