Windows 7 Game Problems

Many people have problems with games running Windows 7. For example, I have an ATI HD4770 graphic card. In Windows XP, I never had any problems. Until recently, I have playing Borderlands without any problems on XP. But then I noticed a new and exciting game: Just Cause 2. But it is impossible to play Just Cause 2 on XP, because the game have Direct X 10 support (only Direct X 9 is available in XP), so it is necessary to install Windows 7 with Direct X 10 support. Then I installed Windows 7. But, I ran into a very big problem. After 10- 15 minutes of playing, my screen went black, monitor turned off, sound stuttered and my PC was totally blocked, only reseting helped.

I was looking for a solution for months on Google, Usenet, read the forums until I found the solution. This problem is very big and it is a driver issue. This happens in most cases with Windows 7 and ATI cards. Now we go with a solution:

First, download and install Ati Tray Tools. After installation, Ati Tray Tools is located in tray on the bottom of the screen. Click with the right mouse button on its icon, then to Hardware, then to Overclocking settings, and then to Fan. In fan properties is necessary to setup everything like this:

Temperature Fan speed

0 24

45 28

50 32

60 52

70 60

80 75

90 92

100 100

First, click on tab "Fan", and on top click on "Include in profile". If you made a profile just for fan, DON'T click on "Include clocks in profile" under first Overclocking tab. Suppose that you have made everything like in table above. Click Apply at the bottom of the window, and then on the blue diskette icon (Save) and give the name of your profile (default for example).

Finally, set the program to start with Windows: "Tools & Options"->"General Options"->"General"->"Load with Windows", and at the bottom of the section "Overclocking", select "Load selected profile on startup", and select your saved profile.

If you made a setup of the fan with "Automatic" option, you will have quiet and stabile PC in 2D, and when you play a game in 3D, fan will speed up by itself depending on temperature in your modified table.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4864715

Games Freezing in Windows 7 - Tips to Reduce Windows 7 Game Freezing

Games require efficient system integrated with the best hardware and software. Although most new systems come with advanced specifications people still face gaming errors such as freezing problem especially with Windows 7 operating system. This happens due to the accumulation of junk data and poorly optimized system.

Here are some tips that will help you to fix games freezing in Windows 7 quickly.

· Update Graphic Drivers
· Install Latest Version of DirectX
· Fix Registry Problems
· Update Microsoft.NET Framework
· Delete Content from Game Cache
· Optimize Service

Update Graphic Drivers

Games freezing in Windows 7 issue appears if you haven't updated Windows graphic drivers. In order to fix the problem you have to update graphic drivers. You can download latest drivers from the manufacturer's website. Keep in mind that in case your Graphics Card does not meet the specifications required by the game, you may also need to change the card itself. It is always better to read the system requirements information provided with the game installation files.

Install Latest Version of DirectX

If you are using older version of DirectX and running latest games, it may cause games freezing in Windows 7. Download and install the updated version of DirectX from Microsoft's website.

Fix Registry Problems

Games freezing problem in Windows 7 also occurs due to junk entries in the Windows registry. These junk entries slow down the system performance which creates hurdles in running the games smoothly. You can remove junk files from registry by installing a good registry repairing tool.

Update Microsoft.NET Framework

Games freezing in Windows 7 can also be fixed by installing the latest version of Microsoft.NET Framework. To install latest version of Microsoft.NET Framework follow these steps

1. Open Internet Explorer
2. In Address Bar type http://www.microsoft.com and press Enter
3. Search for the latest version of Microsoft.NET Framework on Microsoft website
4. Download it and install it on your PC
5. Restart your PC

Delete Content from Game Cache

Cache continuously updates the most often used files, but if the cache is corrupted it can cause games freezing problem in Windows 7. You can fix this issue by removing the content from cache.

1. Open Console by pressing ~ key
2. Type the command PCB
3. Press Enter

If you are really tired of games freezing problem in Windows 7 and want to get rid of this issue quickly, Use a System Utilities software. It will fix the problem within few seconds. You can utilize the features such as registry cleaning, registry defrag and services optimizer to boost the system performance as well.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6094098

Windows 7 Games Explorer Editor

Have you been using the Windows 7 Games Explorer? The Games explorer allows you to manage/start your games and also gives you additional information about the index score that is needed to run a game properly. This is a brief guide that will show you how to add new games to the Games Explorer.

Especially the gaming scores come in handy if you want to know if you have to upgrade your PC for your new games:

You can also check for new game updates through the Windows 7 Games Explorer, simply right-click on any game and click on “Check online for updates”.

Unfortunately, the games explorer does not automatically add all games on your system, but you can manually add all of your games with a few simple tricks.

Add New Games to Games Explorer

A great tool to add new games to the Windows 7 Games Explorer is the Game Explorer Editor.

Start the editor and you will be able to add publisher information, box art and of course the .exe file. You only have to add the .exe file, everything else is optional.

This tool would even be better if there was an auto-scanner that automatically searches for your games (much like Xfire) and then fetches the box art via web, but it’s still a beta, maybe they’ll work on that!

Source :- windows7themes.net

Parallels Desktop 7: a speedier update to the Windows-for-Mac application

Parallels Desktop will need no introduction to Mac users who use it to enjoy the best of both Windows and Mac worlds by running programs from the two different operating systems side by side on the same machine.

For them, and indeed many more Mac users, they’d be happy to hear that the latest, newly-minted version – Parallels Desktop 7 – now promises more than 90 new enhancements and features. Key among these is full integration with the latest Mac OSX Lion.

With Parallels 7, Lion functions such as full screen apps, Launch Pad and Mission Control can also be used for Windows programs. While Mac users can already install Windows using Boot Camp, which is included for free on a Mac purchase, Parallels’ advantage is that it can boot a Windows virtual machine and run it simultaneously alongside the Mac OS via its Coherence mode. This means you can effectively use a Mac program like iMovie or Garageband while tinkering with Windows-only programs side-by-side.

Alternatively, you can run a separate Windows desktop, which allows the Mac to function exactly like a Windows desktop – from Start Menu to Windows Explorer to My Computer, and more, with all the good jazz that PC users know and miss.

For the new user porting from a PC to a Mac, Parallels 7 also includes file-transfer software that makes it easy to transfer the entirety of one’s PC into a Mac. Simply follow the instructions on the installation disk.

Interestingly, Parallels 7 runs smoother than its previous incarnation. Tests run by independent publisher MacTech claim that it starts up 60 per cent faster than Parallels 6 and is up to 45 per cent faster when dealing with 3D graphics for certain applications, such as games.

There is a noticeable improvement in performance when starting up Parallels and running graphic-intensive games from Parallels 6, which took about half a minute to start up and stuttered sometimes during in-game cinematics.

As a gamer who uses Parallels primarily for running Windows games on a Mac, I can say Parallels 7 is a solid choice for a virtual machine software. Side-by-side integration means that I can operate Windows games and programs while still maintaining Mac functionality within easy reach.

While it can be very resource-hungry to run high-end PC games like Mass Effect 2 on it (some graphic hiccups are to be expected), the new Macs with greater graphics capabilities should be able to support it just fine. Take note that Parallels does not yet support DirectX 10, so some applications may not work.

To fully utilize Parallels 7, you’d want a Mac with at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher, and 4GB of RAM if you intend on running Windows 7. Otherwise, the Mac will feel the effects of running two pretty resource-heavy operating systems and you’ll feel the dreaded lag.

Current Parallels users can upgrade for S$69, while a standard copy retails for S$129, with a student edition available for S$69.

Source:-www.techgoondu.com

Home Window Repair Tips for Homeowners

When it comes to home window repair, you need to identify first the type of repair that you need. Repairing is the act of salvaging something without necessarily replacing it entirely. Window repairs for home are not hard as you thought. Even though there are various types of window shapes, sizes and styles you will discover that the techniques that you use on repairing them are just the same. Modern windows on the other hand might be challenging and complex.

Window repairs include replacing window glass, replacing screen in a wood or metal frame, repairing sash windows, replacing a corner joint, replacing casement windows, repairing window sills and others. For those who are doing the repair for the first, it is quite difficult and you need the assistance of those who have the skills. While others who have the experience in DIY projects, repairing home windows is just another undertaking that needs completion.

There are common problems that we encounter when it comes to home window repair. Among the repairs that one should have basic knowledge about include windows with broken glass and windows which will not open or close. These problems are basically what we can repair by ourselves otherwise when damage may seem difficult to resolve, you need to ask for a skilled worker to do it for you.

When your window has broken glass, the first thing that you should do is to remove the window sash and lay it on a work table. You can lay a towel over the glass and break it. Remove the glazing points or metal fasteners that hold the glass in place. Brush on a fast drying paint primer, and then apply a thin bead of caulk on the frame perimeter. Insert the glass and apply glazing compound. Scrape off the excess compound and put the window sash back in and leave it for a week before applying paint.

In case the window won't open even if it is already unlocked, try using a putty knife to tap between the window and the frame inside with a rubber mallet and exert effort to open the window. You can repeat the step if the window will not still open. If you notice that the window won't close, you can get the side of the window and examine closely if there are any defects. Look at the separator and check the hinges too.

It is important that you know the basics of home window repair in order for you to enjoy the view outside and let the fresh air in. well functioning windows can also protect you from intruders from coming into your dwelling. You must also consider each job whether you really need repair or replacement will suffice.
Read more : http://goo.gl/QE77r

PC Game Review: Deus Ex : Human Revolution

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a third diversion in a most dear array and a prequel to a ground-breaking Deus Ex. It has been a prolonged time given a bad Deus Ex: Invisible War was released, it’s been 8 prolonged years in fact. Was a wait and hype value it? Did Eidos Montreal know a charge they were holding on and entirely grasp a significance of removing right? we shall answer in dual parts. First, we wish to demeanour during Deus Ex: Human Revolution as a complicated diversion and review it to a competition. Then we will demeanour during a diversion in a context of a series.

As a complicated purpose personification initial chairman shooter a diversion is utterly simply a triumph. There is zero out there that comes close. The abyss of this diversion is astonishing. If we energy game, it is pronounced to take 25 hours, though if we play it like an RPG, DX:HR can final 45 hours. If we have been crafty adequate to buy it during a bonus in one of a pre-order sales we will have paid $1 per hour of game-play or less. How many games offer that kind of value for income for solo play? Thankfully there is no multiplayer in this game. It is usually loyal solo play. As with any good RPG there is copiousness of room for re-playability; in fact it could be argued that not replaying it during slightest once would meant we were not removing a generosity of a game.

Combat is mark on, in contrariety to Invisible War, a diversion runs fast and cleanly. There was a patch expelled shortly after recover to digest a prolonged bucket times when saving or re-loading. Despite a city hubs being huge, there is small need for reload time. Graphically, a diversion encourages and rewards a actor interlude and looking around. Not usually is it a beauty to behold, though there are all sorts of rewards for a curious. You will find goodies, dark areas, passages and even new things to use your hacking ability on. Rest positive this is one of a best games of a final 5 years.

