Add Icons In Vista Notification Area

Notification area is the space where the system shows you notifications about the programs running in the background and also shows the messages related to the system. In a Windows Vista computer, the notification area is found in the right side of the taskbar, just beside the system clock. Windows allows the user to change the notification characteristics. You can add or remove icons from the notifications area by following the simple Windows help instructions given below.

Instructions

• Move the mouse pointer to the extreme left side of the taskbar and then press the Start button found there to open the Start menu. 
• Now right click on a blank space in the Start menu to open a context menu and then select the Properties option from it. 
• You will be able to view a new window on the screen with the name Properties, now click on the Notification Area tab found at the top of the window. Now you will be displayed with all the icons present in your system in the window, you can select which icons to display on the notifications area by putting a check mark in the check box found beside the options. If you do not wish to show an already shown icon, remove the check mark in the checkbox found next to it by clicking on it. 
• Now click on the Customize option found in the window for modifying the notification area further. Now the window will show you additional icons that can be displayed on your notification area. You have the option to add the preferred icons to the notifications area. For showing an icon in the notification area, click on the icon and then select the respective command that would apply for the icon like Show, Hide, or Hide when inactive. 
• After selecting the desired setting, click on the Apply button and then on the OK button for applying the changes and for saving the changes you have made in the notifications area. 
• Click on the OK button for exiting from the taskbar properties window. 

If you follow the simple instructions given above from the Windows help site, you will be able to make changes to the icons displayed in the notifications area in your computer. If you are not able to add or hide some icons in your notifications bar, feel free to contact the Microsoft support team.

The Know How Of Taking Screenshots

Every Windows operating system is a fine piece of work. The different features and functionalities in each installment of it make the operating system a delight to use. As long as you’ve used any OS, you would know what taking a screenshot means. Taking screen shots is a very useful feature. Taking screen shots can bring in good effect if you want to convey something on the screen to someone, or use that information for the future. By making use of the Prtscr or print screen key on the keyboard, a screen shot can be taken. It is very easy to take a screen shot, and anyone could do it without breaking a sweat.

By following the Windows help guidelines provided below, you can take a screen shot of the entire screen, or just the active window.

To take a screen shot of entire screen

• On the keyboard, on the upper right, , a key called the PrtScr will be present( print screen and on some keyboards). Tap the Print screen or PrtScr key in order to capture a screenshot.
• Now open a new document like a word document, and right click inside the document for a menu to appear. From the menu, choose the Paste option. Alternatively, you can also make use of the Ctrl+V key combination in order to paste the screen shot.

Taking screen shot of the active window

• Open the screen that you want to take a screen shot of. Like if you want to take the screen shot of an error message that is displayed, what you have to do is close/terminate all other Windows and keep only the required window open. Now press the Alt and Print screen keys together.
• Open a new document like a word document, and right click inside the document for a menu to appear. From the menu that appears, choose the Paste option. 

By following, these Windows help guidelines, you can easily take screen shots and save them. If you have any doubt in understanding the guidelines, or you require any additional help, you may visit the Microsoft support website to redress your problems. The Microsoft support website provides the best Microsoft help that you can avail. Experts at Windows Online support are dedicated to providing the best solutions for your problems, and can be contacted any time.

How To Perform System Restore In Windows Vista

Windows operating system has a special function called System Restore that helps you restore the computer’s system files to an earlier point of time. It is the safest way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e‑mail, documents, or photos.
Sometimes, the installation of a program or a driver can cause an unexpected change to your computer or cause Windows to behave unpredictably. Usually, uninstalling the program or driver corrects the problem. If uninstalling does not fix the problem, you can try restoring your computer's system to an earlier date when everything worked correctly.
System Restore uses a feature called System Protection to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. These restore points contain information about registry settings and other system information that Windows uses. You can also create restore points manually. Follow these Windows Help guidelines to perform system restore in Windows Vista.

Instructions

• Close any open Windows on your computer.
• Now go to the Start menu and click on All Programs.
• Click on Accessories from the popup programs list. You will get another popup menu, in which you need to click on System Tools. From this menu, click on System Restore. The system might prompt you to enter the administrator password. Provide the password information.
• Go through the instructions in the system restore menu and select the option to restore your computer to an earlier date. Click the Next button to proceed.
• A calendar will be displayed, from which you can select the restore date. The available system restore dates are highlighted in bold print. When you select the date, make sure to go back to a date in which you know your Windows Vista was functioning properly. Click on the date and click the Next button.
• You will get a popup dialog box to confirm the date. Click OK and then Next. Now Windows will start the restoration process, which will take a few minutes. After this, the computer will shut down on its own and reboot. You will get a message that says the system restore was completed successfully. 

Performing system restore in a Windows Vista computer is an easy process. You need to remember that system restore in not intended to restore any personal data that has been deleted or damaged. For that, you need to use a separate backup program. If you need any further assistance, contact Windows Help and Support Center.

Installing and Updating Drivers in Windows 7

Windows 7 is a very good platform that excels in appearance and performance. The tools and utilities Windows 7 hold make it a personal favorite for many computer user. Windows 7 has inbuilt support for many devices. Since new gadgets, with the option of computer syncing and connectivity are being released every single day, Windows 7 won’t be able to detect many of the new devices. Don’t sweat if your device cannot be installed by Windows 7. There are a lot of options Redmond Professionals have packed Windows with, to solve these sort of simple, yet irritating problems. Windows Help and Support Center provides you info on both devices and drivers.
There are a lot of drivers designed by the OEM to install the devices in Windows 7 and its counterparts like Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.When Windows 7 fails to install a device, it’s because it doesn’t have any drivers required for the device, not even the basic ones. So, what you have to do is, insert the Driver CD provided by the manufacturer and install the driver.

What is a Driver?

A driver is the program that helps the Windows Platform in communicating with the external and internal hardware devices. If a driver is absent or not up to date, the device won’t work properly. In most cases Windows 7 detects the device as an unknown one.

If I don’t have the Driver CD what will I do?

If you don’t have a driver CD provided by the manufacturer, just follow the instructions given below:
1. Power ON your PC and wait for Windows 7 OS to load.
2. After the Windows 7 desktop is loaded, open any browser and navigate to the Official site or the Support site of the Device Manufacturer. In the Support section in the website, search for the device drivers.
3. Download the driver for Windows 7 and install it. You should connect the Device to the system before installing the driver.
4. Restart the system and connect the device.

Alternative Method

1. After the Windows 7 desktop is loaded, connect the device to the computer. Make sure you are connected to the internet.
2. Windows 7 will try to install the device using the related drivers in the database. Since there are no related drivers, Windows 7 will connect to the Microsoft online and download the drivers. It will install the drivers. Restart the PC after the driver installation.
In case you come across any problems during the installation, troubleshoot them with the help of Windows Help center.