Windows 8: Stupid PC Tricks - Show Desktop

Note: "Stupid PC Tricks" are a series of user tips that I think are interesting, but unfortunately they're not all that useful.

Since Windows XP, you could press the WinKey + D on the keyboard to show the desktop.  Before that you had a shortcut that used to come with Windows that you could launch with your mouse.

Below are instructions on how to recreate the shortcut icon.

Open NOTEPAD.EXE, and paste the following code into it.

[Shell]Command=2IconFile=explorer.exe,3[Taskbar]Command=ToggleDesktop

Press the Ctrl+S to bring up the save dialog.  Select where you want to save the file.
Give the file name of Show DESKTOP.SCF, change the Save as type drop-down menu to: All files (*.*)
Press the Save button

Double-click the icon to hide the desktop, double-click it again to show the desktop.

Note: The icons are still available on your system at: "%userprofile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch"

Windows 8: Create a Pseudo Start Menu in the Taskbar

One of the first things people notice in Windows 8 is the omission of the Start menu from the desktop. There are several 3rd party replacements for this feature available on the Internet.

Personally, I like to limit the installation of any extra software installed on my system (this is my preference).

If you find this annoying, but don't want to install a 3rd party replacement. You can create a pseudo Start menu by creating a new toolbar in the taskbar.

All you have to do is right-click the taskbar, and select Toolbars > New Toolbar, then paste in the follow path in to the file dialog box: %userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs.

In the taskbar towards the right you will see the word Programs with two little ">>" (greater then signs) next to it. Click the little ">>" (greater then signs), and you should see all your installed desktop programs.

Windows 8: How to install Windows Media Center (or an Alternative)

One feature (or really lack there of) in Windows 8 users might find annoying is the inability to playback DVDs or Blu-ray discs under the new OS.  In Windows 7 this used to be an included feature depending on the edition of the OS you had installed.

If you're running Windows 8 standard edition you will have to rely on a 3rd party software.  For DVDs, you can download and run VLC [free], or some other available media player software.  For Blu-ray discs you're going to have to rely on some other 3rd party media player software.

If you're running Windows 8 Professional edition, you can download the Windows Media Center feature, which is now a paid feature called "Windows 8 Media Center Pack" add-on (which allows you to watch and record TV and play DVDs).

There are a few things that you need to know about The Windows 8 Media Center Pack:

• This feature adds all the original Windows Media Center functionality back to Windows 8 Pro which includes the ability to watch and record broadcast TV and play DVDs. 
• Note: The DVD playback option is not supported in the Windows Media Player which is included with the OS.
• If you want to play Blu-rays in Windows Media Center, you will need to get the appropriate CODEC from a third-party.

To install the "Windows 8 Media Center Pack" add-on, follow the instructions below:

• Press the Windows Key, then type: "add features" in the search box, and then tap or click the Settings icon.
• Tap or click "Add features to Windows 8".
• If you already received your product key from Microsoft, then tap or click "I already have a product key", then follow the prompts.
• If you don't already have a product key from Microsoft, then tap or click "I want to buy a product key online", then follow the prompts.
• Enter a product key and then press Next button.
• After reading the license terms, select the check box to accept the license terms, and then press Add features button.

Windows 8: Creating a Master Control Panel

You can create what I like to call the "Master Control Panel" (it is also known as GodMode).  I think the secondary term over emphasizes the real utility of this window.  Basically it displays all control panels, troubleshooting tips and more in one window.

It’s a hidden feature that remains available in previous versions of Windows OS (I know this trick works on Windows 7, I am not sure if it works before that).

To access this feature, you have to right-click an empty area of the desktop and select New > Folder. Highlight this folder and press F2, then type: MasterPanel.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} and press the [Enter] key. Double-click the folder icon to view its contents.

Windows 8: Stupid PC Tricks - Windows Switcher

Note: "Stupid PC Tricks" are a series of user tips that I think are interesting, but unfortunately they're not all that useful.

You have always been able to press ALT-TAB to switch between applications.  Way back in Windows 95 and later, there was a shortcut in the Quick Launch bar that could activate the Windows Task Switcher.

Below are instructions on how to recreate the shortcut icon.

• Create a new shortcut (right-click the desktop, select New > Shortcut)
• In the Type the location of the item field, type: %windir%\explorer.exe shell:::{3080F90E-D7AD-11D9-BD98-0000947B0257}, and then press the Next button.
• In the Type the name of the shortcut field, type: Windows Switcher, and then press the Finish button.

