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Tutorials/Software alternatives to proprietary

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IMPORTANT & Tutorial

20090908
IMPORTANT:
Official Freeware library (and software alternatives)
This is a library of freeware products and software alternatives for paid products.

Full addresses are beside its titles, to unmask links so you may see clearly where you are going.

3D Graphics:
3DVia http://www.3dvia.com/software/3dvia-shape/
Anim8or - http://www.anim8or.com/
Art Of Illusion - http://www.artofillusion.org/
Blender - http://www.blender.org/

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 1 - Views: 232
20090706
IMPORTANT:
Before doing Registry fix tutorials
Please use ERUNT to backup the Registry. Optionally, you can Create a Restore Point. Please do either one of these before doing any Registry fix in this tutorial list or anywhere else on this site. The Terms of Use of this site states that we are not responsible for any damages to your computer as a result of you following our tips and advice. We are here to help you. Feel free to ask questions at any time in any tutorial, or via PM. We will try to answer any...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 78
20100309
Tutorial:
How to install a hard drive

by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 0 - Views: 5
20100216
Tutorial:
How to uninstall or change a program in Vista and 7
How to uninstall or change a program in Vista and 7

This is a tutorial to show you how to uninstall or change a program in Windows Vista or Windows 7.

To get there, do one of two methods.
- Click Start then Computer. Then,...
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 29
20100216
Tutorial:
Take Ownership
Download following zip file and extract it. You'll get a .REG file.
Run the file and accept the confirmation: Download Link
It'll add an extra option "Take ownership" in file/folder context menu:

Now you can right-click on any file/folder and select “Take ownership”. It’ll make you the owner of the file/folder.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 13
20100213
Tutorial:
How to fully remove Norton from your computer
How to Fully Remove Norton from your computer

Guide Overview

This guide will show you how to completely remove Norton products from your computer. Most of the time, the uninstaller fails to fully remove it.

Tools Needed
- SymNRT.exe
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 23
20091011
Tutorial:
How to reformat and reinstall your Operating System - the easy way
How to format your hard drive or OS partition, and re-install your Operating System

Introduction

Formatting and re-installing? Most likely the reasons for format and re-install would be due to OS issues, or malware compromising your computer. Correct?

Please print this tutorial, as it might not be available while you are doing this process. To...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 160
20090928
Tutorial:
Enabling or disabling Task Manager in Vista
Enabling
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System] "DisableTaskMgr"=-

Click File > Save as
Choose Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as enabletask.reg
Exit Notepad and double click on the file to run it. Choose Yes/Confirm any prompts.

Disabling
Copy the following in to Notepad:

by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 0 - Views: 70
20090928
Tutorial:
How to enable or disable DEP in Vista
Enabling or Disabling DEP in Vista

Enabling:
1. Click Start, and in Start search type in CMD then in the results pane, right-click on cmd.exe and click Run as Administrator.
2. Type in bcdedit.exe /set {current} nx OptIn and hit Enter. A success message should popup.
3. Restart your computer.
Disabling:
1. Click Start, and in Start search type in CMD then in the results pane, right-click on cmd.exe and click Run as Administrator.
2. Type in bcdedit.exe...
by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 0 - Views: 71
20090921
Tutorial:
Guide to Windows XP Security Center
Windows Security Center Service
%system%\wscsvc.dll

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\wscsvc
Value Name: Start
Data Type: REG_DWORD
Value Data:
0 = ?
1 = ?
2 = Automatic
3 = Manual
4 = Disabled

Restrictions for the Security Center:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Security Center
REG_DWORDs:
AntiVirusDisableNotify
AntiVirusOverride
FirewallDisableNotify
FirewallOverride
FirstRunDisabled
UpdatesDisableNotify

Values that are defined:

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 1 - Views: 79
20090909
Tutorial:
Change Windows 7 Logon background.
For those who are using Windows 7 already, did you know that you can change the Logon Screen background to an image of your choice?

The Tweaks.com Logon Changer for Windows 7 provides an easy way to customize the logon screen background with just a few clicks.
- Simply Download the free application
- Run it
- Click Change Logon Screen.
The application will prompt for the location of the new background image and then install the new screen behind the...
by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 89
20090901
Tutorial:
Parental Controls - Windows Vista/7
You can use Parental Controls to help manage how your children use the computer. For example, you can set limits on your children's access to the web, the hours that they can log on to the computer, and which games they can play and programs they can run.

When Parental Controls blocks access to a webpage or game, a notification is displayed that the webpage or program has been blocked. Your child can click a link in the notification to request permission for access to that webpage or program. You can allow access by entering your account information.

Before you get started,...

by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 76
20090826
Tutorial:
Vista / 7 task manager small or large mode
In Vista and 7, there are two modes for Windows Task Manager.

One is large mode, which takes up a big footprint in performance.
The other is small mode, which takes up a small footprint in performance.

Press CTRL+Shift+Esc or right click on the Taskbar and click Task Manager (Start Task Manager in 7).

First, this is large mode (normal) in Task Manager:

By double-clicking on the inset border,...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 79
20090813
Tutorial:
Disable Switch User in Windows Vista
"Switch User" feature was introduced in Windows XP which allows one user to switch to other user without ending the current session.

Many system administrators might want to disable this feature to restrict end-users. If the users are using Windows XP, its very easy task. You can disable "Switch User" option using "User Accounts" applet in Control Panel.

But its not that easy under Windows Vista as there is no such option available anywhere in Control Panel. So how to disable "Switch User" option in Vista?

Although its hard...

by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 95
20090813
Tutorial:
Disable Switch User in Windows 7
"Switch User" feature was introduced in Windows XP which allows one user to switch to other user without ending the current session.

Many system administrators might want to disable this feature to restrict end-users. If the users are using Windows XP, its very easy task. You can disable "Switch User" option using "User Accounts" applet in Control Panel.

But its not that easy under Windows 7 as there is no such option available anywhere in Control Panel. So how to disable "Switch User" option in 7?

Although its hard but not...

by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 141
20090808
Tutorial:
How to temporarily disable UAC in Windows Vista and 7
Please write these instructions down on notebook paper or handy notepad, as they appear exactly:

!! SAVE ALL PROGRAMS BEFORE CONTINUING !!
- Click Start and in Start Search, type in cmd and in the results pane, right click on Command Prompt and click Run as Administrator.
- In the window type in what is in the code-box below:
  Code:
  taskkill...
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 233
20090722
Tutorial:
How to start Windows in Safe Mode
Brief Introduction

Windows Safe Mode is a system diagnostic mode, where the user -- whether instructed by an expert or on their own -- can perform administrative tasks and diagnostics with little to no services or applications running. Using Windows Safe Mode is not usually risky and can allow the user to make changes that cannot be performed in Normal Mode.

Also note: only basic video drivers load, so Safe Mode will make Windows look less designed. As it uses the classic skin, it helps keep processor...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 376
20090717
Tutorial:
Fix UserInit.exe
Before you make this change to the registry, please back it up. An excellent way to do this is to install ERUNT.
Let it add an entry to your Start menu during the install process. That
will allow ERUNT to backup your registry each time you boot. It only
takes a few seconds and has no real impact on boot time. Run ERUNT
immediately after installing it to create a full registry backup. Please save the backup to: C:\Windows\erdnt.

Then if...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 153
20090713
Tutorial:
Search shortcuts in Windows Search
Saved searched have to be created by MS-Search. The actual link extension is *.ms-search

In Computer, search for something, then you might see on the left pane, about halfway down "Search results in Computer." Right click on that and click Save Search. Simply take it from there when saving it, so you have a ready search shortcut.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 1 - Views: 64
20090706
Tutorial:
How to Enable and Disable Aero Snap
Windows 7 provides a new feature which
is called “Aero Snap”. You can minimize, maximize, resize window by
just dragging-dropping it to the screen corners.

You can prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen by following these simple steps.
- Open Control Panel by using Start Menu.
- Select Ease of Access Center,
- Select Change how your mouse works or Make the mouse easier to use option.
- Now, under Make...
by Mr Spark - Comments: 1 - Views: 106
20090706
Tutorial:
Internet Explorer 8 tab issues fix (Windows 7)
Please click Start and in the search box type: CMD and right click on Command Prompt in the results pane and select Run as Administrator.

In Command Prompt please enter the following and press enter: regsvr32 actxprxy.dll

Exit Command Prompt, reboot, and see if the tabs issue is fixed.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 66
20090706
Tutorial:
System File Checker
VISTA

Click Start and type in the search box: CMD and right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
In the black window type: sfc /scannow and press enter.
It will finish itself within 5-30 minutes, or longer. When it finishes, it will disappear.
Reboot. Run the command one more time to make sure the repair is complete.

If you would like to create a report for System File Checker, create a folder in My Documents called SFCscanresults, please copy the...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 119
20090706
Tutorial:
Fix Registry Editor (regedit.exe)
...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 94
20090706
Tutorial:
Optimize Hard Drive speed
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\OptimalLayout] "EnableAutoLayout"=dword:00000001

Click File > Save as
Choose Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as hdspeedup.reg
Exit Notepad and double click on the file to run it. Choose Yes/Confirm any prompts.

