Easy File & Folder Access

Windows Vista has introduced an updated version of Windows Explorer which has a number of new features. Sometimes, new features can be confusing and take a while to get used to. One of the most common complaints of Windows Explorer is the fact that by default, it opens to you Documents folder. While this behavior is fine if that is the folder you want, it often means a number of clicks to get anywhere else.





There are actually a number of ways to quickly and easily access the files and folders you want, without having to go through all of the expanding and clicks that opening the default Explorer view demands. Some of these tips & tricks have been around for a while, but here we show you how to easily accomplish them in Windows Vista.





File and Folder Tips & Tricks:





1.) To access any drive or path in explorer, type the drive letter, or full folder path in the search bar or address bar.





2.) To easily access any drive directly in explorer, you can customize your start menu to show a menu for your computer drives.

Right click on the Vista Start Button and select Properties

On the Start Menu tab, click on the Customize button

In the first entry, under Computer, select the radio button that says Display as a menu














3.) To directly access all your files and folders from the task bar, you can create a custom Toolbar for your Computer.

Right click on an empty part of your task bar, select Toolbars>New Toolbar...

From the 'New Toolbar - Choose a folder' dialog box, select Computer from the favorite links, or type in Computer in the Folder text box at the bottom.

Click the Select Folder to add the toolbar to your taskbar

Once you have added the toolbar, you can scroll navigate through context menu's to any file or folder on your computer. To open a file, just click on it. To open a drive or a folder, right click on it and select explore.

Video Game Performance Boost

Hopefully this will help some people who are getting unacceptable performance while playing games in Vista. I found it just makes the difference in BF2 between playable gameplay and unplayable gameplay.

Heres what you can try:

- Find the games .exe file in the instalation directory
- Right click on the icon
- Click on Properties
- Click on the Compatibility tab
- Check the "Disable visual themes" and "Disable desktop composition"
- Click ok

Hopefully this helps anyone who needs a little performace boost

Also another little tip, if anyone is playing a game with Punkbuster, and are getting kicked from the server for no apparent reason, try running the game as administrator (right click, select "Run as administrator")

Flip 3D Shortcut

If you want a shortcut that launches the Flip 3D feature in Vista, heres how you do it:

- Right click on your desktop
- Select "New"
- Select "Shortcut"
- Type (or copy/pase) "RunDll32 DwmApi #105" into the location box
- Click "Next"
- Enter a name for your new shortcut
- Place it wheve ever you want

i find it to be usefull in the quicklaunch bar

EDIT: if you want to bind this shortcut to a key on your keyboard heres what to do:

- Right click on the shortcut
- Click "Properties"
- Click on the "Shortcut" tab
- Copy the Target of the shortcut
- Use the target of the shortcut instead of the actual location of the shortcut

I found that if you simply direct the program that binds your keys to a .exe it doesn't work, but if you use the target it works just fine

enjoy!

Accessing Blocked Files in Vista

Let's say a friend sends you an executable file (and you run antivirus on it and find that it is safe). But you try to run the file and you receive the following error message:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

Try the following:

Right-click on the file and choose properties. At the bottom of the General tab, look for a section for Security that says "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer." Click the Unblock button.

You should be able to run the file now.

Vista Compatible Software

I searched on Vista software, or some such thing, and turned up this set of lists:

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List

As best I can tell, it's the "Contents" section (and its realted listings below it) that is pertinent to RC1.

Contents

* 1 Works
o 1.1 Academic
o 1.2 AntiSpyware
o 1.3 AntiVirus
o 1.4 Backups
o 1.5 CD/DVD Authoring
o 1.6 Compression
o 1.7 Defragmenting
o 1.8 Developer Tools
o 1.9 Emulators
o 1.10 File Sharing
o 1.11 Firewalls/IDSs
o 1.12 FTP
o 1.13 Games
o 1.14 Graphics
o 1.15 Media
o 1.16 Messaging
o 1.17 Office Tools
o 1.18 VPN Clients
o 1.19 Web Browsers and Plug-Ins
o 1.20 Miscellaneous
* 2 Has problems, but they can be solved
o 2.1 Academic
o 2.2 AntiSpyware
o 2.3 AntiVirus
o 2.4 Backups
o 2.5 CD/DVD Authoring
o 2.6 Compression
o 2.7 Defragmenting
o 2.8 Developer Tools
o 2.9 Emulators
o 2.10 File Sharing
o 2.11 Firewalls/IDSs
o 2.12 FTP
o 2.13 Games
o 2.14 Graphics
o 2.15 Media
o 2.16 Messaging
o 2.17 Office Tools
o 2.18 VPN Clients
o 2.19 Web Browsers and Plug-Ins
o 2.20 Miscellaneous
* 3 Heavy problems, currently incompatible
o 3.1 Academic
o 3.2 AntiSpyware
o 3.3 AntiVirus
o 3.4 Backups
o 3.5 CD/DVD Authoring
o 3.6 Compression
o 3.7 Defragmenting
o 3.8 Developer Tools
o 3.9 Emulators
o 3.10 File Sharing
o 3.11 Firewalls/IDSs
o 3.12 FTP
o 3.13 Games
o 3.14 Graphics
o 3.15 Media
o 3.16 Messaging
o 3.17 Office Tools
o 3.18 VPN Clients
o 3.19 Web Browsers and Plug-Ins
o 3.20 Miscellaneous