Deus Ex aficionados will have adequate here to penetrate their teeth into. Gone is a irritating concept ammo from DX: IW. Sadly however there are no “multitools” from a initial diversion to collect and disaster with. The augmentations have been streamlined and there are fewer. The same is loyal of a arms upgrades. They change in peculiarity and effectiveness. One disappointment is that ammo takes adult room in your inventory. So we need to play register “tetris” and perpetually have to pierce around things to fit all we need. There is an automobile register government complement that isn’t really good. There is also a frustrating conditions where we have to dump a arms so we can supplement ammo to your inventory, and afterwards supply a arms it comes from to bucket it. For some reason a complement does not comprehend your arms has a ammo ability and automatically supplement it to that weapon. You will spend a good understanding of time messing with your register as ammo is, even on a easiest setting, sincerely wanting for some of a improved guns. Thankfully there is a apart register for query equipment so they do not burden things up.

Source :-blogcritics.org/gaming/article/pc-game-review-deus-ex-human/

Setup Windows For Better Gaming

Windows is an excellent environment for gaming. The flexibility of a PC offers so many ways to play games that consoles just cannot match. The only problem with a PC is with regular use your system will overtime become sluggish making the games you play run not as well as they first did. Here are some tips to get your Windows PC running up to speed.

Choose the Right Driver

Too many people make sure they have the latest driver from their hardware vendor. When doing so you risk using software that may conflict with your favorite game. It is best to go to the vendor's site and see what they recommend for that particular game. Also do a Google search and find out what other people are suggesting. Why do the work when someone else has done it for you.

Remove Start up Items

The more programs you have running in the background the less resources your game has to use to run as smooth as possible. Go to the start menu then select run. In the run dialog box type "msconfig". Select the Startup tab. In this tab uncheck the items that you know you don't need to startup every time you boot your computer. Once done click on OK and restart your computer. If you have an undesired result just go back to run command in the start menu and type "msconfig". In the startup tab put a check mark back on the program that is having problems.

Clean up the Junk

Make sure that you only have the programs that you will use installed on your computer. Remove the unwanted programs through Add/Remove programs.

Defragment

Sounds pretty basic huh? Well the faster your game can access the data it needs the better the game will perform.

Check the Network

If you are playing a network based game like World of Warcraft. Make sure you are using the fastest connection possible. If you are on a wireless network, consider a wired network. Also make sure that other computers in the home are not running network intensive applications as you are all sharing the same connection.

Article Source: http://goo.gl/9jBnq

6 Quick Tips To Overcome Vista Games Problems

Vista is an ideal gamer and machine combination, unfortunately Vista takes too many resources and leaves so little room for older, less memory computers to execute resource intensive 3D games. Vista is advanced and able to deliver a better gaming experience, especially after Service Pack 1.

Tip #1 - Add or free more memory

You must be laughing by now, and yes this is the best way to accelerate games. If your budget is so tight, then you must disable most background services and startup software. Use " msconfig" in your command prompt to activate the system configuration tool, you can disable services from here, go to do some research before you even try to disable the services.

Tip #2 - Downgrade DirectX

You probably are using the newest DirectX now, if you are facing some incompatible problems, try to downgrade 1 version, you might get things back on track. Some games allow you to specify DirectX version, you can keep both New and older version DirectX on the same machine.

Tip #3 - Use 4 GB or more fast access memory stick

Use a large and fast USB memory stick to create ReadyBoost and accelerate your games. 4 GB RAM might not enough for x86 Vista, with upper limit of 3.2 GB to 3.6 GB supported, if you have a 4 GB to 8 GB fast access memory stick, just disable the page file and your game should run faster! You should format your memory stick with the largest allocation unit, enable background cache to accelerate the write operation.

Tip #4 - Get the latest firmware and driver

Latest firmware will increase your hardware compatibility level, while latest driver will increase your games' stability. Visit your vendor website for latest firmware and driver, update your Vista frequently if your Vista's Windows updates is done manually.

Tip #5 - Use compatibility mode

Run your games under the Vista compatibility mode, you might need to try different combination before getting the right settings. If this does not help, I am afraid your need an update from your game vendor. Try to visit their website and contact them for the latest patch.

Tip #6 - Join gamer forum

Join their forum for tips and tricks, most of the technical settings will be shared across different forums, visit them and participate to share and get tips for setting up your Vista for the particular game.

Article Source: http://goo.gl/qFXn5

Tips to Optimize Windows Startup

By making some simple changes to the system BIOS, you can help speed boot time in Windows. Let's see how to do it. Tturn the computer on and enter the system BIOS screen either by pressing the DEL key, or by pressing F2 key as mentioned in the motherboard manual. You will get to the BIOS screen and in the BIOS setup, look for a BOOT menu and select it with your keyboard arrow keys, Tab, and Enter. You will find an option for Quick Boot. Enable it. Under Boot Device Priority change the first boot device to be the hard drive. Exit and Save Changes and the computer will reboot.

It is also recommended to remove unnecessary startup programs. Open Run dialog box and write Msconfig. Click the Startup tab, it will display a list of programs that launch at startup. Uncheck the boxes on the left-hand side of the Msconfig window that you don't want during Windows loading. Then click Apply and OK to confirm. You need to restart the computer to get the effect.

Clean the Windows Registry as most of the times computer experiences slow startup due to registry errors. Windows crashes and error messages are the results of registry errors. Registry problems occur due to references left behind after uninstallation as well as incorrect removal of software and missing or corrupt hardware drivers. You can consult a remote computer support provider for online registry repair. Or you can download or install registry repair software that will scan your Windows registry for invalid or obsolete information and make your computer stable and run faster.

To optimize Windows startup it is recommended to disable unnecessary Windows services. There are a number of services that load but they are not needed. They take up memory space and CPU time. As a result the startup time of the computer goes up. You should disable these services to free up system resources.

