Microsoft Windows XP Pro
Top Stories
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Tip
11 Dec 2019
How to shut down and restart a remote computer
Shutting down or restarting a computer remotely is often a necessary process. Explore the multiple ways to do so, using methods such as GUI and CLI commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
When not to convert basic disks to dynamic disks
Converting basic disks to dynamic disks can help achieve improved performance in your Windows OS. However, there are compatibility restrictions you should be aware of before diving into this conversion process. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Feb 2017
Enable Disable Win10 Administrator Account
Though it's hidden, Windows 10 still includes a built-in admin account . Here's how to enable disable Win10 Administrator account. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2017
EI.cfg and PID.txt Install Windows License Info
When added to a standard Setup.exe environment for Windows, EI.cfg and PID.txt install Windows license info without requiring user input. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2017
Office 365 vs. Office 2013: What are the key differences?
Software as a service may be one reason for choosing Office 365 over Office 2013, but licensing and update frequency are other considerations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Dec 2016
Panoramic Desktop Themes for Win10
Those with 2 monitors need panoramic themes to take full advantage of available screen real estate. These panoramic desktop themes work for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2016
Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings
With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2016
Take on Windows 10 Wi-Fi problems and address Wi-Fi Sense
Windows 10 Wi-Fi connectivity is not as straightforward as it sounds. Microsoft moved the Wi-Fi settings and added security risks with Wi-Fi Sense. Plus, Wi-Fi often fails after an upgrade. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Oct 2016
Windows Updates: CAB vs MSU Files
Sometimes, Microsoft releases out-of-band updates outside the Windows Update service through its Update Catalog. That's when understanding CAB vs MSU files helps. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Oct 2016
How to use WMI and the CIM standard with Windows PowerShell
WMI, Microsoft's implementation of the CIM standard, lets admins use PowerShell commands to view and modify system data and configuration. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2016
How to solve four common Windows 10 problems
Windows 10 comes with some concerns, including activation issues and device driver failures. Learn how to resolve these problems and more. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Aug 2016
Win10 Storage Diagnostics (StorDiag.exe)
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update introduces a new administrative tool: Storage Diagnostics, aka StorDiag.exe. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Aug 2016
How to handle Windows 10 browser compatibility issues
IT often runs into problems with legacy apps not functioning well on new browser versions. There are a few ways to combat Windows 10 browser compatibility issues in Internet Explorer 11. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
25 Jul 2016
Five reasons Windows 10 adoption is worth considering
A Windows 10 upgrade is not without potential pitfalls, but security enhancements, general improvements and new features such as Continuum make the move worthwhile. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jun 2016
How does Windows AppLocker work?
Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2016
Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates
Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2016
Can I control the Windows 10 user interface?
You can control the Control Panel, Shared Folders, Start menu and other components in Windows 10 using Group Policy settings. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2016
Use an in-place upgrade to repair Windows 10
If your Windows 10 installation has gone wonky and needs some attention, one way to fix it is with an in-place upgrade to the same version of Windows you already use. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 May 2016
Why do I keep getting Windows 10 driver errors?
If you keep getting driver errors in Windows 10, a video driver could be to blame. Luckily, the problem is easy to troubleshoot. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2016
What do I do when I can't activate Windows?
