Vista Icons

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Windows Seven

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Its no secret that Microsoft has already begun work on the next version of Windows, Windows 7 (formerly, Windows Vienna). Little is known about, since Microsoft is keeping mum on it, lest it should repeat the disaster that was Vista (or rather Longhorn’s) development cycle. Let’s take a look at what we know so far about Windows 7.
1. It will be released in late 2009 - This is perhaps the only solid fact that we know about Windows 7. Other than Windows Vista, all previous Windows versions have been released within at least 3 years of each other, so with Vista’s debut in January 2007 we can safely assume Windows 7 so be in stores by late 2009 (or at the latest early 2010).
2. It will be a minor release: According to Microsoft, every other release of Windows will be a major update, therefore, since Windows Vista was a major release, Windows 7 is set to be minor update. However there is still some chance that Windows 7 will be a major release. Firstly it bears a whole new version number, secondly since Windows Vista was largely a disappointing release, Microsoft might be compelled to make the next version much more interesting.
3. There will be both 32-bit and 64-bit versions: Although the official word so far is that Windows 7 will be 64 bit, it should be noted that when Windows XP was released, Windows Longhorn was planned to be a 64-bit version only. Since most of the PCs in existence today are 32-bit, with so signs of a radical shift to 64-bit anytime soon, Windows 7 should be released in both 32-bit versions.
4. There will be a new UI component: When Microsoft first drew up plans for Windows 7 (back when it was codenamed Blackcomb), there were rumors that the current UI will be replaced with an entirely new one, with some reference to a sort of radial-dial. Where are no chances for a complete overhaul of the current interface, MIcrosoft has been working on several new UI ideas, some of which may slip into Windows 7. Indeed, this might be a way to transition us from the current UI to the new one in future WIndows releases.
5. Hypervisor: Microsoft is currently working on a new hypervisor system codenamed “Viridian” with OS integration at the lowest level, and already Windows Vista includes extensions to boost performance when running on top of the Viridian hypervisor. We can expect Windows 7 to have a higher level of interaction with Viridian.
Its no secret that Microsoft has already begun work on the next version of Windows, Windows 7 (formerly, Windows Vienna). Little is known about, since Microsoft is keeping mum on it, lest it should repeat the disaster that was Vista (or rather Longhorn’s) development cycle. Let’s take a look at what we know so far about Windows 7.


Now, those are the only tidbits, that we know of yet, or have heard rumors about, but there are some other minor specifics that we can easily guess. We can safely assume that all current bundled applications will be updated, some more than others, below are some speculations.

1. Internet Explorer 9: This is an easy guess, IE7 is out already and IE8 is set to be released in mid-2008, so we can fully expect IE9 to ship with Windows 7. Internet Explorer 7 was a rather rushed release, as Microsoft tried to stem the growth of Mozilla Firefox, and most of its new additions (such as tabs) seem flaky at times. Therefore we can expect IE8 to be a solid release, which, rather than introducing new features, improves the current feature-set, and makes the UI much more responsive. This seems to make Internet Explorer 9 a prime candidate for new and innovative features.

2.Windows Media Player/Windows Media Center: Its a given that new versions of WMP always make it into new Windows releases, and Windows Media Center are also expected to be a regular bundled application with all new versions of Windows. We can expect WMP12 and WMC Fiji with Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and future versions to be included in Windows 7.

3. Virtual Desktops: Mac OSX already has it, and Linux had it for a long time, so it would only make sense that Microsoft will be implementing virtual desktops into Windows 7.

4. System Restore: With OSX Leopard’s Time Machine making such an impression with the general public, it can be expected that Windows 7 will improve upon its own backup tool.

5. Paint.NET: So far this has been an independent project that was under the guidance of Microsoft, but Microsoft has always acknowledged that Paint.NET with one day replace the current ‘Paint’ application in Windows.There is also a slight possibility that Microsoft will be integrating Windows Live services much more strongly into Windows 7, although it might raise allegations of anti-competitive business strategies. But there might be certain unique Live services that make it into Windows 7, such as Live Drive. Other Microsoft services such as MSN Soapbox might also be a significant part of applications such as Windows Media Center.It is still too early to tell what shape Windows 7 may take, but we can hope that the recent wave of innovations we have been seeing from Microsoft will carry on into the next two years.

 

Vista SP1 Released : But Is Not Available To Everyone

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Why are some Windows Vista users who have Windows Update turned on not able to see or obtain SP1, even though Microsoft made that code available on March 18 ?

