Enable “Inline AutoComplete” Feature in Windows Explorer and Run Dialog Box

Almost all modern web browsers come with "Inline AutoComplete" feature which automatically fills the matching URL in addressbar as soon as you start typing text in browser addressbar. This feature is quite handy and saves lots of time.

Did you know the same "Inline AutoComplete" feature also exists in Windows Explorer and Run dialog box? That's true. Windows has this functionality built-in but doesn't come with this option enabled by default.

In this tutorial, we'll tell you how to enable this useful "Inline AutoComplete" feature in Windows Explorer and Run dialog box.

Following are a few screenshots which will help you in understanding this cool feature:

Windows Explorer without Inline AutoComplete feature (default):



Windows Explorer with Inline AutoComplete feature:



Run box without Inline AutoComplete feature (default):



Run box with Inline AutoComplete feature:



So without wasting time, lets start the tutorial:

1. To enable this feature, you'll need to open Internet Options window. You can open it using Control Panel or Internet Explorer.

Or directly launch it by providing inetcpl.cpl command in RUN or Start Menu search box.

2. Now go to "Advanced" tab, scroll down a bit and enable "Use inline AutoComplete in Windows Explorer and Run Dialog" option.



PS: In Windows XP, the option is a little bit different. You'll need to enable "Use inline AutoComplete (Outside of Internet Explorer)" option. Thanks to our reader "Shanmukh" for mentioning it.

3. Apply the changes and enjoy the inline AutoComplete feature in Windows Explorer and Run dialog box.

If you want to disable the feature again, simply uncheck the checkbox mentioned in step 2 and apply the changes.

NOTE: If you want the opposite and want to disable inline AutoComplete feature in Internet Explorer, disable the option "Use inline AutoComplete in the Internet Explorer Address Bar and Open Dialog" as shown in the above screenshot.

Hide / Remove “User Picture” in Windows Vista and 7 Start Menu

Windows Vista and Windows 7 show your user picture at top-right corner of Start Menu. You can click on this user picture to directly open user account settings page.

Many times when you use a 3rd party Windows theme, you might want to hide or remove this user picture from Start Menu as it doesn't match with the new theme and ruins the look of Start Menu.

If you also want to hide user picture in Windows Vista or 7 Start Menu, here is a very easy to use and simple solution for you.




Now we are going to share yet another cool feature of "Classic Shell" freeware. It can also hide user picture in Windows Start Menu. Following screenshot shows Windows 7 Start Menu without user picture:



You just need to follow these simple steps to remove user picture from Windows Vista and 7 Start Menu:

1. Download and install Classic Shell using following link:

Download Classic Shell

2. Once you install it, it'll replace Windows Start Menu with Classic Start Menu. Right-click on Start ORB and select Settings option.

3. Now click on "Windows Start Menu" radio button given in "Left Click opens" section as shown in following screenshot:



It'll re-enable Windows Start Menu for left-click. If you want, you can also follow the same steps for "Windows Key opens" section.

4. Now we need to hide user picture in Start Menu.

Go to "Windows Start Menu" tab and enable "Hide User Picture" option as shown in following screenshot:



5. That's it. It'll immediately hide user picture from Start Menu. Enjoy the minimal and clean Start Menu which you always wanted.

Do you know any other cool feature of Classic Shell? Feel free to share it in your comment...

Other similar articles that may interest you:

Transform Windows XP into Windows 8 Using Windows 8 Release Preview Kit

We all know that Microsoft is providing Windows 8 Release Preview build free to download for public which can be downloaded using following link:

Windows 8 Release Preview (RC Build) Released, Download Now

Windows 8 comes with lots of new features and GUI changes like new theme, boot screen, cursors, start menu, ribbon UI in Explorer, etc. You can take a look at all these new features in our exclusive Windows 8 review.

If you are still using Windows XP and are not in mood to install Windows 8 Release Preview build but want to enjoy all Windows 8 new features and GUI changes in good old Windows XP, this tutorial will definitely help you.