When you can't activate a Windows installation there are two things you should check before you pull out your hair. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 May 2016
Productivity suite smack down: Office 365 vs. Office 2016
Microsoft's Office 2016 for the desktop might seem like the de facto option for delivering productivity apps to users, but its cloud-based cousin Office 365 offers more flexibility. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2016
DISM Exports Drivers: Here's How
Windows built-in DISM exports drivers to a file repository of your choosing, to make restoring those drivers after an upgrade easy and simple. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2016
Choosing between Microsoft Office 2016 versions
Choosing between Office 2016 versions may seem like a simple choice, but don't jump to conclusions: Consider functionality, operational consistency and cost. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Apr 2016
Download Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs
For those interested in learning more about the new OS, downloading and using Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs may be just the ticket. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Apr 2016
Tweaking File Explorer in Windows 10
For those who don't like the default displays in Windows 10 File Explorer, TenForums.com has tutorials on tweaking File Explorer. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Mar 2016
Windows 10 Image Repair on Boot Fail
When Windows won't boot, Windows 10 image repair replaces corrupt OS files to restore things to normal. It's worth a try, though it is no panacea. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 Mar 2016
Windows PE Tools for Windows 10
Windows Preinstallation Environment (WinPE) lets admins can build their own Windows PE tools, or work with numerous third-party options. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2016
GPT Disk Layout Matters for NVMe
When it comes to optimizing boot speed for an NVMe SSD, GPT disk layout for Windows 10 is essential. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2016
Emergency Restart Windows 10
Careful use of keyboard sequences and the on-screen power button lead to a little-known Emergency Restart screen in Windows 10 (and 8 versions). Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Feb 2016
How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?
The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard. Continue Reading
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Guide
19 Feb 2016
Complete guide to Windows 10 migration
Everything you need to know about Windows 10 migration Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2016
Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work
IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2016
Microsoft Office Trust Center settings that help stop malware
The Trust Center in Microsoft's Office suite has some important and useful settings to prevent users from opening files infected with malware and viruses, but admins need to know about and enable them. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2016
Demystify the Windows 10 update process
It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Dec 2015
How do I fix a frozen or locked application?
Apps can freeze or lock up for a variety of reasons, including bad memory, operating system issues, update problems and more. Continue Reading
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Guide
09 Dec 2015
IT admin's guide to the Sysinternals suite
Native Windows management tools are not always enough for admins to get the job done. Sysinternals, a free software suite, can fill in the cracks. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Dec 2015
What are Microsoft Windows 10 update rings?
Microsoft's Insider Program lets members choose from two different update rings -- a fast and a slow speed -- to get OS updates on their Windows 10 machines. Continue Reading
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Guide
18 Nov 2015
Comprehensive guide to desktop monitoring tools
IT admins can identify the source of device and app problems using monitoring tools such as Windows Sysinternals and other offerings. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Nov 2015
How do I create a standard Windows 10 Start menu for all users?
Users can customize the Windows 10 Start menu, but you might not want them to for business reasons. Luckily, there's a way you can make it so all workers use the same Start menu configuration. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
13 Nov 2015
Top Windows command-line commands
Examine some of the best command-line commands for Windows, including tools to shut down a user's computer or force updates. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Nov 2015
Why is there a Windows 10 Control Panel and a Settings window?
Windows 10's multiple settings menus are a vestige of Windows 8, but users can access almost all the settings configurations they may need from the Settings windows. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Nov 2015
Another Worthwhile DISM Source "Trick"
In my continuing efforts to maintain the health and well-being of my Windows 10 installations, I've continued messing about with the built-in deployment image servicing and management tool ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Oct 2015
Simple Trick Fixes DISM /source syntax issues
I've been messing around with the MS Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool since it made its debut along with Windows 8, when it replaced the ImageX tool built into previous Windows ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Oct 2015
NetBIOS Tweak May Be Needed for Win10 NAS Access
In response to a question from an old friend and colleague, I started researching what might cause a NAS connection to vanish following an upgrade to Windows 10. It turns out that certain network ... Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Sep 2015
Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?
Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settings Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2015
Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options
Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Sep 2015
Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?
In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Sep 2015
What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?
If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Jul 2015
What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?
Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops. Continue Reading
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Guide
28 Jul 2015
Windows 10 guide for IT administrators
Windows 10 boasts of bevy of features, including Contiuum, Universal Windows apps, Cortana and improved security. Before you migrate to the latest OS, read up on what it has to offer. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2015
What is the multiple desktop feature in Windows 10?
The Windows 10 multiple desktop features gives workers the feel of using multiple monitors on the same screen, which can increase productivity for users that keep many windows open at once. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Jul 2015
Is Windows 10 really the last version of Windows?
