Windows Tips

Here's a great question from an Infopackets subscriber who has written to us before: "Dear Infopackets Team: I've recently upgraded my computer from Windows Vista to Windows 7. While most of the software I have for Vista works well on Win 7, some of ... my Windows XP applications don't. For example, the auto-installer for Quicken 2000 doesn't work on Windows 7 64-bit. I heard that Windows has a compatibility feature that will allow me to run Windows XP programs on Windows 7. Can you please explain what this feature is and how to use it? Thanks for your helpful information, Jennie B." My ... (view more)

Here's another probing question from an Infopackets.com reader: "Dear Infopackets Team, Have I missed one of your informative reports? I don't seem to know how to play DVDs in Windows 8? Actually, I can't even find Windows Media Center anywhere, and ... without it I'm stuck! I like Windows 8 so far, but I'm going to feel very frustrated if it won't let me play DVDs on my laptop. Thanks for your help, Frank G." My response: Frank, you're right: Windows Media Center is entirely missing from the new Windows 8 operating system. Fortunately, you can still find a way to play DVDs. Microsoft chose to ... (view more)

Here's a really interesting question from an Infopackets.com reader: "Hey there Infopackets team, I just bought a Windows 8 PC that came with a third-party antivirus program already installed. But the subscription has already run out. I want to try ... Microsoft's Windows Defender program, but can't seem to figure out why it hasn't automatically turned on. With all you seem to know about Windows computers, I'm pretty sure you can help me with this problem. Please! Jeff G." Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jeff. Of course we can help you. Windows Defender is just a new name for Microsoft's well- ... (view more)

Here's another question from a long-term Infopackets.com reader: "Hello to the crew at Infopackets, I'm new to Windows 8 and I really miss the old Windows 7 user interface. Is there any way to make it so that every time I log into Windows 8, I see ... the traditional UI? Thanks a million for all the news and information, Maggie D." My response: Maggie, you're one of many people to complain about Windows 8's radically different user interface (UI), and to wonder if you can set things up so you never see it again. Fortunately, you can. Windows 7 Explorer for Windows 8 If you're determined to ... (view more)

We recently received this question from a regular Infopackets reader: "Hi there, Thanks for all the great information you've been supplying me. Now I have a question: I'm a Windows 8 user who has never really appreciated the log-in prompt. Is there ... a way to disable it on my computer? Thanks! John C." My answer: Yes, John, there is. Windows 8 users who don't like the log-in screen can bypass this part of the normal process when starting up their PCs. Ending Log-In Prompts in a Few Easy Steps To get rid of the usual Windows 8 log-in, first boot up your computer and enter your log-in ... (view more)

This great question recently made its way to us from a frequent Infopackets reader: "Hi guys, I just purchased a Windows 8 PC. For the most part I'm enjoying the new OS. However, I noticed that Safe Mode is no longer available. I think this is an ... important feature and can't figure out why it would have been removed. Is there a way to bring it back? Thanks! Richard F." Our response: Yes, Richard, it is an important feature. There are many situations in which it's helpful to boot your computer into Safe Mode. So it's good to know you can do this in Windows 8. Actually, there are two ... (view more)

Let's get this out of the way: Microsoft's decision to drastically change the Windows interface for Windows 8 remains highly controversial. But there are benefits for users who make the switch to the new operating system (OS). Number one on that ... list: the all-new security features that Windows 8 offers. For one, Windows 8 includes Windows Defender (otherwise know as Security Essentials). This free antivirus and antimalware security program takes over and protects a user's computer automatically, and remains in operation until some other antivirus program is installed. While recent tests have ... (view more)

We have received several technical inquiries much like this one from a long-time Infopackets subscriber: "Dear Infopackets: I have converted to Windows 8 and am getting along OK. But I'm worried about losing my data if this new operating system ... should contain a bad bug that hasn't yet been discovered. I knew what to do for data recovery in Windows 7, now I'm lost. You offered me lots of good information in the past, so I'm hoping now you can tell me how to do data recovery in Windows 8. Thanks, Charlene F." My Response: Few people have reported major problems with Windows 8 so far ( ... (view more)

Here's a great question we recently received from a loyal Infopackets subscriber: "Dear Infopackets Team, I just purchased a brand new Windows 8 PC. I was really excited to try out the new operating system, but I've been having trouble getting used ... to all the small changes. For example, it's been difficult figuring out just how I'm supposed to shut my new laptop down! Is there a way to do this quickly and easily? Thanks, Merrill B." My Response: When Microsoft introduced Windows 8's new user interface, it changed a great many operating system features. One major change: the shutdown process. ... (view more)

Here's one of several similar letters we've received recently at Infopackets: "Dear Infopackets Team: Thanks so much for your clear, concise information on Windows and related matters. I'm starting to get the hang of using the new Windows 8 ... operating system. But I haven't found the secret of activating what we called the "Hibernate mode" in older versions of Windows. Does it still exist? How do I work it? Signed, Jeremy J." My Answer: Hibernate mode is a way of powering down a Windows computer while remembering its current state -- including what applications are running, what ... (view more)