Please reboot for changes to take effect.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 76
20090706
Tutorial:
Fix a damaged Control Panel
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoControlPanel"=dword:00000000 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoControlPanel"=dword:00000000

Click File > Save as
Choose Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as fixCP.reg
Exit Notepad...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 79
20090706
Tutorial:
Prevent Autorun.inf Viruses by disabling Autorun
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:000000ff [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoDriveTypeAutoRun"=dword:000000ff

Click File > Save as
Choose Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as disableautorun.reg

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 91
20090706
Tutorial:
Fix taskbar and start menu in Windows XP
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon] "Shell"="Explorer.exe" [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects2] [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Streams] [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StreamsMRU] [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 64
20090705
Tutorial:
Fix Damaged Device Manager
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{74246bfc-4c96-11d0-abef-0020af6b0b7a}] @="Device Manager" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{74246bfc-4c96-11d0-abef-0020af6b0b7a}\InprocServer32] @="C:\\WINDOWS\\System32\\devmgr.dll" "ThreadingModel"="Apartment" [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{74246bfc-4c96-11d0-abef-0020af6b0b7a}\ProgId] @="DevMgrSnapin.DevMgrSnapin.1"

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 80
20090705
Tutorial:
Fixing/re-enabling the task manager
Using either one of these will do to make the Task Manager work once again. If Task Manager has been disabled or damaged, it should be easy to choose from either one of the following tweaks. The tweaks below were only tested on XP. They might work on Vista.

Resetting Task Manager
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\TaskManager]

Click File > Save as

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 67
20090705
Tutorial:
Faster shutdown
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management] "ClearPageFileAtShutdown"=dword:00000001 [HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop] "AutoEndTasks"="1" [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control] "WaitToKillServiceTimeout"="1000"

Click File > Save as
Choose Save...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 63
20090705
Tutorial:
Disable Indexing Service (XP)
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\cisvc] "Start"=dword:00000004

Click File > Save as
Choose Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as indexdisable.reg
Exit Notepad and double click on the file to run it. Choose Yes/Confirm any prompts.

Please reboot for changes to take effect.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 61
20090705
Tutorial:
Disable Low Disk Space warning (XP)
Copy the following in to Notepad:
Code:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer] "NoLowDiskSpaceChecks"=dword:00000001

Click File > Save As
Drop down Save as type: All Files
Save the file to your Desktop as lowdisk.reg
Exit Notepad and double click on the file to run it. Choose Yes/Confirm any prompts.

Please reboot for changes to take effect.

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 53
20090204
Tutorial:
HijackThis
HijackThis should be your last resort. If after using spyware removers such as Spybot S&D, Ad-Aware, or Spyware Blaster, and still have no solutions to infections on your computer, then you may follow this tutorial and attempt to work with HijackThis. Using HijackThis unauthorized can cause HARMFUL changes to your computer. NEVER EVER DELETE ANYTHING WITHOUT HAVING FURTHER CONSENT FROM HMOS.

Reading HijackThis logs is done by staff only, which include Administrators, Moderators, and the HJT Team. Anyone else giving advice on HijackThis logs should not be...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 2 - Views: 258
20090629
Tutorial:
Third way to uninstall programs in Windows (advanced users only)
You can uninstall programs without using the Uninstall Programs applet of the Control Panel or using the Programs own uninstaller, should the need to do so, ever arise.
To do so, open regedit and navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
You will see many keys there. These represnt the installed programs. They may have long numbers or names.

In case they have names, they would be easy to identify and in most cases its UninstallString would point to its un-installers path.

by TopDog - Comments: 0 - Views: 92
20090604
Tutorial:
Stop Windows from rebooting automatically in Windows Update
Caution
Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. Before making changes to the registry, you should back up any valued data on your computer. Use ERUNT

Navigate to:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU

Add a new DWORD value NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers with the decimal value 1

Why?
For some updates,...

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 5 - Views: 112
20090530
Tutorial:
How to check and optimize Power Efficiency in Windows 7 (aka How to get longer battery life):
- Click on the Orb and in the search box type CMD
- Right-click on the command prompt and select "Run As Administrator"
- Click "Yes" to the UAC Prompt
- In the new command prompt window type in powercfg -ENERGY
  Note the single space between powercfg and -Energy
- It will say it is tracing the system for 60 seconds.
- At the end of 60 seconds a file will be created: C:\Windows\system32\energy-report.html.
- Move this file to the desktop and open in your favorite browser.
- Do whatever it says to optimize your...
by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 0 - Views: 67
20090524
Tutorial:
Video: How to install second IDE Hard drive (as slave)

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 85
20090524
Tutorial:
Video: How to install ATA Hard drive

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 78
20090524
Tutorial:
Video: How to install an IDE drive

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 82
20090523
Tutorial:
Delete those "hard-to-delete" or "undeletable" files without software.
Delete those "hard-to-delete" or "undeletable" files without software.