This tutorial will assist you in transforming Windows XP into Windows 8 Release Preview without using any 3rd party customization pack. You'll change all the things manually to make Windows XP look-like Windows 8 Release Preview.

Following is a preview of the output which you'll get after following this tutorial:

So without wasting time, lets start the tutorial:

STEP 1: Thanks to our friend "PeterRollar" @ DA who created a complete Windows 8 Release Preview kit which contains following goodies for Windows XP which will help you in transforming Windows XP into Windows 8:

• Windows 8 look-like window border skin
• Ribbons for Windows Explorer
• Windows 8 look-like Taskbar and system tray
• Windows 8 Boot screen
• Windows 8 look-like start menu
• Windows 8 wallpapers
• Windows 8 cursors
• Windows 8 look-like Charms Bar
• Windows 8 version info

You can download the whole pack using following link:

Download Windows 8 Release Preview Kit

STEP 2: Once you download the RAR file, extract it using WinRAR or 7-Zip.

STEP 3: Now go to "BorderSkin CP" folder and run "BorderSkin.exe" file. It'll provide Windows 8 look-like glass border in Windows Explorer window. You can learn more about Border Skin here.

STEP 4: Now you'll need to install Styler software and apply the styler skins present in "Styler toolbars" folder present in the pack. To learn how to use Styler, please visit following tutorial:

How to Install and Apply Styler Toolbar Skin in Windows XP Explorer?

It'll provide Windows 8 look-like Ribbon UI in Windows XP Explorer. You can select any of 2 skins: Maximize the ribbon or Minimize the ribbon.

STEP 5: If you also want to enjoy Windows 8 cursors in Windows XP, you can get them in "Cursors" folder present in the pack. Just right-click on .inf file and it'll install the cursors in your system. Now you can apply the cursors using Mouse applet present in Control Panel.

STEP 6: Now you'll need to install SBar which provides Windows 7 and Windows 8 like Taskbar functionality in Windows XP and Vista. After installing SBar, apply the skin present in "Basic for SBar" folder of the kit.

STEP 7: Now it's time for installing Windows 8 boot screen. You'll need to install "Tuneup Utilities" to apply the boot screen. The boot screen can be found in "TuneUp Bootscreen" folder of the kit.

STEP 8: The "win8_consumer_preview_charmsbar..." folder present in the pack contains a skin for RocketDock utility which will provide Windows 8 look-like Charms Bar in Windows XP. Check out following tutorial for more details:

Download RocketDock Skin to Get Windows 8 Charms Bar in Windows XP, Vista, 7

STEP 9: To have Windows 8 look-like new tiny start menu, you'll need to install ViStart. Once you install ViStart, apply its skin from "W8 Startmenu" folder.

STEP 10: If you want to change Windows XP version info to Windows 8, i.e. when you check Windows version by typing winver command in RUN dialog box or using any other method, Windows will show the version info as Windows 8 release Preview instead of Windows XP.

To change version info, you'll need to replace a system file "xpsp1res.dll" present in System32 folder with the new DLL file present in "Version info W8 RP" folder in the pack. You'll need to use Replacer for this task.

STEP 11: The kit also contains a few official Windows 8 wallpapers which can be applied using Desktop Properties.

STEP 12: There are many things which are same in Windows 7 and Windows 8 so you can also visit following tutorial to apply Windows 7 or Windows 8 icons, Progress dialog box, shutdown dialog box, System Properties, Aero Shake, Aero Snap, Aero Peek, Calculator, Paint, Context menu, Drive status bar, etc:

Transform Windows XP into Windows 7 without using Customization Pack

Also visit following tutorial to get some 3rd party software which also work in Windows XP and provide Windows 8 features like User tile in Taskbar, Windows 8 Start screen, etc:

Transform Windows 7 into Windows 8 (vNext) without using Customization Pack

Feel free to ask any kind of questions in your comment if you face any problem in following this tutorial...

