Windows 8: Password Reset Disk

If a user forgets their password, not all is lost if a password reset disk was created ahead of time. This disk allows a lost password to be reset, so the user can regain access to their account and files.

This feature only works for local user accounts and only for those who take the time to create it. It's a good practice to create this disk when a new account is setup.

Make sure to put the disk in a secure location because anyone with the disk can override the security for the account.

To create a Password Reset Disk:

• Open the Start menu, and type Password Reset, click the Settings button then click Create a password reset disk.

If you type in the wrong password, you’ll receive a message indicating that your user name and password are incorrect. Click OK when this message appears and then click the Reset password option. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password using the disk you created in the previous steps.

Troubleshooting: Wireless Network Antennas

In a previous article I talked about a software tool for troubleshooting problems with a wireless network signal.  This article focuses on the antenna and related technologies.  I will do my best to keep the subject matter of this article so that its understandable.  Although, the terminologies and concepts can quickly become confusing.

When troubleshooting a wireless network problem, it’s important to have a good understanding of the basic technology in order to solve problems with it.  One of the primary components of any wireless network is the antenna.

The primary antenna issue with most wireless networks is the range of the signal.  To help extend the range of the WiFi device, there are a few things that can be done.

• Try moving the WAP to a new location.  Ideally it should be centrally located in a structure, unless you're broadcasting the signal between two points.
• Try to create one of the many DIY wireless signal enhancers that are available on the Internet (see the reference area below).
• Buy a better antenna for the WAP or wireless network card (if the device supports this option).
• Note: there are a few different types of common antenna connectors
• Buy a WiFi signal booster/extender/repeater to extend the range of the signal.  There are a few different types of these devices, research will be needed to find the one that will best meet the requirements of the network.
• Note: If considering a high-power antenna or some type of signal booster, the FCC limits the maximum transmission power to 1 watt, or about 36 dB.

There are some important terms to know about WiFi networking to have a greater understanding of the technology:

• 802.11: The international wireless networking protocol standard.  There are currently six versions of this protocol (801.11/b/a/g/n/ac).  Each version of the protocol is faster then the previous.
• Attenuation: The loss or weakening of a signal through its transmission.
• Direction: There are generally two types of antennas: unidirectional (one direction) and omni-directional (all directions).  Unidirectional antennas are for point-to-point communication.  Omni-directional antennas are for point-to-multipoint communication.
• Frequency: The two main frequencies that are used in 802.11 wireless networking are: 2.4GHz and 5GHz.  The 2.4GHz frequency is the most popular, and often the noisiest.
• Gain: A measurement of the antenna's signal and typically measured in dB (decibels).

Additional Resources:

• DIY WiFi Antenna booster: Ez-12 Parabolic Reflector Template
• When buying a new antenna for a wireless device, there are few basic types of 802.11 antennas.  Depending on the wireless network setup, some of these may be able to help boost the signal or range.
• Parabolic: supports a unidirectional signal, can look like a satellite dish.  Generally used for sending a signal between two specific points.
• Yagi: supports a unidirectional signal, the core antenna can be covered with a plastic tubular housing (it can also look like an older style TV antenna).  Like a Parabolic antenna its used for sending a signal between two specific points.
• Dipole: omni-directional signal (signal goes in all directions).  This is the most common WiFi antenna, it can cover a wide area (generally a few hundred feet), but wastes a lot of energy because the signal radiates in all directions.

Troubleshooting: Wireless Network Signal Problems

Have a WiFi network and not sure why you're not getting a good signal from the wireless access point (WAP) or router?  There could be several possible problems, for example:

• The WiFi device is too far away from the WAP to send or receive a radio signal. 
• Tip: Most WAPs use a type of vertical omni-directional antenna that broadcasts a signal that would look like a big doughnut.  Try pointing the antenna where the other wireless devices are located.
• The building structure (i.e. walls depending on their material) can prevent the signal from reaching the wireless device.
• Note: WiFi signals can be blocked by objects containing water (e.g. water heaters, fish tanks, water coolers, etc.)
• Electromagnetic interference from devices like microwave ovens or cordless phones all share the same frequency (2.4GHz) that is used by 802.11 networking.
• Too many other WAPs around the device, and they're causing interference.

With the free home version of the inSSIDer WiFi Scanner its possible to graphically see what is happening with all the other wireless signals around.  This may help find a channel in the local area that is being under utilized to get a better connection.  If necessary, try relocating the WAP or router to a different location to see if that solves the problem.

Watch the video to get more information, and to see a demonstration of the application.  The company does provide a more advanced version of the product for purchase, check out their site for more information.

Windows 8 Tip: Power User Menu

WinKey + X: Displays the Power User menu, which grants quick access to administrator functions and tools such as the command prompt, computer management console, and more.

Note: To add (or delete) shortcuts to utilities in this menu, open the following path in the File Explorer %UserProfile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\WinX.

For more Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts.