How to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Have you ever wished you had an extra Hard Disk to store files, share, or set aside as an encrypted vault? One of the new features in Windows 7 is the ability to create Virtual Hard Disks and we’ll show you how.

Create a Virtual Drive 

This process creates virtual disks in the .VHD format where the minimum size is 3MB. To begin, Right-click on My Computer and select to Manage. Alternately you can type diskmgmt.msc into the Start search box and enter.

The Computer Management screen opens click on Disk Management then Action and Create VHD.

Browse to the directory you want the disk to reside, choose the size you want it to be, and select dynamic or a fixed. If you want the disk to expand in size as you add files to it, then pick Dynamically expanding. Check Fixed size if you want a specific size and for it to stay that way.

 In Disk Management in Microsoft Windows you will see the virtual drive listed as unallocated space.

To begin using it you’ll need to Right-click and select Initialize Disk.

 In the initialize disk box just keep MBR selected and hit OK.

Create a Volume

Now it is time to create a volume by Right-clicking the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.

The New Simple Volume Wizard starts up and it’s just a matter of completing it.

Choose the amount of space you want to use for the volume.

Assign it a dive letter that is not currently being used.

Format the new volume as NTFS, FAT32, or FAT. Check if you want a quick format and file compression.

The wizard is complete, click on Finish.

If you have AutoPlay enabled it should pop up for you to open up your new virtual hard disk.

It will be listed with the other disks in Disk Management.

Of course you will also see it listen under My Computer.

This is a cool new feature that will let you use the disk as you would any type of real disk. You can encrypt it, share it out to other systems, store files to it…however you would use an extra disk connected to your system.

This is a cool new feature in Windows 7 that will add extra functionality and options to your current system. There are several ways you can use your VHD including making it bootable. If you have used your geek imagination and have come up with unique ways to use a VHD, leave a comment to tell us about it.

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Computer Support: Microsoft XP help-incredible solution

Friday, January 15, 2010

Albeit, Windows 7 has been introduced by Microsoft, but still Microsoft XP tends to dominating all the segment of market. Understanding the mentality of user Microsoft has extended the support of Windows XP till April, 2011.

Microsoft has collaboration with top IT support provider to meet the expectation of the vast Windows XP user group.

Scope of Microsoft XP help:

•        Setup and maintenance    

•        Computer Security and privacy

•        Web browsing and e-mail

•        Networking

•        Digital photography

•        Making movies

•        Music and video

•        TV and multimedia

•        Working remotely

•        Instant messaging

•        Accessibility

•        Games for Windows

Hence, if you have any concern related to your XP PC, come and get the solution over the hotline on 24/7 basis and Microsoft Certified technician will be happy to help you.

Microsoft XP help agencies are offering their support services on the remote basis which is the most authentic and reliable mode of communication. Asker can get in touch with the chat session or over the phone line and get the instant solution.

For sophisticated issue they have standard escalation matrix to deal the problem.

Microsoft XP help offering organizations are offering free updates with Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). It will equip the system with latest security updates, hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases.

Note: To configure SP3, either Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) must be installed.

Installation procedure is quite simple, form the webpage click on download and choose the desired language. You need to save the file to any desired location and then open and run this program. You don’t have to make any changes, just follow the on screen command and it will be done automatically.

Technical support: Get Microsoft help on leading issues

Friday, January 8, 2010

Microsoft has introduced a variety of products like Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, Internet Explorer and many more, which are user-friendly and reliable. But with growing competition and wide user base, it has become essential to develop suitable platform to discuss and resolve the issue related to them. Hence, Microsoft has joints hands with leading tech expertise to deliver quality solution.

Services of Microsoft help provider can be categorized as follow:

Installation and upgrade application/system software

Microsoft help service provider helps you to migrate from older to the latest operating system Windows 7. If you have got bored with using your older browser or Microsoft Office suite, get it upgraded to latest Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Office 2007 simultaneously.

Microsoft help agencies would scan your PC in no time with Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It will check the potentiality of your computer against Windows 7. Report will recommend about the next step.

Above step will bring two installation situations in front of you.

Upgrade installation: Customers who have uploaded Windows Vista during June 26, 2009 to January 31, 2010 are eligible for a free Windows 7 upgrade. Intra upgrade has also been facilitated by Microsoft help provider where users of windows 7 Starter, Home Premium and Professional editions can migrate to higher editions

Under upgrade installation all your settings and files will be preserved as it was to the new version.

Custom installation: You can preserve your settings and files with latest Windows Easy Transfer. Here, you need to get the complete Windows 7 installation CD and perform installation task.

Software and hardware compatibility

Microsoft help service providers would help you, if you are in helpless situation. You may find certain programs are not compatible to latest Windows operating system. For both Vista and Windows 7 users, presence of compatibility mode and Windows XP mode is a gift, which can be tweaked around to run any older program.