Classic Windows XP Themes Ported to Windows 7

Most of our readers including us are using Windows 7 at the moment and we have posted many Windows 7 themes in past which can be found in our exclusive Windows 7 Themes section.

There are many Windows 7 users who still love the blue Luna or Royale theme or dark Zune theme present in Windows XP. The good thing is that almost all these classic Windows XP themes have been ported to Windows 7 and Windows 7 users can enjoy these ported themes in their system.

We have shared such ported XP themes for Windows 7 in separate topics in past and after getting frequent emails containing request for a Windows XP theme for Windows 7, today we decided to put all these themes together in a single topic for your convenience.

So today in this article, we are going to list all Windows XP themes which have been successfully ported to Windows 7. So lets share the themes without wasting time:

Windows XP "Luna" Theme for Windows 7

If you love default "Luna" theme of Windows XP and want to use it in Windows 7, you can download it using following topic:

Download Windows XP "Luna" Theme for Windows 7

If you prefer the "Luna Silver" theme of Windows XP, you can get it from following topic:

Download Windows XP "Luna Silver" Theme for Windows 7

Windows XP "Royale Blue" Theme for Windows 7

"Royale Blue" theme is one of the most famous themes for Windows XP. It was an official Windows XP theme from Microsoft which was introduced in Windows XP Media Center Edition.

If you want to use it in Windows 7, you can download it using following article:

Download Windows XP "Royale Blue" Theme for Windows 7

Windows XP "Zune" Theme for Windows 7

"Zune" theme was also officially released by Microsoft for Windows XP users. It was created by Microsoft to promote its Zune player. This theme was based on "Royale Blue" theme.

You can get the same theme for Windows 7 using any of following topics:

Download Windows XP "Zune" Theme for Windows 7

Download Yet Another Windows XP "Zune" Theme for Windows 7

Download Windows XP "Luna", "Royale Blue" and "Zune" Remix Themes for Windows 7

One AskVG reader "djeos546" created remix versions of Luna, Royale Blue and Zune themes for Windows 7. He combined the ported XP themes with our exclusive Windows 7 theme "AeroVG Se7en" and the output was really impressive.

You can download these remix versions from following link:

Download Windows XP Royale Blue, Luna and Zune Remix Themes for Windows 7

If you also like Windows XP themes, you should definitely give a try to the above mentioned themes. Feel free to share your feedback about these themes in your comment.

Also don't forget to check out our exclusive gallery page to find awesome themes, skins, wallpapers and icon packs for Windows, Yahoo! Messenger and mobile phones:

Best Free Antivirus and Anti-Spyware Software for Windows

If you are a Windows user, you must install an antivirus and anti-spyware software in your system. We all install software, games, themes and many other stuff from various sources such as downloaded from Internet, from CD/DVD, USB drives, etc and if the downloaded file is infected, it can also install a virus or spyware in our system as a bonus.

That's why we need a good antivirus and anti-spyware software for Windows OS. This software protects our system from suspicious items. It continuously monitors our system and warns us whenever it finds a malicious item in our system.

There are many antivirus and anti-spyware software available on Internet to download. Some of them are free and some of them are paid. Obviously paid security software provide more features and control over them in comparison with free software programs.

But there are a few free antivirus and anti-spyware programs which provide almost all features which a paid security software provides.

Today in this topic, we are going to list top 5 free antivirus and anti-spyware software for Windows operating system for your convenience. We have tested many security programs in past and found following 5 programs best of them. If you are not using any antivirus or anti-spyware program in your system, you must install one of the following without wasting time:

1. Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)

Microsoft Security Essentials (also known as MSE) is one of the best free antivirus and anti-spyware software for Windows. Its an official security program released by Microsoft. Its available absolutely free to download but you'll need genuine Windows to install it.

It can be installed in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. Windows 8 already comes with MSE preinstalled. You can install it in both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.

Download Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE)

2. Avast! Free Antivirus

We put Avast! antivirus on 2nd position. It comes with antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall and many other security components. It can be installed in Windows 2000 professional SP4, Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. Both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are supported.