Article Source: http://goo.gl/8gPOj

How to Stop Windows Explorer From Crashing Windows 7

Windows Explorer is a critical Windows 7 component that consistently runs in the background the moment you boot up your operating system. It uses explorer.exe as the filename and is in charge of the user interface and any folders that you open. Opening too many folders may crash your Windows Explorer, which will then affect your entire Windows 7, causing all other open programs to close or run in an unstable condition. Isolate each folder in its own process to prevent Windows Explorer from affecting the rest of your Windows 7 operating system even if Windows Explorer crashes.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Click the "Start" menu, and type "Folder Options" in the search bar without the quotation marks. Press the "Enter" key on your keyboard to see the dialog.

Click the "View" tab to see a set of check boxes falling under "Advanced Settings." Tick the "Launch Folder Windows in a Separate Process" checkbox.

Click the "OK" button to apply the changes.


Read more: http://goo.gl/lNPUa

Do Games Slow Down a Computer? It Depends on the Game ?

There are different types of games you can play on the computer. Some can slow down your computer but other games cannot slow your computer down. Online games for example do not necessarily use much of your computer resources. Whenever you play a game online, most of the game functions are processed within the web browser (such as Firefox and internet explorer).

Playing games online will not really slow down your computer because web browser will be responsible for the games animations and sound. If you have decent amount of memory to process sound and animation then your browser will be able to handle online games.

On the other hand if you play games on your computer that is locally installed on your hard disk then your computer may slow down. Some games are memory and CPU intensive. What this means is that some games need huge amount of memory in order to load, and once they are loaded they require CPU to constantly run large and difficult processes in order to enjoy the game.

If you play games on your computer then you need a gaming machine. Desktop computers are best for gaming. Some desktop computers are designed with gamers in mind. You get high-end CPU, memory and graphic cards in order to enjoy your games.

If games slow down your computer I suggest you upgrade your computer's components, and the best CPU for gamers is the Intel Quad Core which has 4 cores in 1 CPU. You may also want to get additional memory and better graphics card for better animation.

Source: http://goo.gl/jJJpM

How to Change the Music in Computer Games

Nintendo introduced video game music with early game systems, and in no time people recognized the Mario tune. Since Nintendo laid those first tracks, people have criticized video game music. If you play games on your computer, you can change the music to something that fits your personal tastes.

Instructions

Recognize that sounds and music for PC game music are carried in sound files. Many computer games use MIDI or wav files.

Make certain you have access to hidden files by checking the "Tools" menu in "My Computer." You'll find a "View" tab under "Folder Options." Scroll down the list until you get to "Hidden Files and Folders." Make sure you have a check mark next to it.

Locate the sound files for a particular game through Windows Explorer or your search function. Look for the sound files first in the specific game folder. If you can't locate any, try the Systems and Windows folders.

Listen to the sound files to find the one used in the game. Note the name and location, and then change its file name. For example, rename musicnotes.wav to musicnotes2.wav.

Record or save music that you want in the same sound file format as the music in the game, whether it's a wav or MIDI file.

Save your new music again using the original game sound file name and location.

Adjust your new game soundtrack with some mixing techniques. Check if your burning software allows you to adjust the volume, fade out or use other mixing tricks.


Read more: http://goo.gl/Ye6cQ

How to Delete a Saved Game in Windows Solitaire

Solitaire is a popular version of the single-player card game, Klondike, included for free with Microsoft Windows. The game itself takes only a few minutes to learn. Windows allows you to save a game in progress, letting you pick up the same game at a later time. If you no longer want the game hogging space on your computer, you can delete it in just a few simple steps. These methods work for both Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Instructions


Windows Vista


Click the Start button on the taskbar.


Select "All Programs" and scroll to the Games folder.


Open the Games folder and click Games Explorer to open it.


Find Solitaire on the game list in the Games Explorer. Select it, and then click the arrow beside the Play on the Games Explorer toolbar. Select "Saved Games."


Click the saved game file that you want to delete and press the Delete key, or right-click it and choose "Delete."


Read more: http://goo.gl/HirM7

3 Best Windows 7 Upgrade Methods

Upgrading any windows system can be a non-event with just a little planning. Of course many people will have older computers that may not be a good candidate for upgrading. How do you know if your current computer has the necessary requirements? If it's got Vista of any flavor it should do all right. Most computers that came with Vista installed should meet the basic requirements for Windows 7.

If you have an older Windows XP computer, it may not have the power. Regardless of what Microsoft says you probably want at least a duo processor and 4 gigs of fast RAM (DDR series). It also helps a lot to have dedicated video RAM or, better yet, a video card with it's own RAM of at least 256 Megs. Windows 7 is much better about being a resource hog but it still needs some power to perform at it's best.

If you now have a computer with Vista and don't have any problems, I don't think there is much in Windows 7 that is worth the $100 plus upgrade. Ease of use is no big deal, and the performance over a Vista machine may not be that great unless you have current issues. Vista got some bad press over performance issues and rightfully so but from what I've seen, not all Vista computers exhibited this problem. I've upgraded well over 100 Vista computers for clients and many did not exhibit any faster operation with the exception of shutdowns.

OK, so you decided that you just have to upgrade for all the whiz-bang new features. Here's the three best ways to keep your data and your sanity. You can also run a program from Microsoft called the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor that will warn you of any incompatibilities on software and hardware on your current system. You can find it by doing a search in Google; it's available at many websites.

Option one is if you have an older Windows XP computer you have two basic upgrade options. You can't do an upgrade in place, too many issues and Microsoft decided against it. So now you have to do a clean install. Microsoft warns you that this may take a few hours! Yep, that's not a good thing. But most I've done have been much shorter.

Before you start you should back up all data files (user created), music files, photos, videos, or any other files you want to keep. You should also round up all your software install CDs for any software like MS Office that you plan on installing in your new Windows 7 OS. Don't forget to back up your Favorites (IE browser bookmarks), your Outlook data (outlook.pst - it has both your contacts and emails), password files, or any other important information.

