TIPS FOR WINDOWS 8.1

1. View Options From The Start Button

The Start button is back. It is similar to the Start button found on Windows 7. Left-click on the button (bottom left of the screen) and it will redirect you to the Start Screen. If you right-click on it, it will show options for Run, Search, Desktop, Shut Down, and many more.

2. Log In Straight To Desktop

When you start your computer, by default it will take you to the Start Screen. There is a way to start your computer and go straight to the Desktop instead. Right-click on the desktop toolbar, select Properties and go to the Navigation tab. Under the Start Screen options, enable the box "When I sign in or close all applications on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start".

3. Customize Home Screen Tiles

Besides resizing icons, you can also customize your home screen tiles on Windows 8.1. Tomove and group tiles, just go to your Start Screen and right-click on any of the tiles. After grouping your tiles, you can also name them by filling in the Name Group field.

4. Customize Start Screen Background

Windows 8.1 also allows you to customize your start screen. Just swipe the Settings Charmmenu and tap on Settings. Click on Personalize to change the colors of the background as well as the accent.

5. Create A Lock Screen Slideshow

Previously, your Windows lock screen could only be a static photo. On Windows 8.1, you are able to create a lock screen slideshow with your favorite photos. To do this, go to theSettings Charm menu, click on Change PC Settings, select PC and Devices then click onLock Screen. Enable the option On to create a lock screen slideshow.

6. Use Internet Explorer 11 Reading View

When you load any webpage using Internet Explorer 11, a Reading View icon can be seen on the address bar. If you click on it, Internet Explorer will automatically reload the page anddisplay a clean version – free of ads. This makes it very easy to read as there are no distractions. However, this feature is not available for the desktop version of Internet Explorer 11.

7. Make Use Of 3D Printing Support

Windows 8.1 is the first operating system to provide support for 3D printing! You can print from the Windows Store apps and desktop applications. For more information on how this works, click here.

8. Customize Privacy Options

Windows 8.1 offers you options to set what devices and data are used by apps found in the Windows Store. You can allow or block apps from accessing your personal information. You are also able to turn off your advertising ID so that advertisers do not use your personal data to display personalised ads. To customize these settings, go to Change PC settings and navigate to Privacy.

9. Smart Files

Smart Files is a new feature on Windows 8.1 that allows you to view your SkyDrive files without having to download everything onto your computer. When you browse through your SkyDrive folder in File Explorer, you’ll see a column called Availability.

By default, all the files are listed as Online-only, which means that as long as you are connected to the Internet, you can view the files without actually having them on your computer’s hard drive. If you want a particular SkyDrive file or folder to be available offline, just right-click on it and select the Make available offline option.

10. Customize Quiet Hours

Integrated notification pop-ups were first introduced on Windows 8. What’s new on Windows 8.1 is the option to turn the notifications off or set a period of time for which the notifications may appear. To do this, go to Change PC settings, click on Search and Apps, select Notifications, and configure the relevant options.

11. More Windowing Options For New Style Apps

On Windows 8, users could split their screen to run up to 8 apps on two 2560 x 1600 monitors. Depending on your screen size, some may only be able to split and run 2 apps. On Windows 8.1, you can do all that and more – you can add another app and resize it so that it runs horizontally (see screenshot). However, that works only if the developer has allowed it for the app.

12. Scale Each Screen Independently

In the past, Windows allowed you to scale up icons and fonts to a maximum of 500%. However, what is best for your screen may not necessarily translate on a secondary display. Text and icons may not be in proportion to one another. To solve this problem, Windows 8.1 allows you to scale each screen independently. To customize these settings, right-click on the Windows Desktop, select Screen Resolution, and select Make text and other items larger or smaller.

13. Discover The App Bars

The App bar is featured on every new Windows 8.1 app. To enable this option, right-click on the app’s screen and it will show the app’s functions and options.

