Useful Windows Vista Tips and Tricks

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This Vista tips and tricks page is created to help you with out with Windows Vista.
Because Windows Vista is quite a new operating system, many people have to discover where to find things, what the new functions are, etcetera.
My purpose is to discover Vista myself and to share that knowledge with you.

This page will be updated often and more tips are coming so return to this page often or bookmark it so you can find it easily.

Below you will find the tips which can help you out with your problems in Vista.

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useful tips or tricks for Vista? Is there a trick our visitors need to
know about?

Please share your own tips and tricks with us and our visitors! We are very curious!
Thanks for your tips and tricks already.

Tip #1: Shrink a partition

How to shrink a partition?

Step 1:
Click with your right mouse button on 'Computer' and then click 'manage'.
The next screen is shown.



In this screen you click in the left pane on 'Disk Management' below 'Storage'.
Then the next screen is shown.



Now you see all your partitions which you have created. To shrink a partition you simple right click on the partition and in the menu which appears you click 'Shrink Volume'.
The next screen is then shown.



Here you can enter the amount of space to shrink in MB.

If there is empty space available behind the partition there is also the possibility to extend the the partition using the option 'Extend Volume'.
There one thing you can not do. You can not move a partition or extend it with an empty space which is in front of a partition.

Tip #2: Use ReadyBoost to speed up your system!

What is ReadyBoost and what is SuperFetch?
Microsoft introduces, using Windows, these new techniques, which have to speed up your computer which is used for daily usage.

How do these technologies work?
Do you really get a super system when you extend the memory using a USB stick?
The memory in computers increased dramatically since a few years ago. This is logical because there is nothing what makes a computer more stable and faster than extra memory. Microsoft wants to use that new memory maximum and equipped Windows Vista with a few techniques which have to take care of this.

The memory manager of Windows Vista can change the grouping of the memory any time, which decreases the chance of overloading a part of the memory. Microsoft calls this 'dynamic kernel address space'.

The possibility to assign memory dynamically is also used to decide which data have to be loaded into the memory and which data is mend for the virtual memory. Previous versions of Windows did not make any difference between data which is used much and which is used less. Windows Vista does it on another way. SuperFetch doesn't look at the data which is unused the longest, but it predicts which data will be needed as first again and keeps this data stored in the memory.If there will be any free space in the RAM-memory then SuperFetch will fill these spaces with the data of which it predicts it will be needed as first again.

Read more about ReadyBoost and SuperFetch...

Tip #3: How to disable User Account Control?

Without any doubt is Vista's most irritating tool the User Account Control (UAC). The User Account Control takes care that Windows asks permission to several system sources over and over again.
I have to admit that this standard setting helps you to keep your computer clean, but do you really want to give permission for every small setting change, like changing the Windows' standard font?

I think your answer is NO!

Read more about User Account Control...

Tip #4: How to make screenshot quick and easy in Vista?

Vista has a great tool to make screenshots very easily. This tool is called the 'Snipping tool'.
Using this tool you can make screenshots of your screen or a selection of it very easily.

This tool can be found at:

• Start
• Programs
• Accessories
• Snipping Tool

• Free-form snip
• Rectangular snip
• Window snip
• Full screen snip

Below you find a screenshot I made using the 'free-form snip'. So if you need to make a screenshot of something on your screen you can use this tool for it.

Tip #5: Enable hidden built in administrator account

• Select cmd prompt run as Administrator
• Type: 'net user administrator /active:yes', press enter
• To disable type: 'net user administrator /active:no'

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish Kg from India

Tip #6: Display multiple clocks

With huge popularity of social websites there is huge possibility that you have found some friends which are spread across the planet? With Windows Vista, you can display up to 3 clocks, each representing a different time zone. You know immediately what time is in your friend's country. This can help you to know in what time you can contact your friend. Of course these clocks can also have other purpose but this with social website was a simple example. To display multiple clocks in windows vista fallow steps below:

1. In Windows Vista, click the clock in the notification area, right of the taskbar.

2. The clock and a complete schedule appear. Click Change settings of the date and time.

3. Open Additional Clocks tab.

4. Then check the Show this clock, select a new time zone and then give a name to the clock.

5. You can then repeat the operation for a third clock. Click OK when you are finished.

6. Now when you spend a few moments with mouse pointer on the clock your other clocks will be displayed.

7. The time your friends will also be displayed after double clicking the clock.

Tip #7: How to disable unnecessary features in Windows Vista

Windows Vista is automatically installed with many features, not always useful for the use of your computer. You can optimize your system and win a few seconds to start disabling the functionality you're not using. Here is how:

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. Click on the Programs icon.