Option two is keep that old Windows XP machine as a back up computer and buy a new computer with Windows 7 already installed. If your Windows XP machine is older that 3-4 years, it probably won't run Windows 7 with out upgrading your RAM, maybe adding a video card, and even a bigger hard drive. By the time you do that, you might as well purchased a new computer since many are on sale for less that $400. Mean failure on any computer is 4-5 years, so why spend $200 plus the Windows 7 upgrade cost on a machine that is going to fail within a couple of years?

Option 2a. OK, money is tight and you want to upgrade your Windows XP computer regardless. If you want to have a good fall back position and have enough hard drive space, you can install Windows 7 to a new partition and create a duo boot scenario. If you have a critical application that may not run in Windows 7, this is the only way to insure you can still use it. It's not a bad idea to do this anyway so that you can try Windows 7 and make sure it works for you. This is the best choice when going from Windows XP to Windows 7 on the same computer.

Option three involves upgrading a Vista computer. In this scenario you do have an option to upgrade in place, that essentially installs Windows 7 over your Vista install and no reinstall of software is usually necessary. But you will be bringing all the junk files and maybe any problems you had with Vista. You might also want to still run the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to check for any possible problems. If at all possible I would do the same kind of backup mentioned in the Windows XP upgrade and do a clean install. You will have a much faster computer and a clean install with less possible problems.

The number one question I always am asked is Windows 7 worth the time and money to upgrade? It's never a black and white answer. It depends on if your current computer is giving you problems and what your budget can handle. Many people just use there computers for email, surfing the web, and maybe to play some music and videos. If that's you, then I'm not sure you'll ever use the new features or get that much benefit from the upgrade. You can probably wait until you need to replace your current computer. If you are a computer junkie and love new features, then go for it. There are some improvements that a power user can benefit from and for really serious power crunching applications you can load up on RAM and hardware to increase performance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3502930

Handling Issues with Windows 7 Professional Upgrade

If you thought the Windows 7 Professional Upgrade will keep you at a distance away from system errors or PC slow speed, it is worth noting here that no operating system is fool-proof and can develop problems but things are easier to sort out with a Windows 7 Professional upgrade. You can also use online computer help to cater to the same effectively. However there are ways you can handle the same without opting for remote tech support.

Before we read about common problems faced by Windows 7 operating system (OS) users, let us first read why Windows 7 is considered to be an upgraded version to the ever-successful Windows XP. Windows 7 was developed to address the loopholes of XP and is a result of timeless research. Whether you talk about the functionalities, resolution, software compatibility, or the features, Windows 7 outscores XP. Even PC tech support or online computer help experts suggest users tired of XP or Vista to upgrade to Windows 7.

Let us now move our focus to handling problems in Windows 7 Professional upgrade. It may appear new to you but most OS problems are created and allowed by PC users. Most of us have the habit of installing every single program or application that comes for free or priced low, even though we expect to use it rarely. This means added burden on the PC drives and more time taken to load the computer besides proximity with malicious software that can endanger security, health, and functioning of the computer. If you contact a remote tech support or online computer help specialist, the first thing he will do is remove the extra applications installed.

It is highly recommended that you delete or uninstall unwanted programs and applications to remove any drain on the system resources. It is important for you to note that a PC loaded with Windows 7 has to meet some minimum system requirements and some of the problems faced by you may be a result of a lack of them. You should regularly defragment your PC hard drives for improving performance; it is also recommended to regularly update system, drivers, and antivirus software and these compatible updates must be attained from a reliable source.

You should be making use of Windows Defender, which is a powerful tool for detecting and preventing threats besides being helpful in inhibiting annoying pop-up notices and unauthorized home network intrusions.

If the abovementioned tips and precautions do not serve the cause, it is highly recommended that you seek professional PC tech support from a reliable computer support provider. If you are looking for these services on the Internet, you can opt for customized online computer help or remote technical support. You can even find answers to PC driver problems by opting for these services. If you are facing a problem in finding information about PC support service providers, all you need is to visit Google and enter words such as online PC repair, computer troubleshooting service, or online PC support and you will be redirected to sites of providers specializing in high-end PC support services. You can then select a provider based on your requirements and budget. However, it is always recommended that you opt for quality over cost.

Article Source: http://bit.ly/lu8Abf

Windows 7 Upgrade Vs Fresh Install

Being the technical geek that I am, I've given Windows 7 the proverbial shakedown cruise to see what I was going to be up against at work when we start getting the new PC's.

I'll admit, I was not expecting much: my enthusiasm being shot down in flames by the Vista rollout had me very skeptical about Microsoft's direction and vision when it came to operating systems.

I performed both a clean install and an upgrade installation from Vista to see how the experience was in each case.

I'm not going to go into all the differences, enhancements, and tweaks you will find in the OS; there are plenty of sites on the web where you get that info. Instead, I am going to focus on the installation experience, and first "out of the box" experience.

THE CLEAN INSTALLATION

The clean installation of Windows 7 was undoubtedly the simplest install I've ever had with a Microsoft product, and it is clear that they have been watching Apple closely as far as how they streamline every aspect of their products. A fresh install of Windows 7 is just as easy and quick as a fresh install of OS X on a Mac, and was finished well within a half an hour.

Excellent!

THE UPGRADE INSTALLATION

The upgrade installation took much longer: about 3.5 hours.

I have had bad upgrade experiences in the past, and prefer a fresh install of an OS so it doesn't carry through the quirks of the prior OS. With that in mind, I these are the steps I followed to upgrade my Vista machine to Windows 7.

Ran the Windows Upgrade Advisor to see if there were any problems or conflicts.

As my upgrade PC was only about a year old, the only problem reported was that McAfee AntiVirus 8.5i was incompatible with Windows 7. That was not really a surprise to me --I had already been looking at different AntiVirus solutions-- so I uninstalled it.

Performed a general cleanup with CCleaner.

If you don't have this handy freeware utility on your computer, get it now! CCleaner (allegedly for "Crap Cleaner") is a small tool that does three things: deletes unused temporary files, cleans out all invalid registry entries, and allows you to manage the programs that startup in the background when Windows boots.

Running this type of cleanup prior to an upgrade is a good idea, as the new OS transfers all your settings and files from the old OS.

Needless crap will only make any upgrade more difficult.

At best it will make the upgrade take longer.

At worst, the installation might fail.

After I cleaned the files and registry, I looked through the programs that start up with Windows and found a few that I don't really need to have running (iTunes services, etc) and disabled them.

Re-booted and made sure everything was still working well.

Just a precaution to make sure I didn't turn off something I needed!

Run the Vista Disk Defragmenter

This step is likely not necessary, in all honesty. I've always done this in the past prior to doing an upgrade, so it's a habit for me.

However, I ~believe~ that Windows 7 handles upgrades differently: instead of just writing over the old OS with new system files, it actually copies the files, folders, and settings to a protected area, does a FRESH installation, and then ~imports~ your data back into the new OS.

(If I am wrong on this detail, please let me know!)

Re-boot, then ran the Windows 7 upgrade.

After answering a couple questions at the very beginning, Windows goes to work. Obviously, the more stuff on your computer, the longer this process will take. I've heard reports of anything from 1 hour to 8 hours for an upgrade.

If your computer isn't a fresh squeaky-clean install of Vista with nothing else one it, plan on setting the computer aside for a few hours.

THE WINDOWS 7 OUT-OF-THE-BOX EXPERIENCE

I am wholly impressed! If you are already used to Vista's interface, then there really is not much new visually in Windows 7. However, it feels like they've taken Vista, streamlined and stripped all the bloat and fat off of it, and what you have is a leaner, faster, and more intuitive interface.

There were a couple items that surprised me... The much touted "Windows Mail" that was part of Vista is gone. If you used Windows Mail, the upgrade will save all your mail and contacts and allow you to import it into Outlook.

Windows Movie Maker... gone.

Windows Photo Gallery... gone.

If you were running Windows Ultimate Extra and using Dreamscapes for an animated desktop... Kiss it goodbye.

Some of these apps were heavily advertised not even 2 years ago, as Microsoft was trying to complete with Apple's approach of including everything the average user needs right out of the box. Windows has long had a particular reputation: buying the PC was the easy part, and spending the next few days purchasing and installing all the stuff you need to ~use~ the PC was the hard part.

So why Microsoft has decided to backpedal on that marketing decision is an interesting question. However, at the end of the day if I am going to spend my hard-earned cash on an OS, I'd rather have a slim and sleek OS that needs some apps install (that ~I~ get to choose) than a bloated one that contains apps I probably don't need.

Fortunately, most of these excluded apps are available via Windows Live Essentials and can be installed after the upgrade.

Both the fresh install and the upgrade performed equally well. There were no quirks, sluggishness, or broken applications on the upgrade installation.

All in all... Thumbs up, Microsoft! This is an OS done right. The PC is ~finally~ nearly as fun and easy to use as a Mac!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3398218

Should You Stay on Windows 7 Sp1 or Upgrade to Windows 8

Some analysts have indicated that the introduction of Windows 8 only revealed a simple modification on the user interface comparing to Windows 7 Sp1 and Microsoft would have to offer more incentives if it aims to encourage users to upgrade their Windows OS. Even as a number of users are utilizing the PC for a good amount of their work, they do not see any reason for upgrading their Windows 7 Sp1 into the recently introduced Windows 8.

Microsoft seems to utilize the Windows 8 to introduce touch screen technology into their products. Although the company has indicated that the latest OS can be utilized in existing systems, some analysts have indicated that it would take more than just a facelift in order to encourage users to upgrade their Windows 7 Sp1 into Windows 8.

A good number of individual and commercial users may think twice in upgrading their current Windows 7 Sp1 unless Microsoft will reveal more features that will be useful for them. Since Windows 7 Sp1 is more functional than utilizing touch-based technology, users may need more than just an enhanced user interface in order for them to be convinced in upgrading their Windows 7 OS to Windows 8. Simple tasks such as copying and pasting is more efficient using the current system compared to the latest touch screen technology, which appears to be what Windows 8 is offering.

Windows 8

Last year, Microsoft officials indicated that more than 70 percent of commercial PCs are still utilizing Windows XP instead of Windows 7. This comes as a surprise for some analysts since Windows 7 Sp1 offers better stability and security compared to the previous version of the OS. With this in mind, it would not be easy to convince these commercial users to upgrade their systems to utilize the recently-introduced Windows 8 OS, which according to analysts is nothing more than just a modification in the user interface.

A good number of users are satisfied with their current OS, be it Windows XP or Windows 7, so it may take more than just what Microsoft has revealed to convince users to upgrade to the latest version of their operating system, Windows 8.

News Source: http://www.planetinsane.com/should-you-stay-on-windows-7-sp1-or-upgrade-to-windows-8/2617861/

XP Support - Where Can I Get Windows Support ?

Microsoft is one of the largest companies in the world that develops, manufactures and licenses very many products that are related to computing. It has been in this field for more than 35 years. One of the most common products of this company is windows XP.

This is a type of computer that is widely used at home, in institutions or business. Just like any other product or device, problems may occur while using it thus there is need to repair it so as to continue enjoying best services from it and to ensure that the product is repaired, correct tools must be used. XP support is a center that was established by this giant company to help its clients in solving problems related to Microsoft windows.