Microsoft has said that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, and that's sort of true. Rather than releasing Windows 11 in years to come, the company will deploy perpetual updates to Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Jul 2015
Why you should remove local administrator rights once and for all
Some companies shy away from removing local admin rights just to make users happy, but taking back users' admin privileges can prevent many problems and improve security. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jul 2015
Driver Difficulties Return in Win10 Build 20140
For the last three builds of Windows 10 (10159, 10162, and 10166) the OS was remarkably well-behaved in installing drivers for my newest PC (a less-than-one-year-old Dell Venue 11 Pro 7139 with an ... Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2015
Ten most useful Windows Sysinternals utilities
Sysinternals utilities such as Autoruns and TCPView can target specific problem areas in a Microsoft Windows environment, including performance issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2015
What to expect from Macs in the enterprise
For enterprise IT, Apple's Mac OS can pose a few problems, including compatibility, applications, support, networking and other issues. But if you know what could be coming your way, you can get the training and tools to manage Macs. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2015
How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?
Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 May 2015
How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?
It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2015
Can you provision desktop apps with Windows To Go?
It's OK to install desktops applications on a Windows To Go image, as long as they're small enough to fit on the USB drive and can run locally. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2015
Desktop management tools and best practices
Desktop management tools are the key to making sure things in your fleet are running smoothly. Systems such as Desktop Central and Client Management Suite cover the big five of desktop management. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2015
The importance of desktop inventory management tools
Desktop inventory management tools help keep track of how many endpoints are in use and who's using them. That basic information can help with sundry other management tasks, such as budgeting and responses to security breaches. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Apr 2015
What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?
The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Apr 2015
What are some common Office 2013 problems?
Office 2013 problems can stem from an incomplete install, or your particular version or settings. Luckily, there are simple fixes for most issues. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Mar 2015
How do I open an .xpx file in Office 2002 SP3?
An .xpx file can cause problems for Office 2002 SP3 users, but Microsoft does provide help in Windows 7 and with a free XPS viewer. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2015
MDM, MIM and MAM products help in securing data
Mobile device management, mobile application management and mobile information management form a security trio that protect data in the age of BYOD. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2015
Why doesn't closing a file return me to Microsoft Windows Explorer?
If you open a Windows document in Windows Explorer rather than in the Microsoft Word interface, closing it launches File Explorer. The file hasn't moved. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Feb 2015
What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?
Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2015
How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?
Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Feb 2015
Win10 Gets Smart About Paging Files
In working on a Windows 10 story for SearchEnterpriseDesktop this week, I came to an interesting realization. In Windows 10, MS has finally broken with tradition when it comes to sizing the paging ... Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2015
What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?
Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Feb 2015
Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process
An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2015
Tighten Windows 8.1 security in five simple steps
Microsoft has improved Windows 8.1 security, but no OS is free of vulnerabilities. Some basic settings can further protect Windows 8.x systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jan 2015
What's the best way to reformat a hard drive remotely?
Whether you need to remotely reformat a hard drive for security or prepare new network-attached machines, a few utilities can make the job easier. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2015
Microsoft Windows history: A 30-year timeline
Microsoft celebrates 30 years of the Windows operating system when it ships Windows 10 this fall. Here's a look at Windows history -- bumps and all. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jan 2015
What are the concerns around the Windows 7 end of life?
As the Windows 7 end of life arrives, IT admins must find extended support for the OS. Microsoft provides some help, but it won't always be free. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jan 2015
How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?
