First Time Using Windows Vista? Tips, Answers & Solutions

 

I’ve been answering many questions about Windows Vista with a common theme — "where did they put . . ." and "how do I make it more like Windows XP" 

Where’s my Desktop Icons? <Right-click> on the Desktop and select Personalize — under Tasks select Change Desktop Icons 

You can add the following icons:

 

• Computer
• Control Panel
• Network
• Recycle Bin
• User’s Files (previousaly known as "My Document")

 

How do I put the Internet Explorer icon on the desktop? Sorry, this one’s a registry hack.

1. From the Run… Command (see next tip) – run REGEDIT
2. Navigate to the following registry key:
   HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerHideDesktopIconsNewStartPanel
   
3. Create this DWORD 32-bit (including the brackets)
   {871C5380-42A0-1069-A2EA-08002B30309D}
   
4. Exit REGEDIT
5. Refresh the Desktop  – <Right-Click> on the Desktop and select Refresh)

 

Where’s the Run command? You really should simply learn how to use Vista’s search and type run (or press <WinKey> + R)

1. <Right-Click> on the Taskbar
2. Click Properties
3. From the Start Menu tab, click Customize
4. Select Run command
5. OK

Where’s "My Documents" — in fact . . . where’s "My" Anything? 

Windows Vista dropped the My from folder names:

My Computer = Computer
My Documents = User
My Network Places = Network
My Pictures = Pictures
My Videos = Videos

What did they do with the Control Panel? Yes, it’s a bit rearranged – but don’t let that overwhelm you, change the default setting and learn some rearranged names .

1. Open the Control Panel
2. Select Classic View

New Control Panel Names

Accessibility Options = Ease of Access Center
Add or Remove Programs = Programs and Features
Automatic Updates = Windows Update
Display = Personalization
Network Connections = Network and Sharing Center
Sound and Audio Devices = Sound

  

Where’s the Folder Options?

1. From within Explorer
2. Click the Organize button
3. Choose Folder and Search Options

 

Where’s File   Edit   View   Tools    __    Help in Explorer? Simply hit <Alt>

 

 

How do I use Flip 3D? Instead of using <Alt>+<Tab> to switch between programs use <WinKey>+<Tab> for a 3D effect.

 

 

How do I run CMD prompt as an Administrator?

1. From the Start Menu select Accessories
2. Locate Command Prompt
3. <Right-Click> and select Run as Administrator

 

How do I restore the "missing" Administrator’s Account?

1. From the Start Menu select Accessories
2. Locate Command Prompt
3. <Right-Click> and select Run as Administrator
4. From the command prompt type: net user administrator /active:yes
5. Type EXIT to close the Command Prompt window.

 

 

WINDOWS XP USER’S LAST RESORTS – DON’T DO IT!

To get the more familiar Windows Old School look-n-feel

1. <Right-Click> on the Desktop and select Personalize
2. Select Themes then Windows Classic
3. Click OK

4. From the Control Panel select System
5. Under Tasks select Advanced system settings 
6. From the Advanced tab select Performance Settings
7. Select Adjust for best performance
8. Click OK twice
9. <Right-Click> the Start Pearl select Properties
10. From the Start Menu tab  select Classic Start menu
11. Click OK

 

How do I disable the User Account Control warning messages? While I don’t recommend you do this — Microsoft does provide the instructions.