Run Old Programs in 64-bit Windows 7 with Compatibility Mode Options
Posted on January 17, 2011 - Filed Under Windows 7 | Leave a Comment
The switch from 32-bit versions of Windows to 64-bit versions has been a slow transition. Although Windows XP, Vista, and 7 all have 64-bit versions available, many people still opt for the 32-bit versions. The biggest reason for this is compatibility issues with older programs, hardware, and drivers.
Microsoft recognizes that wanting to use older programs is a barrier for people who may be considering moving to a 64-bit version of Windows. In anticipation of this barrier, the software giant built into Windows 7 the ability to select a variety of compatibility options to ensure that older programs have a good chance to work under the new 64-bit operating system.
The Three Most Underused Applications that Ship with Windows 7
Posted on December 31, 2010 - Filed Under Windows 7 | Leave a Comment
The applications that ship with Windows 7 are not usually considered real solutions. Many users of the operating system think of them as watered down software that can’t be used to get any work real done.
Even though they are free, WordPad, Sticky Notes, and Calculator are three great utilities that have a place in your daily work routine. Learn about how these three underused applications can help you get more done in Windows 7.
Increase the Memory to an XP Mode Virtual PC in Windows 7 Professional
Posted on December 23, 2010 - Filed Under Windows 7 | 1 Comment
If you opted for the Professional version of Windows 7, you have instant access to XP Mode using the Windows Virtual PC application. It comes with a fully licensed version of Windows XP offering you the ultimate in backward application compatibility.
However, some applications in XP Mode need more memory to run than others. Learn how to increase the memory to an XP Mode Virtual PC in Windows 7
Diagnose and Troubleshoot Windows 7 Crashes and Lock Ups
Posted on November 29, 2010 - Filed Under Windows 7 | Leave a Comment
Windows 7 giving you more problems than you see fit? Constantly getting error messages like “Microsoft Word has stopped working. Ignore problem or report problem to Microsoft?”
Right, like reporting the problem to Microsoft is going to fix your computer. Getting errors like this on a constant basis is never a good thing. After all, consistency and reliability are a crucial aspect to just about anything.
With Windows 7, you can get a customized reliability report in a few easy steps. From there, you can analyze the crash reports and figure out what programs are causing the most problems with your computer.
Force Windows 7 to Display Verbose Information During Startup and Shutdown
Posted on November 18, 2010 - Filed Under Windows 7 | Leave a Comment
Windows 7 does a good job of shielding users from irrelevant and complex goings on under the hood of the operating system. However, there are times when you need to see what is going on underneath Windows 7′s pretty exterior to troubleshoot an error during startup and shutdown. Learn how to force Windows 7 to display verbose information during startup and shutdown.
Why Display Verbose Information?
Startup and shutdown are two times when things can go wrong with Windows 7. Each installation of the operating system is unique because no two people have exactly the same hardware, software, drivers, user accounts, etc. in their PCs.
Windows 7 Safe Mode – Advanced Boot Options
Posted on November 16, 2010 - Filed Under Windows 7 | 1 Comment
In the first two articles in this series, we explored how to restart you computer in Windows 7 Safe Mode when the F8 method won’t work and some of the options available to you on the Boot tab of the System Configuration window.
There are, however, some other boot options that although not technically part of Safe Mode, complement the Safe Mode options to enhance troubleshooting and diagnosing your computer. These options are found right next to the Safe Mode options.