3. Then click the Enable or disable Windows features of the Programs and Features heading.

4. Click the Continue button.

5. The list of features of the system is displayed. Uncheck the boxes just before the features you do not and you want to disable. For example, you can uncheck the box in front of optional components for Tablet PC if you do not have a Tablet PC, before games if you do not use Windows games before DFS Replication Service Windows if you do not need to synchronize files between multiple computers, etc..

6. Finally, click on the OK button at any time you can re-checking features and return them in their previous state.

Tip #8: How to create a self extracting self installing program, a setup file

I know a very cool trick...

First Go to start and then run and then type "iexpress" without the quotations. This will open a window which will let you create a self extracting self installing program. Just complete it and there we are!!! Your done!!!

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Adam Devey from United Kingdom

Tip #9: Increase performance easily

The real performance hit in Windows Vista is within its power management settings. In the advanced settings, there are spots to set the minimum and maximum CPU speed. Even on "high performance" the minimum isn't set to 100%, so to fix the problem, either create a custom profile or just edit the "high performance" profile to have a minimum and maximum CPU speed of 100%. This will cause Vista not to slow the CPU down, so you will have ultimate performance. Vista runs better and there is a noticeable responsiveness to it when the CPU setting is fixed. This setting is good for desktops and laptops on plugged in power. Adjust as needed for laptops on batteries, but that should be on a separate power profile, anyway.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jason from United States

Tip #10: Set the Run option in the Windows Vista Start menu

The Run option in the menu of Windows XP is a handy way to access various features of the operating system. Windows Vista Versions do not have that option because it have a search box on the Start menu, where you just enter the name of the desired option or for the results to appear.

In general, the option to search in Windows Vista is more practical, but it does not record a history of words, terms and commands searched. Therefore, many users do not like to use the menu of modern and sophisticated operating system from Microsoft.

The good news is that you can add a much desired option Run in the Start menu of Windows Vista and best of all is that you will not need to change registration or administrative settings. Follow the instructions below and see how easy it is.

1) Clicking the right mouse button over the symbol of the Start menu, choose "Properties."

2) In the properties window that opens, go to the "Start Menu" and click "Customize ...".

3) Now just check the option "Run Command" to implement the changes made, click "OK" and on "Apply" then

4) There, the Run command is within reach of your mouse.

If you from some reason need to remove this Run command from start menu simply repeat above steps but at the last step you have to uncheck file "Run Command".

Tip #11: Make multiple selections in Windows Explorer

You probably know that it is possible to select multiple files in Windows Explorer by holding down the [Ctrl] key while you click on the files. But the handling sometimes leads to false movements requiring any re-select ...

We have more to offer:

From Windows Explorer, click Organize and then Folder Options. Go to the "View" tab. Scroll down the list "Advanced Settings" to the end and check the “Use the checkboxes to select items”.

Therefore, whenever the mouse flies over a file, a check box appears, allowing you to select multiple files without using the keyboard. This is particularly useful in display list mode.

Tip #12: What is the keyboard shortcut key to display the 3D?

Windows Vista has two modes to switch from one application to another: the classic mode (which displays a miniature view of the application rather than its icon), and a mode called "Flip 3D" tilt windows applications by a movement of rotation in 3 dimensions.

To activate Flip 3D, use: The key combination [Windows] + [Tab] (in this instant you exit the Flip 3D mode when you release the Windows key). Or the [Ctrl] + [Windows] + [Tab] (in this mode to the PC remains in Flip 3D mode after releasing the [Windows] until you select a window).

Tip one: once the Flip 3D mode activated, press [Down Arrow] or [Right Arrow] to scroll through the applications forward. [Up Arrow] or [Left Arrow] to scroll through the applications to the back. You can also use the mouse wheel to scroll through windows. Remember that the switch uses classical him, the key combination [Alt] + [Tab]. Note: Some old keyboards do not have the [Windows] button.