Security and privacy maintenance

Enterprises dealing in Microsoft help have experienced tech savvy personnel who can manage privacy of your system. You can view your computer usage from remote places as well as can put control over the Internet usage of your kids. You can also enjoy safe online banking and shopping under the surveillance of Microsoft help provider.

System repair and recovery

On account of any issues pertaining to hardware or user mistake data on your computer/server may get eradicated. Hence, preservation of data is an important aspect of IT industry.Microsoft support providers have decent technical group, to take care of everything related to system restore and data backup.

Windows 7 Features: Windows Live Essentials

Sunday, November 1, 2009

In Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7, Window Live Essentials have been presented with a freshness to keep you moving briskly and conveniently. Become eligible for Windows Live Essentials, which is a set of software available at the Windows Live website, with Windows 7.

Windows Live Essentials will enable you to perform e-mail, instant messaging, photo editing, and blogging. Some of them include Messenger, Photo Gallery, Mail, Writer and others.

With the help of Messenger you can chat instantly with friends and family on your PC or mobile phone. Windows 7 messenger enables you to stay in touch with your favorite people in real time.

With Photo Gallery you can share and organize your photographs. You can also restrict your sharing with certain validations. With Photo Gallery you can get your photos and videos from your camera to your PC.

With Mail you can manage you multiple e-mail accounts simultaneous and easily. With this software you can manage all your e-mail accounts, including Windows Live Hotmail and third party accounts, from within Mail. It keeps your mind away from hassles of logging in to multiple accounts to check all your e-mail.

Other important application features tagged with the latest operating system, Windows 7 are as follows.

Desktop: With Windows 7, its awesome to work on desktop. There are new features called Aero Shake, Aero Peek, and Snap. You can try the new desktop slide show, which displays a rotating series of pictures. The task bar play a vital role in any operating system, so Microsoft has completely changed the task bar to help you work smarter, cut clutter, and get more done. Now you can stick your gadgets anywhere on the desktop that is not possible in Windows Vista.

HomeGroup: Now it is very easy to share files and printers on a home network through this feature. Connect two or more PCs running Windows 7, and Home Group will automatically start sharing your music, pictures, video, and document libraries with others in network. HomeGroup is also secure, which allows you to give password to shared files and folders. This feature is available with all the editions of Windows 7.

Jump List: You can access your frequently used programs, songs, pictures and documents. Thanks to this great feature. To open a Jump List, just right-click a program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. What you access in a Jump List depends entirely on the program. The Jump List for IE shows frequently-viewed websites. You can quickly access to commands for things like composing new e-mail messages or playing music.

Snap: It is a new feature that allows you to resize open windows in a new way, simply by dragging them to the edges of your screen.

Window Search: In Windows 7, the search is faster and easy. You just need to type into the Start menu search box and you will have a list of relevant documents, pictures and etc. Apart from that it can also search any external storage device.

Power Management: Windows 7 runs with fewer background services. Therefore, your PC processor doesn’t work as hard and consume less power.

Less energy consumption with better power management in Windows 7

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Strong power management features in Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7 or windows xp 7,promise to enhance the longevity of
the battery of your laptop.

Windows 7 manages with less background activities and therefore doesn’t consume much energy and draw less power. This reduces the energy cost and enhances the battery life.

Windows 7 also provides diagnostic tools that help manufacturers to troubleshoot the power management issues. The tools are functional in reducing power consumption, enhancing

user experience and providing better way of managing power consumption.

This, in turn, significantly helps businesses minimize energy footprint and reduce carbon emissions. Microsoft is strongly focused on reducing the overall power consumption by
managing the performance optimization and device power management.

The energy efficiency and longer battery life in Windows 7 are highly beneficial for portable computers. Moreover, better tools option is specially designed for the IT professionals as it will help them to resolve power management related issues.

Power management issues in Windows latest avatar are more accessible and prominent than its earlier versions, which also allow the user to customize the settings.

There is an automatic sleep mode option, by default, which automatically dim after certain time allowing the end users to adjust the power management settings without going into

the Control Panel.

Microsoft is also looking forward to resolve the driver conflict. 30 new features were included in Windows Vista which have been further elevated in Windows 7.

There are other innovations too that include less power consuming DVD playback, automatic screen dimming, powering off unused ports, and battery-life indicator. Although better

Power Management panel has been included in Windows 7, Microsoft has released a power management guide that describes Power Management enhancement in the operating system , and also includes instructions on reducing power consumption.

Windows 7 features – Device Management

Monday, October 19, 2009

One of the several salient features of Windows 7 is Device Management, which includes device stage and the devices and printer folder making it easier for a user to work with printers, cameras, phones, and music players.

The tool acts as a location for external devices that updates you with the device status information. Device Stage acts as a home page for your hardware in Windows 7. In earlier versions, you need to go to separate menus, but in Windows 7 this advanced feature will pop up all the functions of the device.