Note: The icons are still available on your system at: "%userprofile%\Application Data\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick Launch"

Windows 8: Boot Configuration Utilities

Back in the days of Windows NT there was a BOOT.INI file that was used for controlling which OS Windows would load and what start-up options would be used.

In Windows Vista, Microsoft replaced the older BOOT.INI file with a new architecture called the Boot Configuration Data (BCD) store.

The only time you really want to modify the BCD store is if you want to change the Windows startup options for diagnostic reasons, or if there's a need to multi-boot the system with more then one OS (e.g. Windows, Linux, etc.)

Warning: Use extreme caution when using any of these tools as they can easily make the system unbootable by changing the wrong configuration setting.

Below is a list of built-in utilities for managing the BCD store:

• MSCONFIG.EXE (A GUI tool for modifying the BCD store)
• BCDEDIT.EXE (A command line tool for modifying the BCD store)
• More information
• BCDBOOT.EXE (A command line tool for managing system partition files)
• More information

Windows 8: Reset vs. Refreshing Windows

In the past when the operating system was giving you problems (e.g. corrupted system files, malware, bad drivers, etc.) you had two choices. Find the original installation disk to try to repair the OS or format the hard drive and do a clean install.

Windows 8 now makes it easy for you to repair a broken operating system by returning it to its original state.  By going to the Setting menu, click the Change PC Settings link, then select General. Scroll to the bottom of the side window, and you'll see two options: Refresh your PC without affecting your files and Remove everything and re-install Windows.

Summary: Refresh vs. Reset:

• Refresh: Keeps customizations, personal files (music, photos, and other documents), and Windows 8 installed apps, and doesn't format before re-installing the OS.  This option returns the operating system to its factory-default settings and removes third-party application that were installed
• Note: all applications that were not installed via the Windows Store will be deleted.
• Tip: It never hurts to make sure that you have a good backup of all your data before using this option.
• Reset: Re-formats the hard drive and re-installs the OS to its factory-default settings   It doesn't keep any customizations , data, or applications.
• Warning: Make sure to backup all your data before using this option.

Additional Notes:
The RECIMG.EXE is a command line tool that allows the creation of a custom recovery image for Windows when the Refresh your PC option is utilized. The recovery images do not contain the users personal documents, settings, user profile information, or apps from the Windows Store, because that information is preserved when the PC is refreshed.

This tool requires administrator privileges to execute.  For more information on how to use this type RECIMG.EXE /? at the command prompt and press the Enter key.

Windows 8: Creating an All Applications Folder

I will admit right off this feature is not pretty, but if you like to explore all the different aspects of your system you might find this one interesting.  This tip involves creating an applications folder on the desktop that gives you quick access to all the programs installed on your computer (both native Windows 8 and desktop applications)

• Open the File Explorer, then navigate to the Desktop (or anywhere else you want) and create a new empty folder (press Ctrl+Shift+N).
• Rename the new folder (click the folder and press F2): All Applications.{4234d49b-0245-4df3-b780-3893943456e1} (Note: the first part of the name before the period can be anything you want) 

When you open the folder it will list all applications installed on your computer in one window.

Windows 8: The Best and Quickest Way Shutdown (Restart or Hibernate) Windows

I have to admit when I first started using Windows 8 and tried to shut it down for the first time I was a little frustrated. Even after I learned how to properly shutdown the system, I wasn't really happy with any method I found, until I came up with the solution below.

Utilizing a built-in feature of the Windows application shortcut you can execute any of these operations with shortcut keys. This feature is mostly forgotten, and has literally been around for decades.

• On an empty area of the Windows desktop, right-click and select New > Shortcut. When the 'Create Shortcut' dialog box appears, type shutdown /s /t 0 and press the Next button.
• to restart the computer, use: shutdown /r /t 0 
• to hibernate the computer, use: shutdown /h /t 0
• to log-off of the current session, use: logout 
• Give the shortcut a name, and then press the Finish button. 
• Right-click the new shortcut icon, and select Properties.
• In the Properties window, click in the box next to the Shortcut key.  Type in your desired shortcut. For example, press CTRL+ALT+S (or anything else you want, personally I use CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+S to help avoid accidentally shutting down the computer).
• Press the OK button. 

Now all you have to do is press the shortcut key you created, and the computer will perform the operation you selected. To delete the keyboard shortcut, open its file properties dialog box click the box next to 'Shortcut key', and press the Delete key.

Note: This trick can be used on just about any application shortcut, and in most versions of Windows.

Bonus Tip: another quick way to shutdown Windows is to click an empty area of the desktop and press ALT+F4.