Due to advancement in technology, each company is striving to reach a large of number of people at the shortest time possible. Being an international renowned company, Microsoft has been able to achieve this due to establishment of online offices that aid in giving customers the necessary information that they deserve. Through the use of XP support, customers with problems related to Microsoft windows computers have been helped solve their problems. Anything to do with Microsoft software, programs, viruses, computers and so on are dealt with by this support center.

It is has been made even easier to contact this center in that there are you can ask on how to go about any problem online. You can be able to send an email, make online submission or call using a phone directly to this center. The emails and submissions are responded to immediately in less than 24 hours and when using their toll free numbers, you get instant respond.

It is good to often contact XP support center in order to know of any new developments in the windows computers. This is because new ideas are being created and implemented to cater for the needs of the current society that has become more innovative.

Source: http://goo.gl/PXqjQ

Are You Ready to Move Up to Windows 7 ?

Windows 7 (Win7) has been available for almost 6 months now, and we're seeing more and more instances of Win7 in our clients' networks. We thought it was timely to review some common questions and misconceptions about Win7.

You do not need to upgrade all your PCs to Win7 simultaneously, and, yes, Win7 can connect to Windows 2003 servers just fine.
Most new PCs will come with Win7, so there is no need to upgrade. Almost every vendor of PCs, especially those aimed at consumers, have switched almost their entire lines to Win7 making it the operating system of choice.
Businesses will have to choose whether they will buy new PCs with Win7--and it probably comes down to applications. If you run primarily general applications, Win7 is a good choice now. There are changes in the user interface, but in our experience, most users have adapted very quickly. If you have special applications, check that your applications work. If it runs on Vista, it will most likely run fine on Win7 but it's worth a check.
The typical computer user probably should not upgrade an existing machine. Yes, we're biased, but we would recommend leaving a Vista-to-Win7 upgrade to an experienced IT person. Currently there is no official direct upgrade path from Windows XP to Win7. A clean install of Win7 is the way to go on newer machines currently running Windows XP that can support Win7.
The other thing to keep in mind is that a typical new Windows system costs a lot less now than it did when Windows Vista came out nearly three years ago. You can get a reasonable mid-to-high-end desktop with Win7 for under $1,000 and a decent mid-range system for $500. A reasonable consumer notebook can sell for $800 or less. Instead of spending $200 for a Windows upgrade, save the money until you can afford a new machine on which it's preinstalled.
If you're thinking of going with Win7, be sure to order carefully. One client inadvertently ordered new machines with the Windows XP downgrade option (as a fallback) and ended up with 5 new machines running Windows XP. We had to upgrade them to Win7 for him, and now their network is humming along on Win7 machines.

Source: http://goo.gl/Fh79C

Should I Upgrade to Windows 7 ?

The first thing you need to think about is "Do I need to" "or "why do I need to" upgrade to Windows 7. Is there an advantage for me to do so considering my current usage profile?

I recently read a review comparing Windows XP with Windows 7 using a reasonably configured PC. Windows XP came ahead on some counts, Windows 7 on others (but not by a lot in either case) except in the "multimedia" area where windows 7 came further ahead. So I guess if you are heavy into multimedia, maybe. The differences except for this again posed the question "Should I upgrade to Windows 7" as the gain looks minimal.

This leaves functionality. "Is there any extra functionality in Windows 7 that I may gain advantage of" First one should consider that many new features in Windows 7 (like ISO image burning) you probably already use other programs. Paint for example has been jazzed up in Windows 7, but you probably already use much better graphics programs.

Look at it this way, in my opinion most Windows upgrades are mainly for show and to add some extra functionality to keep driving revenue into Microsoft. Microsoft gets steady revenue from new PCs already installed with their operating system. This is independent on which version of windows is installed. They keep pushing up their revenue by creating new Windows versions. They get this extra revenue by you and I upgrading. If they did not do this then this would be a revenue stream lost. I think this is where "Vista" fell down they tried to rush it out to get this revenue stream going and it fell in a heap, thus Windows 7.

Now Windows 7 didn't fall in a heap but it is considered "bloatware" That is, it has so much so called functionality and frivolity that most users would only look and use a fraction of its capability. Most operating systems are like this even Windows XP. Compare it to when VCR's came out. Most people just wanted to push a button to watch a video or push one or two to record, yet they were presented with so many options to do this that most people sort of gave up. The same thing with remote keypads. There are so many buttons that most people did not know what they did.

Getting back to "should I upgrade to Windows 7". Are you happy with Windows XP? Does it do everything you want? Well stay with it as you are not going to get any extra benefit from upgrading. Later on you may need to, as support for Windows XP will vanish (and it will eventually) and even then you may not want to upgrade.

I have been in the computer systems business over 35 years and one thing I have found is that most problems occur when new updates of existing operating systems, (patches, fixes etc) are installed. When these stop being installed the operating system became very stable. I have found this with many "Mainframe" systems I used to look after when existing system support updates were discontinued. I would see Windows XP the same. As soon as support is discontinued many new problems disappeared. Unfortunately you may eventually have to upgrade to windows 7, as programmers will start developing programs that will only work on the Windows 7 operating system.

I hope this helps you to make a decision on the question "should I upgrade to Windows 7". Basically if you have no need to then all you are doing is pushing money out your pocket at this time. Better to wait until Windows 7 matures if you feel you want to keep up with the game, or if you buy a new computer.


Source: http://goo.gl/tJipm

Should I Upgrade to Windows 7?

The first thing you need to think about is "Do I need to" "or "why do I need to" upgrade to Windows 7. Is there an advantage for me to do so considering my current usage profile?

I recently read a review comparing Windows XP with Windows 7 using a reasonably configured PC. Windows XP came ahead on some counts, Windows 7 on others (but not by a lot in either case) except in the "multimedia" area where windows 7 came further ahead. So I guess if you are heavy into multimedia, maybe. The differences except for this again posed the question "Should I upgrade to Windows 7" as the gain looks minimal.

