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How to delete or rename files and folders that are in use or locked in Windows
One of the more frustrating experiences when using a computer is when you want to delete or rename a file or folder in Windows, but get an error stating that it is open, shared, in use, or locked by a program currently using it.
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How to determine what services are running under a SVCHOST.EXE process
A very common question we see here at Bleeping Computer involves people concerned that there are too many SVCHOST.EXE processes running on their computer. The confusion typically stems from a lack of knowledge about SVCHOST.EXE, its purpose, and Windows services in general. This tutorial will clear up this confusion and provide information as to what these processes are and how to find out more information about them. Before we continue learning about SVCHOST, lets get a small primer on Windows services
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Replace the Windows Notepad with a Better Notepad
Damn you Microsoft! I am a notepad addict. If you look at my taskbar at any time and you will see at least 5 notepads, usually a lot more running at one time. Why? Because it is fast and small I use it to keep notes, to do lists, phone numbers, write code, search and replace, etc. The reasons are endless....
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How to update a Windows hardware driver
A driver is a program that is able to control a device that is connected to your computer. These drivers are used by the operating system to enable it to communicate with the particular device the driver was made for. Devices that you connect to your computer are often very specialized which makes it so Windows can not communicate directly with the device without a program telling it how to. This program, or device driver, acts as a translator between the installed device and the programs that utilize the device.
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How to install and use the Windows XP Recovery Console
The Recovery Console is a special boot up method that can be used to help fix problems that are preventing your Windows installation from properly booting up into Windows. This method allows you to access the files, format drives, disable and enable services, and other tasks from a console prompt while the operating system is not loaded. It is suggested that the Recovery Console is to only be used only after Safe mode and the other standard startup options do not work. I feel that the Recovery Console is also useful in other situations such as removing malware files that start in both Safe mode and Standard Mode and thus not allowing you to delete the infection.
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How to partition and format a hard disk in Windows
In order to use a hard drive, or a portion of a hard drive, in Windows you need to first partition it and then format it. This process will then assign a drive letter to the partition allowing you to access it in order to use it to store and retrieve data.
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How to create a floppy boot disk in Windows
A boot disk is a floppy or a CD that you can use to boot your computer into a state in which you can use it to fix a problem. There will be times that your computer may not boot up properly and thus you can not access files or attempt fixes that you are asked to do. When situations like this occur, having a boot disk is necessary as you will be able to access files and attempt fixes that may allow you to make your computer operational again.
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How to create and extract a Zip File in Windows ME/XP/2003
Windows ME/XP/2003 have built in ZIP file support. It is therefore, very easy to make and extract ZIP files using these operating systems.
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Making Internet Explorer Safer
Within this document I am talking about changing the contents of the Registry. Always be sure to make a backup before changing. You can do this in the Registry Editor by clicking File, Export and following the prompts.
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How to remove the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
The Microsoft Java Virtual Machine, or MS Java VM, is used to run Java applets that can be found on web sites. When you visit a web site that has a Java applet, the MS JVM will compile and execute that applet on your machine. As of this writing Microsoft no longer supports the MS JVM and it has become obsolete. There have also been known security issues with un patched version of the MS JVM we advise that you remove it and install the safer SUN JVM as an alternative. If you have Windows XP SP1a installed on your computer, then you do not have the MS JVM installed on your machine.