Download Avast! Antivirus

3. AVG Antivirus Free Edition

AVG antivirus is almost equivalent to avast! antivirus. It also comes with antivirus, anti-spyware, link scanner and many other security features. It can be installed in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7.

Download AVG Antivirus

4. Avira Free Antivirus

Avira is also one of the widely used antivirus for Windows OS. It can protect your system from virus, spyware, malware, trojan, rootkits and many other forms of malicious programs. Avira antivirus can be installed in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows editions.

Download Avira Free Antivirus

5. Panda Cloud Free Antivirus

And last but not least its turn of "Panda free antivirus" which is a very light-weight antivirus software for Windows. Its based on cloud computing concept which makes it one of the most light-weight antivirus programs available for Windows. You need a good speed Internet connection in your system to use it. It can be used in Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8. As usual both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are supported.

Download Panda Cloud Free Antivirus

That's all for now. If you are using any other free antivirus or anti-spyware software in your system, feel free to share your feedback in your comment.

mStartEX: Windows 8 Style Start Menu Replacement for Windows XP, Vista and 7

We are pretty much aware of the new Start Screen introduced by Microsoft in its upcoming OS Windows 8. Start Screen is a Start Menu replacement for Windows 8 which shows live tiles of installed programs and built-in tools in Windows. According to Microsoft, the use of big square tiles makes it easier to navigate through installed programs and launch them.

We have shared many free utilities which bring Windows 8 look-like Start Screen feature in earlier Windows versions such as Windows XP, Vista and 7. Some of them are Omnimo, Windows 8 Start Screen Full andMosaic.

Today in this topic, we are going to share another utility for Windows XP, Vista and 7 which is a little bit different than others. You can consider it as a Start Menu replacement for Windows.

"mStartEX" is a free utility for Windows created by our friend "Solodev" which shows all Start Menu programs and pinned items in tile view similar to Windows 8 Start Screen.

By default it sorts them alphabetically but you can disable the sorting using its Settings. Its highly customizable. You can change background color, transparency level, tile mode, screen position and much more.

It also allows you to show a metro style clock on Desktop similar to Windows 8. You can enable it from its Settings.

If you want, you can customize the tile background and icon style from the "Tiles" tab of its Settings page. You can also change Start ORB image using Settings page.

It also shows user avatar in the Start screen which launches Control Panel upon clicking. You can customize avatar look using the Settings page.

To access the main screen simply move your mouse cursor to the bottom-left corner of screen similar to Windows 8 and the Start Menu will appear on screen. To close Start Menu, click on the shut down icon given at the bottom-left corner of Start Menu.

Although its a free utility but it also comes with a paid version which can be activated by purchasing the product for a very small amount of $1.25 only. The paid version comes with a few extra features such as more tile effects, full screen mode which makes it look-like Windows 8 Start Screen, invisible mode to remove background, random background color similar to Windows 8 Start Screen, skinned icons, no sorting, etc.

Currently its under beta testing and more features will be added in future releases such as plugin system.

You can download it using following link:

Download mStartEX

Homepage

NeoSmart announces Windows Recovery Essentials

Important news is coming from NeoSmart Technologies, the company praised for the award-winning boot manager software EasyBCD: the developer will soon release a new system recovery CD for Windows operating systems, rewritten from the ground up due to licensing issues with the official Microsoft products.

Like many companies selling recovery CDs for Windows, NeoSmart was thus far licensing the Windows Pre Installation Environment (WinPE) directly from Microsoft to develop and release its own bootable recovery environments.

But starting from January 2012, NeoSmart reveals, Microsoft stopped renewing the pre-existing licensing agreements with third parties, forcing its partners to search for an alternative solution to develop future bootable CDs without using Redmond’s own WinPE.

NeoSmart says it is now working on its “next generation” repair CDs, a product that is “not just a replacement for the current WinPE-based repair CDs, but rather a whole new software written from the ground up with the express intent of fixing whatever it may be that stops your PC from booting”.