To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Dec 2014
Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance
Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store apps Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2014
Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings
Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2014
How to enable Windows 8.1 kiosk mode for Modern apps
It's possible to control user application access on startup with Assigned Access, but note that Windows 8.1 kiosk mode works only for Modern apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2014
Windows kiosk mode locks down PCs, but note workarounds
Switching from the Windows Explorer shell to a particular app can be useful for single-purpose devices, but users can still foil Windows kiosk mode. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Aug 2014
Using tools to back up and restore bootable USB device images
Do you have more install or diagnostic environment images to manage than physical UFDs? Learn how to back up and restore bootable USB device images. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
04 Aug 2014
Three visual disk analyzer utilities to help you optimize disk space
Learn about visual exploration tools for Windows drives of all sizes. These disk analyzers can help identify big unnecessary items for space savings. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2014
Microsoft talks up services, mum on Windows strategy
Microsoft has acknowledged that users aren't just tied to desktop OSes, shifting its focus to Office 365 and DaaS rather than its Windows strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2014
Office Telemetry reports on Office 2013 docs and apps
If IT administrators need information on document and application usage, they can use Office Telemetry, an Office 2013 feature that gathers such data. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2014
Windows 9 features may address unified apps and the cloud
Based on the Windows 8.1 update, it's reasonable to expect Windows 9 features for universal apps and cloud integration. Will they entice enterprises? Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jul 2014
New Microsoft Office 2013 features you need to know about
Although some people may consider Office 2013 to be a relatively minor release, the 2013 version is jam-packed with new features. Here are some of the most significant new Microsoft Office 2013 features that both end users and IT administrators can find useful. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jul 2014
How to allow multiple users to share an Excel workbook
Public folders allow users to share an Excel workbook, but OneDrive and Windows 8.1 HomeGroups might be better. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2014
Save WIM file space with WIMBoot in Windows 8.1 update
With Windows 8.1 Update 1, it's possible to boot desktops directly from a WIM file. Follow these steps to create WIMBoot images and save disk space. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jun 2014
Finding and fixing Office 2013 installation problems
Desktop administrators can streamline Office deployments by understanding fixes to important installation problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2014
How to perform a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1
As organizations must now implement a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1, they should understand that Windows 8 and 8.1 aren't identical and use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jun 2014
For missing GPO settings, check the Winlogon component
If a Windows system isn't applying certain Group Policy settings, you may need to check Winlogon and common client-side extensions. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2014
Five Windows Sysinternals utilities can aid in desktop troubleshooting
There are many free tools in the Windows Sysinternals suite, but some might help admins more than others for viewing data and managing desktops. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
10 Apr 2014
Five Windows Sysinternals utilities can aid in desktop troubleshooting
There are many free tools in the Windows Sysinternals suite, but some might help admins more than others for viewing data and managing desktops. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
20 Mar 2014
Ten hidden Windows command prompt tricks
Every desktop admin should have these command prompt tricks up their sleeves to save time and make Windows management easier. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2014
Use Excel's IF statement to track, save on IT support contract costs
Warranty tracking for enterprise software can be an odious task, but if you know how to use the IF statement in Microsoft Excel, you could save money. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Feb 2014
Track software licenses and IT support with Excel date functions
As part of our series on Excel for IT admins, we look at how Excel date functions can help with calculating software licenses and support dates. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jan 2014
More remote Group Policy Object settings and checking refresh status
Admins can refresh Group Policy Object settings across multiple computers, but they must verify that Group Policy settings have successfully changed. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Jan 2014
Set IT support and reporting priorities with an Excel pivot table
An Excel pivot table can help IT report on support, especially if admins use its ability to prioritize data by location, date and other criteria. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Jan 2014
Excel pivot tables can help IT admins track support, costs
Excel isn't just for end users. If you know how to properly filter data with Excel pivot tables, you can track expenses and create detailed reports. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Dec 2013
Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data
Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2013
Locking down Internet Explorer settings with Group Policy in IE 11
New Internet Explorer settings can tighten enterprise security, but only if Group Policy is properly enabled in IE 11 and you have Windows 8. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Nov 2013
If you're not using Windows Sysinternals tools, you should be
Windows Sysinternals tools can make work a lot easier for IT administrators, but many people don't even know the suite exists. Get with the program! Continue Reading