Tip #13: Adding shortcut of "My Computer" in "Favorite Links"

To adding shortcut of "My Computer" in "Favorite Links"

1. Create shortcut of "Computer" on Desktop

2. Open Documents folder

3. Right click in Favorite Links empty space and select "open favorite links folder"

4. Drag "Computer" Shortcut

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Rebel from Afghanistan

Tip #14: How to stack windows side by side

1. Take 1 of the windows you want on the screen and restore it down.

2. Now right click the window you want on the other side and click the line that says "show windows side by side".

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Pramu from Sri Lanka

Tip #15: How to switch between windows

well, there are a few ways to switch between windows. here are some ways:-

1.hold windows logo+tab

2.hold ctrl+windows logo+tab

3. Maybe you have the windows switch betwen icon and if you double click that the windows will switch. Or you can right click the icon, click properties and in the shortcut bar press a button as the shortcut(it will be ctrl+alt+key){eg:if you press s the shortcut will be ctrl+alt+s.}

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Pramu from Sri Lanka

Tip #16: How to hide a folder

1. choose a folder
2. right click it
3. press properties
4. tick the hidden box
5. it will be lighter than other files
6. click any file and press the alt button
7. press tools
8. select folder options
9. tick the "hide all hidden folders" button
10. prees apply then ok
11. to get it back press alt in the sme file the hidden folder is in an do instructions 6 to 8
12. then tick the "show all the hidden folders" button
13. press apply then ok

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Pramu from Sri Lanka

Tip #17: Rotate Screen

Not sure if its new but I found something I didnt know.

To rotate your screen press ctrl+alt+arrow key up,down,left.right turns your screen in that direction.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Steve from United States

This is not a Vista tip, it's a feature in computers with Intel-based grafics. You can edit wich keys to use in Intel software that you find in systray near the clock (looks like a blue screen).

This information was provided by Bengt from Sweden.

Tip #18: Adjust the size of the home screen icons

To adjust the size of the home screen icons,hold the control button down and use the scroll wheel on your mouse to make the icons bigger or smaller(up scroll=bigger icons and down scroll=smaller icons).

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jay from United States

Tip #19: Share more tricks, please

hello !!!!! all of u , by joining this website i am expecting to get some useful tricks about vista and i promise to share mine tricks too

This was written by Atin from India

Tip #20: Vista Visual Master

Vista Visual Master is a cool program that lets you customize vista to your wishes you can personalize the logon screen without having to go in to the registry, and much more...its a must have if you want to make vista unique. Download it here:
http://download.cnet.com/Vista-Visual-Master/3000-2072_4-10810026.html?tag=mncol

This was written by Robert from United States

Tip #21: Vista: Install Printer Via IP Address

How to install a printer by TCP/IP address.

1. Click Start and type print in the search box. Click Printers.
2. Select Add a Network, Wireless, or a Bluetooth Printer.
3. Click The Printer That I Want Isn?t Listed.
4. Select Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname. Click Next.

5. Select TCP/IP Device in the Device type list.
6. Type the hostname or the IP address oft he printer. Click Next.
7. Windows Vista should find the printer if the printer is on and configured correctly. You may have to specify more information. If prompted, Select the type of network adapter installed in the printer in the Device Type drop-down list. You can also click Custom to specify custom settings for the network printer. Click Next.

Windows Vista will now walk you through installing the drivers for the printer. After that is complete, you should be able to print to the printer via direct IP address. 

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish.K.G from India

Tip #22: To make Windows Vista admin account act like XP

On Windows Vista Business, Enterprise or Ultimate:

1. Click Start, type secpol.msc in the search box, then press Enter
2. From the list to the left, choose Local Policies, then Security Options
3. Set Accounts: Administrator account status to Enabled
4. Set User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account to Disabled

 On Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium:

1. Click Start, type cmd in the search box, right click on the program cmd.exe and select Run as Administrator
2. In the command prompt window, type net users Administrator /active:yes then press Enter, you should receive a confirmation saying; The command completed successfully
3. Click Start, type regedit in the search box, then press Enter
4. Navigate to the section: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]
Double click FilterAdministratorToken and set it to 0
5. Next, logoff and you will see a new Administrator account is available. Login to this new Administrator account

Your now logged in to Windows Vista with full administrative rights.