SYMPTOMS

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is not available for installation from Windows Update, and Automatic Updates does not offer Windows Vista SP1 for installation.

CAUSE

This problem occurs because of one or more of the following causes.

Cause 1
You are already running Windows Vista SP1.

Cause 2
Windows Vista SP1 has not been released for the language of the language pack that you have installed.

Cause 3
Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool is used to block the delivery of Windows Vista SP1 from Automatic Updates or from Windows Update.

Cause 4
You tried to install Windows Vista SP1, and the installation failed with a known inconsistency in the file or registry structure.

Cause 5
A hardware device driver or device software was problematic when you updated to Windows Vista SP1.

The Windows Update service can detect the small set of device drivers and software that falls into this category. The Windows Update service will not offer Windows Vista SP1 until an update for the hardware device driver or the device software has been installed.

Cause 6
You have installed a prerelease version of Windows Vista SP1, and you must uninstall the prerelease version, or start with a new installation of Windows Vista.

Cause 7
You used the third-party program vLite to configure the system, and you may have removed required system components that have to be available for Windows Vista SP1 to be installed.

For more information, visit the following vLite Web site:

http://www.vlite.net (http://www.vlite.net).Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

Cause 8
You see one or more updates for Windows Vista when you run Windows Update. However, you do not see Windows Vista SP1 listed.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, use one or more of the following methods, as appropriate for your situation.
Method for Cause 1
Determine whether you are running Windows Vista SP1. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click StartStart button, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
2. If Windows Vista SP1 is installed, you will see that a reference to Windows Vista SP1 is displayed at the bottom of the Windows Edition section.


Method for Cause 2

There will be two releases of Windows Vista SP1. The first release of Windows Vista SP1 is available in the following languages:

English
French
German
Japanese
Spanish

The second release of Windows Vista SP1 will be available in the remaining 31 languages. The second release of Windows Vista SP1 is scheduled for later in 2008.
You will only be offered Windows Vista SP1 during the first release if your language and any installed language packs are included in the first five languages.
Verify the language and language pack that is installed on your computer.

Method for Cause 3

For more information about Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb927794.aspx?wt.svl=leftnav (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb927794.aspx?amp;wt.svl=leftnav)


Method for Cause 4

You may have experienced a known inconsistency in the file system or in the registry for the current set of installed Windows components. If the system has one of a set of repairable inconsistencies, Windows Update will offer an update that will repair this issue. Reopen Windows Update, and then click Check for Updates again. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click StartStart button, type Windows Update in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Check for updates.

If your computer has this known inconsistency, we will now offer an update that will make the correction and that will let Windows Vista SP1 be offered and installed when Windows Update is next checked.
Note For most users, Automatic Update will offer this solution, and then it will re-offer Windows Vista SP1 without any interaction required.

Method for Cause 5
To help ensure a positive update experience, Windows Update will temporarily not offer Windows Vista SP1 to systems that have the following device drivers. In some cases, these device drivers are problematic on Windows Vista-based computers when you update to Windows Vista SP1. By installing updated device drivers, you will resolve the issue and enable Windows Update to offer Windows Vista SP1.
Audio drivers
Realtek AC’97

For x86-based computers: Alcxwdm.sys - version 6.0.1.6242 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Alcwdm64.sys - version 6.0.1.6242 or earlier

SigmaTel

For x86-based computers: Sthda.sys - version 5.10.5762.0 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Sthda64.sys - version 5.10.5762.0 or earlier

SigmaTel

For x86-based computers: Stwrt.sys - version 6.10.5511.0 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Stwrt64.sys - version 6.10.5511.0 or earlier

Creative Audigy

For x86-based and x64-based computers: Ctaud2k.sys - version 6.0.1.1242 or earlier
For x86-based computers: P17.sys – all versions (This was originally a Windows XP-based driver.)

Conexant HD Audio

For x86-based computers: Chdart.sys - version 4.32.0.0 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Chdart64.sys - version 4.32.0.0 or earlier

Biometric (Fingerprint) Sensors

AuthenTec Fingerprint Sensor with the Atswpdrv.sys driver file – version 7.7.1.7 or earlier
UPEK Fingerprint Sensor with the Tcusb.sys driver file – version 1.9.2.99 or earlier

Display drivers
Intel Display

For x86-based computers: Igdkmd32.sys – versions between and including driver 7.14.10.1322 and 7.14.10.1403
For x64-based computers: Igdkmd64.sys – versions between and including driver 7.14.10.1322 and 7.14.10.1403

Other drivers
Texas Instruments Smart Card Controller with the GTIPCI21.sys driver file – version 1.0.1.19 or earlier
Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 with the Watcher.exe application – version 3.4.0.9 or earlier (This application is located in the AirCard 580 Program Files folder.)
Symantec software driver for Symantec Endpoint Protection and for Symantec Network Access Control clients

For x86-based computers: Wgx.sys – versions 11.0.1000.1091 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Wgx64.sys – versions 11.0.1000.1091 or earlier

Note Symantec is aware of this issue, and it is working on a solution. Symantec provides various update procedures. This includes their LiveUpdate service.