The upcoming (and currently in private beta) Windows Recovery Essentials (or WinRE for short) will be able to repair and fix “common and uncommon problems” preventing the system to boot or work properly, NeoSmart promises, “including those that the Windows installation DVD can’t or won’t fix”.

Flash Player exploit found on Internet Explorer fixed in patch

If you use Flash Player a lot on your Windows PC, specifically with your Internet Explorer web browser, you will definitely want to update to the latest version as soon as possible. Adobe has announced that it has releaseda new security update for Flash Player. While the update has been launched for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android versions, the main target is users of Windows and Internet Explorer.

Adobe states in its update bulletin:

These updates address an object confusion vulnerability (CVE-2012-0779) that could cause the application to crash and potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. There are reports that the vulnerability is being exploited in the wild in active targeted attacks designed to trick the user into clicking on a malicious file delivered in an email message. The exploit targets Flash Player on Internet Explorer for Windows only.

The update should be downloaded and installed if you have Flash Player 11.2.202.233 and earlier on Windows, Mac, and Linux ports, along with versions 11.1.115.7 or earlier on Android 4.x and versions 11.1.111.8 on Android 3.x and 2.x. Ars Technica also suggests that Mac users quickly update to the new version even though the exploit seems to be targeting Windows users at the moment.

Avira fixes antivirus update that crippled many PCs

If you use the Avira antivirus program, you likely got hit with a big problem for a number of hours late on Monday and earlier today. ZDNet reports that the software program downloaded a new update, along with a new antivirus definitions file, that caused the software to falsely detect malware in major PC programs.

The 8.2.10.64 update for Avira, for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 PCs, caused the software to say that malware existed in programs such as Explorer, Internet Explorer, Notepad, the Windows Task Manager and many more. In addition, the faulty update also blocked the use of a number of other Microsoft and third party programs.

This issue apparently lasted for about 12 hours for the many millions of PC users who have the Avira software installed. Earlier today, the company announced via its Facebook page that it has released yet another update to the software that should fix the problem. The message added, "We deeply regret any difficulties that this may have caused you. Thank you for your patience and understanding!"

This update issue only affected users of the paid version of Avira. The free version of the software does not receive the same kinds of updates and thus was not affected.

350 million Windows 7 devices to be shipped this year

Windows 7 has been another successful platform for Microsoft as the rock solid OS won the hearts of many after their tribulations with Vista. Having sold hundreds of millions of copies of the OS, Microsoft is now predicting that 350 million devices will be sold this year running Windows 7, a phenomenal number.

What is driving all of this growth? According to Bloomberg, corporate demand has been a key driver of success and is currently exceeding the company’s estimates. Steve Ballmer said that this will make Windows 7 the “most single popular system” on the market.

While Windows 7 is selling at a tremendous rate, Microsoft is about to launch its next generation of Windows, Windows 8. The upcoming OS is a stark contrast to Microsoft’s traditional offerings and goes as far as to remove the iconic start button.

The OS is not expected to hit retail until sometime this fall, most speculate in October, and it will also bring with it Microsoft’s tablet OS that will finally compete with the iPad and Android tablets.

As we sail off in to the Metro-fied sunrise of Windows 8, Windows 7 will keep the profits flowing until the next platform arises. If this report is any indication, it looks like Microsoft is on track to continue is healthy fiscal track right up to and through the launch of Windows 8. 

Hack allows any application to run on top of Windows 7 login screen

The hack has been well documented for some time, but it might be a bit of a surprise to regular users just how easy it is to compromise a machine you have brief access to. A article published by Carnal0wnage writes about replacing "Sticky Keys" on the login screen for Windows 7 with the "command line" executable, which essentially could let a user make all hell break loose.

It's as simple as briefly gaining access to an elevated command prompt on a workstation and typing the following code;

REG ADD "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\sethc.exe" /v Debugger /t REG_SZ /d "C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe"

After that, the user can return to the workstation at a later time and press the SHIFT key five times (which normally invokes sticky keys) and an elevated command prompt is launched. From there, you can launch any process -- even Explorer -- and do anything you like as you would if you were logged on. 