You will not receive any security prompts like before and you should

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish.K.G from India

Tip #23: How to install Windows Vista/7 using bootable USB storage device

Requires:
- Windows Vista/7 DVD 0r installation source (setup backup files)
- A 4GB USB 2.0 Storage device (Its recommeded to use USB 2.0 device for optimal performance)

• Plug your USB storage device.
• Run CMD and execute the following commands one by one.
• Diskpart

Run Disk parition utility

• List disk

To get disk index that is used to pefrom disk paritioning.

• Select disk 1

Selects disk to pefrom disk paritioning.

• Clean

Flush your existing all USB drive's partitions.

• Create parition primary

Creates a parition as primary parition.

• Format recommeded

Format your USB drive w/ recommeded parameters. (No need to worry about file system format)

• Active

Set the parition as active to hold bootmgr.

• Exit

To quit Diskpart utlity
Now copy all Windows Vista/7 files to USB storage device... thats all.

• Boot your PC w/ it, you can install Windows Vista/7 via bootable USB storage device.

Note: If you face any trouble to boot w/ it or unable to boot, try this

FIX.

I:\Boot\Bootsect.exe /NT60 I: Where I: is the drive letter of USB storage device

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish.K.G from India

Tip #24: How to Uninstall windows vista on a multiboot system?

1. Boot into other Windows version. Suppose you have Windows XP installed along with Windows Vista, then boot into Windows XP.

2. Insert your Windows Vista Setup DVD in your DVD drive. Click on "Start button -> All Programs -> Accessories". Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run As Administrator". If you are prompted to enter password, enter the password and continue. You can also open Command Prompt in Administrator mode by typing "cmd" in Startmenu Search box and press "Ctrl+Shift+Enter".

3. Now provide following command: [DVD_drive_letter]:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 ALL /force and then press Enter. Suppose your DVD drive letter is F:, then provide following command:

F:\boot\bootsect.exe /nt52 ALL /force

4. Eject the Setup DVD and restart the system. Now your system will start in Windows XP automatically.

5. Now you can safely delete Windows Vista folders to reclaim the disk space:
Program Files
Users
Windows

You can format the whole partition too if its not the boot partition.e.g. if your Windows Vista was installed on a partition other than C:, then you can safely format that partition but if it was installed on C: drive, then don't format it. Just manually delete the above mentioned folders. 

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish.K.G from India

Tip #25: Press Alt + F10 to start laptop recovery

press Alt F10 constantly as soon you turn your computer on, then your computer will "renew" all the softweares to the time you bought it.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Tobias

Tip #26: Change position of Vista taskbar

To change the position of yo windows vista taskbar, right click on taskbar and uncheck the "lock taskbar" option after that, left click and hold taskbar then drag it to any position of yo choice (left, right or up). If you want to keep it in a position you desire, right click taskbar and again check the "lock taskbar! option. Wish Y'all Well.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Aussie Kalegga

Tip #27: Check Windows Vista Activation Status

To check windows vista activation status. Click on the Start Button and key in CMD and hit Enter to start up Command Prompt. At the prompt, type in "slmgr.vbs -dli" After a few seconds you will be presented with a pop-up message with your activation status.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish KG of HCL Infosystems Ltd

Tip #28: Disable the Welcome Center in Windows Vista

To disable the Welcome Center in windows vista 1. Click START -> RUN and type REGEDIT. Click OK. 2. Click the plus sign next to HKEY_LOCAL_USER then SOFTWARE then Microsoft then Windows then CurrentVersion then Run 3. Right-click on the WindowsWelcomeCenter key and select Delete.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish KG of HCL Infosystems Ltd

Tip #29: Restore Previous Versions tab if it is missing

When you try to access the Previous Versions tab that is used with Shadow Copy, it is missing. To bring it back, follow these steps: 1. * Click Start > All Programs > Accessories. * Right-click Command Prompt and select Run As Administrator. 2. Type regsvr32 twext.dll and press Enter. Now give it a try and see if the Previous Versions tab has returned.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish KG of HCL Infosystems Ltd

Tip #30: How to access other user's files

1. Right-click the taskbar
2. Click "Properties"
3. Click the "Start Menu" tab in the window that pops up
4. Click "Customize..."
5. Scroll to the bottom of the list and tick the box that says "Search entire index" under search files.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Justin of teamstormcreep.webs.com

Tip #31: Add Notepad to the contextual menu (right-button menu)

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Rajat from India

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