Additional Windows Vista SP1 driver information
Additionally, Windows Update will not offer Windows Vista SP1 to computers with the Logitech QuickCam that uses the Lvuvc.sys device driver (all versions). Microsoft has identified a flaw in the Windows Vista Ks.sys file that may cause a critical stop during Windows Vista SP1 installation if this device driver file is present. An update to Ks.sys is being developed that resolves this issue. When Microsoft has resolved this issue, an update to Ks.sys will be offered to these users through Windows Update. After this update is installed, users will then be offered Windows Vista SP1 by re-checking for updates.
To resolve this problem, use one or more of the following resolutions:

Resolution 1: Install device driver updates from Windows Update

1. Click StartStart button, type Windows Update in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Review the list of all the updates, including those that are marked as Optional. Install any hardware device drivers that are listed.
4. When driver installation is complete, click Check for updates again to see whether Windows Vista SP1 is now offered.


Resolution 2: Install manufacturer’s updates

Visit the driver download site on your computer manufacturer’s Web site. Look for recently updated device drivers that have not yet been installed. As soon as you have updated your computer, return to Windows Update, and then click Check for Updates again to see whether Windows Vista SP1 is now offered.

Method for Cause 6
Resolution 1: For users who installed the prerelease update package for Windows Vista SP1

If you have installed a prerelease version of the Windows Vista SP1 update, you must uninstall this version to install the final release of the service pack. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Programs and Features in the Start Search box, and then click Programs and Features in the Programs list. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
2. In the Tasks pane, click View installed updates.
3. Click Service Pack for Windows (KB936330), and then click Uninstall.


Resolution 2: For users who installed the full version of the prerelease of Windows Vista with SP1

If you have installed the full version of the prerelease of Windows Vista with SP1, you must upgrade to the final version of Windows Vista SP1, or you must perform a clean installation of the final version. (Full versions of prereleased software are not licensed to be run after the Beta period.) To do this, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a full version of Windows Vista with SP1. You may be able to download this from the same source that offered you the prerelease version, or you may have to obtain a copy from a local retailer when it is released for sale.
2. Insert the Windows Vista DVD, and then follow instructions about how to install Windows Vista. You must enter a genuine licensed product key when you are asked.
3. At the installation choice screen, you will be offered either the upgrade option or the custom installation option. Select the appropriate option with the understanding that a custom installation choice will cause you to lose access to your data and your installed programs.


Method for Cause 7

The third-party program vLite can be used to remove required system components.
For more information, visit the following vLite Web site:

http://www.vlite.net (http://www.vlite.net)


Method for Cause 8

Windows Vista SP1 cannot be installed together with any other updates. It must be installed by itself. Therefore, if there are any pending updates on Windows Update, such as security updates, Windows Update will not offer Windows Vista SP1 until the updates are installed. To install all pending updates, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Windows Update in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. Click Check for updates. Review the list of updates, and then verify that all updates that are marked Important or Recommended are checked.
3. Click Install Updates to begin the installation. You may be asked to restart the computer when the installation is complete.

Windows Vista SP1 will be offered after all pending updates are installed by re-checking Check for updates.

 

Keyboard shortcuts with Windows Logo key

Category: Tips and Tricks    |    177 views    |    Add a Comment  |   

Most Windows-compatible keyboards include a Windows logo key that can be used to open the Start menu, or can be used in combination with other keys to start certain Windows functions.

The Windows Logo key is generally located left-hand between the “Ctrl” and “Alt” keys and duplicated right-hand of spacebar and right “Alt”. Here’s a complete list of Windows XP keyboard shortcuts with the logo key.

Windows Logo: Display or hide the Start menu

Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons

Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box

Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box

Windows Logo+U: Open Utility Manager

Windows Logo+M: Minimize all

SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all

Windows Logo+F1: Help

Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer

Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders

Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop

CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer

CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)