The hack has been unpatched for some time now, and appears to work in both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Additionally, if the hack is in place, it's possible to perform a similar hack via RDP session. Once in place, it is virtually undetectable aside from the registry key. Essentially, the above code sets the debugger for Sticky Keys to the executable file for the command line applet, which is run at the system level when the machine is locked.

Update: This same hack works on Windows 8 Consumer Preview at time of writing. As noted by many others, this is not really an exploit and has existed for some time now, however, it can be a little fun to try on your own workstation.

Patch Tuesday: Microsoft fixing 27 vulnerabilities

June looks like a busy month for Microsoft, having set out to correct 27 vulnerabilities in total with the majority of the critical updates related to the company's web browser, Internet Explorer. As is the trend these days, Microsoft is patching most of the software due to holes in the software which allow for remote code execution and elevation of privilege by external intruders.

The updates will be available for download later today (Tuesday 12th June 2012) globally, but for most users who have Windows Update on automatic, they need not worry. Obviously those who update their computers or networks manually, we recommend updating as soon as possible.

Below is an overview of the affected software in this month's 'Patch Tuesday':

• Windows (XP SP3, Vista, 7, Server 2003/2008)
• Windows Remote Desktop
• Internet Explorer
• .NET Framework
• Windows Lync
• Microsoft Dynamics AX Enterprise Portal

Several of the updates (which are for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems) will require restarts in order for them to become effective. Microsoft has a page which lists all of the updates they send out each month, users canview specific details here.

Better Explorer Beta 1

Better Explorer is a replacement for the standard Windows Explorer with more features for more convenience. Among other features, Better Explorer has Tabs, Ribbon interface, additional conditional tabs and so on!

This Project is designed for use with Windows 7 (it WILL NOT work on older operating systems).

It also works on the Windows 8 Release Preview.

The main goals of this project are:

- Adding Ribbon Control UI like in Windows 8 (Implemented)

- Adding tab functionality together with use of standard explorer browser control (Implemented)

- Adding additional features like:

• Changing Library icons (conditional tab for Libraries) (Implemented)
• File operation with files and folders (Implemented)
• Synchronized command prompt
• Change of folder icons (conditional tab for folders)
• Extended Jump list support (Windows 7) (Implemented)
• Extended search conditional tab like extended search pane in Vista (Windows 7) (Implemented)

Beta 1 Changes

There were a lot of changes, including:

• Translations into 10 different languages (the translations are not complete and will be updated soon)
• Conditional Select
• new tools for managing archives
• Folder Tools tab
• new search bar and Search Tab
• new image editing tools
• update function
• many bug fixes, stability fixes, and memory leak fixes
• other new features as well!

Note: This is beta software. Do not install this if you don't know what you are doing!

Download: Better Explorer Beta 1 | 14.1 MB (Open Source)

View: Better Explorer Website

Transform Windows 7/Vista/XP to Mac OS X Lion Transformation Skin Pack

Have You ever feel bored with running Windows XP, Vista, or 7 on Your PC/Laptop? while You think You want to change into running Mac OS (made by Apple) on Your computer. Well, We all know that to buy an Apple product, it needed a big budget in cost even to running Mac OS on Your computer

However for all those Windows users out there whom You think that You have a small budget to run Mac OS on Your computer, You can stop Your worrying, it's because You can now transform Your Windows XP/Vista/7 (32, 64 bit) into Mac OS using Lion Transformation Skin Pack. Well, unlike the previous one pack named Leopard Skin Transoformation (it doesn't worked well), but now You can be happy because this Lion it worked properly, like I've used it on my own PC and it running well so far. 

With using Lion Transformation Skin Pack, now You're enable to using Your Windows OS similar as like Mac OS. Lion Transformation Skin Pack will also customize the fonts and sounds on your computer, along with the colors and the wallpaper.

Well, here are some screenshots of Lion Skin Pack I took from my own PC:

Double click on image(s)to view larger

This is the menu "START"

Desktop Lion Skin Pack Appearance

Windows Documents folder/files Lion Skin Pack

The Browser (Safari) Looks like with Lion Skin Pack

Mac OS X Lion Trnsformation Pack on Windows 7/XP/Vista

To transform Your Windows XP/VISTA/7 (32, 64 bit) into Mac OS X Lion Skin Pack, just simply download the ZIP file(s) for free (freeware) from the link below given by Softpedia, then extract the file(s) and then You install to Your Windows OS, to finish just restart your PC.

Download | Lion Transformation Pack (62.1 MB / Windows XP / 7 / 7 x64

Use Middle Mouse Click to Open and Close Windows

Of course, you can quickly and easily open a new window for a running program by just using akeyboard shortcut key Ctrl + N. However, if you are looking for an alternate way (to open and close a running program’s window) with your mouse, here is how you can do that in Windows 7.

In windows 7, just put your mouse curser over the programs icon shown on taskbar and click the middle mouse button (scroll wheel).

On the other hand, you can close any of a program’s open windows by middle-clicking the window’sTaskbar thumbnail image.

Note: This will works with programs that support multiple open windows, such as Internet Explorer,Windows Explorer, Microsoft Word, Excel, etc

Unable to Change Desktop Background in Windows 7

Sometimes you cannot change your desktop wallpaper in Windows 7. For example, you see a black background even though you change your background picture. Another instance is, when you try to right-click a picture and then select ‘Set as desktop background’, you will get an error message “This image can't be set as wallpaper. An internal error occurred”, etc.

This can be caused by one or more following reasons.

There are third-party applications like Display Manager from Samsung. (Resolution, uninstall)

Background setting in the power options is disabled

The Remove background images option is incorrectly checked (Control Panel\Ease of Access\Ease of Access Center\Make the computer easier to see)

Domain policy disables the background changing

Corrupted TranscodedWallpaper.jpg

You are using Windows 7 Starter or Windows 7 Home Basic; these versions of Windows 7 do not support changing the desktop background picture”If you have such an issue, just read this Microsoft article (KB2504610) to know how to fix it quickly.

Windows 8 Clock Logon Screensaver in Windows 7

The developer preview version of Microsoft’s forthcoming operating system Windows 8 shows that it will have lot more advanced features and functionalities than the previous versions. Moreover, its UI has also slightly changed as compared to the earlier versions, for example logon screensaver and clock. If you like to have this Clock logon screensaver on your Windows 7, here is how it is.

W8Clock Logon Screensaver is a little, portable app, that provides Windows 8 style screensaver with clock in Metro style to Windows 7 and also has an alarm function.

The program is easy to install and uninstall. Just run it (no installation needed), select Install button to install W8Clock Logon Screensaver. To uninstall, run it again and choose Uninstall option.

From the setting menu, you can change background color, font color, time format, time and date background, transparency, etc.

Interested users can download (977KB) W8Clock Logon Screensaver at source here.

Cleanup Windows Installer Unused Files

Cleanup Windows Installer Unused Files 

Windows Installer is an essential component for Windows Operating System, which lets users install, uninstall and maintain software programs. When you install a program, which use Windows Installer, the setup will create a directory (%SystemRoot%\Installer) and backup necessary files in that directory in order to repair, update or uninstall the program at a later time. 

However, if you cancel an installation before it complete, files extracted to %SystemRoot%\Installer directory will not be deleted. Over the time, this directory flooded with megabytes of junk files!

If you are one of those people who like to do a regular cleanup on their computer, here is how to delete Windows Installer unused files with a simple tool called WICleanup.

WICleanup is a little, portable tool and quite easy to use. Download and extract the zip file. Right click the ‘wiclleanupUI.exe’ and select ‘Run as administrator’ (in Windows 7) and then click ‘Scan’ button. It will scan and list used files. Select files and delete them.

WICleanup can be downloaded at source here.