Vista Fast Shutdown

Here's a neat one I fell over somewhere on the web:
Open Regedit (WINDOWS KEY + R on your keyboard, or by clicking Start and typing on the search bar "regedit" without quotes. Hit Enter

Navigate to [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l] On the right panel look for the "WaitToKillServiceTimeout" string and change it value to 1000 by right clicking the string and selecting Modify...

Default Value WaitToKillServiceTimeout=20000

Modified value WaitToKillServiceTimeout=5000
Modified value WaitToKillServiceTimeout=1000 (extreme, use it at your own risk)

I found 3000 worked nicely but try the 5000 first. 3000 does sometimes leave some programs lagging which then need a further key click.

Windows Vista Test Drive

Microsoft has created a test drive website to allow people to tinker with Windows Vista before they decide to purchase the software.

The online test drive is powered by Microsoft Virtual Server Labs and requires at least IE6, enabled Javascript browser, and installation of Virtual Server VRMC Advanced Control ActiveX control.

The test drive emphasizes on Vista’s Safe, Efficient, Connected and Collaborative strenghts.

Start the Test Drive here.

Test Your Hardware for Windows Vista

The most troubling part of your decision to purchase Windows Vista is your PCs hardware capabilities. Worry no more because PC Pitstop makes your life easier through their Vista Readiness Scanner.

Get you PC tested now here.

Disable Hibernation And Free Up Space

Windows places a file on your hard drive that it uses when your computer goes into hibernation mode. If you do not use hibernation mode, or your computer does not properly support it, you may want to disable hibernation and clear the file off your hard drive to free up some space (the file will use as much space as you have in physical memory, so if you have 1GB of RAM, it’s going to use 1GB of your hard drive space).

Disable Hibernation:

1. Click Start, All Programs, and then right click on "Command Prompt".
2. From the context menu click on "Run as administrator".
3. If User Account Control prompts you to allow the action, click on Continue.
4. In the command prompt window, type "powercfg –h off" (without the quotes).
4. Close the Command Prompt window.

Delete the Hibernation File:

1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click "Disk Cleanup".
2. If prompted to choose a drive, select the drive in which Windows Vista is installed on to and press OK.
3. Disk Cleanup will scan the hard drive and present you with a list of options.
4. Check "Hibernation File Cleaner", and then click OK.
5. When asked "Are you sure you want to permanently delete these files?" click on the Delete Files button.

Disable Welcome Center

As soon as you install Windows Vista you are bombarded by the Welcome Center that is designed to help beginner Windows users easily configure their new computer. This new welcome screen is a nice feature the first time you start using Windows vista but quickly becomes annoying.

Disabling the Welcome Center is very easy to do and can speed up your boot as well.

1. Start Regedit.

2. Navigate through HKEY_CURRENT_USER, Software, Microsoft, Windows, CurrentVersion, Run.

3. Right click on the WindowsWelcomeCenter key and select Delete.

The next time you restart the Welcome Center will be gone.

Tweak User Account Control (UAC) with Security Policies

To cut down on malicious software applications and beginner computer users from changing critical computer settings, Microsoft has included a new feature called User Account Control, primarily known as UAC. UAC is a great step in the right direction. It can be used to prevent a beginner computer user from making changes to their computer by restricting them from accessing or even saving any changes to critical areas. UAC is also helpful against Spyware and other malicious software because it will require the user to consent to the action, before any system changes are made.

UAC is a good feature but sometimes it is necessary to tweak it a little so that it is less annoying for more experienced users. For example, an advanced user may be overwhelmed by the number of pop up authorization they receive. By tweaking the settings they can reduce the number of those they see as well as completely disable UAC. Although I do not recommend you completely disable UAC, you can fine tune it to be easier to get along with.

