Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label windows 7. Show all posts
You are here: Home > , > How to change active partition in Windows 7

How to change active partition in Windows 7

Posted in , | Thursday, April 8, 2010
Upon purposely changing the active partition on my system drive, I was faced with a BOOTMGR is missing error during my system's start up that prevent Windows from starting. It is a common mistake to make when playing with partitions on a system drive and it can be a headache to solve if not prepared. To change your active partition back using the Windows 7 recovery disc or Installation DVD, follow the steps below.

Step one: Follow steps one to four in the above guide. This should take you to the Command Prompt in the Windows Recovery Environment.

Step two: Type DiskPart and then press Enter.

Step three: Type List Disk now and then press Enter. This command will list all disks attached to your computer and assign them a disk number.

Step four: Type Select Disk x, where x is the number for the disk containing the partition you wish to make active. Press Enter.

Step five: Type List Partition and then press Enter. You will now be shown a list of the partitions on the selected disk. Determine which partition you wish to make active.

Step six: Type Select Partition x, where x is the number of the partition you wish to make active.

Step seven: Now, just type Active and then press Enter. That should be it - the selected partition is now active.
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You are here: Home > , , > How to Fix Windows 7 Master Boot Record (MBR)

How to Fix Windows 7 Master Boot Record (MBR)

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Step one: Turn your computer on, booting from either your Windows 7 Installation DVD or Windows 7 System Recovery Disc. Remember, you may need to change the boot order inside your BIOS to have the your DVD drive boot first.

Step two: After the installation or recovery disc loads, if prompted, select your language settings and then continue. If you are using the installation DVD, when prompted by the following screen select Repair your computer.



Step three: The computer will take a moment now to scan itself for any Windows installations, after which you will likely be given a choice to select which installation you wish to repair. Select the appropriate Windows installation from the list and then continue. If by chance a problem is detected in one of your Windows installations at this initial stage, the system may also ask you if it can try to repair the problem automatically. It is up to you if you wish to let the system try to repair itself, but otherwise just select No.

Step four: Once you have reached the System Recovery Options screen, as shown below, you will be faced with a list of choices that can aid you in repairing a damaged Windows 7 operating system. If you wish to try the Startup Repair option first, it is often successful in automatically fixing many different start up issues, but in this article we will be using the Command Prompt option to resolve our problems manually. So, click Command Prompt to continue.



Step five: Now sitting at the command prompt, enter the following command and then press enter:

bootrec.exe /FixMbr

If successful, you should be greeted with the message The operation completed successfully. That's it! Your Master Boot Record has been repaired.

While the above command does fix the MBR, and sometimes that is enough, there still might be an error with the system partition's boot sector and Boot Configuration Data (BCD). This might occur if you have tried to install another operating system alongside Windows 7, such as Windows XP. To write a new boot sector, try the following command:

bootrec.exe /FixBoot

If you are still faced with your Windows 7 installation not being detected during start up, or if you wish to include more than one operating system choice to your system's boot list, you can try the following command to rebuild your BCD:

bootrec.exe /RebuildBcd

The above command will scan all your disks for other operating systems compatible with Windows 7 and allow you to add them to your system's boot list. If this fails, you may need to backup the old BCD folder* and create a new one in its place with the following commands:

bcdedit /export C:\BCD_Backup
c:
cd boot
attrib bcd -s -h -r
ren c:\boot\bcd bcd.old

bootrec /RebuildBcd

*Some users also find simply deleting the boot folder and retrying the above steps effective at resolving boot issues, but it is not recommended.
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You are here: Home > , > Using Windows 7 on New Laptops

Using Windows 7 on New Laptops

Posted in , | Monday, April 5, 2010
Windows 7 was launched in a blaze of publicity, advertising a more 'user-friendly' system than its predecessor Vista. But many people found Vista and even XP more than adequate for their needs, so if you're in the market for a new laptop, why should you think about buying one with the new Windows 7 operating system, rather than the tried and tested Vista or XP?

Future-proofing

Future-proofing is the new buzzword in technology. One of the most frustrating things for people using older machines or operating systems is the incompatibility problems that arise with the latest software systems. Microsoft have invested a huge amount of money and time developing Windows 7, which is why there has been such a delay between the launch of Vista and this latest upgrade. Because of the 'understanding' that many manufacturers who use Microsoft have with the company, the launch of Windows 7 is bound to herald a flurry of upgraded laptops designed to use Windows 7 as its primary operating system. So buying a laptop that has Vista or XP rather than Windows 7 could mean that future software designed to run on Windows 7 won't run on Vista or XP operating systems.

