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‘Windows 7 Tips’ Category

  1. Password management bliss on Windows 7 (for free)

    April 5, 2012 by Andrew Block

    Looking for a free password solution that works on Windows 7 that syncs “to the cloud,” is highly secure, allows you to automatically enter your passwords into your browser — and you don’t feel like paying a dime? You’re in luck. Here’s what I’ve found that works best for me.

    You’ll need:

    • KeePass installed
    • A free Dropbox account; the Dropbox programs installed on all your PCs (Macs and Linux, too!)
    • Firefox installed (optional)
    • The Firefox plugin “KeeFox” installed (optional)

    It sounds like a lot of moving parts, but it really isn’t that hard. If you want to have forms auto-filled on your Windows 7 machine, install Firefox (if you haven’t already) then download and install the KeeFox Firefox plugin (this entire step is completely optional, but if you don’t do it, you’ll have to copy / paste passwords manually from KeePass into your browser).

    Now go download and install Dropbox on your Windows 7 machine. Sign up for a free Dropbox account, if you haven’t already. Make sure Dropbox is set up and working correctly.

    Next, download and install KeePass, then run the program and create a new database. Make sure you save the database somewhere in your Dropbox location! If you associate a Key File with your database, make sure it is stored in Dropbox as well. If you need a tutorial to get you up and running, try this.

    Next, install KeePass and Dropbox on every other PC where you want synced passwords. Make sure to point all other instances of KeePass to the password database and key file that are located in your Dropbox folder. Now, every time you update your KeePass database, it will automatically be synced to Dropbox! Also remember you can use the KeeFox plugin in Firefox to autofill your passwords into Web forms.

    Note: if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution, try 1password. It’s not free, but I’ve had many people at work recommend it to me.

    Category Firefox, iOS tips, Operating Systems, Tech Tip, Web Browsers, Windows, Windows 7 Tips | Tags: ,,,, | No Comments

  2. Suddenly can’t access USB hard disk in Windows 7: how to fix (reset permissions)

    January 10, 2012 by Andrew Block

    I fixed our neighbor’s laptop the other day, and I plugged my USB hard drive into it to transfer some files. After I plugged the drive back into my own computer, Windows 7 suddenly couldn’t access the disk (notice the drive space indicator disappeared in the first screenshot, below.

    No amount of fiddling with the security/permissions/owner would bring it back, either.

    This fix is to use the “icalcs” tool to reset the drive’s permissions. To do so, follow these steps:Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator (Start > Search for “cmd” > Right-click on “cmd.exe” and select “Run as Administrator”)

    1. Switch to your drive that is having problems (replace H: with your drive letter): CD /D H:
    2. Type: icacls * /T /Q /C /RESET
    3. Wait for a while. Mine took about 10-15 minutes.

    When it’s done, you should be able to access the drive as normal.

    Sources:

    http://lallousx86.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/resetting-ntfs-files-security-and-permission-in-windows-7/

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/318754

    Category Tech Tip, Windows, Windows 7 Tips | Tags: | 5 Comments

  3. Easiest way to clone a hard drive

    October 6, 2011 by Andrew Block

    I get asked a lot how to “clone” a hard drive, so here’s how. This scenario assumes you want to replace a current HDD in your system with a new one.

    1. Get yourself a SATA/IDE to USB adapter, like this one. It makes this so much easier.
    2. Get yourself a copy of Acronis True Image Home 2012.
    3. Install Acronis True Image Home 2012; reboot.
    4. Plug the new hard drive (the one you want to clone to) into the USB adapter, and connect the adapter to one of your PC’s USB ports.
    5. Make sure your PC recognizes the hard drive attached via USB.
    6. Fire up True Image, then click the “Tools & Utilities” tab. Click “Clone Disk.” The program walks you through the next steps. You may have to reboot to complete the cloning process.
    7. When the cloning process is complete, power down your PC, then remove the old hard drive and put the new hard drive in its place.
    8. Turn your computer back on.
    9. Optional: If you replaced a drive that contains Windows (assuming Vista or 7), your computer may not boot properly. Never fear! Just pop in your Windows disc, and choose startup repair. It should automatically fix the problem.

    And that’s all there is to it. I know this isn’t the free route, but it’s the most painless. I’ll look into posting a free solution if people are interested.

    Category Hard drives, Hardware tips, PCs & Hardware, Tech Tip, Windows, Windows 7 Tips, Windows Vista Tips | Tags: ,, | 2 Comments

  4. Delete Windows 7 Temp Files Auto – magically

    August 28, 2011 by Andrew Block

    This is a dead simple trick to delete those pesky temporary files that build up over time in Windows 7 — and the best part is you can set it and forget it.

    Step #1 — Create a new text document on your desktop, then rename it to cleanup.bat (or a name of your choosing, but keep the .bat extension). Note: you need file extensions enabled to do this…My Computer > Organize > View tab > uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types.”

    Step #2 — edit your new file (right click and choose “Edit”) and add these commands:

    @ECHO OFF
rmdir %TEMP% /q /s
mkdir %TEMP%

rmdir %WINDIR%\TEMP /q /s
mkdir %WINDIR%\TEMP

rmdir %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files /q /s
mkdir %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files

    Don’t forget to save your file!

    Step #3 — create a shortcut to the file in your startup menu. Or since it’s so tiny, you could just move the file into your startup folder.

    Step #4 — enjoy as temporary files are cleaned each time your system boots up.

    Notes:

    • You can also add the batch file as a scheduled task, if you’d like to change the conditions that cause it to run (at a certain time, for example). Press Window key + R to bring up the run menu, and then enter taskschd.msc /s.
    • CCleaner is a great program that really scrubs your system for unneeded/unwanted files.

    Category Internet Explorer, Operating Systems, Tech Tip, Windows, Windows 7 Tips, Windows Vista Tips | Tags: ,, | No Comments

  5. Testers needed: enable secure logon (CTRL+ALT+DELETE) on Windows 7 Home Premium

    July 7, 2011 by Andrew Block

    Somebody asked me in a comment if you could enable secure CTRL+ALT+DELETE logging on in Windows 7 Home Premium. Apparently the “Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete” option is grayed out when you try to access Control Panel > Users > Manage User Accounts > Advanced.

    Do any brave souls out there have Windows 7 Home Premium, and want to try one of the methods mentioned here?

    I would but I do not have that flavor of Windows 7. Let me know in the comments below!

    Category Tech Tip, Windows, Windows 7 Tips | Tags: ,, | 1 Comment

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