The user can also have a look at everything connected to the PC with Devices and Printers folder. Now you don’t have to worry about downloading the drivers as the drivers of the new devices will be downloaded automatically.

In Windows 7, default printing adjusts itself depending upon the connected network. If you are at home or work it gets aware of the location from where you are printing with Location aware printing feature. It also provides support for wireless alternatives to USB such as Ultra Wideband (UWB), Wireless USB (WUSB), Wireless Host Controller Interface (WHCI), Device Wire Adapter (DWA).

Moreover, it supports devices such as ambient light sensor, GPS, temperature gauge, etc. You can also enlarge the text display when using high resolutions . The tool provides improved support for external displays. You can easily toggle between the laptop screen and an external display by simply pressing +P key.

If you want to add a new device it can easily be done with Devices and printers as it also provide the place to add a new networked or wireless device and also to troubleshoot problems with it. It also provide Blue-ray Disc write support and standardizes the Display color as it helps in adjusting an LCD display to be as close as possible to the sRGB standard color space. The user can expect simpler device pairing, better security and better power savings.

ReadyBoost: A way to speed up Windows 7

Microsoft has included an enhanced version of ReadyBoost on Windows 7, a new feature that speeds up your computer even in a low memory situation by using flash memory, in its latest operating system Windows 7, scheduled to be launched on October 22.

ReadyBoost, which also comes with Vista, make use of a USB flash drive or card as memory and it works with most of the flash storage devices.

In Windows 7, it can handle more flash memory and even multiple devices up to eight, for a maximum 256GB of additional memory. When you plug a ReadyBoost-compatible storage device into your system, the AutoPlay dialog box offers you the option to speed up your computer using ReadyBoost. If you select this option, you can choose how much memory on the device to use for this purpose.

When you set up a device to work with ReadyBoost, Windows shows you the space recommended for an optimal performance. For ReadyBoost to effectively speed up your computer, the flash drive or memory card should have at least 1GB of available space. If enough space is not available for ReadyBoost, you’ll see a message asking you to free some space on the device if you want to use it to speed up your system. You can enable or disable ReadyBoost for a specific flash drive or other removable storage device.

Follow the given guidelines to enable this feature in Windows 7 .

STEP1: Connect a flash drive or flash memory card into your computer.

STEP2: Click Speed up my system, in the Autoplay dialog box, under General options.

STEP3: In the Properties dialog box, click the ReadyBoost tab, and then do one of the following:

To turn ReadyBoost off, click Do not use this device.

To use the maximum available space on the flash drive or memory card for ReadyBoost, click Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost. Windows will leave any files already stored on the device, but it will use the rest to boost your system speed.

To use less than the maximum available space on the device for ReadyBoost, click Use this device, and then move the slider to choose the amount of available space on the device you want to use.

STEP4: Click OK.

Change Your Account Picture in Windows 7

Friday, October 16, 2009

Microsoft’s Windows 7 release will be a boon for users as now they will be allowed to change the picture that appears on the Start Menu and Welcome screen in Windows 7.
While using Windows 7 you must have noticed a picture that appears when you click the Start menu or access the Welcome screen. A picture represents your account. You can replace this default picture with your favorite one.
You can follow these steps to perform this task. Click the Start button and then click on your account image to open the "User Accounts" Control Panel. When the "User Accounts" Control Panel opens, click "Change your picture" and then choose the one you like from the gallery and set as a default picture for your account.
After that you will have to click the "Change Picture" button, and then close the "User Accounts" Control Panel.
Taking up another issue, you can use setup to show the computer name on your Windows 7 taskbar.
You usually check computer name manually by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. But in Windows 7 release you can display it on Taskbar.
You just have to create a new folder in Document folder with the same name as your computer name. You can find your computer name by right-clicking on My Computer and choosing Properties. Right-click on an empty area in the taskbar and choose Toolbars, then click on New Toolbar. Now you want to browse to the location of the folder you just created. Choose that folder and click the Select Folder button.
Thats all. Now your computer name will appear on the Windows 7 taskbar.
Another Windows 7 update is that you can also get an effective package from Dr. Web CuireIt against all virus and spyware in Windows 7
When you update your system with Windows 7, then you need a comprehensive package because your existing antivirus will lose the compatibility.
Dr. Web comes with a most efficient Anti-Virus called Dr. Web CuireIt. Its extensive scanner and virus will scan the complete system even without installation. You can get it from the website link http://www.freedrweb.com, absolutely free. You can combine this package with Windows 7 install package. First, open the website with the above link. Press the button of "Download." Save the file on your desktop. Double click on the file and run the set up. Follow the prompt and at the end accept the Agreement form. Click on "Finish" after the process is complete.
You can run this program anytime, to scan your startup files and main memory. Depending upon the area you want to scan you can run this program under complete scan or custom scan. Press "Scanning" after selecting. After scanning the incurable files are moved to the quarantine directory.