1. To get started, open up the Local Security Settings MMC to show the local security policies by running secpol.msc.

2. Navigate through Local Policies and Security Options.

3. Scroll through the list on the right of the various security settings until your reach the User Account Protection settings. Refer to the list below of the various settings, to change them, just right click and select Modify. Items in bold are the default values.

* User Account Control: Admin Approval Mode for the Built-in Administrator account
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for administrators in Admin Approval Mode
o Elevate without prompting
o Prompt for credentials
o Prompt for consent

* User Account Control: Behavior of the elevation prompt for standard users
o Automatically deny elevation requests
o Prompt for credentials

* User Account Control: Detect application installations and prompt for elevation
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Only elevate executables that are signed and validated
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Only elevate UIAccess applications that are installed in secure locations
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation
o Enabled
o Disabled

* User Account Control: Virtualize file and registry write failures to per-user locations
o Enabled
o Disabled

How to replace Vista's startup sound

Vista is the first version of Windows to include a non user-customizable startup sound. This is played while the Pearl (or Orb) animates. By default, the sound either plays or it doesn't. Changing this sound cannot be done using the Sound control panel. Instead, follow these steps:

1) For best results, boot out of Vista and into an alternative OS, such as XP. (This is assuming you dual boot.)

2) Locate the file "imageres.dll" in Vista's System32 folder. For instance, E:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll. Copy that file into a different location, i.e. your desktop.

3) Download ResHacker.

4) Open ResHacker. Open the imageres.dll file in ResHacker.

5) Find the folder that reads "WAVE" and expand everything below that. This is what it should look like:



6) Right click 1033 (this could have a different name depending on your locale), and click Replace Resource. Click "Open file with new resource", and find the wave file you want to replace it with. Once you're done, in Resource Type, type "WAVE", in Resource Name type "5051", and under Resource Language type "1033" (or whatever number you have). Once done, click Replace.



7) Click File, then click Save. Now you can copy this file to Vista's System32 folder. Keep the imageres_original.dll file ResHack left behind in case you want to revert back to the original sound.

Disabling Services Guide

I suggest we use this thread to suggest to each other which services can be turned off, because we do not need them. This is a work in progress. I did not follow this post 100% and neither should you. Change services according to your computer config. If you do not have one of these services, chances are you already disabled the option in 'Turn Windows features on or off' or you are running a different edition of Windows Vista.

Start > services.msc > Enter
Winkey + R > services.msc > Enter

Application Experience - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Application Information - Default: Manual (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Application Layer Gateway Service - Default: Manual
- Used for certain software services | If this service is started already, leave on Manual (Safe) | If it is not, set to Disabled

Application Management - Default: Manual
- If you don't "deploy software through Group Policy", Set to Disabled

Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is (unless you don't use Windows Update)

Base Filtering Engine - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Disabling this service reduces security of the OS (needed for firewall, some unusual protocols, remote access, and internet connection sharing), Safe: Leave as is

Block Level Backup Engine Service - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Certificate Propagation - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled

CNG Key Isolation - Default: Manual
- This service may be needed if you are on Wired/Wireless Lan Autoconfig Since and will be using EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol), Otherwise: Set to Disabled

COM+ Event System - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Responsible for many things including the Backup and Restore Center, Safe: Leave as is

COM+ System Application - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Computer Browser - Default: Automatic
- If you aren't on a network, Safe: Set to Disabled

Cryptographic Services - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for some connections/websites (Microsoft/Windows Update?), confirms signatures of windows files, Safe: Leave as is

DCOM Server Process Launcher - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Desktop Window Manager Session Manager - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use the advanced Aero Glass transparency interface, Safe: Set to Disabled

DFS Replication - Default: Manual
- If you aren't on a network, Safe: Set to Disabled

DHCP Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Typically needed for most Internet Connections (maybe not if you have a static IP), Safe: Leave as is

Diagnostic Policy Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems (including fixing internet connection problems in vista and ie7), Safe: Set to Disabled

Diagnostic Service Host - Default: Manual
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems, Safe: Set to Disabled

Diagnostic System Host - Default: Manual (Started)
- If you don't care for Windows finding solutions to problems, Safe: Set to Disabled

Distributed Link Tracking Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have links between NTFS Files, Safe: Set to Disabled

Distributed Transaction Coordinator - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service (Set to Disabled)

