Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Restore points are used to return your computer to a state in which it previously was. If your computer goes wrong and settings inadvertently change, you can use a restore point to go back to a previous state when your computer was working properly. In this guide, you will learn how to create a restore point in Windows XP and you will also learn how to use the restore point should your computer go wrong.

This guide will show you how to create a restore point in Windows XP. Here are guides for Windows Vista and 7:

• Create a System Restore Point in Windows Vista
• Create a System Restore Point in Windows 7

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New to using the command prompt? Check out the Windows Command Prompt Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever experienced that windows won’t allow you to delete a file, presumably because some service or dll is still using it ? Even when you know for a fact that it’s not in use ? Or maybe you have tried to delete a folder, but you couldn’t because a “File in the selected folder is still in use by Windows” ?

Oh, I can hear you: “yes, but I use the “take ownership” function that I’ve added to my Context menu”. ALAS, Sometimes not even that will work – what then ? Do you have to Reboot your computer to be able to delete that file ?

Earlier, Harry had an article about the Command Prompt (read it here) and his top ten commands. One of those were the command we are looking to use now: DELETE (DEL).

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Yesterday I showed you how to automatically backup your data from any PC across your home network. If Windows Backup and Restore doesn’t give you enough control (i.e. you also want to have the option to backup to a remote location by IP or you want the files more easily accessible without having to open backup and restore to view them, GFI backup may provide what you need. In this guide, I’ll show you where to get GFI Backup and how to use it to make backups of your data from any PC to any PC on your home network.
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This solution I owe to my brother – who made me figure this one out for him. My brother is one of you Laptop users that, when home (or the office), hooks up his computer to an external monitor, extending his desktop. This works fine – unless you forget to move every application window back to your main desktop before disconnecting the extra monitor. Then what do you do ?

If you’re still at home (or the office) then it’s no “biggy”, but if you’re on the road somewhere, suddenly realize that your PowerPoint presentation is showing on the “other” monitor… What then ?

Don’t worry – Read on

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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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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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