Internet Explorer 10: Built-in Security and Privacy Features

The web browser is the number one attack surface criminals are using to infect your computer or steal private information.  None of the security and privacy technologies built into any browser are perfect, and will keep you safe at all times.  The bad guys are updating their tools and exploits all the time to try to circumvent these protections.

Internet criminals use weaknesses in a browser or its extensions to execute malicious code on the local computer. Although, by keeping your browser and extensions up-to-date.  Also limiting the number of extensions you install to the bare minimum, you can help protect your computer and your privacy.

In the past Internet Explorer had a bad reputation for being vulnerable to these types of attacks.  Microsoft has worked hard to clean up Internet Explorer's reputation in the last few years.  For more information see the following report from NSS Labs.

Below is a list the more well known Internet Explorer 10's built-in security and privacy features:

• Tracking Protection: Helps filters out scripts and files that can track you online (more info).
• Tools, Safety menu, Tracking Protection...
• SmartScreen: Filters malicious web sites and content
• Tools, Safety menu, Turn on SmartScreen filters...
• Disables Flash extensions: Disables the Flash plug-ins by default when a web page is loaded.
• Note: IE has two interfaces, desktop which supports add-ons, and the touch screen native interface that doesn't.
• InPrivacy Browsing: Doesn't record the browsing history (cookies, visited sites, etc.).
• Press: Ctrl + Shift + P
• Delete Browser History: Automatically purges the browser's history when exiting.
• Internet Options, check the Delete browsing history on exit checkbox
• Security Zone: Enables or disables browser features based on the site's URL
• Tools, Internet Options, Security tab
• Privacy Settings: Controls how cookies are handled by the browser.
• Tools, Internet Options, Privacy tab 
• Family Safety: Controls what content different users can view.
• Tools, Internet Options, Content tab, press the Family Safety button
• Password Manager: Stores usernames and passwords for different sites.
• Tools, Internet Options, Content tab, press the Setting button in the AutoComplete section.
• Popup Blocker: Prevents web sites from spawning popup windows.
• Tools, Internet Options, Privacy tab, press the Setting button in the Pop-up Blocker section.
• More information.

Some additional security/privacy suggestions:

• If you use Java regularly make sure to keep it up-to-date, otherwise consider uninstalling it.
• The built-in Reader app in Windows 8 can display PDFs, so you don't need a 3rd party application.
• Install CCCleaner, it purges private information better then the built-in tools.

Software: Controlling Your PC with Hand Gesture

A company called eyeSight offers software that allows you to control your PC using hand gestures without the use of special hardware (such as the LeapMotion). The eyeSight software utilizes the camera that that is attached to your PC or already built into your laptop.

Note: I have not used this product, so I am not aware of its true advantages or limitations. This information is provided for reference only.

Windows 8: Disabling the Lock Screen

In Windows 8 the lock screen is enabled by default. For some people this is an annoyance rather then a feature. If you want to disable this feature and display the Start screen automatically when you turn on the computer, follow the instructions below:

• Open the Start screen, or press WinKey+R to open the Run command dialog 
• Type "netplwiz.exe" press enter, or launch the app when it is displayed. 
• Select the user account you want to automatically be logged into. 
• Uncheck the item: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer. 
• Press the OK button, you'll be prompted to enter the password twice. 

Next time when you start up the computer, you will not be prompted with a password. To re-enable the lock screen just run the program netplwiz.exe again, and re-check the item: Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer, and then press the OK button.

Note: If you use this feature, your password will be stored in the registry as plain text.

Windows 8: Advanced Windows Calculator Tricks (Advanced Functions)

The Windows Calculator is one of those features that has been around for a long, long time.  For the most part it gets unnoticed until you need to do some basic calculations.  

To quickly bring up the calculator, from the Start screen type CALC and select the calculator icon, or from the Run... command (WinKey + R) type: CALC.EXE.

When you first start-up calculator it will look like it always does, with just the basic features. To access the more advanced modes (such as the unit or date conversion, and worksheets), open up the File menu or use the keyboard shortcuts below:

Available calculator modes: 

• ALT+1: Standard
• ALT+2: Scientific
• ALT+3: Programmer
• ALT+4: Statistics
• CTRL+H: Enable the history feature
• CTRL+U: Unit Conversion
• CTRL+E: Date Conversion 

Note: To access the mortgage, vehicle lease and fuel economy worksheets, from the File menu, select Worksheets then select the one you want to use.  To revert the calculator back to its default functionality, press CTRL+F4.

