Category: Windows 7
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Manage login items in Windows 7
It’s always a good idea to keep track of login items – i.e. what applications are being automatically opened when you log in. In Windows 7 (and, if memory serves, on previous versions of Microsoft Windows), this is done through the MS Config tool. Here’s how: In the start menu, click Run (or hit Win+R…
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Internet Explorer: Search in the address bar does not work
A while back, a user called in, complaining that he was unable to use the address bar to search, in Internet Explorer 10. He further reported that he had just upgraded from Internet Explorer 9. I originally thought it was due to problems with a plugin, so that was where I started out. After looking at all…
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Deleting protected EFI disk partitions
A while back, one of my laptops kicked the bucket. The cost to repair it was too high, and I opted to get the laptop back to scavenge the parts. In particular, I wanted to get my hands on the hard drive, a solid state wonder with a capacity of 240 GB. I invested in…
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Fixing “The security database on the server does not have a computer account for this workstation trust relationship”
When working in a corporate environment with Active Directory, you may, from time to time, encounter computers that users cannot log on to, as they receive an error message saying: The security database on the server does not have a computer account for this workstation trust relationship. Though there can be several reasons…
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BitLocker asks for BitLocker Recovery Key at restart
Having gone from Windows XP to Windows 7, we are seeing a rash of new problems. One of these is that a lot of our users are unable to boot into Windows, as they are prompted for a BitLocker Recovery Key. The temporary fix for this is simple enough; look up and tell the user…
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The Asus Eee 1101H reviewed
I recently decided to get a new laptop. My old laptop was looking like it was going to kick the bucket soon, and I wanted to exchange it sooner, rather than later. I was originally planning to get a high-end Dell, but looking closer at the contents of my wallet, I decided to forego the…
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Windows 7: Problem Step Recorder
As a support technician, I have often needed to see how a problem occurs, or show someone how to do something, but the person I need info from, or need to teach, is not available so that it can be done face to face, or over the phone. A lot of my users are…
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Windows 7: Run as administrator
Like in Windows Vista, users don’t usually run programs as administrators, even if they have administrative rights on their computer. While there has been a lot of talk about whether or not User Account Control (UAC) is a good idea (which I think it is, although the implementation in Windows Vista was less than intuitive),…
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Windows 7: Restoring the QuickLaunch bar
The new taskbar in Windows 7 does its job admirably. Even so, many users complain that they can’t find the QuickLaunch bar. This option is not available by default in Windows 7, but if you want it, it is simple enough to recreate: Right-click the taskbar, and choose Toobars -> New Toolbar In the…
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Windows 7: Empty the desktop
Most users use their desktops as their primary workspace, saving everything they work on to the desktop. While practical, this has a nasty tendency to become rather cluttered. In Windows 7, you can opt not to display desktop icons on the desktop itself. To do so, simply right-click your desktop, click “View”, and uncheck…