14. Configure Automatic App Updates

Unlike Windows 8, app updates in Windows 8.1 will be automatically installed by default without the user’s consent. To stop this from happening, open Windows Store and access the Settings Charm menu – the charm must only be activated once in the Windows Store or else it will not display the required menus. In the Settings Charm menu, select Settingsand navigate to App Updates. Enable or disable the option to automatically update apps.

15. Prevent Apps From Running In The Background

Previously on Windows 8, when you drag a Start Screen app down to the bottom of the screen, it will close the app. However, on Windows 8.1, this action will only make the app disappear – it is still running in the background. To close the app, drag the app down to the bottom of the screen but instead of letting it go, hold on to it. Wait until the app card flips over, and only now the app is closed.

16. Use Hands-Free Mode

One of the coolest features that not many know about is found in the new Food & Drink app. If you do not like to get your computer all dirty when you are cooking, then this app is for you. Going through the recipe, you can set the app on Hands-Free Mode. It will detect your hand motion via your computer’s webcam.

17. Restore Libraries

By default, Windows 8.1 has hidden Libraries. If you want to get it back, open File Explorerand you will find the newly renamed This PC view. Here, select View, and click onNavigation pane. Lastly, enable the option to Show Libraries.

18. Delete Old Windows Installation Files

When you upgrade from an old version of Windows, Windows keeps a C:\Windows.old with your old files. You can delete this folder to free up some storage space. To do this, Searchfor Disk Cleanup, and click on Free up disk space shortcut. Next, click on Clean up system files, enable the Previous Windows Installation(s) option, and run a disk cleanup. If this option does not appear, that means there is nothing to clean up.

19. Use Help & Tips App

For further help on how to get the most out of Windows 8.1, an app has been added toguide you on pretty much everything. There are short animations to show you the correct gestures and concepts to master Windows 8.1. You can find this app on the Start Screen, titled Help+Tips.

20. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Last but not least, we have put together a list of 15 new keyboard shortcuts you can use on Windows 8.1.

Shortcut	Action
Windows Key + S	Open Search Charm to search Windows and Web
Windows Key + Q	Search within the opened app
Windows Key + F	Search files
Windows Key + Z	Get Commands and Context Menus within an app
Windows Key + . + Right Arrow	Snap app to the right
Windows Key + . + Left Arrow	Snap app to the left
Ctrl + Plus (+)	Zoom in on Start Screen
Ctrl + Minus (-)	Zoom out on Start Screen
Windows Key + Down Arrow	Close an app
Windows Key + Start Typing	Search your PC
Windows Key + O	Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)
Windows Key + Ctrl + Spacebar	Change to a previously selected input language
Windows Key + P	Choose a presentation display mode
Windows Key + X	Open Start Button options
Windows Key + Home	Minimize all but the active desktop window

Most useful Microsoft Management Console Snap-in Control Files (.msc files)

Hello, below you’ll find most useful Microsoft Management Console Snap-in Control Files that would be timesaving solution in your daily administration work. Also table with .msc files available in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2012

Most useful .msc consoles are:

1. Computer Management compmgmt.msc

I think this is the common console that we’re opening everyday

2. Device Manager devmgmt.msc

Also basic well-known console

3. Disk Management diskmgmt.msc

Fast access to useful console:

4. Shared Folders fsmgmt.msc

5. Event Viewer eventvwr.msc

Known console:

6. Services services.msc

7. Task Scheduler taskschd.msc

Fast access to task scheduler

8. Windows Firewall with Advanced Security WF.msc

Simple to learn

9. Local Group Policy Editor gpedit.msc

10. Local Users and Groups lusrmgr.msc

Looser console

.msc files in Windows 2008 and Windows 2012

Search:

MSC file name	MMC name	Windows Server 2008	Windows Server 2012

adfs.msc	Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)	+
AdRmsAdmin.msc	Active Directory Rights Management Services	+	+
adsiedit.msc	ADSI edit	+	+
azman.msc	Authorization Manager	+	+
certlm.msc	Certificates (Local Computer)		+
certmgr.msc	Certificates (Current User)	+	+
certsrv.msc	Certification Authority	+	+
certtmpl.msc	Certificate Templates	+	+
CIADV.MSC	Indexing Service	+
CluAdmin.msc	Failover Cluster Manager	+	+
comexp.msc	Component Services	+	+
compmgmt.msc	Computer Management	+	+
da6to4.msc	Performance Monitor (Network Interfaces)	+
daiphttps.msc	Performance Monitor (HTTPS traffic)	+
daipsecdos.msc	Performance Monitor (IPsec)	+
daisatap.msc	Performance Monitor (ISATAP)	+
DAMgmt.msc	DirectAccess	+
datrds.msc	Performance Monitor (Teredo Server)	+	+
devmgmt.msc	Device Manager	+	+
dfsmgmt.msc	DFS Management	+	+
dhcpmgmt.msc	DHCP	+	+
diskmgmt.msc	Disk Management	+	+
dnsmgmt.msc	DNS Manager	+	+
domain.msc	Active Directory Domains and Trusts	+	+
dsa.msc	Active Directory Users and Computers	+	+
dssite.msc	Active Directory Sites and Cervices	+	+
eventvwr.msc	Event Viewer	+	+
FailoverClusters.SnapInHelper.msc	Failover Cluster Manager	+	+
fsmgmt.msc	Shared Folders	+	+
fsrm.msc	File Server Resource Manager	+	+
fxsadmin.msc	Microsoft Fax Service Manager	+	+
gpedit.msc	Local Group Policy Editor	+	+
gpmc.msc	Group Policy Managerment	+	+
gpme.msc	Group Policy Managerment Editor	+	+
gptedit.msc	Group Policy Starter GPO Editor	+
gptedit.msc	Local Group Policy Editor		+
HCSCFG.MSC	Health Registration Authority	+	+
idmumgmt.msc	Microsoft Identity Management for UNIX	+	+
iis.msc	Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager	+	+
iis6.msc	Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 Manager	+	+
lsdiag.msc	RD Licensing Diagnoser		+
lusrmgr.msc	Local Users and Groups	+	+
Microsoft.IdentityServer.msc	AD FS		+
NAPCLCFG.MSC	NAP Client Configuration	+	+
nfsmgmt.msc	Services for Network File System	+	+
nps.msc	Network Policy Server	+	+
ocsp.msc	Online Responder	+	+
perfmon.msc	Performance Monitor	+	+
pkiview.msc	Enterprise PKI	+	+
printmanagement.msc	Print Management	+	+
remoteprograms.msc	RemoteApp Manager (Local)	+
rrasmgmt.msc	Routing and Remote Access	+	+
rsop.msc	Resultant Set of Policy	+	+
SanMmc.msc	Storage Manager for SANs (Local)	+
sbmgr.msc	Remote Desktop Connection Manager	+
ScanManagement.msc	Scan Management	+	+
secpol.msc	Local Security Policy	+	+
ServerManager.msc	Server Manager	+
services.msc	Services	+	+
storagemgmt.msc	Share and Storage Management	+	+
storexpl.msc	Storage Explorer	+
tapimgmt.msc	Telephony	+	+
taskschd.msc	Task Scheduler	+	+
tpm.msc	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management	+	+
tsadmin.msc	Remote Desktop Services Manager	+
tsconfig.msc	Remote Desktop Session Host Configuration	+
tsgateway.msc	RD Gateway Manager	+	+
tsmmc.msc	Remote Desktops	+
virtmgmt.msc	Hyper-V Manager	+	+
wbadmin.msc	Windows Server Backup	+	+
WdsMgmt.msc	Windows Deployment Services	+	+
WF.msc	Windows Firewall with Advanced Security	+	+
winsmgmt.msc	WINS	+	+
wlbadmin.msc	Windows Server Backup		+
WmiMgmt.msc	WMI Management	+	+
WSRM.msc	Windows System Resource Manager	+	+
wsus.msc	Update Services		+