However, if you only intend to use a laptop for web surfing, downloading media, emails and office documents such as Word or Excel, an older operating system could be just as effective as Windows 7. But with the wealth of new features available on Windows 7, it might be worth considering future-proofing yourself from the outset.

Upgrading - not exactly easy...

One of the biggest problems with upgrading is the limit imposed by the operating systems on just how easily you can upgrade Windows 7 without having to do a clean install. That means wiping your hard drive and basically starting again. For Netbook users this presents a huge problem, as many Netbooks do not have CD ROMS, and to do a fresh install you need to be able to slot that operating system CD ROM into the computer.

To avoid all the hassle of clean installs, wiping your hard drive and future-proofing yourself against future upgrades, it's wiser to start with Windows 7 as your standard operating system.

Security - a new level

One of the biggest worries for laptop users is the security aspect. Because of their portability, laptops are an easy target for unscrupulous hackers, opportunist thieves or even industrial espionage. One of the primary new features on Windows 7 is an improved level of security, something that'll make any laptop owner sleep a little better at night. Windows 7 also offers better taskbar features, an improved version of Windows Explorer to make surfing the 'Net easier and quicker and interface shortcuts that make it possible to run two applications side by side. For laptop owners with the advantage of dual core processing power, Windows 7 is tailor-made for laptop use. Microsoft have played it clever - they know full well that the market for laptops is a growing one, and Windows 7 is designed to grow with that market in tandem. By incorporating ideas that users actually want in an operating system, it may be some time before we see W8. So if you are thinking about buying a new laptop, it makes sense to get one with Windows 7 rather than the now considerably dated and troublesome Vista operating system.
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You are here: Home > , > How to Fix Windows 7 and Oe6 Error Code 0x800CCC

How to Fix Windows 7 and Oe6 Error Code 0x800CCC

Posted in , | Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Are you having difficulty trying to send an email message using the Windows 7 mail program? For the most part this program runs very well with little problems or needed input from you once it is configured and set up. The two biggest causes of problems in any email program are internet connectivity and/or improper account settings during set up. You have two options. If you have been searching the internet and help sites for hours now, stop. It only takes a few moments to delete and then re-create the account with the proper information. With the exception of Netscape Navigator you can re-create your account without losing your contacts or stored messages. Repeat, if you use Netscape as an email client then back up all of your messages and contacts BEFORE recreating your account or all of your contact information will be lost. If the problem is connectivity then there is nothing you can do except for call your internet service provider and talk to tech support.

The information you will need to create the account again is your email address and password as well as the incoming and outgoing server names for your provider. Your account name is in most cases your email address. Your display name is the name you would like people to see on the message you send. If connectivity is not an issue you can do a search for the email server names. So, once more you need:

- display name (your name)

- email address

- password

- username (email address)

- incoming server name (POP3, IMAP or HTTP)

- outgoing server name (SMTP)

Some internet service providers require that you use 'authentication'. If this is the case you must make sure to check the authentication check box provided in the wizard during your account set up. This check box is usually located on the server information screen of the wizard. I should mention that you can always access your account information located in your email client to make changes to your information should you need to. If this is something you feel comfortable doing then all you need to do to locate your information is to find it. This is almost always done by clicking on the TOOLS button at the top of the page and then clicking ACCOUNTS on the menu that drops down. Look for a MAIL tab and click that. (Have you backed up your contacts?)

Once you have clicked the mail tab you will see more tabs relating to server names as well as other account information. It is within this tabbed area that you can look for any mistakes you may have made when you initially set the account up. Or maybe the server names for your internet provider have changed. You can change that here too.

As you can see you need very little information. Setting up an email account in Windows mail or any other program is not difficult. All email clients have a wizard that will walk you through the steps of setting up the account. The most common connectivity or account related errors you will see are 0x800CCC91, which is due to a wrong or misspelled username that was entered during setup, and 0x800ccc0f which is lost internet connection. These are just two of the most common error codes seen. There are others that relate to things like attachments being to large or time outs due to filtering. There are a lot of things that can get in the way of you sending and receiving email and we have only briefly discussed the two that are seen the most.

Remember that if your issue is not related to connectivity you can easily find the server names you require to set up the account for the first time or to re-create it. There are a great many resources out there to help you with your issue. The trick is finding the right answers in a timely manner. If you need specific help then check the resource section for this article. It contains directions to specific email answers. No matter what the issue you are having with your email. A word of sage advice. Back up your contact list right now. Back up all those messages that you are hanging on to. You never know when something unfortunate may happen to your computer or your email program in general. Consider backing up your email information every six months. Put it on a disk or a thumb drive. Export it. Just do not lose it!

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You are here: Home > , , > Windows XP Mode In Windows 7

Windows XP Mode In Windows 7

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Windows XP Mode allows Windows 7 users to run Windows XP compatible applications in Windows 7. Windows XP Mode seamlessly integrates into Windows 7. Microsoft is aiming at day to day users who need to run XP compatible software programs that do not work correctly in either Windows Vista or Windows 7 natively.

XP Mode consists of the Virtual PC-based virtual environment and a fully licensed copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). It will be made available, for free, to users of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions via a download from the Microsoft web site. XPM works much like today’s Virtual PC products, but with one important exception: As with the enterprise-based MED-V (Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization) product, XPM does not require you to run the virtual environment as a separate Windows desktop. Instead, as you install applications inside the virtual XP environment, they are published to Windows 7 Operating System as well. With shortcuts placed in the Start Menu users can run Windows XP-based applications (like IE 6) alongside Windows 7 applications under a single desktop.

The interesting aspect here is that the applications will run on the same single desktop. This is good for the end user who can concentrate working on one computer system. Microsoft can now not only claim full compatibility to Windows Vista but also to Windows XP which should make a huge difference in the perception of the new operating system.

Before we begin, you'll want to make sure your system meets the requirements:

* Processor: Processor capable of hardware virtualization, with AMD-V™ or Intel® VT turned on in the BIOS.
* Memory: 2GB of memory recommended.
* Hard disk requirement: 20MB hard disk space for installing Windows Virtual PC. Additional 15GB of hard disk space per virtual Windows environment recommended. Steps to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7

How to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

1. Download the Virtual PC beta from Microsoft Virtual PC page and also Windows XP Mode beta from here.

2. Install the Windows virtual PC beta by following the simple on screen procedure and reboot your machine to see Virtual Windows XP entry in your Start menu.

3. Now, Double-click on VirtualWindowsXP.msi package to start Virtual Windows XP wizard and click Next to continue.

4. Select the installation destination for the XP mode. By default it will select the right one. So, simply click Next button.

5. You will see the XP mode installation process. It may take few minutes to complete the installation.

6. Once you complete the installation, Virtual Windows XP starts for the first time. Here you will see Virtual Windows XP license agreement. Accept the license agreement and click Next to continue.

7. In the following window, you need to enter a password for the account. You cannot leave the password field blank. In case, if you don’t like to enter the password each time, you can check the option Remember credentials to store the password.

8. Next you need to configure Windows XP for automatic updates.

9. Once you are done with the configuration, Windows XP mode is ready to use.
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You are here: Home > , , > Repair Windows 7 Registry Errors and Prevent Crashes

Repair Windows 7 Registry Errors and Prevent Crashes

Posted in , , | Thursday, December 24, 2009

The importance of fixing Windows 7 registry errors cannot be overstated. Since your system interfaces with the registry incessantly, Windows 7 registry errors can afflict different processes with errors. If any problems occur within the registry, it's important to resolve them quickly.

Backing up the Registry with System Restore

One of the best ways to maintain a clean registry is to consistently back up your registry. You can do this by using System Restore. Here's how to backup your registry:

1. Click Start.
2. Open System Tools.
3. Click System Restore.
4. If you have NOT previously utilized System Restore, then click "Next." If you HAVE previously used this function, then check the dot next to "Choose a different restore point."
5. In the following menu, enter or select your desired restore point.
6. Click Next.
7. Click Finish.

You will need to confirm that you wish to restore the system. Your computer will automatically restart in order to accomplish the system restore. Once your computer has started up, you will notice that all settings and processes have been restored to your selected restore point.

Making a Backup with Regedit

If you are encountering registry problems, then System Restore can work as a quick fix. You can also backup your registry another way. Here's how:

1. Click Start.
2. Type "regedit" in the Search box.
3. In the top menu bar, select "File."
4. Click "Export."
5. Then, choose the destination location for the backup files. Make sure you click the "All" option within the Export Range option.
6. Click "Save."

This action will backup your registry to a specified location. This is a great way to safely maintain your registry.

You can restore or backup the Registry using advanced methods such as forming.reg files or importing files from regedit. These methods are a bit harder and require meticulous attention to detail.

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