This leaves functionality. "Is there any extra functionality in Windows 7 that I may gain advantage of" First one should consider that many new features in Windows 7 (like ISO image burning) you probably already use other programs. Paint for example has been jazzed up in Windows 7, but you probably already use much better graphics programs.

Look at it this way, in my opinion most Windows upgrades are mainly for show and to add some extra functionality to keep driving revenue into Microsoft. Microsoft gets steady revenue from new PCs already installed with their operating system. This is independent on which version of windows is installed. They keep pushing up their revenue by creating new Windows versions. They get this extra revenue by you and I upgrading. If they did not do this then this would be a revenue stream lost. I think this is where "Vista" fell down they tried to rush it out to get this revenue stream going and it fell in a heap, thus Windows 7.

Now Windows 7 didn't fall in a heap but it is considered "bloatware" That is, it has so much so called functionality and frivolity that most users would only look and use a fraction of its capability. Most operating systems are like this even Windows XP. Compare it to when VCR's came out. Most people just wanted to push a button to watch a video or push one or two to record, yet they were presented with so many options to do this that most people sort of gave up. The same thing with remote keypads. There are so many buttons that most people did not know what they did.

Getting back to "should I upgrade to Windows 7". Are you happy with Windows XP? Does it do everything you want? Well stay with it as you are not going to get any extra benefit from upgrading. Later on you may need to, as support for Windows XP will vanish (and it will eventually) and even then you may not want to upgrade.

I have been in the computer systems business over 35 years and one thing I have found is that most problems occur when new updates of existing operating systems, (patches, fixes etc) are installed. When these stop being installed the operating system became very stable. I have found this with many "Mainframe" systems I used to look after when existing system support updates were discontinued. I would see Windows XP the same. As soon as support is discontinued many new problems disappeared. Unfortunately you may eventually have to upgrade to windows 7, as programmers will start developing programs that will only work on the Windows 7 operating system.


Source: http://goo.gl/kIJcq

Speed up Windows 7 by these 3 tools

Windows 7 is the latest offering from Microsoft, but it's still prone to running slowly and with errors. This is a problem which even the most advanced computers cannot avoid, and is one which is actually very easy to fix if you have some software tools to boost the speed and reliability of your system. Here are the top 3...

#1 Antivirus, AntiSpyware & Anti-Adware - Anti-"malware" (Malicious-ware) programs are an essential part of any computer for several reasons, not least because of how they can protect your personal data. These tools are also highly effective at speeding up your PC, as the more infections it has, the slower it will run. Windows 7 is currently getting bombarded with 1,000's of new viruses and adware infections, making the need for antivirus, antispyware and anti-adware a necessity. You can get these tools from most major download sites.

#2 Junk File Cleaner - "Junk Files" are files which Windows cannot use or read. These come in two forms - files which you just download or create and are of no use... and files which are useful but are unreadable. As computers age, their buildup of junk files increases, slowing your computer down tremendously. Every computer has these files, and many unchecked PCs have gigabytes of data just blocking up your system. To remove these, you should go through your computer and delete any of the downloaded files that you no longer want by selecting them and pressing SHIFT + DELETE. You can alternatively get a junk file cleaner program, which will automatically remove all the junk files from your system.

#3 Registry Cleaner - Many people claim that these tools can do all-sorts to your PC. The fact is that registry cleaners can boost your PC's speed if it has a lot of errors inside it. These tools scan through the registry database and remove any damaged or corrupted settings that are causing problems. The registry is basically the storage facility for Windows, which keeps data including your saved passwords, latest emails and desktop wallpaper safe. Unfortunately, the registry is also prone to making your computer run much slower as your PC often saves many of the files in the wrong way. This causes them to become unreadable, which slows your PC's speed. To fix this, registry cleaners are designed to scan through the registry database and fix any of the damaged / corrupted settings that are causing a problem. This allows your system to become faster, but only if there are a considerable amount of errors on there.


Source : http://goo.gl/Rg8Xz

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Scans Your System for Win7 Compatibility

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor scans your PC to see if it can run Windows 7, and explains any potential compatibility issues.

Using the utility is about as easy as it gets—just launch it and go through the screens to scan your computer for compatibility with the newest version of Windows. At the end you'll receive a report letting you know if your system can run Windows 7, and whether each one of your system components will be compatible as well—the upgrade wizard advises you to make sure all your devices are connected so it can fully detect any potential issues.

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Beta is a free download, Windows only. For more, make sure you've checked out our features on what's new in the Windows 7 release candidate , how to upgarde to the RC,and how to enable xp Mode once you've upgarded.

Source:-lifehacker.com

TS2R NEWS: Windows 7 Update, New Sprint Smartphone? UberMedia Back & BOG5

Here's a new feature we call TS2R (Too Short 2 Report) - news that doesn't warrant a full article but contains information that our readers still need to know.

• Microsoft is pushing out a minor update to Windows Phone 7 that will enable the promised update with copy/paste (first week of March). It requires that you have already installed the recent update to Zune. The update requires that you connect your Windows Phone to your computer (details from Microsoft).

• Sprint tweeted that it will announce a new phone on Thursday.
• Banned Uber Media Twitter apps Twidroyd and UberSocial have been reinstated.
• U.S. Cellular has launched a buy-one-get-five free phone deal (BOG5). You can buy a Samsung Mesmerize ($99) or LG Optimus U ($29), and the freebies are LG Optmus U Android smartphones ( read review). You can also opt to buy a Samsung Messenger Touch and get five Samsung Profile phones. Smartphone buyers get a $100 Smartphone activation credit. BOG5 Details include contract, mail-in rebate, and activation required on each handset. All handsets must be activated on the same account.

Source:-wirelessandmobilenews.com