DNS Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed once in a while, Safe: Leave as is

Extensible Authentication Protocol - Default: Manual
- Disabling this service reduces security of the OS (needed for firewall, some unusual protocols, remote access, and internet connection sharing), Safe: Leave as is

Fax - Default: Manual
- If you don't use a fax or a scanner, Safe: Set to Disabled

Function Discovery Provider Host - Default: Manual (Started)
- If not on a network (needed for certain uncommon network components), Safe: Set to Disabled

Function Discovery Resource Publication - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If not on a network (needed for certain uncommon network components), Safe: Set to Disabled

Group Policy Client - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is (can technically be disabled if not used, will look into possible problems later)

Health Key and Certificate Management - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Human Interface Device Access - Default: Manual
- If you don't use the extra buttons on your keyboard or use the software for it, Safe: Set to Disabled

IKE and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules - Default: Automatic
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Infrared Monitor service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have/use infrared, Safe: Set to Disabled

Interactive Services Detection - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) - Default: Disabled
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is

IP Helper - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't want IPv6 support, Safe: Set to Disabled

IPsec Policy Agent - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is

KtmRM for Distributed Transaction Coordinator - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start)
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is

Link-Layer Topology Discovery Mapper - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Microsoft .Net Framework NGEN v.20.50727_X64/X86 - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Microsoft iSCSI Initiator Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use iSCSI, Safe: Set to Disabled

Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Multimedia Class Scheduler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for Windows Audio, Safe: Leave as is

Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service - Default: Disabled
- Safe: Leave as is

Netlogon - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Network Access Protection Agent - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Network Connections - Default: Manual (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is

Network List Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is

Network Location Awareness - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is

Network Store Interface Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you aren't using the internet, Safe: Leave as is

Offline Files - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you use them, Safe: Set to Disabled

Parental Controls - Default: Manual
- Unless you use them, Safe: Set to Disabled

Peer Name Resolution Protocol - Default: Manual
- Unless you use Windows Meetings, Safe: Set to Disabled

Peer Networking Grouping - Default: Manual
- Unless you use such applications, Safe: Set to Disabled

Peer Networking Identity Manger - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Performance Logs & Alerts - Default: Manual
- Needed for many features of Windows, Safe: Leave as is

Plug and Play - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Unless you don't connect various devices often, Safe: Leave as is

PnP-X IP Bus Enumerator - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

PNRP Machine Name Publication Service - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Portable Device Enumerator Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you do not own a portable device, Safe: Set to Disabled

Print Spooler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If no printer (including virtual ones) is present on the computer, Safe: Set to Disabled

Problem Reports and Solutions Control Panel Support - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

Program Compatibility Assistant Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use the Program Compatibility Assistant, Safe: Set to Disabled

Protected Storage - Default: Manual
- If you don't save passwords, Safe: Set to Disabled

Quality Windows Audio Video Experience - Default: Manual
- If you don't need it, Safe: Set to Disabled

ReadyBoost - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use USB drives as a memory boost, Safe: Set to Disabled

Remote Access Auto Connection Manager - Default: Manual
- If you won't be connecting to your computer remotely, Safe: Set to Disabled

Remote Access Connection Manger - Default: Manual (Started)
- If you won't be connecting to your computer remotely, Safe: Set to Disabled

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Vital, Safe: Leave as is

Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Locator - Default: Manual
- Possibly not needed (will look into), Safe: Leave as is

Remote Registry - Default: Manual
- Recommended: Set to Disabled

Routing and Remote Access - Default: Disabled
- Typically not needed, Safe: Leave as is

Secondary Logon - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you are only running vista with one user, Safe: Set to Disabled

Security Accounts Manager - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use Global Policy Editor, Safe: Set to Disabled

Security Center - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use the Security Center, Safe: Set to Disabled

Server - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to send files or print them over a network, Safe: Set to Disabled

Shell Hardware Detection - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use Autoplay, Safe: Set to Disabled

SL UI Notification Service - Default: Manual
- Not required on most setups (needed for Tablet Input Panel) but, Safe: Leave as is

Smart Card - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled

Smart Card Removal Policy - Default: Manual
- If you don't use Smart Cards, Safe: Set to Disabled

SNMP Trap - Default: Manual
- If not on a network with SNMP, Safe: Set to Disabled

Software Licensing - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for the Control Panel and other parts of Windows to function (Tablet Input Panel for Tablets), Safe: Leave as is

SSDP Discovery - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have such devices, Set to Disabled