Overview

This guide will teach you how to delete a bad or hard-to-delete file using command prompt, and task manager.

Process
1. Open Command Prompt. Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt or in Vista/7, click Start > search CMD, right click on Command Prompt...
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 86
20090517
Tutorial:
Stop Windows from saving Thumbnail cache
Stop Windows from saving Thumbnail cache
1. Open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe).
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
3. Double-click the DisableThumbnailCache value, or go to Edit -> New -> DWORD value to create a new value by that name.
4. Enter 1 for its value.
5. Click Ok and close the Registry Editor when you're done; you'll have to log off and then log back on for this to take effect.
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 94
20090429
Tutorial:
Beginners guide to expert forums
http://www.joehobart.com/postingguide.htm

by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 2 - Views: 97
20090517
Tutorial:
How to Enable/Disable the Taskbar Thumbnail Previews in Vista
How to Enable/Disable the Taskbar Thumbnail Previews in Vista

Right click on the taskbar and select Properties. As depicted below:

Check (enable) or uncheck (disable) the option: Show windows previews (thumbnails) (As depicted below):

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 100
20090517
Tutorial:
Thumbnails in Windows Explorer (Vista)
How to turn Preview Thumbnails off or on in Windows Explorer
- Open folder options. Open any folder, press the Alt key if needed (to display the menu bar). Click Tools > Folder Options. OR Click Start > search Folder Options and select it in the results pane.
- Click on the View tab.
- At the top of the listed (depicted below), you will see "Always show icons, not thumbnails." If you want thumbnails, leave this unchecked. If you don't want...
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 80
20090514
Tutorial:
How to Disable javascript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat
To disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Open the Edit menu.
3. Choose the Preferences... option.
4. Choose the JavaScript section.
5. Uncheck the Enable Acrobat JavaScript check box.
Disabling JavaScript will not resolve the vulnerabilities, it will only disable the vulnerable JavaScript component. When JavaScript is disabled, Adobe Reader and Acrobat prompt to re-enable JavaScript when opening a PDF that contains JavaScript.

Source:
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 78
20090426
Tutorial:
ERUNT: The Emergency Recovery Utility NT
http://www.larshederer.homepage.t-online.de/erunt/

Go to the above safe URL to get ERUNT.

Registry Backup and Restore for Windows NT/2000/2003/XP/Vista

by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 131
20090410
Tutorial:
Adjust Screen Resolution
Adjust Screen Resolution

Overview

This guide will teach you how to adjust your Screen Resolution in either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Process

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Button.
2. Click Control Panel, which is located on the right side of the Start menu.
3. Make sure you are in Category View. (if not...

by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 117
20090409
Tutorial:
Change Your Desktop Background
Change Desktop Background

Overview

This guide will teach you how to change your Desktop Background in either Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Process

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start Button
2. Click Control Panel, which is located on the right side of the Start menu.
3. Make sure you are in Catagory View (if not...

by E-Mu - Comments: 0 - Views: 110
20090404
Tutorial:
Finding solutions to Microsoft Windows Errors.
Go to Microsoft Fix it Solution Center to see the list of different errors that can be solved. Have Microsoft solve your problems for you!

by Techknow_Ryan - Comments: 0 - Views: 105
20090326
Tutorial:
Vista's disk cleanup can delete old System Restore points and Shadow Copies
Not only do you get the chance to clean up the temporary files on your disk, you also can delete old System Restore points.
1. Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.
2. Select C drive and click OK.
3. Select the More Options tab.
4. Under System Restore, click on Clean up....
5. You will be prompted. Click Yes.
6. When...
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 72
20090326
Tutorial:
Always back up your data
:star: BACKUP THAT DATA - Backing up your files is critical when using a computer.
- Cobian Backup
- Windows Vista Backup: Click start and enter "Backup" in to the search box then click on "Backup and Restore Center."
- Loads of files? Use Elephant Drive
by DragonMaster Jay - Comments: 0 - Views: 55
20090322
Tutorial:
How to remove or Uninstall Internet Explorer 8
If you have installed Internet Explorer 8 and if you have any problem
with using it then you can easily remove IE8 by this KB fix it (957700)

Microsoft has just released another Fix it Knowledge Base (KB) article which Uninstalls Internet Explorer 8.

When
you remove Internet Explorer 8, your earlier version of Internet
Explorer is restored with your customizations (such as add-ins,
Favorites, and your home page).

To remove IE8 automatically download below file and run it.

Download now. >>

by Mr Spark - Comments: 1 - Views: 127