Bonus Tip: It is pretty easy to assign a special key combination to the calculator's shortcut (just right-click the program's icon (in the File Explore, go to "%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\" and select Calculator.lnk) select Properties, and click in the Shortcut Key field, then assign a keyboard combination such as Ctrl + Alt + C, and then press the OK button)

Video: The Inbox (Internet Scams in Real Life) [Comedy]

What Internet scams could look like in real life.  Remember: be careful what you click.

Windows 8 vs. Windows To Go, What You Need to Know?

"Windows To Go" is a new feature included in Windows 8 Enterprise edition that allows for the creation of a   "portable bootable Windows workspace" on a USB flash drive.  This workspace is designed to store your OS, applications, and data on a single device that can be easily moved between computers.

Since these drives are fully self contained, no data is written to the host computer.  This prevents the accidental loss of data because it was stored on another computer.

Unfortunately this feature is not available in other editions of Windows 8.  Its worth noting the Windows 8 Enterprise edition is only sold to Microsoft Volume Licence customers.

Windows To Go operates just like any other installation of Windows with a few exceptions that are listed below:

• The hibernate and sleep features are disabled by default to help prevent accidental data corruption. 
• Drives attached to the host computer are not available to prevent data from being written to them. 
• The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can't be used because its hardware specific  
• When  BitLocker Drive Encryption is implemented, a pre-OS boot password is utilized. 
• The Windows Recovery Environment, OS Refresh and Reset features are disabled. 
• Access to the Windows Store is disabled because apps licensed through the store are linked to hardware for their licensing.

System requirements to run Windows To Go:

• The host computer has to be certified to run Windows 7 or 8.
• A Microsoft certified USB flash drive, that has 32GB or more of storage.

Windows 8: Ultimate Windows Command Line Reference (Updated)

Are you looking for an updated high-level up-to-date reference of all the built-in command line tools and utilities that are available in the current version of Windows?  Check out the following article, its almost everything any Windows power-user or systems administrator will need to know about the built-in command line tools and utilities.

Windows 8: Naming a Tile Group

In the new Windows 8 Start menu, you may have figured out that you can arrange icons into what are called Tile Groups. Which is exactly what the name says, a group of icons that are arranged together for a specific purpose (e.g. Office applications, Image Editing, etc.).

If you're wondering how to name these tile groups there is a little trick that you have to know. Follow the instructions below:

• Press the WinKey to bring up the Start screen. 
• Press the minus sign icon in the lower right hand corner (this will zoom out all the icons). 
• Note: for touch screens you can use the reverse pinching gesture or you can hold down the Ctrl + Scroll wheel 
• Right-click on the tile group that you want to name (this will select the tile group). 
• In the application bar at the bottom of the screen, press "Name Group" button. 
• A small dialog will popup with a Name field. Enter a name for a group, and press the enter key or the name button.

Windows 8: Administrator Command Prompt Shortcut

If you do a lot of troubleshooting or system diagnostics you will end up working in the administrator command prompt often. Most people might right-click the Command Prompt shortcut icon and then select the Run as administrator option.

Other tricks for starting the command prompt in administrator mode include, from the Run... command or the Start screen you can type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

However, there is an easy way to modify the command prompt shortcut so always start administrator mode.

• Right-click the Command Prompt icon shortcut and select Properties.
• On the Shortcut tab and press the Advanced... button.
• Check the Run as administrator checkbox and then press the OK button.
• Press the button again.

When this shortcut is used it will start the Command Prompt with administrative permissions.

Windows 8: Windows Keyboard Shortcuts for the Taskbar

Below are Windows keyboard shortcuts for the taskbar that work in Windows 8 desktop mode (this tip is backwards compatible with Windows 7).  These shortcuts allow you to access items pinned to the taskbar or any desktop application that is currently running that has its icon in this area.

• WinKey + (Number): Windows automatically assigns keyboard shortcuts to programs in the taskbar on the desktop. To access them, use the WinKey+the number position of the program in the order it appears there.
•  For example, if Internet Explorer is the first icon in your taskbar by pressing WinKey+1 it will open it. If the Windows Explorer is the second icon in your taskbar by pressing WinKey+2 it will open it. 
• WinKey + Shift + (Number): Opens a new instance of the program associate with the WinKey + number position. So if you had one instance of Internet Explorer running this would open up a new copy of the application in memory. 
• WinKey + Ctrl + (Number): Switches to the last instance of that program associated with that WinKey + number position. 
• WinKey + Alt + (Number): Opens the jump menu of the program associated with that WinKey + number position. 

More: Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts

Video: Get To Know Windows 8

Video description: "New to Windows 8? This video has all you need to get up to speed."