Superfetch - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

System Event Notification Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Typically not needed (event log may display an error if disabled) Safe: Leave as is

Table PC Input Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't have a tablet PC, Safe: Set to Disabled

Task Scheduler - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Needed for various Windows and 3rd Party Programs, Safe: Leave as is

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you won't be sharing files between computers, Set to Disabled

Telephony - Default: Manual (Started)
- Needed for dial-up and certain DSL connections, Safe: Leave as is

Terminal Services - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled

Terminal Services Configuration - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled

Terminal Services UserMode Port Redirector - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled

Themes - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you are using Windows Classic, Safe: Set to Disabled

Thread Ordering Server - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

TPM Base Services - Default: Manual
- Used for hardware certificates, Safe: Leave as is

UPnP Device Host - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use UPnP, Safe: Set to Disabled

User Profile Service - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Virtual Disk - Default: Manual
- Since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

Volume Shadow Copy - Default: Manual
- Needed for some integrated backups, since this service is on manual and does not start, it may be needed at some point, but it isn't a critical service

WebClient - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use web folders, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Audio - Default: Automatic (Started
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Audio Endpoint Builder - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Backup - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

Windows CardSpace - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Color System - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Connect Now - Config Registrat - Default: Manual
- Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Defender - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

Windows Driver Foundation - User-mode Driver Framework - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Error Reporting Service - Default: Automatic
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

Windows Event Collector - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Event Log - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Firewall - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

Windows Image Acquisition (WIA) - Default: Manual
- If you don't have a scanner/camera, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Installer - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Management Instrumentation - Default: Automatic (Started)
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Media Center Extender Service - Default: Disabled
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Media Center Receiver Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Media Center Scheduler Service - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Media Center Service Launcher - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service - Default: Manual
- If no portable device is owned, Set to Disabled

Windows Modules Installer - Default: Manual
- Certain Windows Updates require it, Safe: Leave as is

Windows Presentation Foundation Font Cache 3.0.0.0 - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Windows Remote Management (WS-Management) - Default: Manual
- If you don't plan to administer remote computers, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Search - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

Windows Time - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you don't plan to sync the clock with a server, Safe: Set to Disabled

Windows Update - Default: Automatic (Delayed Start) (Started)
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled, Recommended: Leave as is

WinHTTP Web Proxy Auto-Discovery Service - Default: Manual
- Almost always not needed, Safe: Set to Disabled

Wired/WLAN AutoConfig - Default: Manual
- If you don't use it, Safe: Set to Disabled

WMI Performance Adapter - Default: Manual
- Safe: Leave as is

Workstation - Default: Automatic (Started)
- If you plan on being on a LAN, Safe: Leave as is

Please inform me about mistakes, what you have found and what you would change.

Six Quick Vista Tricks

Work Vista like a pro with these shortcuts and secrets.

By Brian Livingston and Paul Thurrott

Dual-boot the right way. Installing Windows Vista in a dual-boot configuration with Windows XP is a great way to test the new operating system while still retaining the comfort and compatibility of the old one. But if you install Vista from within XP, the new OS is installed on a new partition with a new drive letter, typically D:. A better idea is to create a dual-boot setup by booting the PC with the Vista DVD and installing at that point. This way, both Vista and XP—whichever one you're running at the time—will appear to be on C:, not D:. Applications that automatically default to C: will run without confusion, and any you install while using Vista will show up on your primary partition.

Get network drivers that work. Micro­soft tested more than 100 XP-era hardware drivers that work fine in Vista but that are not included with the operating system for various reasons. Most affected are Ethernet cards and Wi-Fi adapters. If one of these devices doesn't work after you've installed Vista, it more than likely will if you download the XP driver from the manufacturer's site. Microsoft engineers prepared a list of drivers they found to be compatible with Vista, but the document was never posted. We've posted the list ourselves at ­WindowsSecrets.com/vista.

Edit TV shows and skip commercials. Only the Vista edition of Windows Movie Maker lets you edit Media ­Cen­ter-recorded TV shows. That means you can edit out the commercials (although you're limited to ­standard-definition television content). You can also archive your favorite shows in WMV (Windows Media Video) format, which creates much smaller files than Media Center's MS-DVR format.


Use Virtual Folders. Vista's new Virtual Folders feature has been downplayed to the point that it's almost invisible in the user interface. But it's still there and highly usable. Look for prebuilt examples in C:\Users\username\Searches. In a search window (Windows-F) click Save Search to create a search folder, such as "documents by Jack that mention the Nexus project." Your folder dynami­cally updates its view to include any such file that's added, changed, or removed.


