Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Being a geek (Yes I admit), I like to have full control over my computer. I want to know what is running, when it does and why it behaves like that ? I also like to know what (if any) did that program i just installed want to run at startup. And especially since my kids  - without any concern – download and install games, movies and whatnot on my computer (even tho they have their own)  - I really like to know what is booting, and what is slowing me down at present.

If you’re a bit like me – then good news – here is the tool for us: AutoRuns.

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A small annoyance in Windows 7 is the fact that it doesn’t remove old notification icons from the taskbar. After a while a lot of old icons will still be present with no obvious way to remove them.  This is easily remedied and this guide will show you how to do it, manually.

[UPDATE]-For those wishing for an automated solution, see here.

This guide does involve editing the registry, please see here before proceeding.

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In this guest post, James Ricketts explores using computer error codes to solve PC problems. Learn more about James at the conclusion of this post.

One of the most common complaints of computer users across the world is that they find computer error messages to be complicated and hard to understand. This is partly true as most computer error messages do not clearly spell out cause of error and its possible solution. However, certain error messages do leave certain clues in the form of error codes, which not only computer experts, but any common user can use in order to solve PC problems.

These error codes may look like a random collection of numbers and letters, but they are your best bet in solving the error yourself. This article shows you how to effectively use computer error codes to solve your PC problems.

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Windows Guides’ Rating	User Rating	Compatible with
4 out of 5	(6 votes, average: 4.17 out of 5)

PROS: Clean interface, easy installation, one-click cleaning (automatic with PRO version), tons of modules to help you optimize your PC.CONS: The PRO version is a little pricey for me. Some modules are not well explained and could leave users a little unsure of what is going on with their PC. VERDICT: The free version is free for personal use and I highly recommend it. The PRO version is $28 at time of writing, but I’d still like to see it for $20. Definitely try the free version and explore the PRO features to see what you think. PRICE: Free (Pro $39.95.) VERSION REVIEWED: PRO 2.17.0.776 DOWNLOAD: Glary Utilities

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The five winners of Uniblue Registry Booster 2010 are:

1. Ted Terrebonne
2. William Throop
3. kyprosv
4. Mark McKay
5. Taylor Ling

Thank you everyone for taking part. Subscribe to be the first to know about future competitions.

I was very disappointed to see the Ultimate Extras seen in Windows Vista, dropped in Windows 7 (if you can call them Ultimate extras!).  DreamScene was one of my favourites, but no fear, it can be enabled in Windows 7.

Windows DreamScene is a utility that allows videos and other optimized animations to be used as desktop wallpapers

Note:  You must have Aero enabled.

Here’s how it’s done;

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