Step-By-Step: Assigning VMs with Static IP addresses in a Virtual Network

Hello Folks,
in order to follow along you should be familiar with IaaS.  The easiest way to do that is to listen to the Windows Azure for IT Pros Jump Start on Microsoft Virtual Academy.
Over the last few weeks we published a lot of information regarding Microsoft Azure.  I’ve actually concentrated on the networking side of things because after many conversations with ITPros it was clear that guidance on extending your own datacenter to the cloud was the first step needed.
So with that in mind I wrote several articles on connecting your local network with a (or many) virtual networks in the cloud.

• Step-By-Step: Move a VM to a different Vnet on Azure
• Step-by-Step: Multi-Site Azure VPN
• Step-by-Step: Configure VNet to VNet Connectivity in Azure

How ever last week while I was in Redmond someone pointing out that I had left off an very important topic.  How do I assign a static IP address to a Virtual Machine running in one of my Virtual Networks on Azure.
Well…  Say no more .  Here is how it’d done.
Before we get to the steps.  There are a few things you need to know about IP addresses on Azure.
as you can see in the screen capture below.  There are 2 IP address for every VM.
The VIP (Virtual IP address):   The public IP address pointing to the cloud service where the VM deployed to.
and The DIP (an internal IP assigned by Windows Azure with DHCP): The IP address assigned to the VM for communicating within the Windows Azure virtual Network.

In this articles we will set the INTERNAL address to a static one.  This could be done because the server is a DNS server, because you have services or LOB apps that connect to the server in question using a IP address instead of a FQDN.  whatever your reason. the process is the same.

Step 1: Verify that a specific IP address is available

For sake of argument I want to set my DC02 machine to 10.2.2.10.  as you can see above it is currently set to 10.2.2.4.
To see if 10.2.2.10 is available use the following command in your Microsoft Azure PowerShell console.
Test-AzureStaticVNetIP –VNetName vNet1 –IPAddress 10.2.2.10

If you get a “IsAvailable  : True” as the result, you’re good to proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Specify a static internal IP for a existing VM

Still in your Microsoft Azure PowerShell console, type the following command, and then press ENTER. (the command is on one line).  Please note that the Machine will need to restarted to start using the new IP address.
Get-AzureVM -Name DC02 –ServiceName PR-DC02 | Set-AzureStaticVNetIP –IPAddress 10.2.2.10 | Update-AzureVM
and the result of the command is:

Once you get the “OperationStatus = Succeeded”.  if you want to verify that the VM has really been set to the new address, type the following command, and then press ENTER.
Get-AzureVM -Name DC02 –ServiceName PR-DC02

Once my Machine restarted I opened a Remote Desktop Session and verified the settings.

You will notice that the address still shows up as “IPv4 address assigned by DHCP” , and that the address you specified IS the one being assigned (10.2.2.10). But notice the Lease Expires field…
The way azure deals with static IP addresses is to create a reservation for 135 years… it’s pretty safe that it’s going to exceed the life of that machine.
I hope this helps.  Feel free to send us comments and let us know what scenarios you want us to explore for you.
Cheers!

mini software download

http://download.exdat.com

Ways to Fix or Restore Broken .EXE .LNK .COM Association Caused by Virus - part 1

HAI GUYS.

One day you might be using your computer, and after installing a piece software or you are recovering and trying to cleanup the system from a malware attack, there might be a few issues which stop the computer running properly. One of the common problems which malicious software or a faulty install can leave behind is the system not being able to run any programs, and you receive an error when you try to launch a program such as your web browser or Word etc.

Windows can’t open this file:
File: [name.exe]



This happens when your system no longer recognizes that when you double click on an executable (.EXE) file it should launch the program and not be opened by another program like a text file or image would for example. A corrupted .EXE association will then stop you running any programs until the system has been told to execute the file when you open it. Another related common error message you could receive is:


This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action…



Because these errors can stop you running tools such as Regedit, Task Manager and even the Command Prompt as they’re all executable .EXE files, fixing it is quite often not as easy as it might seem. Sometimes other associations may also have been affected, so you may not be able to import something like a .REG file into the registry to fix it. Obviously, the first and most important file extension to fix is the .EXE extension. Once this sorted and working, you are able to run the registry editor and other tools to start repairing other broken extensions. Here’s a selection of ways for fixing .EXE extension issue and get your programs launching properly again.

Getting to the Command Prompt

If you are trying any of the fixes below that require the use of the Command Prompt, you might not be able to get to it because you would obviously have to type cmd.exe into a Run dialog or run the cmd.exe shortcut from the Accessories Start menu. There is however, a simple trick to get around this without needing to do anything like renaming files in the Windows folder. Follow the instructions below.

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc simultaneously to bring up the Windows Task Manager.

2. XP users can skip to step 3. The extra step needed for Vista, 7 and 8 is to run an elevated Command prompt or you will receive an “Access denied” message when typing in the commands. In Task Manager click the Processes tab, then click on the “Show processes from all users” button at the bottom. If you don’t have the button and only a tick box you should already have administrator rights.



3. Click the File menu and move the mouse cursor over to New Task (Run…), but DON’T click it yet. Now press and hold the Ctrl key while left clicking on New Task (Run…) to bring up the Command Prompt.



Tip: The method of using Ctrl+Shift+Esc to access Task Manager is also quite helpful when you have a rogue antivirus program on the system that launches itself every time you try to run an executable. Running a program via the New Task (Run…) option will let you run an executable file even though the rogue is intercepting file executions. As Task Manager is also usable, any suspicious or known processes can be killed and then one of the below files to restore the executable file type or a malware removal tool can be used.

1. Repair using a .REG file

If the EXE association is not too badly damaged, you may be able to repair it by importing the correct values into the registry. Simply download the below file (make sure you right click and select Save As) for your o/s and double click it to import into the registry.

Download Vista and 7 EXE Fix.reg

Download XP EXE Fix.reg

If you cannot import the .REG file because Windows cannot find the registry editor, then try importing from the Command Prompt using the method above to open a CMD window. Type the following command:


REG IMPORT [drag and drop the .reg file onto the CMD window]



Now try out your .EXE files, a reboot won’t be needed to see if it has worked or not.

EXE Files Always Open with Notepad or Other Applications OR Can’t Open EXE Files in Windows

You dont have to do that much. This is easier:

1. Open command prompt

2. Type "assoc .exe=exefile" and press enter.

done.

METHOD A: Using Ready-Made Registry Script

Download following ZIP file, extract it and run the extracted REG file. It'll ask for confirmation, accept it. It should solve the problem.

Download Registry Script

METHOD B: Manually Editing Windows Registry

1. Open Command Prompt by typing command in RUN dialog box.

2. Now provide following command:

cd\windows

3. It'll activate Windows folder. Now provide following command to open Registry Editor:

regedit

NOTE: If you can't open "regedit", press CTRL+ALT+DEL keys and open "Task Manager". Now click on "File" menu and hold down the "CTRL" key and click on "New Task" menu. It'll open a Command Prompt window. Now provide regedit.exe command and press Enter. It'll open registry editor without any problem.

4. Now go to following key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.exe

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to exefile

5. Now go to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command

In right-side pane, change value of Default key to:

"%1" %*

6. That's it. Now exit Registry Editor and restart your Windows. Now you should be able to open EXE files without any problem.

METHOD C: Using Microsoft Fixit Tool

Microsoft has also released an automatic Fixit tool to fix this annoying problem. This Fixit tool is based on the same method given above in this tutorial.

You can download it using following link:

Download Fixit Tool