Keep malware at bay. To get better ­security defenses than are possible in XP, leave Vista's User Account Protection enabled and select a Standard User account. You must enter an admin password occasionally, but it's worth the trouble in the interest of keeping Trojan horses and other malware from silently infecting your system. For even better security, apply Parental Controls to your Standard User account, even though you're an adult. Power users do this to get a pop-up reminder when they're about to visit a suspect Web site or run a rogue application.

Get the best 3D rendering. The new OS includes striking 3D effects. But you won't get the best rendering in, say, Vista's new chess game unless you know the trick. Click Game, then Options, and push the Graphic Quality slider all the way to the right. When you click OK, you'll notice the game instantly becomes smoother and less jagged-looking. To get the opposite effect, push the slider all the way to the left. The game then downshifts to a 2D mode that's just right for older PCs.

Essential Freeware

These are must to have freebies for each and every system:

Advanced WindowsCare 2 Personal (All-in-one system utility)

AVG AntiVirus Free Edition (Anti-virus)

Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition (Remove spyware)

PCWizard 2006 (Hardware management)

IObit SmartDefrag (Disk Defragment)

Top 10 Tweaks, Tips and Tricks for Windows Vista

1. If you’re annoyed by Internet Explorer’s incessant barking that you’ve lowered your security settings (like, if you’re a non-paranoid expert), launch “gpedit.msc” from either the Run command or Start Search field, navigate through Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Internet Explorer. In the rightmost pane, double-click “Turn off the Security Settings Check feature” and set it to Enabled.

2. If Internet Explorer’s Information Bar also annoys you, you can turn it off (again) in the Group Policy Object Editor (gpedit.msc) through Local Computer Policy / Computer Configuration / Administrative Templates / Windows Components / Internet Explorer / Security Features. In the rightmost pane, double-click “Internet Explorer Processes” and set it to Disabled. Hallelujah!

3. I’ve just mentioned two tweaks that are buried inside the Group Policy Editor. Jim Allchin pointed out that there’s a Group Policy Settings Reference spreadsheet available. Makes for great weekend reading.

4. Read the Background on Backgrounds if you’re a performance junkie. Don’t set your wallpaper through Internet Explorer ever again! Now that Windows supports JPG wallpapers, there’s absolutely no need (or excuse) for using BMPs anymore.

5. If you insist on keeping UAC (User Account Control) turned on for yourself, you might care to make the elevation prompts a bit less visually jarring. Brandon told me about this one, even though I have UAC turned off. Launch the Local Security Policy manager (secpol.msc), and navigate through Security Settings / Local Policies / Security Options. In the rightmost pane, scroll to the bottom and double-click “User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation.” Disable it, and you can keep UAC turned on without getting turned off by the embarrassingly craptacular Aero Basic theme.

6. Vista can send you emails! The Computer Management tool can still be accessed by right-clicking “Computer” and selecting “Manage” from the menu. However, now you can attach a task to any event. Try navigating through System Tools / Event Viewer / Windows Logs / Application. Now, go ahead and select an event - then look to the rightmost pane and click “Attach Task to This Event.” Name it whatever, describe it however, click through the next step, then in the Action step, you’ll see the “Send an e-mail” option.

7. The Windows Task Manager gives you a lot more troubleshooting information in Vista. Flip to the Processes tab, and in the View menu, click “Select Columns” and add Description, Command Line, and Image Path Name. Moreover, when you right-click a process, you can select either “Go to Service(s)” or “Open File Location.” These are all long overdue options.

8. This one’s interesting. Open up the Date and Time Control Panel applet. Flip to the “Additional Clocks” tab. There, you can configure two more clocks from different time zones. They’ll appear in the tooltip when you hover over the Taskbar clock. No additional software (or silly sidebar widgets) necessary.

9. Applicable in other versions of Windows, I’m going to throw it in here for good measure. Create a shortcut to RegSvr32.exe in your SendTo folder. To get there quickly, enter “shell:sendto” in the Run command dialog or Start Search field. Now, when you wanna register a DLL or OCX file with the system, you can select it/them and “Send To” the RegSvr32 shortcut.

10. I figured I’d round out my first set of Windows Vista tips and tricks with a tiny bit of eye candy. It doesn’t beat Picasa, but the Windows Photo Gallery is better than nothing. Once it’s indexed all your photos, click the icon next to the Search field and turn on the “Table of Contents.” That’s kinda nifty.